Talk of the Towners

Dunnstown v Springbank

Seventh placed Dunnstown host the winless Tigers with a big opportunity for Towners to cement their case for a finals campaign. Arguably the most improved side in the entire competition, Dunnstown look to have found their killer instinct with an under-maned Springbank expected to be no match in this one.

Prediction: Dunnstown comfortably.

Ballan v Daylesford

TWO cellar dwellers of the Central Highlands Football League meet as the Blues and Bulldogs eye to their first win of the season. As expected, Ballan were no match for an improving Learmonth last week whereas Daylesford missed a golden opportunity against a struggling Creswick with five Scott Hughes goals not enough to see them over the line. Inaccurate goal kicking has been one of the Doggies Achilles heels in season 2021, if they can get that facet of their game right, expect them to be victorious in this one.

Prediction: Daylesford by 24 points.

Beaufort v Bungaree

A real toss up as both these sides need a win to keep their season alive. Both suffered ten goal losses last weekend and with confidence at an all-time low it may not be the worse time to come up against each other. Levi Cox was the standout again for the Crows and he may just be the difference again to drag the 2018 premiers across the line.

Prediction: Beaufort in a flip of the coin.

Clunes v Learmonth

Match of the Round as the Magpies continue to dare to dream while the Lakies look to build on their top eight aspirations after a big win over Ballan. Captain coach Nick Willox was the star of the show with four goals taking his season tally to eight. Off the back of the bye the fearless Magpies have nothing to lose in this one and would fancy their chance to cause another incredible upset.

Prediction: Learmonth in a tight one

Creswick v Carngham Linton

In a match-up where the Saints would fancy their chances, Creswick return to their home deck favourites after holding on by seven points to Daylesford last week. Swingman Aaron Sedgwick was the star in Wickers win with a couple goals capping off a great performance. For Carngham, some bad kicking at goal left the scoreboard not reflecting their endeavour in the contest and will be looking to the young brigade of Josh Foley, Dean O’Brien and Kynan Raven to lead from the front as they have all season.

Prediction: Creswick by 12 points.

Gordon v Newlyn

Top of the ladder and top of the world, the Eagles face their biggest test to date with a Newlyn outfit looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss at the hands of Buninyong last weekend. Four goals thirteen is a bad reflection on the scoreboard but the Cats were never really in the contest with Buninyong far too good in attack and defence. The Eagles were almost 100-point winners with spearhead Ash Munari getting his first big bag since returning to the club, while Jaymes Gorman also looks to continue his fine form.

Prediction: Gordon by 24 points.

Hepburn v Skipton

Shockwaves went through the comp, with not only an upset Burra win over the reigning premiers Waubra, but a decisive 89-point margin now having many pundits deciding they are the new premiership favourites. Spearhead Sam Dunstan kicked another eight big ones making it 28 goals in two weeks. For the Emus their season was kept alive with their first win against the struggling Crows, however it is hard to see anyone getting close to the Burra at the moment.

Prediction: Hepburn by just a matter of how much.

Rokewood-Corindhap v Waubra

Déjà vu from season 2019 with an undefeated Rokewood-Corindhap looking to claim their first big scalp of the season as they host a Waubra outfit who were embarrassed by Hepburn last week. Like 2019, the Hoppers have started in impressive fashion, but this is where it all went wrong for them back then, so expect there to be a little bit of extra spice as they would see this as a real opportunity to state their claim in season 2021. The reigning premiers are a proud footy club and coach Matt James knows their performance was simply not good enough, expect him to throw the magnets around to find victory.

Prediction: Waubra by 18 points.