Finals the focus for CHFL penultimate round

A RED-hot Crow’s outfit has seen the reigning premiers fly up to sixth on the ladder in the Bendigo Bank & Rural Bank Central Highlands Football League with pundits now believing that they could repeat recent history on current day form. Premiership player, Lachlan Murray has booted 14 goals in his last two outings and will be the danger man against the Lakies this weekend with the mental scares in the Learmonth’s loss to Dunnstown still at the forefront of most. Prediction – Beaufort by 42 points.

Buninyong v Waubra

It’s a true battle of the titans with second hosting first and the Bombers looking to inflict the Kangas second loss of the season this weekend. Waubra were no match for the Cats, and Marcus Darmody, who seven goals handed them their first loss of the year, but also proved to the footballing world that they can in fact be beaten. Meanwhile, the Bombers registered their highest score of 2019 on the weekend with 14 different goalkickers being the most pleasing aspect in their win over the Saints. If they share the love again, back-to-back losses will be on the cards for the ‘Roos. Prediction – Buninyong in a tight one.

Dunnstown v Daylesford

It was an emotional come-from-behind victory for the Towners on the weekend in the Lachie’s Legacy Round matchup against Learmonth, and the win was the club’s fifth in a row. A soft run home has helped their respectability on the ladder be restored, and a comfortable victory here over the struggling Bulldogs should see the Towners jump up to tenth after being on the bottom only six weeks ago. Prediction – Dunnstown comfortably.

Gordon v Carngham-Linton

Not much to say in this one after another big Eagles win, and big Saints loss last week meaning that history should most likely repeat itself in Gordon. Prediction – Gordon by 100+

Hepburn v Clunes

To be honest, the only exciting factor in this one is the fact that Sam Dunstan has kicked 25 goals in his previous two games, so in theory, another big bag for him should be on the cards against the bottom placed Magpies. Prediction – Hepburn win, Dunstan 10 plus.

Newlyn v Skipton

The Cats were super in handing Waubra their first loss of the season on the weekend, but remarkably dropped from second third due to a crazy set of circumstances surrounding percentage. Despite that, they will walk in heavy favourites naturally in this one against Skipton, and as their status as premiership favourites firms, this week could once again be all about Marcus Darmody, who is a big chance to kick his 100th goal of the season. Prediction – Newlyn by 30 points.

Rokewood-Corindhap v Ballan

Finally! The Hoppers got back on the winner’s list after ten consecutive weeks of defeats, thanks to four-goal hauls from Jake Carr and Tyler Mookhoek against the Wickers. The win means the club walks in stronger favourites against the Blues in this one who copped another spanking last week from the Burra. Prediction – Rookewood-Corindhap go back-to-back.

Springbank v Bungaree

Match of the Round as this one could determine who finishes eighth on the ladder with the seventh placed Tigers hosting the ninth placed Demons. Bungaree are one game outside the top eight, and with one round to go after this one, a horrible percentage and then the high-flying Cats to close the season, it’s now or never for Heath Pykes men. The Tigers have already secured their place in the finals for season 2019, and being level on points with teams as high as fifth, a victory here is crucial in the club gaining a home final, but also avoiding a blockbuster elimination finals matchup with the likes of a Hepburn or Beaufort. Prediction – Springbank in a close one.