The Roosters are beatable, so can East do it?

North Ballarat v East Point

MATCH of the round in the McDonalds Ballarat Football League as two of the competitions top heavyweights go to battle as the Rooster look to bounce back hosting the Kangas at Mars.

After an impressive opening half, it seemed that Brendan McCartney’s chargers fell to sleep being blown away by the young Swannies in their first loss in 12 months.

For East Point it was back to business as usual with the club recording its first victory of the season in impressive fashion Lake Wendouree.

The Johnston brothers were the Kangas best in that one and against their former club expect them to put on another aerial spectacular.

Prediction: East Point in the upset.

 

Lake Wendouree v Sebastopol

The Lakers appear to be a tricky obstacle for the much for fancied Burra as C. E. Brown Reserve hosts a do or die clash.

Lake Wendouree were no match for a rebounding East Point last weekend, going down by a comfortable 59-point margin.

Across town Sebas lost another game at home, taking coach Michael Searl’s home record to 2-8 at the Marty Busch as pressure builds on the club as their injury list climbs.

Sebastopol should welcome back defender Grady Snowden and ex-Brisbane Lion Matt Austin, but loose Jack Brambury and Lachlan Cassidy who succumbed to injury in last week’s loss to Redan.

The Burra need a lift from an unlikely source and maybe it’s a surprise at the selection table with Jack Cooper tipped to make a return to the senior line-up after a five-goal haul in the Magoos.

Prediction: Sebastopol Sneak Home.

 

Melton v Darley

Undefeated and top of the ladder, Melton look to be the team to beat so far in the league after surviving a scare from Bacchus Marsh last round.

The Marsh got the jump on the Bloods but another seven goal to zero term from Melton for the second time this season was the difference as spearhead Ryan Carter continued on his merry way with yet another three goals.

The Devils survived a scare of their own on the weekend with the competition’s cellar dwellers in Melton South putting their best performance to date only to be over powered by a much stronger Darley midfield.

The club is expected to regain Shane Page, the Cadman Brothers and Darren Leonard for this important clash and know they will have to make of every opportunity if they want to put the first blemish on Melton perfect start to the season.

Prediction: Melton by 30 points.

 

Redan v Ballarat

Crunch game for the Lions when they host the improving Ballarat Swans at the City Oval.

The Lions announced themselves as a side to be taken seriously in an impressive showing against Sebastopol this past week with their midfield utterly dominant.

Ballarat came from behind to knock off flag favourites North Ballarat and what is even more impressive they did it without 2019 Tony Lockett Medallist Andrew Hooper.

Joe Carmody is expected to recall power forward Jake Dunne, who had his first run around in the reserves on the weekend, to give the club another forward option.

Jacob Werts was named Jarrett Giampoloas best on the weekend for his impressive defensive forward work on Tony Lockyer, expect him to get the big task of stopping Josh Gibson in round four.

Prediction: Ballarat in a tight one.

 

Sunbury v Melton South

With both sides winless to start season this one has all the makings of an instant classic or a deadest fizzer.

Sunbury return to home for the first time in 2022 and know a shock loss to the struggling Panthers could spell an end to their final’s aspirations.

Melton South will have to put the work into Tyson Lever and Daniel Toman who are averaging 40+ disposals a game so far with records expected to be shattered once again this weekend.

Prediction: Sunbury Comfortably.