A wing and a prayer for Saints as Tigers prowl

Carngham-Linton v Springbank

IT will be another long afternoon for Saints fans when they host the undefeated Tigers in Central Highlands Football League action this weekend. Club best and fairest winner from last season Kynan Raven was the standout again for the Saints in their horror 100-point loss to Rokewood-Corindhap last round with brother Tarun also showing glimpses of what he can do in red, black and white. For the Tigers and particular Zak Bozanich it’s another opportunity to kick a bag after seven last week.

Prediction: Springbank comfortably

Bungaree v Beaufort

You will have to take the good with the bad, Demon fans, as Bungaree came crashing back to earth last round in a heavy defeat at the hands by Springbank. Beaufort on the other hand come off the bye fresh and eager to make an improvement after a disastrous first outing result which saw them have their colours lowered, also by the Tigers. Bungaree have more to play for as a realistic finals contender, but a shock loss could be catastrophic to their chances.

Prediction: Bungaree by 30 points

Creswick v Rokewood-Corindhap

After a disastrous performance under lights in Skipton, the Wickers can only improve in round three. Out played by Clunes in round one and smashed in all departments by the Emus last round, it is time Creswick bounce back and add some respectability particularly on the scoreboard. The Hoppers got back on the winner’s list against cellar dwellers Carngham-Linton, with another big victory projected on the horizon their season can be right back on track.

Prediction: Rokewood-Corindhap in a landslide

Ballan v Skipton

Woady Yalok Recreation Reserve at Smythesdale is Ballan’s temporary home with a tough matchup against the Emu’s kick-starting the Blues time there. Many see Skipton as this year’s big improvers with their genuine consistency across the board the most impressive thing to date. The acquisition of Jack McClure in the off season has bolstered their midfield and Rhys Monument continues to be a handful inside forward 50.

Prediction: Skipton by a matter of how much

Daylesford v Clunes

Three in a row is the aim for the Magpies when they travel to Victoria Park this weekend to take on the winless Doggies. Last season it was Daylesford who got the chocolates in an upset victory with Scott Hughes bagging seven majors. Will history repeat itself?

Prediction: Clunes in a nail bitter

Dunnstown v Hepburn

Match of the round as two of the competition’s powerhouses go to battle in matchup pundits can expect to see deep into September. The Towner’s fell agonisingly short against the Eagles on the weekend with six to one goal opening quarter costing Glen Wilkens line up. Thomas Wardell booted five majors in defeat with the big man’s flexibility at either centre half forward or a centre half back enough to keep opposition coaches guessing week after week. The Burra were far too good for archrivals Daylesford on the weekend with Jimmy Wallesz and Zac Kupsch getting amount best on ground votes. If the Towners are fair dinkum about September footy this is their opportunity after showing their best can be right up there with anyone in the league.

Prediction: Dunnstown in an upset

Learmonth v Gordon

Shockwaves were sent through the comp with the Lakies not only going 2-0 to start the campaign but knocking off Buninyong in the process. Damon Folkes booted four goals and Kris Swan was named best on ground as Nick Wilox and his chargers eye a surprise September berth. They have the toughest test in footy as Gordon come a calling at Tom Ford Reserve, who will be still without likes of Kelly, Byrnes and Stokes.

Prediction: Gordon by 12 points

Waubra v Buninyong

Once powerhouses now cellar dwellers? How brave would you have to of been to see this coming with the Roos and Bombers both struggling at the start of their 2022 campaigns. A lot has been talked about the mass exodus at Waubra but a lot has to be said about the diabolic start at the Buninyong camp. Despite having the likes of Joel Ottavi available, they weren’t able to overcome an exuberant Learmonth and cannot afford to go 0-3 for the first time in recent memory. After a well-deserved tough week on the track expect the Bombers to come out with a bit more gusto and sneak home in a tight affair.

Prediction: Buninyong bounce back