YvWater The Run Home

10 minutes ago
16 min read

Just six weeks left in four of the five Senior Men's season for 2026!

We take a look at each side's run home and predict who finishes where, who's likely to play finals and who's in relegation strife!

Premier Division

1. East Ringwood (11-1, 176.65%)

Round 13: Blackburn (A)

Round 14: Berwick (H)

Round 15: Rowville (A)

Round 16: South Belgrave (H)

Round 17: Vermont (H)

Round 18: Doncaster East (A)

With just one loss all season, East Ringwood is still in the box seat for the Minor Premiership. Their run home creates a great tune-up for the finals, with five of their six games against top-six sides.

A win over Rowville in Round 15 would most likely secure them the top spot and the first week of the finals off.

From here, the most realistic worst-case scenario for East Ringwood is a Qualifying Final, a four-game and percentage buffer from fourth place.

Prediction: 1st

2. Rowville (10-2, 156.41%)

Round 13: South Belgrave (A)

Round 14: Blackburn (A)

Round 15: East Ringwood (H)

Round 16: Berwick (A)

Round 17: Doncaster East (H)

Round 18: Balwyn (H)

Arguably the best in-form team at this very moment, the Hawks' depth has the club set up for a deep September run.

As mentioned above, the top spot may be up for grabs with Rowville set to meet East Ringwood in Round 15 at Seebeck Oval. It's a must-win game if the side has any chance of the Minor Premiership.

Looking well set up for at the very least, a Qualifying Final at Jubilee Park.

Prediction: 2nd

3. Doncaster East (9-3, 111.46%)

Round 13: Noble Park (A)

Round 14: South Croydon (H)

Round 15: Blackburn (H)

Round 16: Balwyn (A)

Round 17: Rowville (A)

Round 18: East Ringwood (H)

The Lions have been finding ways to win over the last few weeks, surviving scares from Berwick and South Belgrave.

Banking nine wins, the Lions are in a strong position for the double chance going into the Split Round. They’ll arguably head in as favourites over their next four games before facing the top two ahead of finals.

Blackburn looks to be the only threat below Doncaster East to pinch a double chance spot from them. Pencil in Round 15 at Zerbes Reserve as a must-watch game!

Prediction: 3rd

4. Blackburn (7-5, 115.96%)

Round 13: East Ringwood (H)

Round 14: Rowville (H)

Round 15: Doncaster East (A)

Round 16: Noble Park (A)

Round 17: Berwick (H)

Round 18: South Belgrave (A)

The three biggest season-defining weeks of the year await the Burners.

Facing the top three sides all in a row, the clash at Zerbes Reserve against the Lions is extra important for Blackburn’s double chance ambitions.

The most likely path to a double chance means Blackburn will need to win five of their remaining six games. It’s not out of the question, but if they can’t get over the big contenders in the upcoming weeks, their bigger focus will be just to guarantee their finals spot is secured.

Prediction: 4th

5. Berwick (6-6, 113.02%)

Round 13: South Croydon (H)

Round 14: East Ringwood (A)

Round 15: Noble Park (H)

Round 16: Rowville (H)

Round 17: Blackburn (A)

Round 18: Vermont (A)

Without a doubt, a must-win game against Balwyn keeps Berwick’s finals hopes alive; a loss would have put them six points behind fifth with a difficult run home.

Still set to face the top-two sides again, as well as Blackburn at Morton Park, who have a lot to play for themselves.

A superior percentage to Vermont gives Berwick an edge, but they certainly have the more difficult run home of the two sides.

It may come down to a Round 18 clash with the Eagles to determine their fate?

Prediction: 6th

6. Vermont (6-6, 97.90%)

Round 13: Balwyn (H)

Round 14: Noble Park (H)

Round 15: South Belgrave (H)

Round 16: South Croydon (H)

Round 17: East Ringwood (A)

Round 18: Berwick (H)

A stretch of home games in the run home, five of six at Vermont Recreation Reserve.

On form, they probably enter their next four as the favourites. Five wins in their last six games should earn the Eagles a spot. On the other hand, anything less than four will make things difficult.

Huge game against rivals Balwyn this Saturday, yet another eight-point game between two potential finalists.

