NFNL Div 2 discussion 2024

Remove this Banner Ad

They thought they would just go up to Div 2 and stay there
Didn't recruit at all. Underestimated the level of Div 2 photo and now will go back to a much improved and deeper Div 3 competition
Lots of pressure to keep their better kids who will want to go and play a better standard of footy
 

Log in to remove this ad.

They thought they would just go up to Div 2 and stay there
Didn't recruit at all. Underestimated the level of Div 2 photo and now will go back to a much improved and deeper Div 3 competition
Lots of pressure to keep their better kids who will want to go and play a better standard of foot

They thought they would just go up to Div 2 and stay there
Didn't recruit at all. Underestimated the level of Div 2 photo and now will go back to a much improved and deeper Div 3 competition
Lots of pressure to keep their better kids who will want to go and play a better standard of footy
Seems like they are more concerned with the Supers team.
Ordinary club, ordinary management, ordinary juniors. Back where they belong in Div 3
 
From HS

Run Home: we predict who plays NFNL Division 2 finals in exciting season climax​

Can Northcote Park play finals after starting 0-9? It’s one of the big questions set to be answered in a thrilling NFNL Division 2 run home. We predict the top-five.

Can a club that started 0-9 turn it’s season around and play finals?

Northcote Park has the opportunity and while it faces a very difficult run home the last three weeks have shown what it is capable of.

If the Cougars are a chance then so are a number of NFNL Division 2 clubs, the top-five is far from set in concrete as St Mary’s and Thomastown stumble.

Meanwhile, at the top of the ladder, Whittlesea is eyeing an undefeated season but one slip and Diamond Creek and South Morang are hot on its heels.

It’s all set up for a thrilling climax of the season and a must-watch finals campaign.

1. WHITTLESEA (12-0-0, 168.02%)

Run home
: Thomastown (H), Lower Plenty (H), Panton Hill (A), South Morang (H), Diamond Creek (A), Northcote Park (A)

Difficulty: 6/10

Prediction: WWWWLW

Finish: First (17-0-1)

The Eagles have been perfect through the opening 12 rounds and it’s hard to see them losing more than one in the run home. That one is to Diamond Creek at Coventry Oval. It won’t be a complete walkover though, South Morang visit the Showgrounds the week before and the Round 18 clash against Northcote Park could be a beauty if the Cougars remain in the finals hunt.

2. DIAMOND CREEK (10-0-2, 190.61%)

Run home
: Northcote Park (A), St Mary’s (H), Watsonia (A), Lower Plenty (H), Whittlesea (H), South Morang (A)

Difficulty: 6/10

Prediction: WWWWWL

Finish: Second (15-0-3)

The Creekers face a red-hot Northcote Park at Bill Lawry Oval this weekend in what is the Match of the Round. The Cougars are a vastly different team to the one that scored just eight points in a 94-point defeat and forfeited the reserves in Round 4. With respect to the following three opponents, the Creekers attention then turns to the final fortnight of the campaign. Whittlesea at home and South Morang away. Diamo will be desperate to show itself and the competition that it can stop Whittlesea’s undefeated season but South Morang is well positioned to take advantage as it did in Round 9. A 30-point percentage lead will be enough to retain second place.

3. SOUTH MORANG (10-0-2, 158.58%)

Run home
: Laurimar (H), Panton Hill (H), St Mary’s (A), Whittlesea (A), Northcote Park (H), Diamond Creek (H)

Difficulty: 5/10

Prediction: WWWLWW

Finish: Third (15-0-3)

Whittlesea away might be a bridge too far for the Lions but it isn’t too much to expect wins in the five other matches in the run home. That includes finals rivals St Mary’s and Diamond Creek. Four of the six matches are at home too, which is a bonus. Much like for Whittlesea and Diamond Creek, South Morang has essentially already locked in a top-three finish and a double chance. If its VFL stars return for finals, this is going to be a team to watch.

4. ST MARY’S (7-0-5, 93.40%)

Run home
: Lower Plenty (H), Diamond Creek (A), South Morang (H), Northcote Park (A), Laurimar (H), Thomastown (A)

Difficulty: 5.5/10

Prediction: WLLLWL

Finish: Fourth (9-0-9)

The Burras corrected what looked a worrying three-game losing streak on Saturday to get back on track. Unfortunately, it’s probably put a top-three finish out of their reach, meaning a likely elimination final appearance. Troubling for Fabian Carelli’s men we’re only predicting two wins in the final six matches. That will see the Round 18 clash with Thomastown be the first of back-to-back meetings with the Bears on track to lock in a top-five finish. While the final will be on neutral territory, it could come down to percentage to decide who gets top billing.

5. THOMASTOWN (5-0-7, 94.48%)

Run home
: Whittlesea (A), Laurimar (H), Lower Plenty (A), Watsonia (H), Panton Hill (A), St Mary’s (H)

Difficulty: 4/10

Prediction: LWWWLW

Finish: Fifth (9-0-9)

It’s been a tough month for the Bears with three straight losses and all of a sudden fifth spot is looking a little shaky. However, after Saturday’s clash with undefeated Whittlesea, the fixture becomes much, much kinder. Thommo faces only one top-five team and that’s St Mary’s in Round 18. Win the four games in between and a return to finals action is guaranteed. If the Burras continue to struggle, fourth place could be up for grabs come that final match of the regular season and then an immediate rematch in an elimination final.

