Lakers and City battle to keep seasons alive

Lake Wendouree v North Ballarat City
IT’S a long way back for both sides to make finals in the McDonalds Ballarat Football League this year with 2020 a more realistic goal. The Lakers are on the rebuild, while North have been plagued by injuries all season and that fact alone has probably cost them a finals birth in season 2019. Prediction – North by 30 points.

Sunbury v East Point
Match of the round as the Eastern Bloc Lions host the table topping Kangaroos only four weeks since their epic encounter in round 8. Sunbury are likely to name boom recruit, Jarrah Masksymow for this one off the back of the bye, while the Kangaroos won’t risk Captain Paul Koderanko on the road to Sunbury where he has been rested in years gone by. Jordan Johnston was best on ground when these two sides met last time, and with four goals in the win against Darley, he could be the difference again. Prediction – East Point in a nail bitter.

Bacchus Marsh v Redan
This game presents itself as an old fashion ‘eight pointer’ for both sides with a victory either way meaning so much for their respective finals aspirations. The Lions were without Captain Liam Hoy last week and lost big man Orren Stephenson, who was a late withdrawal in the loss to Sebas. With those two available it’s a different ball game, but the Marsh is a tough proposition at home and that advantage could be enough to decide this one. Prediction – Bacchus Marsh by 12 points.

Sebastopol v Melton
Another week and another crunch game for Sebas, but as pundits continue to get shown they are up to the test and should be too good for the Bloods. Melton is yet to win in Ballarat this season and are a shell of the team that played in the grand final last year. If their poor form continues away from home, it wouldn’t be surprising if finals are out of reach. Prediction – Sebastopol comfortably.

Melton South v Ballarat
Neither side wants to finish on bottom on the ladder but with one win a piece, this game presents itself as a battle for the wooden spoon. Big positive for the Panthers with the game being played at the Rec Reserve, but the Swans have been competitive all year and the one registered victory doesn’t reflect how good they actually are. Prediction – Ballarat by 24 points.