Prediction: 5th

7. Balwyn (5-1-6, 81.24%)

Round 13: Vermont (A)

Round 14: South Belgrave (H)

Round 15: South Croydon (A)

Round 16: Doncaster East (H)

Round 17: Noble Park (H)

Round 18: Rowville (A)

Are the back-to-back reigning premiers done?

Despite being only two points outside the top five, their recent form calls for concern. Four losses on the trot have pushed Balwyn down to seventh with six rounds remaining.

They do have a favourable run home, but even against sides below them, you wouldn’t tip the Tigers with a supreme amount of confidence.

A week off may be the best for them. No question that their Round 13 clash with Vermont is a must-win for the Tigers.

Prediction: 7th

8. South Croydon (3-1-8, 67.66%)

Round 13: Berwick (A)

Round 14: Doncaster East (A)

Round 15: Balwyn (H)

Round 16: Vermont (A)

Round 17: South Belgrave (A)

Round 18: Noble Park (H)

Safe from the relegation battle but too far out from the final’s conversation, South Croydon are in an interesting position at Round 13.

All six of their remaining games are must-win games for their opposition, meaning the Dogs can shape the top five and provide great nuisance value for those around them.

Prediction: 8th

9. South Belgrave (1-11, 71.56%)

Round 13: Rowville (H)

Round 14: Balwyn (A)

Round 15: Vermont (A)

Round 16: East Ringwood (A)

Round 17: South Croydon (H)

Round 18: Blackburn (H)

It’s been a frustrating three weeks for South Belgrave. They’ve been in all three games but were unable to come away with four points in any of them, which leaves the door open for Noble Park.

Both sides look close to pulling off an upset, so to survive relegation, they’re going to need to win at least one more.

Prediction: 10th

10. Noble Park (1-11, 62.96%)

Round 13: Doncaster East (H)

Round 14: Vermont (A)

Round 15: Berwick (A)

Round 16: Blackburn (H)

Round 17: Balwyn (A)

Round 18: South Croydon (A)

As spoken about above, both South Belgrave and Noble Park look close to pulling off an upset.

The percentage gap can be made up, but the Bulls cannot afford anymore percentage damaging losses on the run home.

Another win is a must. On paper, they have the better of the two run homes, not playing either East Ringwood or Rowville.

Prediction: 9th

Predicted First week of Finals:

Bye: East Ringwood

Qualifying Final: Rowville v Doncaster East

Elimination Final: Blackburn v Vermont

Division One

1. North Ringwood (11-1, 161.65%)

Round 13: Mitcham (H)

Round 14: Wantirna South (H)

Round 15: Norwood (A)

Round 16: Montrose (A)

Round 17: Mooroolbark (H)

Round 18: Boronia (A)

The Saints keep winning, and suddenly they’re a game and a half ahead on top of the Division One ladder.

Two big games at Quambee Reserve against the other top three sides of the division will give us a good indicator of just how strong an outfit they are.

Prediction: 1st

2. Wantirna South (9-1-2, 130.20%)

Round 13: Montrose (A)

Round 14: North Ringwood (A)

Round 15: Park Orchards (H)

Round 16: Boronia (A)

Round 17: Bayswater (A)

Round 18: Mitcham (H)

A chaotic few weeks for the Devils, but everything seems to be working out in their favour, now half a game clear in second after the Tigers' shock loss.

They have the toughest run home of all top five sides; they face all other top five sides and a sixth-place Boronia at Tormore Reserve.

Four wins from their last six should be enough for a double chance, games against Park Orchards and Mitcham will be vital.

Prediction: 4th

3. Mitcham (9-3, 162.95%)

Round 13: North Ringwood (A)

Round 14: Park Orchards (H)

Round 15: Mooroolbark (A)

Round 16: Beaconsfield (H)

Round 17: Montrose (H)

Round 18: Wantirna South (A)

The Tigers upset to Norwood has put a spanner in the works for Mitcham, who enter a massive two weeks against the Saints and the Sharks. Instead of playing off for this top spot on the ladder this weekend, Mitcham are just looking to hold their spot in the three for another week.

They know the importance of the double chance, having won the premiership twice in recent years from that spot.

