Bombers seek to swoop Eagles – CHFL round 5 previews

Buninyong v Gordon

Match of the Round in the Central Highlands Football League as the Bombers host top of the table Gordon in a true battle of the ‘big dogs’. The Buninyong are coming off the bye and will be fresh and ready to state their very own premiership claims. The Eagles dominated Newlyn with former triple AFL-Premiership player James Kelly staring in the 101-point win over the Cats.

Prediction: Buninyong in an upset.

Bungaree v Hepburn

IN a big way the Demons got themselves on the winner’s list with a comprehensive 83-point victory over a disappointing Beaufort line-up. The flashy Will Lovett was best on ground with the Demons able to spread the love across nine individual goal kickers. For the Burra it was a bit more one dimensional as Sam Dunstan booted another six goals in their own big win and is set to for another huge day out.

Prediction: Hepburn comfortably, Dunstan bags 10.

Daylesford v Clunes

Formerly a clash between two sides holding up everyone else in the league at the bottom ladder, but to shock of most pundits, it’s tenth hosting fourth with Clunes favourites to keep their undefeated start alive. After leading all day, the Magpies held off a gallant Lakies outfit to run out three-point victors. Clunes will know if they start as well as they did last week in this one that they won’t be caught again.

Prediction: Clunes remain undefeated.

Carngham Linton v Ballan

It won’t be the prettiest game of football, but one side should leave with their first victory of season as the bottom placed Saints host the second last Blues. The Ballan had ex-AFL footballer Dale Thomas play a one-off game at home in their disappointing loss to Daylesford, whereas the Saints were gallant 14-point losers to Creswick. A six-goal final term added some respectability on the scoreboard for Carngham with Josh Foley booting three majors and bringing his season tally to 10. He’ll be one of the youngsters relied on to get there first win of the season.

Prediction: Carngham Linton by 12 points.

Newlyn v Dunnstown

Both sides looking to bounce back after losses respectively to top side Gordon and cellar dwellers Springbank. By their own admission, the Cats were simply not good enough to get anywhere near the Eagles, while the Towners slipped up in cementing their place inside the top eight. Adding to Newlyn’s woes spearhead Marcus Darmody is expected to miss, and that puts a heavy reliance on the experienced Carey brothers to drag them home in ugly fashion.

Prediction: Newlyn in a scrap.

Skipton v Rokewood-Corindhap

Trailing by 25-points at the final break against the reigning premiers, the Hoppers turned it around booting six last quarter goals to run out dramatic three-point victors over Waubra. They remain undefeated in the competition with a finals berth all but a certainty in many people’s eyes. The Emus were no match for Hepburn with spearhead Rhys Monument the only standout with four goals in the big loss.

Prediction: Rokewood-Corindhap win and go top of the ladder.

Springbank v Beaufort

The Crows only managed to kick the one in goal in their horrific loss to Bungaree in what was deemed a ’50-50’ game. In theory the struggling Tigers should present the same situation but after their unaspiring performances so far expect Springbank, through the Maher brothers and Billy Driscoll, to be far too good in this one.

Prediction: Springbank make it two in a row.

Waubra v Creswick

Bitterly disappointed to not walk away with the four points the reigning premiers have a golden opportunity to hop back onto the winner’s list as they host a Wickers line-up who are trying to make it three in a row. Accurate goal kicking has been the catalyst for Creswick’s wins in the last couple weeks. For the Roos, Linclon Barnes continues his great year with another best on ground performance, further big showings from the gutsy insider midfielder could see another three votes to his name in the best and fairest count.

Prediction: Waubra by 30 points.