THE halfway point of the Mixed Premier Division season has well and truly hit, with plenty left in the tank for most teams and still one side sitting undefeated. Expect another week of big ladder movement, with a number of ladder-changing results likely given the closeness of the table.

Vic M-League 2019
Mixed Premier Division – Round 8
16/9/19
8:20/9:40pm

While a match between top and bottom will ultimately be the kicker this week with St Therese set to take on Parkville Panthers, Melbourne City Blackhawks will be tested against Pasifika Sharks with the two sides battling it out for a position in the top four, separated only by percentage. Meanwhile, DDNA will take on Eastside Sonics and Geelong Cougars have the bye.

Valley Wolves will look to continue their strong form this week against NNE Vipers despite a loss to Geelong last week, getting close to the Cougars but unable to capitalise when it counted. A win this week will bring the Wolves one step further toward locking in their top four position, still sitting two wins behind Parkville and Geelong. For the Vipers, an inaugural win last round over St Therese will go a long way for confidence in the side, which has built up gradually and had three close matches – all within a five goal margin – prior to their victory last round. The speed of Hannah Kuhar and versatility of Nat Billings will be big in this match, with Kuhar able to rotate through the midcourt while Billings is a sharpshooter with the proven ability to move into wing attack and provide a solid feeding option on circle edge. Meanwhile, the defensive combination of Erin Jay and Alastair Punshon has proved key this season, with Punshon yet another who can go between positions in goal keeper and shooter. For the Vipers, Michael Dower is a force in the goal circle, able to turn and shoot while the midcourt pairing of Ben Bruitzman and Chloe Coffin has been solid this season so will look to continue that form against the Wolves.