THE FINAL month of the Coates Talent League season begins in Round 16, which is headlined by a clash between the Dandenong Stingrays and Eastern Ranges on Saturday. We preview that clash, which is sure to host an intriguing midfield battle, before taking a look around the grounds.

>> SCROLL to see the full Round 16 fixture

Saturday July 27, 11:00am @ Kinetic Stadium

IN A NUTSHELL

Fresh off its first defeat in five matches, Dandenong hosts an Eastern Ranges outfit looking to snap its four-game losing skid at Frankston. The Stingrays have only played once at Kinetic Stadium this season for a 50-point win, but are yet to meet the Ranges.

RECORDS

Dandenong Stingrays – 6th | 6-4-1 | 108.9%
Eastern Ranges – 9th | 5-7 | 92.5%

STREAK

Dandenong Stingrays – LL | WW | L | D | WWWW | L
Eastern Ranges – WW | LL | WW | L | W | LLLL

SQUADS

Dandenong Stingrays:

B: #10 B. Hopkins, #63 Q. Harvey, #12 T. De La Rue
HB: #59 R. Hilliard, #15 K. Hurst, #37 C. Orchard
C: #8 N. Hibbins-Hargreaves, #3 H. Doughton, #35 J. Barnes
HF: #41 C. Giliam, #1 C. Hynes, #38 S. Toner
F: #32 A. Le Clerc, #40 N. Marchant, #14 H. Hayes
FOL: #22 J. Doherty, #2 H. Langford, #45 E. Peckett

INT: #5 R. Andrew, #39 S. Campbell-Farrell, #49 T. Sinnema, #52 Z. Smith
23rd: #58 Mitch Toner

EMG: #44 J. Varlet, #50 T. Anic, #55 F. Marino

Eastern Ranges:

B: #18 R. White, #38 X. Taylor, #37 J. Baldwin
HB: #34 B. Spencer, #31 A. Barker, #29 M. Porter
W: #3 L. Wilson, #35 B. Lloyd, #27 B. Chambers
HF: #4 J. Ryan, #55 R. MacLean, #44 S. MacDonald
F: #8 L. Dovaston, #42 L. Wright, #12 J. Hider
FOL: #39 R. Muir, #9 C. Moraes, #10 C. Brown

INT: #2 O. Cafiso, #20 J. Armitage, #25 O. Taylor, #49 L. Monteath
23rd: #16 O. Greeves

EMG: #24 B. Wilson

ONES TO WATCH

Dandenong’s co-captains Harvey Langford and Cooper Hynes will again be the main event, rotating through the engine room and forwardline. Rucking to them is over-age tall Jordan Doherty, who has proven capable of putting up midfielder-like numbers this year.

The Stingrays’ backline is also humming with the likes of Ben Hopkins, Charlie Orchard, and Kane Hurst all threats on the intercept and rebound. Keep an eye out for debutant Mitch Toner too, a powerful forward who was part of Vic Country’s title-winning Under 16 side.

Eastern will be without top prospect Josh Smillie, leaving bottom-ager Oliver Greeves with big shoes to fill. He remains in the side as 23rd man due to a school football bye, joining prolific running machine Christian Moraes in the on-ball department.

Elsewhere, the Ranges boast good height up forward. Seth MacDonald is fresh off a four-goal haul, while Remy MacLean and Lincoln Wright promise to provide ample marking targets. At ground level, the likes of Jak Ryan, Lachy Dovaston, and Jordan Hider will be kept busy.

PREDICTION

Form tells most of the story in this clash. Dandenong’s top-end quality is outstanding and will only shine brighter given Eastern is missing its best player. The Stingrays’ backline is another strength and should be tested by a balanced Ranges attack, but will likely hold firm. ‘Rays by 15.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Another intriguing clash on Saturday sees Sandringham take on Murray, looking to maintain a hold on top spot. Caulfield Grammar’s APS bye means Nathaniel Sulzberger returns for the Dragons, while captain Brodie Findlay is another handy inclusion for the clash at WJ Findlay Oval in Wangaratta.

The Bushrangers have faltered recently but certainly have the quality of talent to test the reigning premiers here. Small forward Joe Berry is in fine form, while the partnership of twin talls Jack and Matt Whitlock has proven fruitful in attack. That’s not to mention Josh Murphy‘s potential, too.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Northern hosts a Bendigo Pioneers side which welcomes back star utility Tobie Travaglia for the fixture at Preston City Oval. The Knights drew last week and last won in the side’s previous clash in Round 7 – a result which sparked the Pioneers’ seven-game losing run.

Geelong plays host to Tasmania in a genuine eight-point game at La Trobe University. Both teams lay claim to 8-3 records, sitting second and third on the ladder respectively with the Falcons ahead by a slender portion of percentage. The Devils have won eight consecutive games, though.

On Sunday, Greater Western Victoria (GWV) and Calder Cannons face off at Marty Busch Reserve, with the visitors a chance of pinching top spot if other results go their way. Western Jets then take on Gippsland Power in Williamstown to see out the Round 16 proceedings.

ROUND 16 FIXTURE

Saturday July 27

Dandenong Stingrays vs. Eastern Ranges
11:00am @ Kinetic Stadium

Murray Bushrangers vs. Sandringham Dragons
1:00pm @ WJ Findlay Oval

Northern Knights vs. Bendigo Pioneers
2:10pm @ Preston City Oval

Geelong Falcons vs. Tasmania Devils
2:25pm @ La Trobe University

Sunday July 28

GWV Rebels vs. Calder Cannons
1:30pm @ Marty Busch Reserve

Western Jets vs. Gippsland Power
1:40pm @ DSV Stadium

Bye: Oakleigh Chargers