Weekend footy previews

SFL PREVIEWS - ROUND 6
By Gary Williamson

New Norfolk v Cygnet
THE in-form New Norfolk are back at home this weekend and will be looking to keep their improvement on track when they host Cygnet who really need to show some consistency on the road. The Eagles have started to get back into top form. They have regained some key players from injury and with their key forwards starting to hold their marks, they are capable of kicking a big score.

The Port were easily beaten by top side Lindisfarne in the last round a fortnight ago and they will really need to get some players bashing the ball to help out their defence. They also need to run the ball out with numbers and chip their way up the ground. If they are under pressure and bomb the ball long and high, New Norfolk’s big players will take control of possession and set up enough scoring opportunities to kick a winning score.

Cygnet may give some cheek early but the Eagles have far too much firepower up forward and should record a comfortable victory. It will be interesting to see how much Cygnet have improved  behind the top sides this season.

Kingborough v Central Hawks
KINGBOROUGH are back at home and looking to bounce back after the break last week and should gain some confidence as they host a struggling Central Hawks who are yet to win a game this season. The Tigers have surprisingly lost their past two games at home and the week off would have given them time to freshen up and get their game style back on track. This game could help them regain some lost form.

The Hawks have struggled all season and had a chance to record their first win two weeks ago against Sorell at home but faded badly towards the end of that game. They are lacking consistency and need to play accountable football and restrict the scoring power of the home side.

Kingborough have plenty of class in the midfield and their big marking forwards are capable of kicking a big score, especially as they are on a double rebound. The Tigers should be far too strong at home and will record a percentage boosting victory as they start to build up their form whilst the Hawks are struggling with class and experience in this league.

Dodges Ferry v Brighton
THE in-form Dodges Ferry are back at home but have not played for two weeks and this could be a real test for them as they host the improved Brighton who are also chasing a big scalp, having come close on several occasions so far this season. In their previous game they easily defeated top-rated Kingborough away from home and would have gained some confidence and self-belief for this game along with the home ground advantage. They have a very even team that plays a consistent brand of football and will be looking for a good start to put massive pressure on the visitors to ensure they do not get off to a good start especially playing away from home.

The Robins also are in great form, and also with a surprising win at Kingborough, are in top form. With key forwards taking big pressure marks they will pose a real threat if they can take control of the midfield and create the loose man and run the ball through the corridor. You would expect Dodges Ferry with the home ground advantage to take the points but they face a real challenge and if they are a bit rusty after a long spell then Brighton will take advantage and steal the points in a high class affair.

Sorell v Claremont
SORELL will fancy themselves to score an upset victory when they host Claremont at Pembroke Park in what should be an interesting clash as both sides appear to have improved. Sorell had a big win away from home over Central Hawks to record their first win for the season and with their strong midfield in good form they will fancy themselves of causing an upset victory. The Magpies were thrashed in their last game against top side New Norfolk and would have been disappointed with their performance especially in the wet conditions. They need a good start to gain some much needed confidence.

Sorell need to play more consistent football over the four quarters if they are to take the points and must create a lot of opportunities up forward as this has been where they have struggled in most games. Claremont has some experienced players who should bounce back this week and they need to get a good start to gain some early momentum and put some scoreboard pressure on their rivals. The Magpies may have a slight edge in class and height up forward and may take the points, but will have to be at their best and improve on their previous poor performance.

Lindisfarne v East Coast Bombers
The undefeated and in form Lindisfarne are back at home and face a real danger game when they host a very improved East Coast Bombers.  You would expect the Bombers to be pretty competitive for most of the game but Lindisfarne should have a little too much class and firepower up forward.