Dees take on surprise packet Clunes

Bungaree v Clunes

OFF the back of the COVID 19 break it’s a huge opportunity for sides to reset, with the Demons one who have definitely under performed in the first half of the season.

On the flip side, Clunes have shocked all pundits in Central Highlands Football League with their incredible resurgence up the ladder.

However, looks can be very deceiving and the sight of honourable losses must infuriate Demon fans, and maybe the buck stops here in this one.

Prediction: Bungaree in an upset.

 

Skipton v Learmonth

This should be an absolute cracker as the Emus look to break into the top eight against the Lakies this weekend.

Skipton really found their mojo before break, with the return of spearhead Andrew Pitson the catalyst in them picking up back-to-back wins.

For the Lakies this is their moment to prove that they belong amongst the competition’s elite in a cliché old fashion eight pointer.

Prediction: Skipton by 18 points.

 

Buninyong v Rokewood-Corindhap

A really important clash in the entire spectrum of the comp in this one, with two early season favourites tipped to go all the way.

Now, the Bombers, who are clinging to eighth spot just have the tricky task of hosting a very dangerous Hoppers outfit.

Buninyong brought in some serious leg speed in the off season with Geoff Lovett and Dom Sliwa making fine additions to date but a lack of potency on the scoreboard has been evident.

The Hoppers have impressed many with their pinpoint ball movement and patience as they have been able to cut sides up with their foot skills to get five wins so far.

Expect this one to go down to the wire with maybe the extra experienced heads and clichéd ‘home ground advantage’ enough in this one.

Prediction: Buninyong by 12 points.

 

Dunnstown v Beaufort

You couldn’t be much happier if you were a Towners fan at the present with a big opportunity to make a push towards the top four when they host the struggling Crows this weekend.

Consistency has been the key for them with the same usual suspects in defence of Will Henderson and Kade Rattley, regularly amongst the best players week in week out.

Beaufort have had a drastic fall down the ladder with five consecutive losses and a sixth looming unless they are able to pull a rabbit out of the hat.

Prediction: Dunnstown comfortably.

 

Gordon v Hepburn

Match of the Round as first host second as the only two undefeated sides in the competition go to battle.

Gordon is the second highest scoring team in the league with the combination of a returning Ash Munari and captain Adam Toohey paying dividends inside forward 50.

Sprinkle in the recruitment of ex-AFL premiership players James Kelly and Shannon Byrnes and many pundits think they have a recipe for a flag.

The Burra remain the obvious roadblock in the Eagles quest for glory with spearhead Sam Dunstan always looming large.

With only the slightest sniff he can really turn a game on its head and Gordon will have to be wary of the delivery of feeding him the ball.

Prediction: Hepburn in a flip of the coin.

 

Newlyn v Creswick

Traditional rivals go to battle in a clash expected to have that extra bit of spice in it at both sides try to keep their finals hope alive.

It’s well documented the extensive injury list the Cats have had this year with the unexpected break presenting a huge opportunity for them to get back key players and make a late season charge up the ladder.

The Wickers have had in different start, with their good and bad football too far in-between, and the lack of consistency there may be what cost them in this one.

Prediction: Newlyn in a tight one.

 

Springbank v Ballan

The Tigers go in as firm favourites against the Blues with a comfortable victory expected to keep them within touching distance of the top eight.

Ballan have shown steady improvement with Dylan Wright and Patrick Graham very much at the forefront of that. However, the experience of the Mahar brothers and Billy Driscoll is always a thorn in the side of young opponents and their skill should lead their beloved Tigers to victory.

Prediction: Springbank by plenty.

Waubra v Daylesford

The Roos, off the back of Lincoln Barnes have remained within the top half all season with their ball magnet one of this year’s early favourite for the league best and fairest.

Tom Nash is also having another terrific season off half back and his elite foot skills ever so dangerous.

The Bulldogs are just a game outside the top eight and a shock upset could establish them as finals contenders.

Spearhead, Scott Hughes has booted 17 goals in six games including a big bag of seven when the Bulldogs inflicted Clunes only loss to date back in round five.

He may have to once again be the catalyst in this one for Doggies if they want to grab another giant scalp.

Prediction: Waubra by 24 points.