AFTER missing players last week for the New Zealand Men’s Nationals, all eight teams in the Men’s Premier Division will be raring to go this week and hopefully back at full strength. Three close ranked matches will play once again this round after a big shakeup saw five teams switch up their ladder position with Round 3 results, while the return of some big names could mix up the competition once more.

VIC M-League 2019
Men’s Premier Division – Round 4
18/9/19
7:00pm

The biggest match of the round is ultimately the top of the table clash between Geelong Cougars and St Therese. Both sides still sit undefeated after three rounds, making this a massive match to see whether the new Saints side can leapfrog the reigning premiers. Both sides were understrength last week but still came away with fairly convincing wins, proving that they have the skill to get the job done regardless of the talent they put out on the court. Dylan Nexhip and Corey Nexhip will be two St Therese players to watch, focusing on their respective goal circles and generating plenty of excitement with their respective flair, footwork and general game smarts. Meanwhile Riley Richardson will be up for a battle through the midcourt with speed and endurance to boot, while Geelong Cougars VNL coach Gerard Murphy has the netball nous and run to propel the ball up the court for the ladder topping side, able to have an impact anywhere on court thanks to his versatility. Brayden Pastore was dominant as ever last week, shooting 32 goals and contributing plenty around the circle with his clean split and ability to find the feeder.

In other games, Pasifika Sharks will take on the Melbourne City Blackhawks in a match that could switch up the top four on the ladder. The Sharks were the most affected by the New Zealand Nationals with shooters Cameron Powell and Junior Levi out of the side last round, so will surely be back with a vengeance this week after a close loss put them into fourth after going down to the prior-winless DDNA. DDNA lifted into sixth with the victory and will be tested against third placed Sirens, while one of Southern Seahawks and Ariels will get their first win on the board in the battle of the new cellar dwellers.