Bombers flying high to Beaufort

Beaufort v Buninyong

WRITE Buninyong off at your own peril would have been the message from the Bombers last week with a shock 20-point victory over then only undefeated side in Springbank

The victory has again announced the Bombers as a dark horse for the premiership in this year’s Central Highlands Football League.

Winning the games they should has been the problem to date, though, and no doubt go in favourites against Beaufort – who have let it slip recently.

The simple question for pundits this week: what Buninyong are we going to get, the very good or the very bad?

Prediction: Buninyong go three in a row.

 

Ballan v Dunnstown

Tough afternoon expected for Blues fans as the Towners make their charge towards top position and are expected to win in a big way.

A 12 goal to three second half saw Dunnstown triumph over Creswick, with ruckman Khyle Forde again among the better players.

The Blues will want to keep the scoring low and continue to gain the respect they have earnt with two recent victories.

Prediction: Dunnstown in a landslide.

 

Creswick v Learmonth

Well and truly a top eight side, the Lakies will go in heavy favourites against one of the bottom placed teams in the Wickers.

Damian Folkes bagged a season high 12 goals last time out against Carngham-Linton and once again will pose the biggest threat inside 50.

Prediction: Learmonth comfortably.

 

Carngham Linton v Waubra

It’s just percentage keeping the Roos outside the top eight with a big win needed for them to close the gaps on the likes of Rokewood-Corindhap, Learmonth, and Bungaree.

Lat time out premiership player James Lukich was back to his finest with a best on ground performance, and Thomas Ford and Brad Broughton continue to impress in their debut seasons with a couple of goals each.

For the Saints at home, it’s all about pride and not taking another shackling a theme too common in recent memory.

Prediction: Waubra by 40 points.

 

Bungaree v Newlyn

After back-to-back losses the Demons top eight aspirations have taken a hit and face a now a must win game against the Cats.

Newlyn upstaged Beaufort to record their third victory of the season, easing the pressure on rookie coach Chris Banwell.

For Bungaree, losses to sides around the mark in Learmonth and Waubra means they can’t afford to give a head start to a team many thought would be around there level at the start of the season.

Prediction: Bungaree by 24points.

 

Springbank v Gordon

Match of the Round as two powerhouses go to battle in what is already being dubbed a mini grand final preview.

The Tigers stumbled for the first time this season, unable to cope with the silky ball use of Buninyong.

They play an Eagles side who have made their transition from full back to full forward a key feature of Ron Watts tenure with the likes of James Kelly again expected to suit up.

Sprinkle in the emerging Griffiths brothers and Harry Biggs, and Gordon’s class through the midfield should be enough to make it back-to-back losses for the top side in the league.

Prediction: Gordon in a tight one.

 

Rokewood-Corindhap v Hepburn

Questions if last season second place finish was an overachievement or not for the Hoppers with a crunch game as they host Hepburn.

It’s no secret that especially away from home Rokewood-Corindhap have struggled in recent times, with last week’s horror showing against Gordon happening while on the road.

On their home deck they will back themselves against a red-hot Burra outfit who will be looking for ex-AFL footballer Mitch Banner to the lead the way.

Prediction: Hepburn in a flip of the coin.

 

Skipton v Clunes

It was an opportunity for Skipton to test themselves last time out, only to again fall to a lack of consistency and they failed to break inside the competition’s top four.

To be a real threat in September a second chance is exactly what they need with their very best football and worst too and far in-between when it comes to premierships.

A big win over the struggling Magpies is exactly what the doctor ordered here.

Prediction: Skipton by just a matter of how much.