Weekend footy previews

SFL PREVIEWS - ROUND 9
By Gary Williamson

New Norfolk v Sorell
THE in-form New Norfolk are back at home this weekend and should record a comfortable win over a struggling Sorell who have trouble kicking a big enough score to win games of football. New Norfolk were big winners away from home over East Coast and are a better side at home. They don’t back off when they play sides lower on the ladder, which spells trouble for the opposition. Sorell were thrashed last weekend away from home and need to address their road form and slow starts otherwise the strong home side could blow them away in the first term. Sorell need to chip and run the ball and keep it out wide and don’t make any unforced skill errors otherwise New Norfolk will really hurt them on the rebound.

Sorell must keep the ball wide and not bomb it long in the air as New Norfolk are far too tall for them and will take strong marks. New Norfolk have a formidable forward line and if they win the midfield battle then they will score heavily as the have too much firepower for an undermanned opposition. The Eagles will be far too dominant at home and should be too tall and strong for Sorell and will record another percentage boosting win as they are probably striving for a real hard contest after easy wins in recent weeks.

Cygnet v Central Hawks
CYGNET remains at home again this weekend and will be determined to record another win which should nearly see them break into the top six as they host the struggling Central Hawks who are yet to win a game.  The Hawks have struggled for most of the season and are very undermanned, especially when they travel but this could be a winnable game if they start well and gain some momentum. The Port will have too much class and goal scoring ability and should record a comfortable win at home and gain some more confidence for some tough games in the coming weeks.

East Coast v Brighton
EAST Coast are back at home and will be searching for their third win of the season but face an in-form and refreshed Brighton in what should be an interesting contest. East Coast were thrashed by New Norfolk last weekend and must ensure they get off to a good start this weekend. Brighton had the bye last week and previously their form has been very good but they need to play more consistent football for longer periods.

The Robins have plenty of strong marking forwards and if they take over the stoppages and win the contested football then they will score heavily, especially if the Bombers make skill errors and turn the ball over. East Coast need to slow the game down early in the contest and not allow the opposition to create the loose man and run the ball through the corridor. The Bombers may fancy themselves for an upset victory but Brighton should have too much skill and scoring ability and take the points, remaining in touch with the top sides of the competition.

Lindisfarne v Kingborough
THE undefeated Lindisfarne are back at home and face their biggest test so far this season when they host last year’s premiers Kingborough who are badly out of form and need a big lift if they are to take the points. In a game that could go either way, perhaps this may be the challenge Kingborough are looking for and they may sneak over the line but will have to be at their best to defeat the much improved Lindisfarne.

Huonville  v Dodges Ferry
HUONVILLE remains at home for the second week but face a massive task to win their second game of the season when they host the in-form Dodges Ferry who are really confident after good wins in recent weeks. You would expect the home side to give plenty of cheek for most of the day but the class and run of the Sharks should see them pull away in the second half and record their fourth win of the season.