The first half of the AFL Outer East season is complete and it’s now time to separate the contenders from the pretenders.
Pakenham has ridden the wave of momentum more than any club, Officer face an abrupt search for a coach, while all clubs bar Narre Warren itself are in pursuit of a method that will defeat these seemingly untouchable Magpies.
Division 1 tells a similar story; Seville appears impenetrable – despite losing its skipper and best player to a knee injury, but there are several sides waiting in a log jam behind the Blues for a moment of brief complacency.
Berwick Springs has shown glimpses of brilliance in its hunt for a maiden finals berth in its second season, while Gembrook Cockatoo – with the talent on its list – simply has to deliver when the whips are cracking.
So, here’s the bottom line…
PAKENHAM (6th):
Record: 4-3
Best win: Olinda Ferny Creek – 13.12 (90) to 12.16 (88)
Worst Loss: Wandin – 15.11 (101) to 19.18 (132)
Bottom line: Bigger grounds in finals will help the Lions, but they need to get there first. It should be an expectation, but the rehab room is reaching full capacity.
