All to pay for heading into round six

Lake Wendouree v Melton South

IN what shaped to be a matchup between two of the McDonalds Ballarat Football League’s cellar dwellers is now a key clash as both the Lakers and Panthers jostle for a top six finish. The Lake Wendouree will be disappointed with their performance last week against Sebastopol, and will be hoping that their experienced heads of Ash Simpson, Nathan Pring and Nick Rippon are at the coal face of the contest in this one. The Panthers will be rejuvenated off the back of the bye, with back-to-back wins on their home deck they leave the city of Melton for the first time this season and will walk in favourites this weekend at the C. E. Brown Reserve.

Prediction: Melton South in a tight one.

Sunbury v Ballarat

Despite missing all their top tier talent, the Swans have found a way to be super competitive in and have a great opportunity to square the ledger this weekend when they travel to Clarke Oval. No Gibson, no Hooper and now after reinjuring his hamstring, no Jake Dunne, the Swannies travel without arguably three of their most important players. However, the emergence of youngsters like Jake Drever, Will Liston and Austin McPherson is exciting and there genuine leg speed could be a factor. The Lions will be hoping to recall 2019 Henderson Medallist Alik Magin for this important clash and try to restore the fortress nature of Clarke Oval after failing to win there so far this year.

Prediction: Ballarat by 12 points.

Darley v Sebastopol

Tough to see the Devils getting close in this one with the methodology evidentially clear from coach Dan Roy to just continue blooding the kids through the system. Sebas bounced back in a big way with a comprehensive victory over Lake Wendouree last week. Despite having a broken thumb, Toby Hutt continued his career best form for the Burra with a couple of goals in arguably his second best on ground performance for the season. However, the injury list at the Burra continues to grow with inside midfielder Daniel Widgery injuring his shoulder and set to not make the trip down the highway.

Prediction: Sebastopol comfortably.

East Point v North Ballarat

Match of the round as the reigning back-to-back premiers host the table topping North Ballarat Roosters. East Point responded in a big way with not only a win on the road, but against the only side that was undefeated in the entire completion in Melton. Captain Matt Johnston was adjudged the best player in the win and will be hoping to back it up against his former side this weekend. It was the usual suspects for North in their victory over a strugglingly Sunbury with Josh Chatfield, Simon McCartin and Riley Polkinghorne continuing their terrific start to the season. Both sides have similar list in terms age and senior game experience with this one simply coming come down who can make the most of their opportunities.

Prediction: East Point in a flip of the coin.

Melton v Redan

An undermanned Bloods outfit was gallant in defeat to East Point last weekend and lost no fans in a brave performance dedicated to player Dyson Stevens who underwent spinal surgery during the week after a freak accident against Darley in round four. Redan were utterly woeful in their loss to Bacchus Marsh at the City Oval. After kicking a goal in the opening minute of the match, the Lions failed to kick another one for the entire afternoon. The Lions will be hoping to recall veteran Dean Chester who missed the match with knee inflammation and livewires Issac Grant and Alex Harvey who were unavailable for personal reasons to help give them some more direct avenues to goal.

Prediction: Melton by 24 points.