Parkers up for test
EASTERN Park will carry the momentum of two weeks of positive results and good form when they host the undefeated Bareena tomorrow.
“Our form has been solid — I have been impressed with the playing group’s attitude to continually improve,” Eastern Park coach Nathan Bush said.
Sitting in fourth spot with three wins, the Parkers are genuinely excited about hosting the top side in what shapes as an early test of their credentials.
“Our club and members have faced some challenges so far this season,” he said.
“It’s about effort and that needs to continue but the motivation and enjoyment is growing by the weeks.”
If Eastern Park is to cause an upset in the match of the round, they will need to focus on stopping the competition’s leading skipper from Bareena.
Ben Wilding, along with Drew Young, Jackson Mahony and Jayden Plowman, have dominated the first five weeks, amassing 62 shots in the black.
“We respect the way Ben goes about it, we will have to limit the chances he gets to score heavily if we are any chance to win the game,” Bush said.
Bareena skipper Brannon Shelton knows his side will be up for the challenge.
“Eastern Park have probably exceeded people’s expectations so far, which has certainly got people taking notice,” he said, adding his club was excited about playing at Eastern Park on arguably the best turf in the region.
“We have not played on grass since Round 1, however we are confident we can perform on any quality surface.
“We come off our best performance as a side of 16 and we believe we can take that form onto the grass.”
Victoria will need to pull a rabbit out of the hat after last week’s performance against Bareena when they host Lara.
Without a win to their name, the former Premier Division champions need to find some form quickly if they are to compete with the dangerous Lara side.
Queenscliff will return to its comfort zone on the carpet when they host Webbcona, while Sebastopol will be too strong at home for Buninyong.
Ocean Grove has back-toback home games and will welcome Highton to The Terrace as they aim to claim their sixth lot of match points.