Hoppers, Eagles in top of the table clash

Rokewood-Corindhap v Gordon

THIS one’s got a finals atmosphere about it with second placed Hoppers hosting the Central Highlands Football League’s table topping Eagles. Despite kicking a horrible 10.30 in-front of the big sticks last time out the Rokewood were the big winners in last rounds action, cementing their case as a true contender. However, as the cliché goes – bad kicking is bad football – and this relentless Gordon outfit will make them pay if they are as inaccurate going forward.

Prediction: Gordon remain undefeated.

Ballan v Newlyn

One-sided is the only way to describe this game, with the Cats expected to make their way back into the top eight when they travel to Ballan. The Blues only registered the three shots on goal last time out while Newlyn only conceded the four shots on goal. Expect much of the same sort of score line.

Prediction: Newlyn by a staggering margin.

Clunes v Springbank

Clunes came crashing back down to earth last week with the mid-season COVID 19 break coming at the bad time and stifling their momentum, with the Magpies 47-point losers to Bungaree. The Tigers on the other hand recorded their biggest win of the season with Stephen Stauton’s career-high bag of eight the standout in their massive 124-point victory over Ballan. A big loss could see the Maggies drop outside the top eight for the first time in 2021 and the club will be hoping that doesn’t occur in front of their home fans.

Prediction: Springbank by 30 points.

Creswick v Buninyong

At the start of the season many would have thought this was a game that was going to be just a walk in the park for the Bombers, but their horror start to 2021 sees them dwelling in 10th place on the ladder. They are still expected to get the chocolates this weekend against the struggling Wickers, but they will have to put their best foot forward as pressure builds on coach Sean O’Laughlin.

Prediction: Buninyong by 12 points.

Daylesford v Skipton

Victoria Park host a gallant Bulldogs outfit aiming to impress against arguably the in-form side in the completion at the minute in Skipton. The Doggies jumped the reigning premiers Waubra on the weekend with a five to three goal opening term, only to fade in the final quarter for not the first time this season. The Emus on the flipside have looked completely different since spearhead Andrew Pitson returned four matches ago, and he bagged another five-goal haul in their win over Learmonth. Skipton jumped into the eight with the victory and now many pundits see them as a real dark horse for the back end of the season.

Prediction: Skipton continue their roll.

Hepburn v Dunnstown

Match of the Round with third hosting fourth in a big test for the visitors to see where they are truly at this season. The giant killer status is firmly become the trademark of the Dunnstown with Glenn Wilkins men having no fear against any side on any given day. The Burra were no match for premiership favourites Gordon on the weekend with a seven-to-two-goal second term the catalyst in the loss. Home field advantage could be the deciding factor with the Burra remaining undefeated on their own turf.

Prediction: Hepburn in a flip of the coin.

Learmonth v Bungaree

The Lakies take on a spirited Demons outfit which will be out to make it two in a row after an impressive 47-point win over Clunes. Remarkably the Demons are only one-game outside the top eight with the crucial final spot being narrowly being held by their opponents this week. Learmonth are in interesting case with their good and bad football too far between. This lack of consistency has got to be frustrating for the Lakies faithful who won’t be shy if their side doesn’t perform this coming weekend.

Prediction: Bungaree in an upset.

Carngham-Linton v Waubra

Saints’ fans had to wait an extra week for the return of football and what is set to be installed is a very one-sided affair. The Roos would really see this one as percentage booster and the expected win will see the reigning premiers move back into the top four.

Prediction: Waubra in a landslide.