Fate of St Leonards in hands of Lara, Grove

ST LEONARDS is the only team going into Round 18 that can alter the final four.

Currently fifth, and 10 points from Highton 2 in fourth, the challenge is set as the club heads out to Lara.

St Leonards not only needs to gain the 10 match points, but it also required second-placed Ocean Grove to get the job done against Highton 2.

And it would be in Ocean Grove’s interest to win well, in order to retain second spot.

“Having the double chance going into the finals will be reward for us following a strong season so far,” Ocean Grove chairman of selectors Rod Swan said.

“If we can get the points against Highton 2, we get to have a free go at Highton 1 in the first final.”

Torquay, third, will be keen to return to form ahead of the next three weeks, but taking on Portarlington at home will not be an easy task.

Port upset Highton 2 away last week and now has a lot to play for.

Saving relegation could be a possibility with a win over Tor- quay, but Port will also have an eye on the Geelong Cement match up with Drysdale.

Eighth-placed Cement is 11 points ahead of Portarlington and, at home, should have enough advantage to stay in Division 1.

Top side Highton 1 continues to set the benchmark and last week displayed why it is flag favourite with a strong win over Torquay.

Jeremy Fitzgerald just keeps getting the job done, and with the return of Nick Bell this week, Highton 1 will be finetuning their game against Belmont. MATT SAYS: My prediction ahead of week one of finals is Highton 1 will meet up with Ocean Grove, while the elimination final will have Torquay taking on Highton 2.