Games resume on the BFL

THE McDonalds Ballarat Football Netball League was due to be play round 11 on Saturday, 17 July, however due to the latest lockdown the competition was paused with season 2021 once again in limbo.

Round 11 was set to be one of the competitions first milestones with its completion signifying that every side had played each other once to ensure the utmost integrity in finding this year’s premiers.

This milestone is important to ensure that every side has not only played each other at least once but the League has indicated that ten games is enough to constitute a season, meaning the minor premiers could be named if lockdown situations worsen.

The league’s intention is to restart the senior competition with a delayed round 11 with impacts on the balance of the home and away fixture being dependent on the length of this lockdown and then furthermore, the safe restart timeframe for a return to play for players.

All options for the remainder of the season, including finals, will be considered as the situation evolves and becomes clearer.

With clubs already indicating that a restart without fans is not a viable financial option, it has become a waiting game to see if football does return.

Sunbury v Lake Wendouree

After winning three out of their last four, a lockdown couldn’t of come at a worse time for the Lions with a week off possibly stifling their momentum towards a finals berth.

Lake Wendouree would now more fancy an upset victory up the highway with this one simply coming down who can find a more regular avenue to goal on the weekend.

Prediction: Sunbury in a tight one.

Darley v North Ballarat

Would it be wrong for the winless Devils to want season 2021 to come to an end already?

A matchup with the top side is not what the doctor ordered for Dan Roys men, with a big loss expected all his young side can realistically aim for is a small win quarter/half victory.

Prediction: North Ballarat by plenty.

East Point v Redan

The Kangas have primed themselves for a premiership push and with the season up in the air, their quest for an unprecedented three-peat could be coming to an end in disappointing fashion.

However, if they are able to get back on the field, East point will be heavy favourites in this one with their scoring power too hard to match even with or without Joel Ottavi, who should be back in Williamstown after his 17-goal two weeks ago.

Prediction: East Point by 30 points.

Bacchus Marsh v Melton

A milestone for veteran Daniel Velden has been soured by the latest lockdown, as the defenders 300th game for the club set to be a special occasion down at Maddingley Park.

In a way this one really shapes as a battle of brothers with the Owens at one end for the Marsh and the Carters at the other for the Bloods.

However, Melton have a bit more of an ‘extended family’ at that end with the ever-dangerous Kevin Klix and Braedan Kight the perfect foils for the Carters and a big reason why they should get the job done.

Prediction: Melton by 18 points.

Sebastopol v Melton South

One side that will benefit from this latest lockdown is the Burra with their heavy injury list getting another week in the recovery to get up for this important clash.

Expect to see the likes of Chase Dummett and Tucker Harvey good to go, and Luke Keil now a 50-50 proposition to lace up.

With some more high-profile names back, a win is expected against the struggling Panthers and Sebas fans will be happy to see so and get back in the competitions top six.

Prediction: Sebastopol bounce back.