Parkmore Pirate defender Terry McKinley listens closely to assistant coach Gary Connolly at the quarter-time break of a recent match. By Glen Atwell
MOUNT Waverley has left no stone unturned in preparation for the blockbuster division-three match against the Parkmore Pirates at Wachter Reserve on Saturday.
The Mountain Lions sent a spy to Power Reserve two weeks ago to videotape the Pirates game against the Doveton Eagles.
But the tale of the tape was never told.
Mount Waverley president David Woods said the playing group sat down to watch the tape after training on Thursday night, but the club official who took the video didn’t show.
“The boys got together to go through the video and have a look at how the Pirates play, but the bloke who taped it never arrived,” he said.
Pirate espionage?
“No, nothing happened to him, he just forgot,” Woods laughed.
But it seems the Pirates were not to be outsmarted.
Woods said a number of Parkmore players were spotted around the Mount Waverley ground during Thursday night training.
“Fortunately the seniors weren’t training, it was the under-17s, so it wouldn’t have helped them,” he said.
Woods said the Mountain Lions were ready to stop the swashbuckling Pirates.
“It will be a great game, if they have any weaknesses, we’ll find them,” he said.
One thing is for sure, the SFL’s division-three competition is hotting up.
After spy games and videotaping, what’s next?
Maybe moving goalposts or an exploding ball perhaps?
The game kicks into action at 2pm.
@BT Sub Sport News:
Cobras sharpen fangs
THE Sandown Cobras are better than their winless record.
Despite sitting on the bottom of the ladder with zero wins and eight losses, the division-three Cobras are not a lost cause.
Their list is young, fast and diverse – but just can’t find a way to win.
On Saturday the Cobras clash with the Dandenong Demons at Edinburgh Reserve and it may be the Cobras’ best chance yet to secure their first serve of four points.
The Demons have been ravaged by injury and are coming off a 109-point loss against North Kew.
It goes without saying the Cobras are overdue for a win, their last was against the Parkmore Pirates on July 2, 2005.
But come Saturday, it might be time for the Cobras to finally remember the words to the club theme song.
Facing a depleted a Demons lineup, it’s now or never for Sandown.
@BT Sub Sport News:Eagles face tough test
PRIDE is on the line for the Doveton Eagles in the second half of the division-three season.
Coach Paul Davis has already emphasised that the Eagles are playing to have a good time and enjoy getting a kick, but the proud club would no doubt be sick of losing.
The Eagles meet South Mornington at Citation Oval in Mount Martha on Saturday.
In their first season in the senior ranks of the SFL, the Tigers have struggled, but are a well-bonded team.
This stark difference between the two sides should see South Mornington serve the Eagles a 100-plus points defeat.
@BT Sub Sport News:
Demons hot for top four
FINALS football is a long way away, but the prospect of playing it would be well and truly on the minds of Springvale and Oakleigh.
The two district sides clash at Springvale Reserve on Saturday and a spot in the division two top four is up for grabs.
The Demons are currently in fourth spot, but only four percentage points separate them from Oakleigh.
Both teams have won five and lost three, a deadlock that is almost certain to be broken.
The winner will enjoy breathing space in the top four and a chance to crack third spot, currently occupied by Heatherton.
For the loser, making the finals becomes a whole lot harder.
@BT Sub Sport News:
Pumas due for a winner
SCAN through the Lyndale Pumas division-two playing list and you’d think you were looking at a team capable of playing finals football.
And you’d be right.
The Pumas list is deep and talented, a disturbing fact considering the team has won only two of its first eight games.
One thing’s for sure, it’s not because of a lack of personnel.
Coach Danny Scott has plenty of players to work with.
Matt Caples, Damien Wilsnach, Russell Weeding, Kim Aboujaber and Adam Bourchier are all quality second-division players, but finding a winning formula has been the sticking point for Scott.
On Saturday the Pumas clash with Caulfield at Princes Park and have the chance to prove their true potential.
A win and it’s two in a row for the Pumas. Another loss would be just another wasted opportunity.
