Reigning champs need a bounce back

East Point v Sunbury
BACK-to-back losses for the Kangaroos in the McDonalds Ballarat Football League means that this week against the Lions is almost a must win game. Sunbury won their first game in Ballarat in two years and will be full of confidence this week travelling to play the reigning premiers. It is no doubt the battle of the midfields, with the likes of Matthew Johnston and Mitch Conn going head-to-head for the first time in season 2019. Prediction – East Point in a nail biter.

Ballarat v Sebastopol
Off the back of the bye and a couple seriously competitive goes at it, the swans head into Round eight as a real chance when they host the in-from Kookaburras. Sebas were 89-point victors over Melton South last week and should be furthered bolstered with ex-AFL footballer, Brett Goodes waiting in the wings for the senior selection. Last time they met Sebas were too strong on their home deck, and you expect the current form of superstar defenders Tony Lockyer and Sam Jenkins, to be enough to survive a potential Swans scare. Prediction – Sebastopol by 21 points.

Lake Wendouree v Melton
Remarkably, in their fourth home game in a row, and with the Lakers season hanging on by a thread it’s a must win game against the Bloods this weekend. The Lakers lead by 15-points at half time but were overrun by a speed Sunbury midfield last week, while the Bloods handed Redan their first loss of the season. Mark Orr has been dominating in the ruck all year for Melton and many expect the ex-VFL listed player to have another big day out this weekend. Prediction – Melton comfortably.

Redan v North Ballarat City
In almost the upset of the season to date, North got back on the winners list in a big way with a 50-point victory over East Point at Mars Stadium on Sunday. Without the likes of Ben Simpson and Ryan Hobbs in defence, City were able to keep the Kangaroos to their lowest score in over two years. The Lions will be desperate to recall ruckman, Orren Stephenson, but most likely will miss elite young midfielder, Daniel Bond, who is out with a shoulder injury. Prediction – North Ballarat City with another upset.

Melton South v Bacchus Marsh
The Marsh have bounced back in a big way with victories over Sunbury and Darley in their past couple of games and now finals footy back on their agenda this year. Co-Captain, Jake Owen, has been super whether at centre-half forward or centre halfback and will be looking continue on against the struggling Panthers. Melton South were embarrassed by Sebas last week, and without VFL-listed forward, Dylan Conway, it’s hard to see them kicking a competitive score in this one.  Prediction – Bacchus Marsh by over ten goals.