Prediction: 3rd

4. Park Orchards (9-3, 135.22%)

Round 13: Beaconsfield (H)

Round 14: Mitcham (A)

Round 15: Wantirna South (A)

Round 16: Bayswater (H)

Round 17: Boronia (A)

Round 18: Mooroolbark (H)

Has the sleeping giant awoken?

Massive win on the road against the Dees was a statement victory for a Park Orchards side who are missing several key stars and hasn’t hit their full straps yet.

Favourable run home from here, win the games they’re expected to and the double chance looks likely.

Prediction: 2nd

5. Montrose (7-5, 138.32%)

Round 13: Wantirna South (H)

Round 14: Norwood (A)

Round 15: Boronia (A)

Round 16: North Ringwood (H)

Round 17: Mitcham (A)

Round 18: Beaconsfield (A)

Tough loss on the weekend, almost rules them out for a double chance.

A win this weekend will keep the handy buffer they have in fifth; any slip-up’s in the next fortnight would suddenly make Round 15’s clash against the Hawks at Tormore Reserve a lot more interesting.

Prediction: 5th

6. Boronia (5-7, 91.26%)

Round 13: Norwood (H)

Round 14: Bayswater (A)

Round 15: Montrose (H)

Round 16: Wantirna South (H)

Round 17: Park Orchards (H)

Round 18: North Ringwood (H)

A much-needed win on the weekend, tied with a Montrose loss, keeps the door very slightly ajar.

Two games and percentage out, the Hawks would likely need to win out from here and hope the Dees really drop off in form, starting with their match against Wantirna South tomorrow.

Prediction: 6th

7. Beaconsfield (4-8, 102.79%)

Round 13: Park Orchards (A)

Round 14: Mooroolbark (H)

Round 15: Bayswater (H)

Round 16: Mitcham (A)

Round 17: Norwood (A)

Round 18: Montrose (H)

A one-point loss to the Devils will certainly sting with the Eagles starting to build some momentum. They’ll enter three of their last six games as the favourites, an a potential outside chance to upset one of the other contenders.

Prediction: 7th

8. Mooroolbark (3-1-8, 78.35%)

Round 13: Bayswater (H)

Round 14: Beaconsfield (A)

Round 15: Mitcham (H)

Round 16: Norwood (H)

Round 17: North Ringwood (A)

Round 18: Park Orchards (A)

Two weeks in a row where Mooroolbark have failed to register more than five goals in a game.

This weekend’s clash against Bayswater gives the Mustangs an opportunity to get back on the winners' list.

Prediction: 8th

9. Norwood (2-10, 56.02%)

Round 13: Boronia (A)

Round 14: Montrose (H)

Round 15: North Ringwood (H)

Round 16: Mooroolbark (A)

Round 17: Beaconsfield (H)

Round 18: Bayswater (A)

Possibly the greatest upset of the season. Norwood is well positioned to remain in Division One with at least a couple of more opportunities to get some further wins on the board.

Prediction: 9th

10. Bayswater (0-12, 34.76%)

Round 13: Mooroolbark (A)

Round 14: Boronia (H)

Round 15: Beaconsfield (A)

Round 16: Park Orchards (A)

Round 17: Wantirna South (H)

Round 18: Norwood (H)

A Norwood surprise win on the weekend all but confirms Bayswater’s fate. They’d have to pick up three wins at very least to survive relegation.

Prediction: 10th

Predicted First week of Finals:

Bye: North Ringwood

Qualifying Final: Park Orchards v Mitcham

Elimination Final: Wantirna South v Montrose

Division Two

1. Surrey Park (11-1, 154.47%)

Round 13: Ringwood (A)

Round 14: East Burwood (A)

Round 15: Heathmont (H)

Round 16: Mulgrave (H)

Round 17: Lilydale (A)

Round 18: Croydon (A)

A crucial win last weekend for the Panthers sees them move a game and percentage clear of second-placed Templestowe.

Strong favourites in all their remaining games, but could get a taste of finals in the final three rounds of the season. On form, you’d back them in to win all six and secure the minor premiership.

