Today's footy

SFL match previews
By Gary Williamson

New Norfolk v Kingborough
NEW Norfolk will be looking to stay on the top of the ladder and get revenge for their first round loss when they host the in-form Kingborough in what promises to be a high class affair with no easy possessions from two talented sides. The Eagles had the bye last weekend and should be well rested. The previous week they easily accounted for the previously undefeated Lindisfarne and they are in peak form and looking more dangerous as the season progresses. The Tigers easily accounted for Huonville last week but would have preferred a harder tune-up as today's game will be played at a fast speed with heavy tackling and pressure all day long.

Both sides have a fairly even midfield with the Tigers a faster running side and the Eagles more physical and stronger around the contests and a lot more dangerous up forward. The Eagles may be a little too strong especially at home and have more goal scoring ability and should take the points but will need to be at their best as the Tigers always lift for this important rival when ever they meet.

East Coast v Central Hawks
EAST Coast are back at home and looking for their third win of the season and get a real big chance when they host the Central Hawks who should also see this as a big change to register their first four points of the season. The Bombers were thrashed last weekend away from home by Dodges Ferry and really need to improve their consistency over the four quarters if they are to grab the points. They need their younger players to take on more responsibility and not leave it to their more experienced players. The Hawks have slowly improved over the season and were competitive last weekend at home against Claremont but failed to fire after half time and really need to learn to run out games if they are to take the points.

The Hawks should sense a real opportunity for a win and prepare really well and must do their homework and attempt to shut down the dangerous midfield of the Bombers to slow down their scoring opportunities.
The Bombers should be a little too strong towards the end of the game and once they get the smell of victory they should lift in front of their home crowd and get a much deserved win as the Hawks may have to wait a little longer to record a win.

Huonville v Brighton
HUONVILLE get another chance to win their third game of the season when they host a struggling Brighton who badly need to get back in form or they will drop out of the top six. The Lions were thrashed last weekend by Kingborough and will really need to find more avenues to goals and increase their scoring capacity if they are to record a surprise win. They need a good start to stop any early momentum from the visitors. The Robins were easily defeated by Cygnet in a surprise loss last weekend and really need to gain some much needed confidence and this could be the game to get their season back on track.

Brighton need to get off to a good start and put some early scoreboard pressure on the home side and really run hard and spread in an attempt to create the loose man and get the ball quickly into their big forwards. You would expect Huonville to give plenty of cheek for most of the game but a desperate Robins really need the points and they should lift and get some much needed confidence.

Cygnet v Claremont
THE in-form Cygnet are back at home and will be looking to break into the top six and need a win when they take on Claremont in what promises to be a very good game of football. The Port recorded their best win of the season last weekend over Brighton and now need to defeat another top six side. They are playing confident football and have found that consistency. With a very evenly balanced side with plenty of options in attack they are a hard side to control and Claremont must prepare well and play accountable football.

The Magpies were easy winners last week away from home over the Central Hawks and would have preferred a much harder contest but they are also playing with confidence. The side that can control the play and create the loose man should win the game as the Port are a faster side with the Magpies a lot stronger around the contests. You would think the in form Cygnet have everything to play for and will really lift at home and defeat the fifth placed Magpies in a game they must win if they want to play finals football but Claremont also realise they need to win this game on the road.

Lindisfarne v Dodges Ferry (match played last night)