Burra, ‘Roos fight for top of the table

Sebastopol v East Point

IT’S the best offence verses the best defence and this week in the McDonald’s Ballarat Football League’s match of the round. Burra host the table topping Kangaroos in a 1v2 showdown. Sebas assistant coach Tony Lockyer was once again best on ground last week as his exceptional back of the season form has firmed him as this year’s favourite for the Henderson Medal, despite missing the opening three games of the season. Meanwhile on the other side of Sturt Street the Kangas got back on the winner’s list in a big way against North Ballarat and held on to their top spot, but there patchy form hasn’t gone unnoticed by pundits, as Sebastopol will be confident that they can knock them off their perch and take out this year’s minor premiership. Prediction – Sebastopol by under a goal.

Lake Wendouree v Bacchus Marsh

Senior Coach, Dale Power, resigned for the Lakers during week, but that wasn’t enough to motivate his chargers as they were demolished by a hungry Melton outfit. The Marsh couldn’t overcome the in-from Kookaburras on their home deck as their bid for finals birth was officially ended. This one is ninth hosting eighth and the inconsistencies of both sides this season make the game an extremely tough one to tip. Prediction – Lake Wendouree due to home field advantage.

Melton v Sunbury

A big opportunity for the Bloods to reaffirm their premiership aspirations as the Sunbury Lions travel to MacPherson Park this weekend. Sunbury are on quite the roll now, with six wins on the trot, but they take on a Bloods outfit that has re-found there 2018 mojo that saw a young and inexperienced side make it all the way to the grand final. Prediction – Melton in a flip of the coin.

North Ballarat City v Darley

Mathematically… they are still a chance! That is the message Shane Skontra can instil to his chargers this weekend when they host an out of touch Devils outfit that needs to improve big time if they want to be premiership contenders once again. The loss of Dylan Reid and Abe Kurr in the off-season has hurt the club’s ruck stock as they continue to get plumbed around the ground by the monstrous men that some of the other clubs in this competition have. Cam McCullum is North’s big man, and he will be licking his lips in preparation as North does need a big victory to keep their season alive. Prediction – North Ballarat City by 24 points.

Melton South v Redan

Top of the ladder still remarkably in the reach of Lions despite only two wins out there last five games and a big win over the struggling Panthers could provide Redan with those vital percentage points. Lachie George kicked a bag last time out against the Panthers and the midfielder might spend extra time forward in this one to help the Lions quest towards top. Prediction – Redan by 75 points.