Emus under pressure

Skipton v Beaufort

This one shapes a must win for the Emus after failing to win crunch games against Gordon and Dunnstown to start the season, they know a loss derails their finals charge. The Crows struggled to really get anything going from the midfield in their round two game against reigning premiers Waubra and will be looking to the likes of Levi Cox and Ballie Batchelor to get them going in this one.

Prediction: Beaufort to get back on the winner’s list.

Ballan v Learmonth

THE Lakies were able to get on the Central Highlands Football League winners list this past Saturday with a comfortable away victory over the struggling Wickers. This week they are on the road again and take on another side doing it tough early with a win securing Learmonth place inside the top eight.

Prediction: Learmonth comfortably.

Bungaree v Dunnstown

In what shapes as a real flip of the coin the Demons are desperate to register their first win of the season as they host a Towners outfit that has been uber impressive in the opening rounds of the season. Matthew Bulluss has led the way up forward with three majors in their 17-point victory over Skipton along with Will Henderson who put in a best on ground performance. Bungaree have had a tough start to the season, with losses to premiership contenders Buninyong and Gordon, and they know that to keep their finals aspirations alive they must find a way to get over the line in this one.

Prediction: Bungaree by under a goal.

Daylesford v Creswick

Two cellar dwellers meet as the Bulldogs and Wickers eye to their first win of the 2021 campaign. A horrendous five-goal to zero opening term from the Wickers last round was not the start coach Ryan Knowles had in mind after an embarrassing result the week before, but his charges did find a way to work back a bit of credibility in their 52-point loss to Learmonth. On the other hand, the Doggies poor conversion cost them any change to upstage Rokewood-Corindhap. Using that theory, the side who is best at making the most of their chances should walk out the victors and history suggest Creswick might have the slight advantage in that department.

Prediction: Creswick by 12 points.

Hepburn v Waubra

History books were almost re-written with Burra spearhead Sam Dunstan booting 20 goals in his sides massive 200-point win over Carngham Linton last weekend. The haul was just short of the record of 22 held by Paul McMahon who booted that bag in 2017. Dunstan’s ridiculous form adds a bit of extra spice in this 2019 grand final rematch where Waubra were victorious. Roo’s midfielder Lincoln Barnes was amongst the best players again last weekend with the ball magnet’s terrific start to the season not going unnoticed by coach Matt James, who named him in his sides best in their big win over Beaufort. The Burra will have to nullify his influence and look to Dunstan again even though the service wont by as easy as it was against the Saints.

Prediction: Hepburn to exact some redemption.

Carngham Linton v Rokewood-Corindhap

Beaten. Tortured. Embarrassed. Are the three word to describe the Saints horrific 200-point loss the Hepburn last week. With no answer for Dunstan down forward, Hoppers spearhead Cam Richardson would be licking his lips to get his first big bag in Green and White.

Prediction: Rokewood-Corindhap comfortably.

Newlyn v Buninyong

Match of the round as the Cats and Bombers go to battle for arguably premiership favourite stature. Newlyn come off the bye whereas Buninyong were victorious in their round two match up with Springbank. The Bombers outside run would worry the Cats veteran midfield, however with Marcus Darmody as a forward 50 threat you can never count out Newlyn in any situation.

Prediction: Newlyn in a tight one.

Springbank v Gordon

Pardon the pun but aren’t the Eagles just flying at the moment? Two seriously impressive wins and news that triple AFL premiership player James Kelly is joining the list. The future looks bright for any fans of the Gordon Football Netball Club. The Tigers on the other hand are yet to get a win in 2021 and as a proud and historically strong club in the expect a big effort this week to try and rectify that.

Prediction: Gordon by 30 points.