Prediction: 1st

2. Templestowe (10-2, 135.34%)

Round 13: Croydon (H)

Round 14: Lilydale (A)

Round 15: Scoresby (H)

Round 16: East Burwood (H)

Round 17: Waverley Blues (A)

Round 18: Ringwood (H)

Their minor premiership aspirations took a dent last weekend, but they still sit in a strong position inside the top two.

An interesting next fortnight awaits the Dockers, with matches against the Blues and Falcons before facing four of the bottom five sides of the Division in the final month of the season.

Prediction: 2nd

3. Mulgrave (7-5, 113.77%)

Round 13: Waverley Blues (H)

Round 14: Heathmont (A)

Round 15: Lilydale (H)

Round 16: Surrey Park (A)

Round 17: Croydon (H)

Round 18: East Burwood (A)

Have started to stabilise in the past few weeks after they went through the motions earlier in the season.

Do have some eight-point games to end the season against the two Blues sides plus Lilydale, all of which are at home. Their only two losses at home this year - Templestowe and Surrey Park

Have Surrey in the run home, but should be able to bank enough wins to secure a fourth consecutive finals berth.

Prediction: 3rd

4. Lilydale (7-5, 102.99%)

Round 13: East Burwood (H)

Round 14: Templestowe (H)

Round 15: Mulgrave (A)

Round 16: Heathmont (A)

Round 17: Surrey Park (H)

Round 18: Scoresby (A)

Been a fantastic season for the Falcons, with their win last weekend crucial in boosting their finals credentials.

Got some tough games to finish off the year, including the top three sides. However, they do face three of the bottom four sides, including East Burwood this week.

It’s crucial they get the win this weekend in what is a banana peel game for them against the Rams.

Prediction: 5th

5. Croydon (7-5, 100.35%)

Round 13: Templestowe (A)

Round 14: Ringwood (H)

Round 15: Waverley Blues (H)

Round 16: Scoresby (A)

Round 17: Mulgrave (A)

Round 18: Surrey Park (A)

Double chance hopes took a small hit last weekend with a surprise loss to East Burwood at home.

Much like Lilydale, do have some favourable but tough games on the run home. Crucial games against Waverley Blues and Mulgrave for both their finals hopes and double chance hopes.

Prediction: 4th

6. Waverley Blues (6-6, 79.06%)

Round 13: Mulgrave (A)

Round 14: Scoresby (H)

Round 15: Croydon (A)

Round 16: Ringwood (A)

Round 17: Templestowe (H)

Round 18: Heathmont (H)

The Blues' loss last weekend to Lilydale last weekend saw their finals aspirations take a body blow.

Similar run home to their fellow Blues and the Falcons. If they are to play finals, they must knock off both Mulgrave and Croydon, given their poor percentage.

Can they do it is another question.

Prediction: 6th

7. East Burwood (4-8, 109.25%)

Round 13: Lilydale (A)

Round 14: Surrey Park (H)

Round 15: Ringwood (H)

Round 16: Templestowe (A)

Round 17: Heathmont (H)

Round 18: Mulgrave (H)

Got some winnable games in the final third of the season for the Rams. Still mathematically a sniff of playing finals (and getting relegated too). Realistically - should do enough to avoid relegation but are too far back to play finals even with their percentage.

Prediction: 7th

8. Heathmont (4-8, 79.85%)

Round 13: Scoresby (A)

Round 14: Mulgrave (H)

Round 15: Surrey Park (A)

Round 16: Lilydale (H)

Round 17: East Burwood (A)

Round 18: Waverley Blues (A)

Have improved the Jets the past few weeks to sit two games and a small amount of percentage ahead of the bottom two. Can certainly shape the top five or six sides but, like East Burwood, are too far back to make a late finals push like they did last year.

Prediction: 8th

9. Ringwood (2-10, 72.93%)

Round 13: Surrey Park (H)

Round 14: Croydon (A)

Round 15: East Burwood (A)

Round 16: Waverley Blues (H)

Round 17: Scoresby (H)

Round 18: Templestowe (A)

Sit precariously in ninth on the Division 2 table, just .58 per cent ahead of last-placed Scoresby. Have to find a scalp on the way home if they are to lock in their spot in Division 2 for next year. If they don’t, it’ll come down to their game against Scoresby at home in the penultimate round.

