Match Previews | Expect a finals like atmosphere around the grounds this weekend as we set ourself for virtual elimination showdowns and preliminary qualifying previews.

 East Point will have their work cut out keeping an impressive 16 game winning streak at Eastern Oval intact when they host high flying Darley on Saturday.

A core group of up to seven East Point players, including big names Matty Johnston and Bryce McDougall, are expected to miss another week as the Kangas’ hierarchy adopt an unofficial 'no risk' policy ahead of a greater cause, namely a qualifying final meet with the Devils in a fortnights time.

While Kangas’ coach Joe Carmody welcomes another opportunity for depth stocks staking a claim for selection into the business end, Devils’ coach Dan Jordan has essentially just re-united his band near full strength having rested a select few over recent weeks.

Despite the misfortunate 'dead rubber' nature of this Round 17 fixture, rest assure Jordan will treat this as a mini dress rehearsal for the August 23 qualifier. With progressive Devils’ key forward Brady Wright (Werribee VFL) now ineligible for BFNL finals due to games played at the higher level, only Mace Cousins springs to mind as the missing piece in the Devils’ armoury.

Predicted 'poor' Wintery conditions are expected on Saturday which would've otherwise dampened the spectacle of an unmissable BFNL top of the table clash.

Click here to read the full article