VFL Match Preview vs. Carlton
Football will return to Victoria this weekend and so too will the Borough men after the imposed three weeks’ hiatus due to the coronavirus lockdown.
Although the reworked fixture will see Port Melbourne face off against Carlton at ETU Stadium in front of no crowds, the importance of this clash will not be lost on Gary Ayres’ men.
It’s been a sluggish start to their campaign in the new look 2021 season, and their most recent defeat at the hands of the GWS Giants was the not the manner in which the Club would have wanted to celebrate Ayres’ 250th game at the helm.
Currently sitting with a 1-4 win/loss record, Port Melbourne’s season is essentially on the line against the Blues with little margin for error if they wish to make a late-season charge up the ladder.
The Borough boys have been able to fit in four training sessions since the lifting of restrictions last week, but will predominantly enter this clash fresh and ready; with a number of key personnel also having enjoyed some extra time to recuperate from injuries.
Among those expected to make a return from recent setbacks is inside midfielder Nash Holmes and 2017 Premiership hero Mitch Wooffindin, whilst playing assistant coach Chris Jansen is likely to play his first competitive game in over two years when he makes a return through suburban level.
With Carlton’s entry to the VFL as a standalone AFL outfit only occurring this year, it’ll be new ground for the Borough when they welcome the Blues to ETU Stadium.
Much uncertainty still surrounds the final make up of Carlton’s side a couple of days out from the game, but former AFL-listed small forward Ben Crocker has been a standout so far.
Crocker has averaged 16 disposals and booted 18 goals across his five outings, and will no doubt present the Borough’s defence with plenty of headaches.
AFL-listed midfielder Matt Kennedy has also been prolific when playing at VFL level, averaging 24 disposals across his three games.
The Borough will be hoping that the electrifying form of reigning 2019 Jack McFarlane Medallist Eli Templeton (pictured) continues, after his 40-possession, two-goal performance against the Giants took his average disposal number to a whopping 32 for season 2021.
Despite the 1-4 record, positive signs continue to be shown in glimpses by this young Borough side, and fans will be hoping the imposed freshen up will now see them ready to attack the second part of the year with renewed hunger, vigour and consistency.
All members and fans should note that all attendance at this week’s game is not permitted, apart from essential match day personnel.
In conjunction with the VFL, the Borough will be conducting a live stream of the game from 1:00pm via the Club’s YouTube channel.
Regular updates will also be provided via all of the Borough’s digital and social media channels.
Article: Sam Wharton.
Image: Jenny Tserkezidis.
