Sat’dy Footy – 16 July

 

by Chris Riordan

The biggest story in suburban footy this week surrounds Wayne Carey’s nomination to play in the EDFL with reigning Premiers (and his nephew’s team) the Marby Lions. I’m at the keyboard early in the week, so check for confirmation, but it is understood that he may run out for this Saturday’s home game against Strathmore, a side which is now showing great form and must be seen as a flag aspirant. Get the 57 Tram to the river.

Also in the EDFL – this time B Grade – Trent Croad is mooted to debut for Keilor Park at home this week. The League has had a remarkable influx of quality players this season – let’s hope their finances can sustain it. It has made for great local interest.

We’re now getting to that part of the season where some games are ultimately irrelevant, but others can be “GF previews” or contention 8-pointers.

In the EFL, the top 3, all on 10-2 (Noble Park, Blackburn, Scoresby) look safe. Five sides are vying for the remaining spots. Norwood and East Burwood have tough assignments this Sat’dy (v Blackburn and Scoresby) which makes the East Ringwood and Balwyn game critical….if East Ringwood (5-7) lose they lose touch. A win would promote them and cast doubts on the Tigers’ aspirations.

A good example of the potential mid year Granny can be found this Saturday at Tooleybuc, deep in the Central Murray League. Top of the table Tooleybuc-Manangatang (9-1) hosts second side Kerang (8-2), who need to win to avoid dropping in to a glut of sides just below them. A home team win will mean having to screw the lid on tight, as flag favouritism would be assured!

One comp that I have ignored – it is a long story – but which has its devotees, is the Ammos. Not geographically based, yet in many ways even more restrictive with its Old Boys dominance, there’s usually a match on somewhere nearby. The feature this week is on Sunday – Old Xavs (4) v St Bede’s Mentone Tigers (2). Maybe the best nostalgia for Saturday is the game between “founders” Old Melb and Old Scotch – at the Junction too, which adds appeal. One thing that I do know is that there’s always a game on at the Melbourne Uni Ground, with Blues and Blacks waxing. I’ve been there for cricket and it is a great venue. This Sat’dy the Blacks host Beaumaris.

Let us know of any tips for good games, good company or even good coffee this Sat’dy.

Enjoy the day at the footy.

Comments

  1. Dave Nadel says

    Speaking of level playing fields, which you weren’t, Crio, but we all were on another thread, a mate of mine is connected with a B Grade club in the EDFL. He tells me that they would not want to be promoted to A Grade at the moment because they coiuldn’t afford to compete with the number of recently retired AFL players playing for the top clubs.

    In twenty plus years of observing the EDFL I can’t ever remember this number of ex-AFL players playing in the comp. Do you have any idea why this is happening, Chris?

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