Prediction: 10th

10. Scoresby (2-10, 72.35%)

Round 13: Heathmont (H)

Round 14: Waverley Blues (A)

Round 15: Templestowe (A)

Round 16: Croydon (H)

Round 17: Ringwood (A)

Round 18: Lilydale (H)

Have done well to get themselves into the position they’re in at the moment after a poor start to the year. Their Grand Final could take place once again at Jubilee Park - this time against fellow bottom side Ringwood.

But they have shown plenty of signs of pulling off an upset and have some winnable games to end the year, including this weekend.

Prediction: 9th

Predicted First week of the Finals:

Bye: Surrey Park

Qualifying Final: Templestowe v Mulgrave

Elimination Final: Croydon v Lilydale

Division Three

1. Donvale (11-1, 277.40%)

Round 14: Bye

Round 15: The Basin (A)

Round 16: Ferntree Gully (H)

Round 17: Upper Ferntree Gully (A)

Round 18: Knox (H)

It’s a position they know all too well, leading from the front heading into the final weeks of the season.

Donvale remain in the box seat for a fourth consecutive Minor Premiership.

With their superior percentage, they can afford a loss on the run home, lose to both The Basin and UFTG, however, and they may find themselves slipping to second or third.

With key players set to return to the side, the Magpies are still my pick for top spot.

Prediction: 1st

2. Upper Ferntree Gully (10-2, 188.48%)

Round 14: Oakleigh District (H)

Round 15: Bye

Round 16: Whitehorse (A)

Round 17: Donvale (H)

Round 18: Ferntree Gully (A)

Despite being the only side to beat Donvale, the Minor Premiership might be a step out of reach for Upper FTG.

With The Basin a game behind and a better percentage, Upper Ferntree Gully will need both the Magpies and Bears to lose one game each while remaining undefeated themselves.

Prediction: 3rd

3. The Basin (9-2)

Round 14: Silvan (A)

Round 15: Donvale (H)

Round 16: Knox (H)

Round 17: Coldstream (A)

Round 18: Whitehorse (A)

Having played a game less than the others, the top spot is still a realistic possibility. They would need to defeat Donvale and have Upper Ferntree Gully also beat the Magpies in their run home.

Still looking at a likely Qualifying Final date with Upper Gully, a side they’ve beaten twice this year.

Prediction: 2nd

4. Silvan (7-5)

Round 14: The Basin (H)

Round 15: Whitehorse (A)

Round 16: Coldstream (H)

Round 17: Bye

Round 18: Oakleigh District (A)

Although they’re destined for an Elimination Final, this weekend’s clash with the Bears at home is important for the Cats' mindset entering the finals. They’ve fallen short against the other three top-five sides in recent weeks.

Prediction: 4th

5. Knox (6-5, 109.75%)

Round 14: Coldstream (A)

Round 15: Oakleigh District (H)

Round 16: The Basin (A)

Round 17: Whitehorse (H)

Round 18: Donvale (A)

An Elimination Final awaits the Falcons with too much ground to make up on the top three. Games away to The Basin and Donvale will be crucial just to see where they currently sit against the top teams of the division.

They’ll be eager to officially lock up a finals place this weekend by beating sixth-place Coldstream away from home.

Prediction: 5th

6. Coldstream (4-8, 76.40%)

Round 14: Knox (H)

Round 15: Ferntree Gully (A)

Round 16: Silvan (A)

Round 17: The Basin (H)

Round 18: Bye

Any hope of a late finals charge was snuffed out last weekend against Upper Ferntree Gully. They’ve separated themselves from the bottom three sides of the division but still remain two games and percentage behind fifth-place Knox, whom they meet this weekend.

Prediction: 6th

7. Whitehorse (2-9, 64.36%)

Round 14: Ferntree Gully (A)

Round 15: Silvan (H)

Round 16: Upper Ferntree Gully (H)

Round 17: Knox (A)

Round 18: The Basin (H)

The Pioneers have likely done enough to consolidate their position in Division Three after last year’s promotion. Most winnable games in the run home come in the next fortnight.

