Ballarat land devil of a challenge

Darley v Ballarat

MATCH of the Round in the McDonalds Ballarat Football League as the resurgent second placed Darley Devils host a Ballarat Swans outfit desperate to get back on the winners list.

Despite welcoming back a host of players from health and safety protocols, the Swans were no match for East Point last round, with a number of their players looking lethargic in the warmer conditions of Saturday.

Darley on the other hand were dominant in victory over Redan, with spearhead Nick Rodda booting five majors and captain Brett Bewley kicking one of the goals of the season.

In this one the big story will be if Andrew Hooper and Josh Gibson make the trip up the highway with both being in the Swannies best on the weekend.

Joe Carmody would really want their class against one of the in-form sides in the competition.

Prediction: Ballarat in a flip of the coin.

 

East Point v Bacchus Marsh

Statement made. Now it is time for East Point to repeat the dose as they host the Cobras this weekend at the Eastern Oval.

Jordan Johnston has booted 14 goals in the past two weeks and will fancy his chances against a Bacchus Marsh back six that his starting to show worrying signs when the high ball comes in.

Yet, Tom Germans men might have a bit more fire in the belly after a shock loss to the Panthers on the weekend with the loss threatening to derail their finals aspirations for potentially the second straight season.

Prediction: East Point by 24 points.

 

Lake Wendouree v Melton

Last host first with Melton’s perfect start to the season really not in too much danger when they travel to the C. E. Brown Reserve this weekend.

The Lakers full rebuild took another blow with the club falling victim to Sunbury as the other Lions recorded their first win of the season and reports out of the camp suggest star midfielder, Nick Rippon, won’t return for the rest of the year.

For the Bloods it was a comprehensive victory over contenders North Ballarat with Braedan Kight and Ryan Carter both with bags of five goals.

It is expected to be a blood bath so this one is all about respect for Lake Wendouree.

Prediction: Melton comfortably.

 

Melton South v Sebastopol

Dare to dream Panthers fans, with a depleted Sebastopol on the horizon a remarkable opportunity to sneak inside the top six.

Despite a lengthy injury list, the Burra are sitting third on the ladder off the back of the bye and an upset victory a couple weeks back over North Ballarat.

Chase Dummett has emerged as an inside bull in the absence of key pieces, and will be expected to carry the load along with Ryan Noether on the weekend.

Will Thornton-Gielen booted five and brother Jake was super in the Panthers upset victory and again will be amongst the best come Saturday for Heath Pritchard.

Dylan Conway was a late out due to illness and will be expected back in this one to give his side another target inside forward 50.

The last time these two sides met, Sebas held a remarkable 90-pont half time lead and when they matched up at the Melton Recreation Reserve, the in-form James Keeble kicked 10… don’t expect history to repeat itself in that fashion.

Prediction: Sebastopol in a tight one.

 

Sunbury v Redan

Traditional rivals go head-to-head in an almost elimination final style clash as the competition’s Eastern Bloc Lions host the western Redan Lions this Saturday at Clarke Oval.

Sunbury finally registered their first victory of season easing the pressure on coach Travis Hodgson.

For Redan inaccurate goal kicking hurt, as Darley put them to the sword at the City Oval and Jarrett Giampoloas men are yet to win a game at home this year.

Moving away from home and maybe just having lower expectations, Redan can maybe draw upon there only victory to date when they upstaged Sebastopol in round three.

Harry Minton-Connell is the inform midfielder in the competition at the minute with three best on ground performances at Sunbury showcasing the ex-Port Melbourne’s blend of speed and inside grunt.

It won’t be a super high scoring affair, but Sunbury just have a little more class particularly in Tyson Lever in defence to sneak away in this one.

Prediction: Sunbury by 12 points.