After upsets in both games last week it is hard to predict which way round 18 results of the Mallee Football will fall.

The Southern Mallee Giants will be disappointed to drop the game and consequently second spot last week. After leading by 5 gaols at quarter time againts the Roos, they were dominated for the remainder of the game.
The Giants leaked goals and this has been a major problem of theirs’ for most of the year. A potent forward line possessed by this week’s opponents, Ouyen United, will again be a tough assignment for the Giants defence. Brad Vallance is always a priority for opposition teams as he has the capacity to dominate games across half forward with his high marking and long accurate kicking. The Giants’ Rory Shannon has often gone to Vallance, however he may be in doubt after not being able to play out the game last week.
Previous matches between the 2 teams have been quite close with the Demons up for most of the game in their last meeting only to let it slip away. The Demons will be looking for a solid four-quarter effort to hold the Giants at bay and build some confidence going into the finals series.
Woomelang Lascelles and Walpeup Underbool are both coming off excellent wins in round 17, and will be hoping to make it another when they match up this week.
The Roos have been able to gradually build more and more momentum as the year has gone on. Unfortunately they have left there run too late for a finals berth, however still want to cause a few upsets in the run home.
Roos bigman, Brad Dabrowski is proving hard to contain. His likely match-up will be Arnold Kirby who has also had a consistent year for the Cats. In what will be a great battle to watch, both players will be looking to give their onballers an armchair ride around stoppages. Being able to push forward and have an impact on the scoreboard will also be significant for their team’s ambitions of coming away with a win.
The Cats, at home, a week after knocking off the flag favourites, will be brimming with confidence. They know a win in this game is essential for giving themselves another chance to face the Tigers in a semi-final. Last week’s success may have been just what they needed to give them the momentum for a strong finish.

By Dale Shannon