Lakers look to get back on track

Lake Wendouree v Darley

AFTER narrowly falling short against Bacchus Marsh, the Lakers make a much-appreciated return to the C. E. Brown Reserve and walk in firm favourites against the leagues cellar dwellers Darley in McDonalds Ballarat Football League action.

The Devils inability to hit the scoreboard this season continues to be their Achilles heel, with 15 behinds compiling an inaccurate day at the office for Dale Power’s men.

Last round they walked into a hungry East Point line-up ready to bounce back in a big way with ex-AFL footballer Darren Jolly a shock debutant and his presence alone helped lead the Kangas to a massive victory.

If Dan Roy’s men can take their chances in front of the big sticks they would fancy themselves for an unlikely upset, but logically it is hard to go past the Lakers in this one.

Prediction: Lake Wendouree by 30 points.

Redan v Sunbury

Match of the Round at City Oval as the Lions host the Lions with this one shaping to be which of these sides wants to be a part of September.

The battle of the Eastern and Western bloc Lions is always a spicy affair at the best of times but with the carrot dangling of finals footy, this one is set to be a prime-time blockbuster.

Redan were gallant in defeat against Sebastopol with Craig Cooper-Peters dominant in the clearances, Tom Lamb solid in defence, and the young forward combination of Declan Murphy and Izacc Grant always dangerous.

Sunbury come off the bye, but with no side this year able to win a game off the back of the break it may be a challenging task for them.

Prediction: Redan in a tight one.

Melton v Ballarat

In what has been one of the fairytale stories of the season to date, the Swans face their toughest task with a trip down the highway to take on the Melton Bloods at McPherson Park.

Ballarat were far too good for Melton South this past weekend with last season’s Tony Lockett Medallist Andrew Hooper bagging his best haul of the season with seven goals.

A six goal to one opening half was not the start Aaron Tymms men had in mind were after a month of no footy, but their fresh leg speed got them back in the game only to fall short at the final hurdle by 20 points.

It’s a battle of an elite forward line verses an elite defensive unit building at the Swans with the home field advantage for the Bloods the reason they walk in favourites in this one.

Prediction: Melton in a flip of the coin.

Bacchus Marsh v Sebastopol

With key players expected to miss for both sides this top six clash, the comp has taken a real twist.

The Cobras will be without captain and 2021 leading goalkicker Jake Owen, along with his brother Jaidyn to deplete their forward line that has been so heavily reliant on them thus far.

The Burra won’t have a host of players with Luke Kiel and Michael Powell already ruled out through injury with midfielders Chase Dummett and Tucka Harvey racing against the clock to be fit to travel.

Captain Tony Lockyer has been carrying a number of injuries, but expect the champ to battle his way through and lead his side to victory.

Prediction: Sebastopol by 12 points.

Melton South v North Ballarat

It’s clear the Roosters are the best side in the competition at the minute whereas the Panthers best and worse footy are too far in between.

With this one being played at the small dimensions of the Melton Recreation Reserve expect a high scoring affair with Dylan Conway the focal point for the home side and early Henderson Medal favourite Josh Chatfield for the visitors.

Both sides play some Hollywood type footy, but the seasoned midfielders of North’s Simon McCartin and Daniel Jones a clear difference maker ever week and will be the difference in this one.

Prediction: North Ballarat comfortably.