Deer Park
Record: 6-0-1
Ladder position:
First
Best win:
While Deer Park has smacked down on a number of its division 1 rivals, its fighting wins against Werribee Districts and St Albans stand out above all. Because Deer Park has not played many close games for the better part of two years, opposition sides may have hoped to catch the Lions napping. But Deer Park showed it has no problems getting its hands dirty, with two hard-fought wins.
Toughest loss:
Having not lost a home and away match since mid 2013, the Lions walked away with just two points against Sunshine earlier this season – the match was called off because of a behind-the-play incident.
Moving forward:
After the week off, Deer Park will take on finals-bound Hoppers Crossing and Spotswood as players look to keep their undefeated streak alive.
Sunshine
Record: 2-4-1
Ladder position:
Seventh
Best win: The margin may have been greater when the Kangaroos touched up Port Melbourne in round six, but there is nothing quite like beating an arch-rival. Sunshine got the better of Albion by six goals earlier in the season with Jesse McLellan’s four goals a highlight.
Toughest loss: Its 2015 season has been marred by near-misses, which is why the Kangaroos languish near the bottom of the division 1 ladder. Sunshine hasn’t been disgraced against some leading opposition, going down to Spotswood by just one point and losing narrowly to Werribee Districts.
Moving forward: There is no margin for error if the Kangaroos want to remain in finals contention. Sunshine takes on Altona followed by Albion, both must-win games.
Albion
Record: 0-8
Ladder position: Ninth
Best win: The Cats are still waiting for their first win of the season. The closest they came was in round one against Port Melbourne. In an away fixture, Albion went down by just 20 points.
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oughest loss: Developing teams always need to go through some pain and, for Albion, that came in round three against Hoppers Crossing. The Cats went goalless for three quarters en route to a 126-point loss, 20.21 (141) to 2.3 (15).
Moving forward: There’s plenty to look forward to after the bye for Albion. After its home match against Port Melbourne, the club will take on arch-rival Sunshine in a blockbuster clash.
