Hopes for ‘Hoppers strong start

Bungaree v Rokewood-Corindhap

IT’S the Demons and ‘Hoppers who kick off season 2022 in the Central Highlands Football League in what is expected to be a one-sided affair. Bungaree has lost the key core of their side with Jacob Werts, Bailey Veale and Will Baker-Lovett all departing in the off-season. On the flipside the Hoppers have added the likes of Zac Jenkins who will be a silky operator across half back.

Prediction: Rokewood-Corindhap comfortably.

Learmonth v Newlyn

This one shapes as an absolute cracker with a clean slate in 2022 exactly what these sides need after disappointing 2021 campaigns. Both teams are in similar positions with an ageing midfield holding together a side that isn’t excelling at either end of the field. The Cats forward line has been heavily reliant on superboot Marcus Darmody in recent years, and the winning culture that has created might be enough to drag them across the line here.

Prediction: Newlyn in a flip of the coin.

Creswick v Clunes

After a disappointing season 2021, the Wickers hope to get their footy back on-track when they host the Maggies at the Doug Lindsay Reserve. Last year it was a fairytale run for the visitors, when they kicked off an almost finals worthy run with a shock round one victory against Creswick. With that on their minds, expect the tough nuts in the Wickers camp to come out firing to try and rectify that result.

Prediction: Creswick in an upset.

Dunnstown v Buninyong

Match of the Round with two of the competition’s heavy hitters to do battle as the Towners host the Bombers. Finishing fourth and fifth on the ladder last year respectively, this game shapes to be an absolute clinker with the Towners defensive poise opposing the Bunnies attacking flair. Last year, Dunnstown were able to negate their opposition transition from attack to defence, with forward pressure going to once again vital to their game style.

Prediction: Dunnstown due to home field advantage.

Beaufort v Springbank

Expect the Crows to be one of this season big improvers, but a tall task is ahead of them with a round one match-up against the much more fancied Tigers. The marquee signing of Daniel Jones in the off-season has breathed some more life into the nest after a dismal campaign last year that only resulted in two victories. Meanwhile, Springbank stormed home in 2021, let’s see if any of that momentum carries over into their current crusade.

Prediction: Springbank by 24 points.

Daylesford v Gordon

Speaking of big improvers, many pundits fancy the Doggies to take the next step, however hosting the best side of last season is not the ideal way to get it the season rolling. Nevertheless, it will be a good test to see if all the hard work over summer has resulted in this one having a more competitive score line.

Prediction: Gordon by just a matter of how much.

Hepburn v Ballan

Look away Blues fans because round one still shapes as a bit of a write off with the toughest road trip in the comp awaiting them. The Laurie Sullivan Oval has been a fortress for the Burra for several years now with this weekend just another win in the record book awaiting.

Prediction: Hepburn in a landslide.

Carngham-Linton v Skipton

Night footy will light up Linton with the Saints hosting archrivals Skipton in the Battle of the Glenelg Highway to close out round one football. The Emu’s are expected to romp last season’s cellar dwellers, however, being such a marquee match-up, in a rare under lights game in the Central Highlands Football League, maybe Saints true believers can sense the upset of all upsets.

Prediction: Skipton by plenty.