Matthew Knights.

Matthew Knights. Photo: Sebastian Costanzo



Port Melbourne is one of the desperate teams fighting to keep its spot in September during this weekend's final round.


The Borough's 28-game winning streak came to an end last season and coach Gary Ayres admitted its tenure as a powerhouse was all but over. But there are signs that Port is up for one last crack with its ageing crop.


It came within six points of last year's premier Geelong last week and Box Hill Hawks coach Damian Carroll still believes Port is a threat.


"Port, we feel, will be a big player along with the top four, especially with the home finals that they'll have," Carroll said.


At North Port Oval - where most of the finals will be played - Port's game-plan comes to life. Along with the Hawks, Port appears to be the only other team that has the vigour and nous to cope with Geelong.


"I think they [Port Melbourne] spread the ball really well out of defence early and made us defend hard. Our method wasn't great because we were probably letting them have those short kicks," Cats VFL coach Matthew Knights said.


The Borough is likely to consolidate seventh spot with a win against Coburg on Sunday.


Geelong will host a historic first qualifying final at Simonds Stadium against either Williamstown or Casey next Friday night. The Cats are guaranteed to finish on top.


Essendon is expected to be given the green light to compete in VFL finals - if it makes it - despite the cloud of the supplements saga still hovering.


The winner of the Bombers and North Ballarat, which has been brave in its fight for the finals in the second half of the season, will make it through.


The Northern Blues must beat Williamstown if they are to play finals.


Box Hill has been the big improver this season and will head into its final match against Casey with one of the most dangerous midfields in the competition. Xavier Ellis pulled up well from his sore calf last week and has been named alongside Liam Shiels and Sam Iles.


Casey has copped a blow with Jesse Hogan ruled out of the finals series with a knee injury sustained last week.


With Joel Macdonald playing his last game and retiring last week, Casey has again been let down by its AFL affiliate Melbourne come finals time with at least six regulars ruled out due to injuries and player ineligibility. The Scorpions appear to be the most vulnerable of the top four.


VFL ROUND 19 (with tips in bold)


Saturday:


Collingwood v Werribee Tigers, Victoria Park, 11am.


Essendon v North Ballarat, Windy Hill, 1pm.


Williamstown v Northern Blues, Burbank Oval, 1.10pm.


Box Hill Hawks v Casey Scorpions, Box Hill City Oval, 2pm.


Sandringham v Frankston, Trevor Barker Beach Oval, 2pm.


Sunday:


Coburg Tigers v Port Melbourne, Coburg City Oval, 2pm.