AN all-metropolitan clash takes place in Box Hill with Eastern Ranges hosting Northern Knights in a battle between two Round 1 winners. Both sides regain some quality players for the clash, promising an entertaining contest.

Saturday, April 13
Box Hill Oval @ 1:30pm

FORM:

Eastern Ranges got on the board last round after struggling a little with accuracy early against Sandringham Dragons, but finding their range to win by 35 points last Saturday. On the same day, Northern Knights defeated Calder Cannons by four goals up at Highgate Recreation Reserve.

WHO’S MISSING?

After 31 disposals last week, over-ager Isla Baldwin returns back to Carlton’s VFL Women’s linep, while for Northern, Phoebe Hargreaves is still recovering from injury.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Eastern Ranges:

Eastern Ranges are well balanced across the board, with Grace Baba the one to watch in defence, though the half-back line featuring Jordyn Allen and Asher Fearn-Wannan promises to be fun. Up forward, Georgia Knight coming off a 3.4 haul last week will combine with Georgie Brisbane and Grace Belloni again, while Molly Paterson, Tayla McMillan and Stasia Stevenson form a smooth-moving on-ball group.

Northern Knights:

The Knights will be thrilled to welcome back talented top-ager Zoe Hargreaves after she represented the Under 23 All-Star last weekend, with bottom-agers Marlo Graham, Katelyn Busuttil, Scarlett Johnson and Olivia Gorman all stepping up through midfield and attack. Defender Kiara Keenan also impressed on debut last week and will undoubtedly have a big job this week.

PREDICTION

Eastern Ranges looked good once they got their kicking boots on last week, and though the Knights will push quite a few sides this season, the Ranges are arguably the biggest threat to the Chargers so should be favourites in this one. Both sides have plenty of exciting players though, so definitely a match to watch.