Bombers’ rise set for big boost

Ballan v Buninyong

AN easy win is expected for the Bombers as they will secure a top eight finish with a victory this weekend over the struggling Blues in Central Highlands Football League round 16 action.

Speedster, Geoff Lovett, was Buninyong’s best in last weekend’s win over Creswick in what was a real danger game, and his couple crucial goals a highlight in the victory.

With Daylesford in the final round, and if other results fall their way, a home final could still be on the cards for Buninyong and no doubt they are an opposition no side wants to play in the post season.

Prediction: Buninyong comfortably.

Dunnstown v Waubra

Match of the Round with the Towners hosting the now eighth placed Roos in a clash that could have massive implications on the top eight.

With the likes of Rokewood-Corindhap snapping at their heels and on a far greater percentage, the finish for Waubra in season 2022 is simple, win one game either this week over the much more fancied Towners, or win a genuine 50-50 elimination style finals clash next week against Learmonth.

Dunnstown continue to look the real deal and a vital top two finish earning a home final could be the difference when the alternative is tricky away trips to the likes of Gordon or Hepburn.

With that in mind there’s plenty for Dunnstown to play for and no doubt it’s the message coach Glenn Wilkens is instilling into his chargers.

Prediction: Dunnstown by 24 points.

Daylesford v Newlyn

Another game that all about pride with two sides outside the finals race yet battling to finish as high on the ladder as possible.

To pardon the pun, they’ll be fighting like cats and dogs to win this one and in a scrappy affair it might be the power of a Marcus Darmody inside the forward 50 that’ll be the difference in gaining the four points.

Prediction: Newlyn in a genuine 50/50.

Creswick v Gordon

Two victories away from back-to-back minor premierships, the Eagles are building towards securing their first flag since 1988.

A victory in excess of 150-points over competition cellar dwellers Carngham-Linton was highlighted by a 17 goal to one opening half blitz that was made even more impressive without the likes of Adam Toohey, James Kelly and Matthew Stokes.

The Wickers will have a crack, and that has been their way for the last month, but it’s impossible to realistically think they are within a shot of this powerhouse Eagles outfit.

Prediction: Gordon by over ten goals.

Carngham-Linton v Hepburn

In their last home game of the year, the Saints are in for another shellacking as their winless 2022 season looks to draw towards a close.

Possessing that killer instinct, expect this to get ugly as Hepburn continues to push their way towards an all-important top two finish.

Prediction: Hepburn in a landslide.

Bungaree v Clunes

Mathematically still in the hunt, the Demons will want to win big here to keep their finals hope alive.

Clunes got back on the winners last round with a victory over the struggling Crows, and they’ll fancy themselves if conditions are wet, cold and windy to push the Demons and end their improbable finals push.

Prediction: Bungaree by 15 points.

Beaufort v Skipton

Bad kicking is bad football and that’s the message ringing in the ears of Emu fans last weekend after missing a golden opportunity to break into the competition’s top four in a loss against Springbank.

Looking to round 16, they will no doubt get back on the winners list against a Beaufort line up that needs to look again at the kind of positive recruitment drive they had this off-season where they brought in Daniel Jones from North Ballarat.

Get him some support at the source and a rise up the ladder is possible, but that is a 2023 outlook only.

Prediction: Skipton by plenty.

Springbank v Rokewood-Corindhap

The Tigers are looking to secure a top four finish whereas the Hoppers will want to get back inside the competition’s top eight after slipping out for the first time this season.

That means it’s all to play for this Saturday afternoon at the Wallace Recreation Reserve.

On paper both sides are more than evenly matched with the Tigers recently losing that killer instinct they had on full display in the first half of the season.

Fresh off the bye, and with two weeks to prepare for this crunch game, this is where coaches make their money and Shaun Maloney is regarded as one of the very best in the Central Highlands Football League.

Prediction: Rokewood-Corindhap in an upset.