Bloods and Burra to battle on biggest day

Melton v Sebastopol

ONE of the hottest rivalries in recent memory in the McDonald’s Ballarat Football League comes to a head as Melton and Sebastopol go to battle at Mars Stadium this Saturday.

The last time these two sides met in a grand final was back in 2000 where the Bloods were victorious by eight points.

Both these sides were runners up in 2018 and 2019 respectively and both losing to East Point. Now one gets a chance to set history right with a victory this weekend.

At the selection table Melton will be willing to bring back big man Mark Orr who has missed both finals with bruised kidneys.

Orr has featured in Aaron Tymms best on five occasions this season and his versatility, not just as ruck man, but a forward will give burra coach Michael Searl plenty of headaches leading up to this one.

Sebas captain Tony Lockyer will have to come back into calculations, ruled out last Satruday’s prelim with an ankle injury, don’t be surprised if even at 50 per cent fitness the Burra roll the dice.

Job number one for Sebas is finding a more consistent avenue to goal with majors from the midfield last week via Widgery, Cassidy, Dummett and Bailey Veale getting them across the line.

Melton have the luxury of their ‘big 3’ in the Carter Brothers and captain Braedan Kight all combing for 142 goals thus far this season.

The Bloods incept marking game, and electric run through midfield from Kyle Borg and Jack Walker will be the important difference here, and with the extra week to freshen up, their class could be enough to secure their fourth BFL premiership.

Prediction: Melton by 12 points.

The Stats

Leading goal kickers – Melton – Ryan Carter 60, Braedan Kight 42, Liam Carter 40

Sebastopol – James Keeble 32, Michael Powell 21 (none in the finals), Jed Hill 17

Times named in the best – Melton – Lachlan Watkins 10, Liam Carter 9, Jack Walker 8

Sebastopol – Tony Lockyer 11, Hugo Papst 9, Jed Hill 8

Previous 2022 encounters

Round 11 – Melton 12.12 (84) defeated Sebastopol 6.7 (43)

Second semi final – Melton 12.14 (84) defeated Sebastopol 6.7 (43)

BFL Premierships

Melton – three (2000, 2001, 2005)

Sebastopol – zero

In the reserves Melton and Sunbury will fight it out from 11.20am, while the under 19s a local battle of the birds with the North Ballarat Roosters and Ballarat Swans getting underway from 9.20am.