Footy previews

SFL PREVIEWS, ROUND 3
By Gary Williamson

Brighton v New Norfolk
Brighton are back at home and get a real chance to grab a big scalp this season when they host the powerful New Norfolk who are not at their best as yet and will need to paly improving football to defeat the Robins on their home ground. The Robins were disappointing last weekend away from home against Lindisfarne and need to maintain consistency for the full four quarters if they are to defeat the top sides. New Norfolk produced a good second half at home to defeat highly rated Dodges Ferry and will be looking to build on that performances especially away from home but realise they have a real battle on their hands.

Both sides have very strong marking forwards capable of kicking plenty of goals and the side that can win the midfield battle and stoppages should take the points. Both sides like to run the ball out of defence and create the loose man, so match ups and accountability will be crucial to the result. You would except a fiery clash from these neighbours and Brighton is always hard to beat at home. New Norfolk should have too much strength and class but will have to work really hard against an improved home side and take the points.

Mercury newspaper preview here.

Central Hawks v Lindisfarne
Central Hawks are back at home and looking for their first win of the season but will face a mammoth task against the in form Lindisfarne who will be determined to remain undefeated. The Hawks were soundly beaten last weekend against Huonville. After a really slow start they produced a much better second half and need to play that standard for the full four quarters if they are to cause a huge upset. The Blues have started the season brilliantly with two good wins and they will be full of confidence but still need to rectify their inaccurate kicking for goal.

The Blues have a tight defence and if they are allowed to set up the loose man and run the ball through the corridor then they will score heavily against the opposition. The Hawks have the home ground advantage and need a good start and accountable football to slow the opposition and use their height and strength to advantage. We should see some improvement in the Hawks especially at home but the class and experience of the Blues should see them record a comfortable victory away from home.

Claremont v Huonville
Claremont are back at home and looking to record their third win of the season for a perfect start and get every chance when they host Huonville who are yet to play their best football. The Lions started brilliantly last weekend at home, easily defeating Central Hawks but faded badly in the second half and need to fully run out the game this week if they are to cause an upset victory. They need a good start and must get their key match ups spot on to dull the influence of the Magpies' star players.  In what should be a fairly close contest for most of the day the Magpies with the home ground advantage should be too strong and keep their unbeaten record in tact.

Cygnet v  East Coast Bombers
Cygnet should be fresh from the bye and very determined to open their account for the season when they host the improved East Coast Bombers in what should be a very even encounter. The Port need to play more as a team and with a solid week on the track they should be at their best for this important encounter. In a game that could go either way, perhaps the Port with a strong vocal home crowd may sneak over the line but will need to be at their best against a talented opposition on the rebound.

Dodges Ferry v Sorell
In the game of the round Dodges Ferry will be looking for their first win of the season when they host arch rival and neighbour Sorell who were gallant in defeat last weekend and will view this game as a big chance for an upset victory. The Sharks are yet to win in two games so far this season but have played the top two sides and will relish being back at home and gaining some confidence to win tough games. The Sharks should be a bit more match hardened and take the points but must be aware of an improving Sorell who have recruited well this season.