6. LOWER PLENTY (4-1-7, 71.92%)

Run home
: St Mary’s (A), Whittlesea (A), Thomastown (H), Diamond Creek (A), Watsonia (A), Panton Hill (H)

Difficulty: 6.5/10

Prediction: LLLLLW

Finish: Eighth (5-1-12)

What the Bears have achieved so far this season has been amazing. A club that many tipped for relegation is fighting for a top-five finish with six matches remaining. However, things get difficult in the run home. Four of the six matches are away and four are against current top-five sides. The Round 15 clash against Thomastown at Montmorency Park could be season-deciding. Win that, as well as matches against lower-ranked Watsonia and Panton Hill and a stunning finals appearance is within reach. Whatever happens from here though, it’s a strong foundation to build on in 2025.

7. PANTON HILL (4-0-8, 73.31%)

Run home
: Watsonia (H), South Morang (A), Whittlesea (H), Laurimar (A), Thomastown (H), Lower Plenty (A)

Difficulty: 6/10

Prediction: LLLLWL

Finish: Ninth (5-0-13)

A tough team to judge. Finals are probably out of the question but Panton Hill could finish as high as sixth or as low as ninth. The Redbacks pushed Diamond Creek to 23 points but where then humbled by Northcote Park and probably missed an opportunity against St Mary’s on Saturday. This weekend’s clash against Watsonia at Cracknell Reserve will be telling for both club’s run home. The next fortnight is tough but the final three weeks are all winnable games.

8. WATSONIA (3-1-8, 78.14%)

Run home
: Panton Hill (A), Northcote Park (H), Diamond Creek (H), Thomastown (A), Lower Plenty (H), Laurimar (A)

Difficulty: 4/10

Prediction: WLLLWW

Finish: Sixth (6-1-11)

Injuries and self-inflicted inaccuracy has cost the Saints this season. However, if they can rectify some issues in the back-end of the campaign there’s no reason a winning finish isn’t achievable. The only game that isn’t 50-50 is Diamond Creek in Round 15, every other match Watsonia has a chance of victory. Secondary scoring will be critical. Ethan Lowe leads the competition goalkicking charts with 46 majors, which is 43 per cent of the club’s goals. Daniel Annetta and Luke Pantalone are next best with nine.

9. NORTHCOTE PARK (3-0-9, 89.71%)

Run home
: Diamond Creek (H), Watsonia (A), Laurimar (A), St Mary’s (H), South Morang (A), Whittlesea (H)

Difficulty: 8/10

Prediction: LWWWLL

Finish: Seventh (6-0-12)

The last three weeks are a true reflection of what Northcote Park is capable of. It’s why the Cougars will rue its first nine weeks so much more. Jag even a couple of wins and they’d be in the top-five conversation up to their eyeballs. Instead, they’re sitting ninth. And yet, finals are certainly not out of the question. Can Northcote Park continue its red-hot form at topple Diamond Creek at Bill Lawry Oval this week? It will be a fascinating match. The final two weeks could then decide the club’s season. It doesn’t come much harder than South Morang and Whittlesea. A strong finish can at least build momentum for 2025 and show potential recruits what the team is capable of.

10. LAURIMAR (1-0-11, 65.23%)

Run home
: South Morang (A), Thomastown (A), Northcote Park (H), Panton Hill (H), St Mary’s (A), Watsonia (H)

Difficulty: 4/10

Prediction: LLLWLL

Finish: 10th (2-0-16)

Unfortunately, with Northcote Park’s return to form, Laurimar is fighting an uphill battle to avoid relegation. The Power sit last with one win to their name, likely needing at least three or four more in the final six to avoid the drop. It’s hard to see one coming, we’ve tipped them to knock off Panton Hill in Round 17 but there’s every chance they repeat the win over Northcote Park at Laurimar Reserve and Watsonia is gettable in Round 18 too. Whatever happens, it’s been an important development season for the club’s young players and a lot of them will be better for the experience.

Who plays NFNL Division 2 finals?​

Week 1 Bye: Whittlesea
Qualifying Final: Diamond Creek v South Morang
Elimination Final: St Mary's v Thomastown
 
NP a big show to upset DC tomorrow.. quietly improved there playing list throughout season and having a fit and firing Clark and Perry brothers always a great starting point.
Agree especially with the Perry boys they are absolute class . DC should have too much depth and hold them off I think
 

(Log in to remove this ad.)

Absolutely flipping disgusting. Bundoora should be ashamed. their scum of the earth supporters that are involved are apparently going to be charged
I hope that gutless campaigner in the white hoodie gets barred for life.
 
Does anyone want 5th spot, just making up numbers though
Northcote Park have a wet sail at the moment and could theoretically grab it! At the other end, Laurimar would gain some confidence and perhaps grab 2-3 wins and put Watsonia under pressure.

There is certainly some tasty games featuring the bottom half that will see fortunes fluctuate from one week to the next!
 

Remove this Banner Ad

NFNL Div 2 discussion 2024

Remove this Banner Ad

Back
Top