Posted on 28 March, 2012

SEABL MEN GAME OF THE WEEK

GEELONG vs SANDRINGHAM
Saturday 31st March – 7:30pm @ The Arena
Two undefeated teams in the East conference, and last year’s South conference preliminary finalists, fight it out in the game of the week.

Geelong have moved on quickly from the loss of three of the best players in the competition to rebuilt a team that looks set to compete in the playoffs once more. The new imports look like they’ll be a handful for most opposition teams. Nick Owusu is back and seems to have his back injury under control. Existing players like Jamie Medved and Seb Loader are putting up career best figures. They’ve defeated both Nunawading and Hobart, but those teams were both underdone. Geelong also goes into this game having played in Mt Gambier the night before, and whether they can get up for this game or not will give a much better indication of where this team really is.

Conversely, Sandringham have been tested and responded absolutely. Last week against Frankston, the Sabres trailed by 17 points only to run the Blues down and come away with a one-point overtime win. What was more telling from that game was that import Cory Cooperwood was out with an injury, and another recruit Luke Kendall had a down game with only 9 points. It is becoming increasingly apparent that Josh Wilcher’s time with the Melbourne Tigers has lifted his level of play significantly, and other import Beau Muhlbach has hit the ground running in his second year in the competition. Add exciting young players like Ryan Tindal and Michael Nowlan, and Sandringham have other teams paying attention.

Any good coach will tell you championships aren’t won in March. But early season wins are important. They can build a good culture, and teams with a spot at the top of the table can manage players and injuries deeper into the season. It was a cracking game when these teams met in last year’s preliminary final, and hopefully this should be no different.
Prediction: Sandringham by 2.

HOBART vs BRISBANE
Friday 30th March – 8:00pm
With Kilsyth, Bendigo and Frankston in the weeks ahead, this is a must-win for Hobart. Back on their home court, the Chargers must be favourites against a young Brisbane team on a very long road trip.

MT GAMBIER vs GEELONG
Friday 30th March – 8:00pm
Mt Gambier has lost their three games by a combined total of 7 points, but the possibility of a breakthrough win won’t be any made any easier with Geelong coming to town. The Pioneers won this corresponding fixture last year, but an even money game.

NW TASMANIA vs BRISBANE
Saturday 31st March – 7:30pm
Of their two games in Tasmania this weekend, the possibility of a Brisbane win looks more likely in the match against the Thunder. Both teams are yet to record a win, but NW Tasmania have lost their three games by an average of nearly 22 points.

BALLARAT vs NUNAWADING
Saturday 31st March – 7:45pm
The Miners will be boosted by the inclusion of new import Kodi Augustus for his first game. Ballarat pushed Kilsyth all the way last week and could get the upset win over Nunawading, who have looked a touch sluggish early in the season.

ALBURY/WODONGA vs FRANKSTON
Saturday 31st March – 8:00pm
The Bandits solid start to the season may be overstated, with their wins coming against NW Tasmania and Mt Gambier. But a win over Frankston would strengthen the argument that Albury-Wodonga will be a big improver in 2012.

BENDIGO vs CANBERRA
Saturday 31st March – 8:00pm
After the elation of the overtime win against Brisbane in round 1, Canberra came back to earth last week with a big loss to Knox. Although there is plenty of upside to the Gunners, they face another tough task travelling to Bendigo this week.

KNOX vs KILSYTH
Saturday 31st March – 8:00pm
The battle for the Cystic Fibrosis cup resumes this week at Knox stadium. Knox and Kilsyth have started the season looking sharp, but the intensity always goes up a notch when these traditional rivals come together. Expect another tough game in front of a big crowd.

DANDENONG vs CANBERRA
Sunday 1st April – 2:00pm
After dropping their opening two games, Dandenong will be trying to run back into form. The win over the Thunder last week was a start, and they should also be able to account for Canberra at home on Sunday.

KILSYTH vs SANDRINGHAM
Sunday 1st April – 2:00pm
Both teams will be coming off games the night before against quality opposition, so the winner could be determined by whoever recovers better from their earlier match. This could easily have been game of the week, but a full-strength Kilsyth perhaps hold a slight edge at home.