Footy previews

SFL PREVIEWS, ROUND 2
By Gary Williamson

New Norfolk v Dodges Ferry
New Norfolk will be looking to bounce back after last week's defeat when they are back at home and take on Dodges Ferry who are also on the rebound and looking for their first win of the season. The Eagles were brave in defeat last week away from home against Kingborough but faded in the last term and will strip fitter for the hit out and should be striving to make amends. The Sharks were narrow losers at home against Lindisfarne but inaccuracy from the visitors stopped them from receiving a thrashing and they must vastly improve if they are cause an upset. The Eagles forwards were down last week and this is one of their strengths and if they can win the all important midfield battle then they should be too strong in the one on one marking contests. Dodges Ferry need a good  start to get some much needed confidence as the home side will be striving to make amends for last week.You would expect a fairly close contest for most of the day but the Eagles haven’t lost two in a row since joining the competition and should be too strong at home in what will be a good test early in the season for the Sharks under new coach Miller.

Huonville v Central Hawks
Huonville are back at home and in search of their first win of the season when they host Central Hawks who are also desperate for a victory but really need to improve. The Lions were thrashed last week away from home by Brighton but will be better prepared this week and are always hard to beat at home. The Hawks were very disappointing last week at home when they were thrashed by the East Coast Bombers and will need dramatic improvement if they are to threaten the home side. Huonville have lost some key players from last season and need to have their young players stand up for a full game if they are to match the strong bodied Central Hawks.  The Lions have forwards capable of kicking a winning score but will need to take control of the midfield and tighten up their defence to put some early scoreboard pressure on the visitors. The Hawks need to be more consistent than last week and really have a more even contribution and need to get off to a good start to gain some much needed confidence. In what could be a close contest for most of the afternoon, the Lions should prove too strong in the end and take the points from an improving opposition.

Lindisfarne v Brighton
Lindisfarne will be looking to make it two wins in a row when they are back at home and take on the in-form Brighton in what appears a very even contest. The Blues recorded a gutsy win away from home last week against Dodges Ferry but must eliminate their inaccuracy in front of goals in this contest of they will lose the four points. The Robins easily defeated Huonville at home last week and with an extra game played this season they should be more match fit and starting to know their new players style of football.  The small confines of Lindisfarne really advantage the side that get the ball out of the middle really quickly as both sides have tall marking forwards capable of kicking multiple goals. Brighton may hold an edge in the rucking duels whilst the Blues probably have more leg speed and the skill level and switch of play will need to be precise as both sides defend really strongly. In a game that could go either way, perhaps Lindisfarne with home ground advantage will prevail.

East Coast Bombers v Claremont
The in-form East Coast Bombers are back at home and looking for their second win of the season when they host another in form team in Claremont in what should be a very close contest. In a game that could go either way perhaps the Bombers with the home ground advantage may take the points but a Magpie win would not surprise as both sides look evenly matched and very well coached.

Sorell v Kingborough
Sorell open their 2012 season after the bye last weekend but host the competition's best side in Kingborough who have already played two games and will be a lot match hardened and fitter early in the season. The Tigers are full of confidence after defeating New Norfolk last week and will be looking for a percentage-boosting victory away from home. You would expect Sorell at home to put up a brave fight early in the game but the class and strength of the Tigers should see them record an easy victory and remain undefeated as Sorell will only improve after this week's game.