North seek three in a row

Lake Wendouree v North Ballarat

UNDEFEATED after two tight gutsy wins, North looks to make it three from three when they take the shortest McDonalds Ballarat Football League road trip possible to the C. E. Brown Reserve this Saturday. The Lakers were gallant in defeat against the reigning premiers East Point in their only match to date in season 2021. Dale Power’s men conceded 12 goals to two in the second half to have the margin blown out but were arguably the better side in patches of the game. North held on against the Swans last Saturday night, with Josh Chatfield booting three goals in another best on ground performance.

Prediction: North by 24 points.

Redan v Ballarat

THE two oldest sides in the BFL meet for the first time this season with both sides registering one win to date. The Lions were without experienced duo Lachie George and Orren Stephenson last round, but still managed to hang on in a thriller at the Melton Recreation Reserve against the winless Panthers. Ballarat on the flipside fell short in their own thriller with the Swanies agonisingly defeated by two points by North Ballarat under the lights of MARS Stadium. Last time these two sides met was Good Friday 2019 where Lachie George announced himself to the competition with a best on ground performance. If George returns this week expect a similar output from the former VFL premiership player.

Prediction: Redan by 18 points.

 

East Point v Sunbury

A slow start from the reigning premiers won’t worry Jake Bridges and the East Point coaching staff with an impressive 12 goal second half enough to drag them across the line in round two. The last time the Kangas came up against a preeminent ruckman in the competition they were up staged by Sebastopol, so it will be interesting to see how they adapt their game plan in this one.

Prediction: East Point in a tight one.

 

Melton v Sebastopol

Match of the Round as two of the three undefeated sides meet with the Bloods hosting the Burra this Saturday at McPherson Park. Melton may feel they have a score to settle with Sebas after they ended the Bloods premiership aspirations in season 2019, and by defeating Sunbury at Clarke Oval in round two footy, many would have them favourites going into this one. Sebas are expected to welcome back Luke Kiel into the mix after being a late withdrawal from their round one encounter with East Point. Kiel was one a very few players who didn’t have an off-season with a stint in the NT keeping his footy occupied, however expect the inside midfielder to spend plenty of time under Mick Searle inside forward 50 as Sebastopol look to add even more avenues to goal.

Prediction: Melton in a flip of the coin.

 

Melton South v Bacchus Marsh

Expect an old fashion shootout with two of the most exciting forward lines going head to head this weekend as the Panthers host the fourth placed Cobras. Melton South had their opportunities to get on the board in season 2021 with spearhead Dylan Conway utterly dominate inside 50. However, his 4.7 return was simply not good enough and coach, Heath Pritchard will be demanding a better return in front of the big stick this time out. The Cobras will back their own forwards in with Aaron Willitts, Jake and Jaidyn Owen all showing glimpses of how they can turn it on in their big win over cross-town rivals Darley last time out. Expect the Marsh’s more experienced midfield to get on top of the young Panthers as they did last week and lead their side to victory.

Prediction: Bacchus Marsh by 30 points.