Dockers meet Eagles in top-of-the-table clash in PoM AFL

LAMANA Dockers will start the short-prized favourites for this weekend’s Esiloan Port Moresby AFL top-of-the-table clash with West Eagles at the Colts Oval on Saturday.
The Eagles clawed the Dockers in their last clash but the reigning premiers have returned to their best form with emphatic victories over Gordon Kokofas, Concept Koboni and Bomana Cats in their past three matches.
They will have every opportunity to square the ledger with the Eagles and keep their hope of title defence alive.
The pressure will be on the Eagles to keep their unbeaten record intact and they will have to do that without their two key defenders – fullback Alois Alonge Mondo (broken arm) and centre-half-back Raymond Vogae (knee injury).
Although the Eagles have won their past matches without Mondo and Vogae (against the lower-rated teams), their no-nonsense defensive play in the backline will be dearly missed.
Both teams are equally matched in skill, height and running play, but the Eagles will have the edge in the midfield, with ex-Bomana Cats duo Greg Ekari and Kila Rawali looking dangerous with their elusive runs and accurate deliveries.
Perhaps the Dockers men for the sprint contest against Ekari and Rawali will be Archie Mai Jr and the latest Kimbe import Ralph Vagelo.
The Eagles Jeffery Namete, Dunstall and Daniby Kase, Damien Kani, Mathew Pulah Jr, Allan Mara and Jayden Advent are brilliant goal kickers but if Colin Slim, Emmanuel Tupia, Laurie Logo, Sebastian Gelu, Valu Nakas and Luke Savere Jr stand tall at the opposite end of the field, the reigning premiers should have the final laugh.
The earlier matches, Cats are expected to easily account for the North Waigani Royals Tigers while on Sunday, Gordon Kokofas should hold out Gereka Bombers.
In the Sunday women’s matches premiers Concept Koboni should edge out North Waigani Royals Tigers while the Dockers and Kokofas match may see an even contest.