Burra wary of Cobras’ venom

Sebastopol v Bacchus Marsh

OUT of form Sebastopol host a full of confidence Bacchus Marsh side that had an impressive Queen’s Birthday long weekend showing against Sunbury in round 10 of the McDonalds Ballarat Football League.

Burra fans had their hearts broken in a one-point loss over Ballarat last weekend with a late goal sealing the Swans come from behind victory.

Star player Tony Lockyer will be in doubt after resting at full forward to close that game, although he did still manage to snag three goals essentially on one leg.

The Marsh need a scalp and this is their chance, although their record in Ballarat is poor, the move of Jake Owen to centre half back has been a masterstroke by coach Tom German as the Cobras look to be back as one of the best sides coming out of the Eastern bloc.

Prediction: Bacchus Marsh in an upset.

Darley v Lake Wendouree

This is one presents as a true opportunity for the devils to cement their place in the comp’s top six when they host the bottomed placed Lakers.

It’s no secret what the game plan will be for Dan Jordan’s side: Bewely to Rodda.

The Lakers have only one win in season 2022 but have fallen short in tight ones over Ballarat and Melton South respectively, will probably be another honourable loss for Jack Fitzpatrick here.

Prediction: Darley comfortably.

Melton South v North Ballarat

Mathematically they’re still a chance and the Panthers would see this as a do or die opportunity for finals football when they welcome North Ballarat to Melton Rec Reserve.

It hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Melton South who are yet win in front of the home fans this season, but an out of sorts North Ballarat could be the opponent they have been waiting for.

Dylan Conway and Jacob Thornton-Gielen are expected to be back whilst North are still missing many A-graders through injuries and VFL duties.

However the experience of Simon MaCartin and Ryan Hobbs always holds its weight in gold and might be a small factor in seeing the Roosters sneaking across the line in this crunch game.

Prediction: North Ballarat by 24 points.

Redan v Melton

Match of the Round as the Lions host the Bloods at the City Oval in what is expected to be a tight affair.

In the midfield both sides are hard to split with some mouth-watering duals like George v Watkins and Craig-Peters v Walker awaiting fans this Saturday afternoon.

Of course, the Bloods have the dynamic forward line including the Carter Brothers, but with the signing of Clayton Tipilura by Redan last week, he scales on the attacking are beginning to even up.

During the week it was announced Redan coach Jarrett Giampaolo would not be seeking re-appointment for season 2023 with his side in better shape than when he took over at the start of 2019.

Melton are the obvious favourite here, being undefeated, however there is an old saying that they are due to lose one eventually and with Redan on the cusp of finals footy just maybe they have more to play for.

Prediction: Melton in a close one.

Sunbury v East Point

Time to rebuild Lions fans, and no week better than the present when they host East Point at Clarke Oval this Saturday afternoon.

In what has been a disastrous 2022 campaign for Travis Hodgson may get only worst with East Point expected to win by a big margin.

Jordan Johnston bagged nine against the Devils last week to take the lead in this year’s race for the Tony Lockett Medal, but not to be put done by his younger brother, Matt was named best by coach Jake Bridges.

If these two continue on their merry way in could be a few more than just individual medals headed to the Johnston trophy case.

Prediction: East Point in a landslide.