Crows keen to swoop on Hoppers

Beaufort v Rokewood-Corindhap
THE reigning premiers host the struggling Hoppers who just can’t buy a win in the Bendigo Bank & Rural Bank Central Highlands Football League, with even the winless Towner’s too good for them last weekend. The Crows announced during week that senior coach, Rohan Brown, said this year would be his last at the helm. With his side moving back into the top-eight they will be looking to add on to this as they make their charge towards finals footy. Prediction – Beaufort by 60 points.

Bungaree v Carngham-Linton
Shockwaves were sent through the footballing landscape when the Saints upset archrivals Skipton in round 11. The win is the second under interim coach, Tom Sarah, who is not only staking his claim for the senior job next year but is inspiring his chargers to try and get as many wins as possible. The Demons were lucky to escape with four points last week with Cam Jackson kicking the winner in their one-point victory over Daylesford and if they leave too late this week, another upset could be on the cards. Prediction – Carngham-Linton in another huge upset.

Buninyong v Clunes
Hard to see the Magpies being too competitive against this Bombers in this one with Buninyong moving to third place on the ladder last week. The side is in terrific form now and a big chance to go one step further this year after last year’s disappointment on grand final day. Prediction – Buninyong comfortably.

Gordon v Ballan
The struggling Blues defence will be challenged once again as the Eagles look to cement their place in the top-four. Adam Toohey and Brendan Sutcliffe have combined for a grand total of 71 goals this season to date and with both men capable of kicking bags here, Ron Watt’s men will continue flex their muscles and are the real dark horse of the competition. Prediction – Gordon by a matter of how much.

Dunnstown v Creswick
Match of the round as the Wickers have to win to keep their finals aspirations alive when the travel to play Dunnstown this weekend. The Towner’s recorded their first win of the season last week over the Hoppers with youngster, Timmy Collins outstanding as per usual. The Wickers are the definition of hot and cold, so who really knows how this one will play out even though the club has so much to play for. Prediction – Dunnstown by five points.

Newlyn v Learmonth
Is it the Cats year? That is the question on all pundits’ lips with Newlyn continuing to go from strength to strength. The likes of the Sewell Brothers, Marcus Darmody and coach Dan Wehrung continue to lead the way and even though the Lakies will present a challenge, you tip against the Cats at your own peril. Prediction – Newlyn by 30 points.

Skipton v Waubra
What was going to shape up as a blockbuster clash now just feels a little lacklustre with the Emu’s being defeated by Carngham-Linton last weekend. The result saw the club drop two spots and now go from challenging for the top four to potentially slipping out of the eight. The Kangas are still undefeated and with another minor premiership on the cards it will be interesting to see their approach on how to close this year out. Prediction – Waubra by 40 points.

Springbank v Daylesford
Sixth placed and in top form as results fell the Tigers way last week. The Bulldogs nearly got over the line against the Demons with Emlyn Nettleton putting in a best on ground performance in the one-point loss. Unfortunately, with only two wins to date, the Bulldogs year is well and truly over but are capable of making some clubs, like Springbank, sweat on their road to the finals. Prediction – Springbank in a tight one.