Cobras, Doveton ready to power

By Glen Atwell
THE high-flying Doveton Eagles host the up-and-coming Sandown Cobras in this weekend’s Star Match of the Round at Power Reserve on Saturday.
Doveton (3-1) have returned to the top of the Division Three table following an impressive win against Dandenong on the weekend.
Having spent a tough season in the Southern Football League (SFL) wilderness in 2006, Doveton coach Jason Salerno is more than happy with his team’s progress this season.
But Sandown (1-2) won’t be a pushover.
The Cobras are bouncing back from a loss against the Demons two weeks ago and will be refreshed after enjoying the bye.
Salerno said the Cobras had been big improvers this year and it was definitely a danger game.
“We’re on top of the ladder by stealth at the moment. We haven’t played a couple of the better sides,” he said.
“But Sandown is progressing really well.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for (Cobras coach) Mike Allen and it’s going to be a tough game.”
Salerno praised the efforts of recruits Darryl Thomas and Peter Dye this season.
“Darryl is a brilliant footballer, he brings so much to the team,” he said. “Pete has really impressed. He is such a strong mark.”
The Doveton line-up has been buoyed by the return of bustling full-forward Travis Gardner, back in the side after recovering from a knee reconstruction.
But Sandown has also been strengthened, with the bye allowing several players to recover from niggling injuries.
“It was a great time to have the bye,” Allen said.
“Doveton is a great side, and will go in as favourite, but our boys are focused on stepping up and winning this game.”
Daniel Mulvogue will be welcomed back into the Sandown side after serving two weeks’ suspension.
The game kicks into action at 2pm.
Prediction: The Eagles are soaring towards success in 2007, but the Sandown Cobras won’t be easy-beats. Cobras full-forward Clint Sheedy is the X-factor, but Eagles coach Jason Salerno will find a way to stop Sandown from kicking a winning score. Eagles to win by 18 points.