THE TOP two ranked Metro sides will lock horns for the opening fixture of Round 17 on Saturday. Eastern Ranges travel to face the Calder Cannons in Craigieburn, with both sides coming off wins in their last three games and looking to push towards pole position on the Coates Talent League ladder.

WHEN: Saturday August 2, 11:00am
WHERE: Highgate Recreation Reserve, Craigieburn
WATCH: via KommunityTV (subscription required)

IN A SENTENCE:

The top two Metro seeds will lock horns to kick off Round 17 on Saturday, both riding three-game win streaks and looking to pile pressure on Gippsland Power in the minor premiership race.

WHERE THEY SIT:

Calder Cannons – 7-5 | 115.9% | WWWLL
Eastern Ranges – 8-4 | 126.1% | WWWLW

TEAMS:

Calder Cannons

1. James Manfre
2. Hussien El Achkar
3. Hamish Bird
4. Oliver Watt
5. Arden Stevens
8. Jack Dodorico
10. Jett Laidler
11. Jamieson Fleming
12. Taj Robinson
13. Jad Naim
15. Gus Papal
22. Darcy Tarczon
23. Adam Sweid
27. Jackson Barber
28. Gabriel Tangata
30. Ben Taylor
33. Brooklyn Crook
34. Blake Justice
42. Zac Newman
46. Nash McMahon
51. Moustafa Darwish
53. Nicholas Staropoli
56. Nathaniel Jenkins

EMG:
17. Olu Olalekan
32. Jack Sheedy
40. Aiden Harris

Eastern Ranges

1. Blake Chambers
4. Bailey Lloyd
5. Darcy Jamieson
7. Jordan Knapp
8. Lachy Dovaston
9. Jos Landy
11. Mitchell Gillan
12. Max Bartlett
13. William Waller
16. Thomas Swainston
22. Xavier Taylor
27. Riley Hoffman
31. Andrew Barker
33. Hunter Ryan
34. Archie Spencer
36. Jaden Lawrence
37. Rod Ali
38. Harrison Chapman
39. Myles Reynders
41. Sam Devers
51. Charlie Nash
52. Ethan Gregor
59. Marcus Krasnadamskis

EMG:
25. Oskar Taylor

ONES TO WATCH:

Much of Eastern’s strength lies in its robust and versatile defensive unit, headlined by Vic Metro representatives Xavier Taylor and Andrew Barker. Over-ager Rod Ali is another who plays above his height behind the ball, while Mitchell Gillan is an asset with his efficient distributive skills.

At the other end of the field, livewire forward Lachy Dovaston promises to provide a few highlights. The likes of Blake Chambers and Bailey Lloyd can connect the field with their run and delivery, while rising ruck Marcus Krasnadamskis and midfield bull Josiah Landy will be integral at the source.

Essendon Next Generation Academy pair Adam Sweid and Hussien El Achkar will reunite for the Cannons, hoping to make an impact in the front half. Bottom-age NGA member Blake Justice has also impressed with a recent move on-ball, impacting with his size and physicality.

In the over-age category, tall defender Gus Papal returns after making his VFL debut with the Bombers. Co-captain Hamish Bird is another handy inclusion for his first CTL game since Round 13, while 15-year-old Nathaniel Jenkins showed promise in a four-goal debut outing last week.

PREDICTION:

Pitting two streaking sides against each other means an eye-catching match is in store. Calder will have the upper hand on home turf, although stiff opposition arrives in the form of Eastern, whose only loss in the last seven games came against ladder leader, Gippsland. Both sides lay claim to Vic Metro representatives and combine invitees, so there should be some quality afield. Ranges by 15.

ROUND 17 FIXTURE

Saturday August 2:

Calder Cannons vs. Eastern Ranges
11:00am @ Highgate Recreation Reserve

Murray Bushrangers vs. Northern Knights
12:00pm @ Norm Minns Oval

Western Jets vs. GWV Rebels
2:00pm @ Arden Street Oval

Sunday August 3:

Geelong Falcons vs. Bendigo Pioneers
12:00pm @ St Albans Reserve

Tasmania Devils vs. Gippsland Power
12:10pm @ Windsor Park