Today's footy

SFL Round 14 preview
By Gary Williamson

New Norfolk v Brighton
NEW Norfolk are back at home and will not be taking this game lightly as they still need to win to hold on to top spot as they host an improving Brighton who usually lift for the neighbourly clash. The Eagles had a real battle last weekend before eventually defeating Dodges Ferry, but will need to improve and get a more even team contribution and not rely on too few players. The Robins have been down in recent weeks but really performed strongly in a narrow loss to second-placed Lindisfarne and if they can reproduce that form for a full four quarters they are a chance for an upset victory.

Brighton need to take control of the midfield battle, win the clearances and attempt to flood back to try to stop their key forwards from getting a one out contest. The Eagles need a good start to prevent the visitors from getting any momentum and boost in confidence. New Norfolk also need quick goals to put some scoreboard pressure on Brighton. New Norfolk have too much to play for and with a poor performance last weekend they should be fired up to play their best football and take the points. It will be interesting if Brighton can give them a real fright for most of the day.

Central Hawks v Kingborough
THE Central Hawks stay at home for the second week but face massive task to record their first win of the season when they host the in-form Kingborough who are desperate to hang on to third position on the ladder. The Hawks were gallant in defeat last weekend against Huonville and probably played their most consistent game for the season but the opposition are a lot better side and they really need to lift and play consistent football if they are to match their more fancied rivals. Kingborough were solid winners at home against Sorell but played well below their best football and really need a lift from some of their out of form players and this game could be a good confidence building affair.

The Hawks need to slow the game down and play accountable football otherwise the Tigers will switch the play and create the loose man and really score quickly and break the game right open. The Tigers should have too much class and experience and record a very easy win away from home as the improving Hawks would have been a chance to win today against most sides as they have steadily been improving.

Huonville v Claremont
HUONVILLE are back at home and will be seeking an upset victory when they host Claremont who will be striving for victory to remain in the top six. The Lions struggled last week away from home finally defeating last placed Central Hawks and will need a big improvement to win this game. They always play well away from home and an upset two weeks ago against Brighton suggests if they play their best football they can steal the four points. The Magpies were solid winners at home over East Coast but really failed to put them away and record a very big win and really need to get of to a good start and not allow the home side any momentum early in the game.

Claremont really need to close up the game and use their strength, win the stoppages and take control of the midfield battle, which should allow their defence to really limit the scoring ability of the Lions. You would expect Huonville to really put up a fight at home and really push the visitors for most of the day but the Magpies should have a few too many classy players to keep under control and they should take the points in a real danger game.

Sorell v Dodges Ferry
SORELL are back at home and will be striving to play four consistent quarters of football if they are to cause an upset win however they face a huge challenge against the in-form Dodges Ferry as both sides lift for the rivalry clash. The Sharks should too much class and scoring ability and should record a comfortable win and it will be interesting to see if Sorell can finally put four quarters of football together in front of the old players reunion crowd looking on.

East Coast v Cygnet
EAST Coast are back at home but face a real challenge as they host the in-form Cygnet who are fresh from the bye and have just broken into the top six and they will be desperate to cement their spot and play finals football. The Bombers will be competitive early in the game but the Port should really be up for the contest and should move away in the second half and record a comfortable win away from home.