Gordon to take on giant killers

Gordon v Dunnstown

MATCH of the Round in the Central Highlands Football League with ladder leading Gordon returning off the back of the bye to host the giant killing Dunnstown who are eyeing off another upset victory. Will Henderson was again amongst the Towners best last weekend in defence with a matchup with Gordon’s captain Adam Toohey most likely awaiting him. Toohey has kicked 15 goals so far this season and along with Ash Munari and ex-AFL footballer Shannon Byrnes, the Eagles boast a dangerous forward line that may be just too good to stop.

Prediction: Gordon in a tight one.

Bungaree v Creswick

Despite Brownlow Medallist Dane Swan making a special one of appearance for the Wickers they were out classed by Skipton with Andrew Pitson sinking them with five goals. Swann did sneak forward in the second half and bagged three goals to keep the home crowd happy in a disappointing 61-point defeat. For the Demons it was another week and another honourable loss at the hands of Rokewood-Corindhap which has become all too common for them this season. However, they’re more than due for four points with the good form of Will Lovett and Jacob Werts may be enough to see them home.

Prediction: Bungaree by 18 points.

Buninyong v Beaufort

Expect the Bombers to see this clash as a big opportunity to get back on the winner’s list after a shock loss last week to Dunnstown. Buninyong led at every change expect the one the counted and know that dropping four points here is detrimental to their premiership aspirations. The Crows were much improved last week against Newlyn with Tim Haase leading the way, but a tough assignment may halt any progress made in the last weekend.

Prediction: Buninyong comfortably.

Carngham-Linton v Learmonth

Bottom of the ladder and trailing five goals to zero at the first change against the ever-improving Clunes, the Saints were able to fight back and add some respectability to the scoreboard to only run out 21-point losers. The Lakies scrapped home by two points over a hungry Daylesford to keep their finals aspirations alive and will know a loss here to the cellar dwellers of the league will undo any good work previously done.

Prediction: Learmonth by 30 points.

Newlyn v Hepburn

The Cats got themselves back on the winner’s list with a 16-point victory over Beaufort but not in overly impressive fashion. Absent superboot Marcus Darmody is the missing piece of the puzzle many pundits thought could see them go all the way in 2021. On the flip side they take on Burra outfit with a superboot of their own in Sam Dunstan, whose bag of eight last week took his season tally to a remarkable 46 in six matches. Unfortunately, it’s hard to see the Cats getting close to the bench mark of the competition despite being on their home turf.

Prediction: Hepburn in a landslide.

Skipton v Ballan

The Emus Mitch Gilbert had his best game in Skipton colours since jumping across from North Ballarat with a couple goals and bullet left foot passes setting up Skipton’s victory last round. While the Blues were no match for Waubra and will struggle to get close in this one against arguably better opposition.

Prediction: Skipton in a matter of just of how much.

Springbank v Rokewood-Corindhap

A victory by the Hoppers last weekend saw them remain within the top four and a trip to Springbank is a golden opportunity to cement their place as a contender. Classy left footer Luke Philip was super along with Matthew Brehaut who bobbed again with another three goals. The Tigers were competitive for a half against Hepburn with veteran Joel Mahar putting together his best performance since returning to his boyhood club. They will need all of the Mahr brothers class in this one if they are going to cause a big upset.

Prediction: Rokewood-Corindhap by 24 points.

Waubra v Clunes

They are still the talk of the league and the question on every pundit lips is can Clunes do it one more time? Taking on the reigning premiers is arguably the hardest road trip but there is zero fear in this Magpies outfit and their fans really are daring to dream. However, Waubra have bounced back the last couple weeks with big victories with Luke Rinaldi four snags the highlight in a big win last week over the Blues. Rinaldi and the Roos’ classy midfield in theory should be too much to handle.

Prediction: Waubra… in theory.