Roos and Roosters ready to roll

East Point v North Ballarat

MATCH of the round in the McDonalds Ballarat Football League as second and fourth go to battle in a monster clash at Eastern Oval.

East Point dropped their first game in over month to Sebas last Saturday, whereas North Ballarat remaindered everyone why they were flag favourites, inflicting Melton’s first loss of the season.

Despite missing the key focal parts of their forward line, North were able to kick a winning score against the Bloods, highlighted by three crucial Jamie Quick goals.

All eyes will be on the selection table pending the availability of Josh Chatfield and Sam Glover for this one as they have caused the Kangas plenty of headaches in the past.

However, if they miss, at home the edge might slightly wave in the favour of the last league’s last premiers.

Prediction: East Point in a tight one.

Bacchus Marsh v Sebastopol

In a game with massive finals implications, Bacchus Marsh will be hopeful to keep their recent winning record over Sebastopol at home alive as Maddingley Park host this blockbuster affair.

Just a little over a month ago when these two sides met Marsh upstaged the Burra, who were flying in second place on the ladder at the time, with Daniel Burton the difference in the ruck.

That day Sebas lost big men James Richards and Dean Robertson. The former with a broken arm, the latter to a season ending ACL injury.

Yet, this time around the Cobras are expected to be without Burton who is still battling a foot injury and the Burra have regained the likes of Luke Kiel to bolster their forward line.

Prediction: Sebastopol in a flip of the coin

Darley v Redan

Everything would have to go perfectly right for the Lions to give outgoing coach Jarrett Giampaolo a dream send off the Lions now sit three games outside the competition’s top six, and face an away journey to Darley Park in a must win.

Redan stormed home to give their scoreboard some respectability last weekend against the Swans with the Atchison brothers, Cooper and Flynn, continuing their fine seasons in the maroon and gold.

The Devils held off a gallant Sunbury with ex-Lion Dylan Landt best on ground in the victory.

Dan Jordan was able to call upon the services of Billy Myers for the first time in season 2022, with the lively midfielder plying his trade mainly down at Williamstown in the VFL.

His class supports the already existing dangerous midfield duo of Brett Bewley and Luther Baker, and if Darley can keep him around, all of a sudden September football draws that little bit closer for a side who finished winless last season.

Prediction: Darley by 24points.

Lake Wendouree v Ballarat

Off the back of their final bye for season 2022, this one is all about being competitive for the Lakers as they host a third placed Swans outfit hoping to all but sew up a top three finish this season.

Ballarat were able to regain key forward Jake Dunne for only the second time this season with his presence giving Joe Carmody a genuine down the line target to support ruckman Marcus Powling.

Last time these two sides met, the Lakers got within a kick late at Alfredton Oval, now Jack Fitzpatrick will be hoping his chargers can draw upon that encounter and go one better.

Prediction: Ballarat comfortably.

Melton v Melton South

Derby Day at McPherson Park as crosstown rivals close out another important round

Melton were undone for the first time of the season last weekend with the windy conditions of Mars Stadium stagnating their normal precise ball movement.

Meanwhile, the Panthers took it up to Cobras but again fell short at the final hurdle.

This one will have to be played on emotion for Melton South who are continually bullied by their ‘big brother’ and will want to give their supporters a taste of what is going a very important season 2023 and show they are heading in the right direction.

Prediction: Melton bounce back.