UNITED V BENALLA
Benalla knows every game is a mini final in its quest to climb into the top six. The Saints made a strong statement with their win last weekend and actually sat in the top six at 4.30pm, but they were pushed out half-an-hour later by a late goal that allowed Mooroopna to climb into sixth spot.
Tip: Benalla.
ROCHESTER V MANSFIELD
What a game this promises to be! A win for the Tigers and they qualify for the finals. While a defeat and they drop out of the top six if results don’t fall in their favour. Mansfield was unable to go with Euroa last weekend in a game where both were missing several of their best 21.
Tip: Rochester.
EUROA V SHEPPARTON
Euroa will be looking to continue its charge up the ladder when it plays host to Shepparton. Coach Scott Rowan would be extremely proud of the troops last weekend. It was always going to be a danger game and they overcame the challenge of the Eagles.
If they can continue that form, I think they can get the win and retain a top two spot on the ladder heading into the final round.
Tip: Euroa.
SEYMOUR V SWANS
This is a danger game for the Lions as it looks to avoid a third straight defeat. After nine straight victories, the Lions have lost to the Eagles and Cats. Coach Ben Davey will be desperate for his team to re-discover the form that had them sitting on top of the ladder until their loss to Mansfield on July 31.
Tip: Seymour.
MOOROOPNA V KYABRAM
This is easily the match of the round. Mooroopna has been outstanding through this lockdown period. They haven’t lost a game since the end of June. This will be one of their biggest tests against the league powerhouse of the last five seasons. If they can get the job done, it will take them a step closer to finals, with a game to come against ladder leader Echuca. The Cats won’t fear if they go behind early as they have shown in at least three or four games this year that they are capable of finishing strongly. The key is to not fall too far behind because if they do there will be no miracle comebacks today.
Tip: Kyabram.
TATURA V ECHUCA
Echuca has been my tip all long in 2021. And, now they sit in the box seat to claim the minor premiership with two games to go, including one at Tatura Park. The Bulldogs will be desperate to finish the season off strongly. The Green Machine, like all clubs have been impacted by the Melbourne lockdown, but will now be further impacted by the NSW shutdown.
Unfortunately, some of there players won’t be available due to residing in NSW. So, the Green Machine will look to its juniors and reserves to fill the void.
Tip: Echuca.