Prediction: 8th

8. Ferntree Gully (2-9, 59.37%)

Round 14: Whitehorse (H)

Round 15: Coldstream (H)

Round 16: Donvale (A)

Round 17: Oakleigh District (A)

Round 18: Upper Ferntree Gully (H)

Winnable games in their next two weeks, both home games at Wally Tew Reserve.

After dropping a game to Oakleigh District earlier this season, they’ll also be eager to reverse that result in Round 17.

Can win three of their last five.

Prediction: 7th

9. Oakleigh District (1-11, 33.86%)

Round 14: Upper Ferntree Gully (A)

Round 15: Knox (A)

Round 16: Bye

Round 17: Ferntree Gully (H)

Round 18: Silvan (H)

The likely candidate for relegation with five rounds left. To survive in Division Three, they would need to win two of their last four and have either Ferntree Gully or Whitehorse lose all remaining games.

Prediction: 8th

Predicted First week of Finals:

Bye: Donvale

Qualifying Final: The Basin v Upper Ferntree Gully

Elimination Final: Silvan v Knox

Division Four

1. Warrandyte (8-1-1, 228.52%)

Round 13: Doncaster (H)

Round 14: Bulleen Templestowe (A)

Round 15: Fairpark (A)

Round 16: Croydon North MLOC (H)

Round 17: Forest Hill (A)

Round 18: KIlsyth (H)

Well positioned for a double chance at the end of the season. Their draw takes percentage out of the equation.

Two big games away from home against the Bullants and Lions will test them, but the Bloods have done everything right so far to best position themselves for a deep finals run.

Prediction: 2nd

2. Bulleen Templestowe (8-3, 251.21%)

Round 13: Chirnside Park (A)

Round 14: Warrandyte (H)

Round 15: Forest Hill (H)

Round 16: Nunawading (A)

Round 17: Fairpark (H)

Round 18: BYE

An A+ season for the Bullants thus far in what has been a very strong second season in the competition.

I’m not concerned about the Bullants dropping out of the finals, but it is a tough run home compared to the other top four sides, so if they are to finish top two, then they will have certainly earned that double chance.

Prediction: 4th

3. Fairpark (8-3, 215.77%)

Round 13: Nunawading (A)

Round 14: Croydon North MLOC (A)

Round 15: Warrandyte (H)

Round 16: BYE

Round 17: Bulleen Templestowe (A)

Round 18: Doncaster (H)

Out of form, quite a different side in comparison to the start of the year. The Lions have a fair run home, they’re in the mix for a top two position, so all eyes are on their Round 15 and 17 games.

Prediction: 3rd

4. Chirnside Park (8-2, 176.78%)

Round 13: Bulleen Templestowe (H)

Round 14: Nunawading (A)

Round 15: Croydon North MLOC (A)

Round 16: Doncaster (H)

Round 17: Kilsyth (A)

Round 18: Forest Hill (H)

The Best Run Home of the top four, the Panthers are set up very nicely for another top-two finish and the double chance. Their toughest match in the run home is this weekend’s decider against the Bullants, however, it’s at Kimberley Reserve, where they haven't lost this year, and it’s against a side they’re yet to lose to.

Win this weekend and the double chance will be firmly in their sights.

Prediction: 1st

5. Kilsyth (6-1-4, 152.94%)

Round 13: Croydon North MLOC (A)

Round 14: BYE

Round 15: Nunawading (H)

Round 16: Forest Hill (A)

Round 17: Chirnside Park (H)

Round 18: Warrandyte (A)

Have they left their run too late?

Some big results in previous weeks has Kilsyth closing the gap between them and the top four. However, it may be too little, too late, I expect them to win their next three games before a tough final four fortnight of the season.

Likely need to win all five games to sneak in, and even then, that might not be enough.

Prediction: 5th

6. Croydon North MLOC (4-7, 71.82%)

Round 13: Kilsyth (H)

Round 14: Fairpark (H)

Round 15: Chirnside Park (H)

Round 16: Warrandyte (A)

Round 17: BYE

Round 18: Nunawading (H)

Back at Hughes Park this weekend, the KangaRams will play their next three games at home, all coming against top-four sides.

Prediction: 7th

7. Doncaster (3-7, 80.06%)