VAFA Media | Round 18 William Buck Premier Men’s Preview
ST BERNARD’S vs OLD MELBURNIANS
St Bernard’s are level on points with the Roys but hold a 14% advantage. So, if they can defeat wooden-spooners Old Melburnians, they should be safe.
However, OMs will be farewelling coach Paul Satterley and would love to make an emphatic statement with an away win at one of the competition’s most intimidating venues – the Snake Pit.
But Steve Alessio’s group has been resilient and spirited all season long. Ravaged by injury, they’ve continually showed up and scrapped hard.
They’ve let themselves down with their disposal at times, racking up the most turnovers in the competition but so have OMs – in fact, these two teams are bottom 2 for Disposal Efficiency, so the turnover game could ultimately decide this battle.
Only the Top 2 teams have generated more Inside 50s this season than the Snowdogs, so their ability to get the ball forward & scoring hasn’t been the issue – defending has, with the hosts ranked last for Points Against.
But that has been almost as big a challenge for OMs. Who can retain possession more effectively & avoid getting punished on turnover? That team may well finish their season with a win.
OMs have played some very good patches of football this season that have stretched the best teams in the competition. So if they can get the game on their terms for long enough, the Snowdogs’ faithful may have cause to get a little nervous.
