Murchison-Toolamba v Nagambie
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This contest between Murchison-Toolamba (fourth) and Nagambie (fifth) is looming as a battle between the Grasshoppers’ forward attack and the Lakers’ defensive prowess.
The Lakers have been solid in defence all season, only averaging 49 points against, while Murchison-Toolamba is averaging more than 100 points a game with James Peck shining in attack.
Murchison-Toolamba’s former coach James Milne kicked four goals last week in his interleague appearance and was lively in attack.
Nagambie’s David Price injured his hamstring in the interleague clash and is set to miss multiple weeks for the Lakers.
This result of this game will give great insight as to where both clubs may settle on the ladder at the end of the home and away season.
Stanhope v Violet Town
Stanhope has recovered from an opening round loss to Undera and sits in third position on the ladder after five rounds.
The Lions’ two acquisitions in the off-season, Braydon Kearns and Drew Haebich, have been in tremendous form and will look to string another win for their side when they welcome Violet Town.
Kearns continued his great season, kicking one goal last weekend in his interleague appearance as a high-pressure forward.
Violet Town will look to get the ball into the hands of club leading goal-kicker Matthew McCarty (16 goals) and have Jayden Guppy and Nathan Abley lead the way.
Shepparton East v Merrigum
Shepparton East has had two weeks on the sidelines to regroup and you would expect Nick Brown’s troops to be fresh and ready to go when they welcome Merrigum.
Livewire Anthony Tautala kicked four goals in his side’s round four win against Rushworth and leads the club goal-kicking with 15 majors.
Merrigum on the other hand is coming off two-straight losses and coach Steve Lawlor will be looking for a response from his sixth-placed side.
Bulldogs utility Jake Parkinson found plenty of the ball last week in the senior interleague clash and he will look to bring that form across this weekend at Central Park Reserve.
Girgarre v Tallygaroopna
Girgarre welcomes undefeated Tallygaroopna, in what is shaping as a crucial test for the home side.
The Roos will be sweating on the availability of ruckman Ash Kirchofer and star forward Ryan Butler.
Butler has kicked 16 goals from five games, but came off injured in round five and Kirchofer injured his shoulder last weekend in the interleague clash against Golden Rivers.
In last week’s interleague game, Girgarre’s Billy Barnes looked steady in defence and Tallygaroopna’s Tim Karolidis starred as he played most of the contest in the ruck.
Tallygaroopna will be out to improve its undefeated record, with stars Nic Fichera, Josh Wellington and youngster Jai Utiger out to continue their impressive seasons.
Longwood v Dookie United
Dookie United will be out to climb the ladder, as the Thunder sits in 12th position with one win to its name after five rounds.
Before the interleague bye, Dookie fell 31 points short of Girgarre and will look to bounce back when it travels to Longwood Recreation Reserve.
United’s Kyle Tapscott found himself as a ruck option in last weekend’s interleague match, with the lead-up forward more suited to the forward 50, having kicked 14 goals this year.
Mick Galvin’s Longwood outfit will be fresh off the bye and fancy a home clash against United.
Longwood’s Dylan Gordois and Lachlan Cox have been standout performers for the club this season.
Ardmona v Avenel
Ardmona has had a tough year to date and that may continue this weekend when it faces off against an improved Avenel.
Caine Atkinson, Josh Baginski and Cody Jackson have all been standouts for the Cats this season, as the club continues its development of players.
The Swans sit ninth on two wins and two losses and will be looking to climb the ladder this weekend on their away trip to Ardmona.
Avenel’s Kasey Duncan, Kyle Maynard, Dean Giles, Braydon Avola, Michael Tinkler and Harry McLean will look to bring their form from last week’s interleague clash into this contest.
McLean kicked a bag of four goals — showcasing his great knack of knowing where the big sticks are — and defensive duo Tinkler and Giles starred in the backline.