Hills Football League Division 2 - Round 17 preview

The two best teams in the competition will battle it out in the Grand Final rematch at Ironbank Oval in round 17 action this weekend. The reigning premiers Ironbank match up against last year’s runner-up Kersbrook. The Brookers are yet to lose a match this season and have an average winning margin of 88 points. The Thunderers only loss of the season was against Kersbrook back in round eight when they were humbled to the tune of 51 points after the Brookers unleashed an eight goal to nil final term. Ironbank have plenty of avenues to goal led by the clever Adam Shearwood with 39 majors for the season. He should get plenty of supply on the small Ironbank Oval from players such as Joel van Paridon and Will Muirden. Kersbrook has a very even spread of goalkickers with six players with 20 goals or more in their lineup, led by Charlie Graeber on 40. He is ably assisted up forward by the experienced Matt Gardner (36 goals) while Lachlan Peter and Flynn Cameron are having excellent seasons. I expect this game to be a lot closer than back in round eight and I’m tipping a (minor) upset. My tip...Ironbank Cherry Gardens.

In other games, Gumeracha has the chance to move level in third spot with Bridgewater-Callington (bye this round) as they make the short trip down the road to Birdwood. The Magpies are enjoying an excellent season after just eight wins last season and should have too much class for the Roosters. My tip...Gumeracha.

Macclesfield confirmed their finals spot last week with a come-from-behind victory against Birdwood and they’ll take plenty of confidence into their game at Kangarilla. The Double Blues should be fresh after the bye last week but I expect Macclesfield to fine tune their game and take the points as they prepare for finals. My tip...Macclesfield.

Meadows will make the long trek north to take on Torrens Valley looking for their second win of the season. Meanwhile the home side will fancy their chances of finally singing the song after a winless 2019. Last time they met Meadows got up by 24 points after a bit of a scare. A very hard game to pick! My tip...Torrens Valley.

Bridgewater-Callington has the bye.

Ladder (after 16 rounds)

Kersbrook 28 points, Ironbank Cherry Gardens 26, Bridgewater-Callington 20, Gumeracha 18, Macclesfield 16, Birdwood 10, Kangarilla 8, Meadows 2, Torrens Valley 0