Logjam at top of BFL ladder

East Point v North Ballarat City

LAST time these two sides met in the McDonald’s Ballarat Football League it was North who caused the shocking upset in inflicting the Kangas first loss of the season. Since then an injury depleted East Point outfit has struggled to find the form that saw them premiers in 2018. As their injury list grows, with the likes of Daniel Tung joining other premiership players on the sidelines, North’s own injury list shrinks as Tim Speirs and Ryan Luke are set to be the catalyst, and difference, in this one. Prediction – North Ballarat City to do it again and get the chocolates.

 

Sunbury v Darley

Match of the Round as the fourth placed Lions host the second placed Devils in what is set to be an epic Eastern Bloc showdown. The Lions should regain key defender Grant Valles, who has been missing for the past three weeks due to overseas travel, while the Devils coach Heath Scotland will suit up again after making his long-awaited senior return last week in the side’s big victory over Melton South. With both sides level on points and top spot up for grabs, this one will go down to the wire and the Lions dominance on Clarke Oval may be the only deciding factor in this one. Prediction – Sunbury due to home field advantage.

 

Melton v Lake Wendouree

Coming off the bye won’t be enough for Dale Power’s men in this one with the Bloods re-finding their mojo this past weekend in a big way with a stunning upset victory over East Point. Jack Walker was amongst the best again for the Bloods with his run and carry, plus handy knack of finding the footy impressively on display in the grand final replay. Walker missed the 2018 premiership game through injury, and with him now fully fit and raring to go, he could be the difference in his side going one step further in 2019. Prediction – Melton by 30 points.

 

Bacchus Marsh v Sebastopol

The Marsh are still a mathematical chance to play finals footy this season and it would be the understatement of the century to say they must knock off the red hot Kookaburras this week at Maddingley Park… but that is exactly the case. With the Burra having the likes James Keeble, Grady Snowden, Toby Hutt and ex-Brisbane Lion, Matt Austin, all in the mix for a return in this one, it’s hard to see the Burra’s not getting up as they push for a top three finish. Prediction – Sebastopol win… and go top of the ladder!

 

Redan v Ballarat

Traditional rivals clash as the Lions need to extinguish and doubters in a big way against and in form Swannies outfit. The Swans were once again gallant in defeat on the weekend with only the class of Mitch Conn, Alix Magin and Lachie Bramble the difference in their loss to Sunbury. Redan come off a much-needed bye and will be hoping to get back on winner’s list in a similar fashion to how they did when these two sides met on Good Friday, where Redan were simply untouchable all afternoon. Prediction – Redan by 45 points.