Weekend footy previews

SFL PREVIEWS - ROUND 7
By Gary Williamson

East Coast v New Norfolk
EAST Coast are back at home and looking to move into the top six but face a huge task when they take on the in form New Norfolk who have been scoring heavily in recent weeks. With their key playmakers in full flight New Norfolk are a very dangerous combination, especially as they are back to their hungry best. The Bombers were solid last weekend, being defeated by Lindisfarne away from home, but still have lapses in their games and if they fail to maintain the pressure on New Norfolk then they will be scored heavily against.

East Coast need to get their match ups spot on and stop the Eagles from creating the loose man and using the corridor to run the ball through and give their key forwards space to lead into. New Norfolk will be looking to get off to a good start and not allow the home side any momentum or confidence early in the game. You would expect the Bombers to be fairly competitive at home but the strength and class of New Norfolk should see them record a comfortable victory and keep up their quest for top spot on the ladder.

Central Hawks v Dodges Ferry (at Oatlands)
CENTRAL Hawks are back at home on their Oatlands ground and will be looking to record their first win of the season but face a huge task against Dodges Ferry who have been in good form in recent weeks and would be confident of victory. The Hawks were soundly beaten away from home last weekend against Kingborough. After a good start they fell away badly and will need to play more consistent football over the four quarters if they are to cause an upset victory. The Sharks drew last week at home against Brighton but kicked poorly for goal which cost them the game after dominating for most of the day and they will need to get off to a good start especially playing away from home.

Dodges Ferry have plenty of fire power up forward and if they can take control of the midfield and create the loose man and run the ball through the corridor then they should score heavily against a struggling defence. The Hawks must play accountable football and attempt to slow the game down and frustrate the opposition but not allowing them any space. The Hawks should give plenty of cheek early in the game but the class and scoring power of the Sharks should see them far too strong and record another victory and keep them in touch with the top sides of the competition.

Claremont v Kingborough
CLAREMONT is back at home and faces a real test of their improvement when they host Kingborough who have yet to hit top form in a game where an upset could occur. The Magpies were brave last week in defeating Sorell away from home but will need to play a lot better and be more consistent if they are to take the points.  Kingborough will be desperate to stay in touch with the top sides and may have a bit too much run and carry for the home side, and should take the points but will need to be at their best against a capable home side if they play at their best.

Cygnet v Sorell
CYGNET will be looking to stay in touch with the top six and will be desperate to put on a good display in front of a packed crowd to honour club legend Greg “Ducky” Gordon. Cygnet will be too emotional and fired up and will not let the crowd or Ducky down on this memorable day and should take the points and record their third win of the season. They must be at their best against an improving Sorell who just lack some big players to make them more competitive.

Huonville v Lindisfarne
HUONVILLE are back at home and fresh from the bye and will be looking to record their second win of the season but face a massive task when they take on the undefeated Lindisfarne. The Blues should be far too strong all over the ground and should record a comfortable win away from home to keep a game clear of their rivals.