East poised to bounce back

Lake Wendouree v East Point

OUT of form and with question marks around their premiership aspirations circling, a timely match-up against cellar dwellers Lake Wendouree couldn’t come at a better time for coach Jake Bridges in the McDonald’s Ballarat Football League.

The Kangas trailed all afternoon and simply weren’t good enough last weekend away against Darley, with their poor starts becoming a real problem.

The Lakers were competitive over Redan and will take some confidence in trying to push a top calibre team in East Point this weekend.

With no finals to play for, the message is simple from Jack Fitzpatrick, make yourself known by upsetting someone’s run into finals.

Prediction: East Point bounce back.

Bacchus Marsh v Darley

Match of the round with cross-town rivals going to battle in a much-anticipated contest in determining which side from the Moorabool Shire will finish inside the top six.

The Last time these two sides met it was the Marsh who won in an instant classic by a single point with Jake Owen the difference up forward with three goals.

The Cobras captain since then has split time across half forward and centre half back with all pundits guessing where he will line up week after week.

To kick a winning score however, it seems he needs to spend crunch time inside forward 50.

The Devils will be high on confidence after a shock 30-point victory over East Point.

When Dan Jordan has the likes of Dylan Landt available from the VFL his side seems to have that extra string to their bow and will be hopeful to regain former club captain Shane Page this week and maybe ask Williamstown if Billy Myers is free for a run around as well.

With both sides so evenly matched across the field and both their good and bad football too and far in-between it will be about who is able to showcase their best more consistently at Maddingley Park.

Prediction: Bacchus Marsh in a flip of the coin.

North Ballarat v Sebastopol

Mars Stadium host two sides just one victory away from securing a top six finish with North Ballarat desperate to re-find their after back of back-to-back losses.

A goal on the fourth quarter siren broke the hearts of Roosters fans and now they have difficult test hosting a side that kept them goalless for three quarters last time out.

Sebas will be refreshed off the bye, yet without superstar Luke Kiel who twinged a hamstring in the victory at Bacchus Marsh back in round 14.

With Kiel arguably one of the very best in the competition, Michael Searl will take no chances at the section table and will have to back in the combination of Liam Stow and Toby Hutt to get the job done in the ruck over the ever-imposing Cam MaCullum.

Tough one to tip, but North’s fantastic record at home could be the difference here as well as the availability of Josh Chatfield suggesting he will be a Rooster for the remainder of season 2022.

Prediction: North Ballarat in a tight one.

Sunbury v Melton

Up to ninth on the ladder, Travis Hodgson has dragged the Lions from the depths of mediocrity to add some credibility to their 2022 season.

Hosting the comp’s pace setter in Melton is the definition of a free swing, with the Bloods expected to win with little hassle, but with nothing to lose Lions fans may dare to dream.

Prediction: Melton comfortably.