MOVEMBER Round is set to change up the competition this week, with Round 14 dedicated to the cause while also being the final round of the season. Featuring a number of key matchups heading into the semi-finals, Round 14 will ultimately see three sides fight it out for contention. While Melbourne City Blackhawks currently have the final position in the top four, fifth ranked Pasifika Sharks and sixth ranked Southern Seahawks have the key matchup this round and the winner could take the final spot in the top four if the Blackhawks lose.

Vic M-League 2019
Men’s Premier Division – Round 14
27/11/19
8:20pm

In a battle of one and two, Geelong Cougars will take on Sirens Netball for the second time this season. The Sirens have had a rocky few weeks but are one of two sides that has defeated Geelong this season, making for a massive battle given this could be a future finals matchup. Melbourne City Blackhawks will hope to sink DDNA for an elusive spot in finals, needing a percentage boost this round to ensure a finals berth next week with two sides hot on their tail. Meanwhile, St Therese will look forward to a confidence boosting round when they take on cellar dwellers, Ariels.

The biggest match of the round will see fifth and sixth play off for an elusive spot in finals, and with both sides relying on a Blackhawks loss, they will be raring to go. Pasifika Sharks have had a sloppy few weeks on the track, not winning a match since Round 10 and coming into this matchup against Southern Seahawks with fire in the belly after a one-goal loss back in Round 7. The Seahawks on the other hand, have won their past three matches, including a massive two-goal victory over Geelong Cougars, making this match a real interesting contest. The two sides have tall timbers at the post, with Junior Levi and Bala Lange both accurate to post with aerial ability to match. While Levi has played in defence over the past few rounds, stalwart shooter Lange has been consistent for the Seahawks, rarely beaten in a one-on-one and pairing nicely with Taurin Eimermacher over recent weeks, while the likes of Jayden Cowling and Jackson Turner also have the ability to rotate through goals when required. Efficiency in attack is no issue for the Sharks, however it is their predictability that will need to be nullified early by the Seahawks to ensure a second win with the Sharks typically quick ball movers. For the Sharks, their rotating defensive unit will be key on Lange, with a number of players able to rotate through the defensive circle, but too much rotation could lead to the Seahawks poking holes in defence and opening up opportunities for goals, making for a massive contest that will see the midcourt play a vital role for both sides in pressure down the court and ensuring clean feeds into the goal circle.

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