Cats on the prowl for top spot in last round

Bungaree v Newlyn

MATCH of the round in the Bendigo and Rural Bank Central Highlands Football League as the Demons host a third placed Newlyn outfit that will be hungry to put in a big performance as its now only percentage separating them from top spot. Cats Spearhead, Marcus Darmody, was successful in cracking the ton last week with 10 majors against the Emus and in his 15th game of the year this week, the big fella will be hoping for his fourth bag of 10 to help his side pinch top spot. Prediction – Newlyn comfortably.

Ballan v Creswick

IN the last round of the season, this one is all about pride as the Blues want to avoid the wooden spoon and a win could see them finish as high as 14th on the ladder. The Wickers had finals aspirations and some big wins this year, none any bigger than the one over their arch rivals Newlyn, but ultimately season 2019 will be considered a fail. They do get the chance to finish year on a good note in this one. Prediction – Creswick by 42 points.

Clunes v Rokewood-Corindhap

The Hoppers made it two wins in a row last week and will be strong favourites to add a third when they travel to take on the bottom placed Magpies. It’s been another rough year for Clunes but if they could cause the shock upset victory they would most likely avoid bottom spot and that will no doubt be the club’s goal in this one. Prediction – Clunes in an upset.

Learmonth v Hepburn

With one eye on fourth spot the Burra walk in as favourites and a real premiership dark horse. Hepburn have been there and done it all before, premiers in 2017 most recently and are no doubt peaking at the right time of the year. Sam Dunstan has had a stellar year with 90 goals so far, a fourth consecutive bag of ten would mean 100 and there is no doubt that will be are the forefront of players’ minds. Prediction – Hepburn… Dunstan joins Darmody in the Hundred Club

Skipton v Buninyong

Skipton will finish eight barring a shear miracle, but for the Bombers, their win over league leaders Waubra means that top spot could be on offer with a big victory over the Emu’s. There is no doubt they have the most talented list in the competition and with a ruthless nature it wouldn’t surprise pundits if they take the minor premiership and a home final. Prediction – Buninyong by 60 plus.

Carngham Linton v Dunnstown

No doubt the most in form side in the competition, the Towners can hold their heads high how they have finished season 2019 six consecutive wins. This one won’t be as straight forward as some people think against the Saints, but seven heaven will be the headline at the end of proceedings. Prediction – Dunnstown in a tight tussle.

Daylesford v Beaufort

It was nice to see a more competitive performance from the Bulldogs last week against the Towners, with Sam Winnard’s six majors not enough to get them over the line though. The reigning premiers are flying. Heading into finals footy with a win here would secure a home final. Prediction – Beaufort by 30 points.

Waubra v Gordon

Back-to-back losses are the story for the Kanga’s with that minor premiership starting to look like it could elude them. For the first 13 weeks they were arguably the best team in country Victoria, but now look like maybe the term ‘pretenders’ could be more accurate. The Eagles are in great form and are chasing a vital double chance for finals footy. A strong percentage should save them regardless from slipping out of the top four, however, there is no doubt Ron Watt’s men will be treating this as final a week early. Prediction – Gordon by under a goal.