Weekend footy previews

SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
ROUND 7 PREVIEWS
By Gary Williamson

Dodges Ferry v New Norfolk
IN the game of the round tomorrow the all-conquering Dodges Ferry remains at home for the second week in a row when they take on New Norfolk. The Sharks have showed they are hungry for success with last weekend's total thrashing of Cygnet on their home ground but they would have preferred a harder contest as they come in against the bigger bodies and experience of the New Norfolk side.

The Eagles received a great test at home last weekend from an improving East Coast Bombers and they are slowly getting some of their key players back to form from injury as well as starting to spread the ball much more evenly in their forward line and taking the right option for their scoring opportunities when going forward.

The home side will attempt to close the game up on the small Shark Park Oval and will need to be competitive around the contested possessions and will most likely push Curran back across the half back line to help out their defence against a dominant tall marking New Norfolk side. New Norfolk's bigger-bodied players will try to assert themselves in the contests and they will look to get the ball long and deep. If the Eagles take over the midfield battles they have the ability to score heavily.

Whilst the Sharks will give themselves a real chance to cause an upset you would expect New Norfolk to relish the challenge away from home. The Eagles could be expected to have too much experience and marking power up forward and they should record a victory, but they must start the game well and not allow the home side any early scoreboard pressure.

Sorell v Claremont
SORELL remain at home for the second week in a row when they take on the undefeated Claremont in what appears to be a one-sided affair. You would expect the Magpies to record a big win away from home and remain unbeaten and let’s hope the Sorell team can be competitive for much of the contest.

Brighton v Lindisfarne
BRIGHTON returns home after last weekend’s impressive victory when they take on Lindisfarne who will be desperate for the four points after two consecutive losses. The Two Blues will have too much to play for and will be looking to cement their position in the top five. This will be a good gauge for an improving Brighton to see if they can push one of the top sides of the competition.

East Coast v Hobart
THE East Coast Bombers are back on their home ground to take on the improving Hobart Tigers and will be looking to record a solid victory to stay in touch with the top three sides. Lets hope the Tigers are competitive early in the game but the Bombers should be far too strong and after two close losses they will be determined to record a big victory at home and lock their position in the top five.

Cygnet v Huonville
CYGNET returns to home turf this weekend. Still looking for the first win of the season, they have a great opportunity when they take on arch rivals Huonville as the Port always lift for this grudge match and will fancy themselves of causing an upset. In a game that could go either way perhaps Huonville may have a little bit more experience and with a stronger defence they should be able to hold the Port to a losing score and record their third win of the season.