Great Southern Football League - Round 17 preview

It’s a very tight season in the GSFL and with just two rounds to go there’s only three points between first and fourth position on the ladder.

The match of the round sees a top of the ladder clash between Willunga and Victor Harbor. Willunga reclaimed top spot last week with a big win over Goolwa-Port Elliot while Victor slipped up with a 29-point home loss to McLaren. The Demons have the most frugal defence in the league, conceding just 63 points a game in 2019. They’ll have to be on their game as the Kangaroos have a potent forward line with Sam Basham (62 goals), Luke Davey (52) and playing-coach Clint Alleway (25) key targets. Willunga will have home ground advantage which might be enough to get them over the line. My tip...Willunga.

In other games Mount Compass will look to consolidate their position in the top three with a win at Goolwa-Port Elliot. The Bulldogs let a handy lead slip last week against Langhorne Creek and they’ll be hungry to atone for that loss. The Magpies are playing for pride after copping a 122-point hiding from Willunga last week. My tip...Mount Compass.

Strathalbyn face a tricky trip to Encounter Bay needing a win to keep their slim finals hopes alive. The Roosters sit a game out of the top five and need to win their last two games and hope fifth placed McLaren slip up. The home side will be searching for a third consecutive win as they look to finish the season strongly. My tip...Strathalbyn.

McLaren travel to Yankalilla knowing a win would all but assure them of a finals spot in 2019. The Eagles had an excellent victory over Victor Harbor last week to keep them in fifth spot. Yankalilla have shown improvement this season winning five games (compared to two in 2018) and could provide an upset. McLaren have too much on the line to let this one slip though I think. My tip...McLaren.

Reigning premier Langhorne Creek have put themselves in a position to gain the all important double chance after a come from behind win against Mount Compass last week. The Hawks host winless Myponga-Sellicks and should have a comfortable victory. My tip...Langhorne Creek.

Ladder (after 16 rounds)

Willunga 25 points, Victor Harbor 24, Mount Compass 23, Langhorne Creek 22, McLaren 20, Strathalbyn 18, Encounter Bay 14, Yankalilla 10, Goolwa-Port Elliot 4, Myponga-Sellicks 0