Weekend footy previews

SFL PREVIEWS - ROUND 5
By Gary Williamson

Claremont v New Norfolk
Claremont are back at home but face a mammoth task when they host the in-form New Norfolk in what promises to a real test to see how much they have improved from last season. The Magpies were brought back to earth last weekend when they were thrashed away from home by the Lindisfarne. They would have learnt some valuable lessons and need to address these as their opposition this weekend will be more dangerous.

New Norfolk had a really big win at home against the Central Hawks but would have preferred a much harder workout for this dangerous clash away from home. New Norfolk’s forward line is starting to function and with their two forwards kicking 22 goals between them, the positions need to have their match-ups spot on. They must also stop any quality delivery from the midfield, otherwise they will be in for a very long day.

The Magpies need to slow down the game, attempt to win the stoppages, put some early scoreboard pressure on their rivals and not let them gain any momentum. Claremont may stay in the game for a long period but the class and experience of the Eagles and their ability to kick a lot of goals makes them very dangerous and they should record a  comfortable victory.

Central Hawks v Sorell
The Hawks are back at home and will be playing out of Bothwell this weekend as they get a real chance to win their first game of the season when they host a struggling Sorell who are also yet to win a game. The Hawks were thrashed by New Norfolk last weekend and they need to get off to a good start to gain some much needed confidence. Sorell are also in desperate need a win and were thrashed at home by Brighton. They really need to find some avenues to goal if they are to kick a winning score. They also need to play more consistent football and get some of their lesser lights to contribute more if they are to take the points.

Sorell may have an edge in pace and run but they need to counter the tall timber of the Hawks. If these players get a quality supply they will be able to kick a winning score.  In a game that could go either way, Sorell should finish a bit stronger than their rivals and take the points in what promises to be a very close game.

Kingborough v Brighton (night)
Kingborough is at home for the second week in a row and will be looking to rebound after last weekend's shock loss when they host a much improved Brighton under lights in a night game. The Tigers were beaten at their own game last week at home by a more desperate Dodges Ferry and will need a more sustained effort and more contribution from some of their key playmakers if they are to get back on the winning list. The Robins were impressive last weekend against Sorell but would have preferred a harder warm-up. They need to get off to a good start and get the early lead and put some scoreboard pressure on their rivals and put some doubt in the oppositions minds as they will be lacking confidence. Coach Henley will have given his players a hard week on the track and we expect them to be more ferocious around the stoppages this week and if they take control of this area then they should have the firepower up forward to kick a winning score. The Tigers on the rebound should have a bit too much class but they will have to be at their best against a very talented side.

Cygnet v Lindisfarne
Cygnet are back at home and will be full of confidence but face a huge task against the undefeated Lindisfarne in what promises to be a real test for the home side. Lindisfarne may have too much run and scoring power up forward but must not take their rivals lightly as the Port are always dangerous at home.

East Coast v Huonville
East Coast will be fresh from the bye and will fancy themselves recording their second win of the season when they host a struggling Huonville who will also be desperate for a win. The Bombers with a home ground advantage will probably run over a tiring Huonville but a win for the visitors would not surprise in a very even contest.