Burra fly in to struggling Beaufort

Beaufort v Hepburn

Sorry Crows fans but coming off the bye things are looking bleak with the always tough task of hosting the Burra in round 11 of the Central Highlands Football League. After a comprehensive 45-point win in a top four clash against Dunnstown last week, Hepburn should have no issues in putting away Beaufort. Sam Dunstan booted a record bag of 20 against league cellar dweller Carngham-Linton earlier in the year, the question is how many can he kick this weekend?

Prediction: Hepburn in a landslide.

Bungaree v Daylesford

One last chance for these respective sides to stake their claim for a finals, with the 12th placed Demons hosting the 13th ranked Doggies. Bungaree are on a roll with back-to-back wins, but wayward goal kicking did not highlight their dominance of their play in the win over Learmonth last weekend. Inaccuracy was also the story of the Bulldogs loss against Skipton with the latter costing them an upset victory. As cliché as it sounds whoever takes their chances will walk away with four points in this one.

Prediction: Bungaree in a tight one.

Buninyong v Ballan

It is clear the Bombers aren’t their usual selves at the minute but a big victory may silence some of the mental demons clearly affecting players from their 2019 campaign. Eighth on the ladder is not a horrible position be in, with a good run at the back of the season expected for them to charge back up the ladder. The Blues will aim to be as competitive as Creswick was against Buninyong last weekend and the start of the game should tell the story.

Prediction: Buninyong comfortably.

Dunnstown v Rokewood-Corindhap

Match of the Round with the Towners looking to break back into a league’s top four when they host the Hoppers. Hepburn were far too good for Dunnstown last week with defender Will Henderson again the clear standout. Rokewood narrowly fell short against ladder leaders Gordon, getting closer than any sides has in knocking off the premiership favourites. The Carr brothers, Jake and Sam, were terrific in the loss and their class in the midfield and half forward region may be the difference in them sneaking across the line here.

Prediction: Rokewood-Corindhap by under a goal.

Gordon v Creswick

Doesn’t get much better for Eagles fans at the minute with club undefeated and of course on top of the ladder. With a star-studded forward line capable of kicking a big score expect a huge victory over the struggling Wickers. Ryan Knowles’ men were competitive at home against Buninyong last weekend but their only so much their fragile defence can hold up against.

Prediction: Gordon by over ten goals.

Newlyn v Clunes

On paper this looks like a real juicy clash as seventh host ninth, however since the mid-season COVID 19 break the Magpies have slipped back to reality with two comprehensive defeats. The Cats on the other hand are beginning to look like a side many fancied for the premiership after their empathic 131-point win over Ballan. Expect Clunes to respond to a degree but it is the Cats game to lose as they continue their charge up the ladder.

Prediction: Newlyn by 45 points.

Skipton v Carngham-Linton

The competitions dark horse Skipton should get the job done easily in this one over the bottom placed Saints. The Emu’s best footy so far this season has been matchable and if they can continue to find that level of consistency, many pundits believe they can challenge the likes of Gordon, Hepburn and reigning premiers Waubra in September. Dean O’Brien was Carngham’s standout in last week’s big loss with three majors as he continues to be one of the competitions top players despite playing in the bottom placed side.

Prediction: Skipton by just a matter of how much.

Springbank v Learmonth

A tough one to tip as the Tigers and Lakies go to battle in an old fashion eight pointer with a finals berth all but on the line for either side. Springbank’s last month of footy has been just as good as any and Zak Bozanich had a day out last week against Clunes kicking ten. For the Lakies they continue to be a bit hit in miss in with losses to sides like Clunes and Bungaree really derailing them in terms of cementing a spot within the top eight. For that reason you have to go with the Tigers, but expect a proud supporter to get behind their chargers to try and cause an upset.

Prediction: Springbank by 12 points.