Roos look to bounce back

East Point v Lake Wendouree

DESPITE the signings of ex-AFL footballers James Frawley and Jackson Merrett in the off-season, the Kangas couldn’t have gotten off to a worse start in the McDonalds Ballarat Football League.

After waiting two extra weeks to get into action, they registered a shock loss to Sebastopol to start their 2022 campaign.

Major departures have left a massive hole in terms of depth at East Point over the summer and that’s showcasing they are truly beatable this year.

To make matters worse, premiership captain Brad Whittaker was stretchered of with a serious leg injury, leaving coach Jake Bridges scratching his head when he goes to the selection table to replace him.

For the Lakers they crashed back to reality after being smashed by the North Ballarat juggernaut.

Lakers fans should expect this inconsistency in such a young side that is still without the likes of Nick Rippon and Ash Simpson and will be up against, even if East point remain undermanned themselves.

Prediction: East Point to start winning

 

Bacchus Marsh v Melton

Match of the Round with a couple of the competition’s undefeated sides set to go to battle at Maddingley Park.

The Marsh host the table toppers in an all eastern blockbuster with this game presenting as a real opportunity for Tom German’s men to cement their finals aspirations.

After a trilling one-point victory last weekend over arch rivals Darley, the Cobras will be full of confidence with skipper Jake Owen flying after his best on ground three goal performance.

For the Bloods they have yet to be challenged after blowing away cellar dwellers Melton South and Sunbury to start the year.

Captain Braedan Kight is yet to fire and will be up against 301-game veteran Daniel Velden in an exciting dual inside forward 50, but with the infamous Carter Brother by his side, they might have enough fire power to sneak home in this one.

Prediction: Melton by 12 points

 

Melton South v Darley

Expect another tough day at the office Panthers fans when Darley make the trip the Melton Recreation Reserve.

Nick Rodda was the Devils best in defeat to Bacchus Marsh with the ex-Williamstown forward bagging five goals in the loss.

He will be licking his lips coming up against a young Panthers back six who will have plenty of footy to defend when Brett Bewley, Shane Page and Luther Baker drive the Devils forward.

Prediction: Darley in a landslide

 

North Ballarat v Ballarat

In a match-up that many pundits would expect to see the later stages of September the Ballarat Swans have a real opportunity to claim their first key scalp when they take on North Ballarat at Mars Stadium.

The Swans were far too good for Panthers last weekend, keeping them to only 16 points in a dominant all round performance.

Daniel Kennedy was adjudged best on ground with three goals from the midfield while boom recruit Aiden Domic showcased glimpses with three of his own.

The difference in this one could be North Ballarat’s talls, with Tom Hotchin and Jamie Quick being amongst Brendan MacCartney’s best both times this season with the duo kicking 16 goals between.

Sprinkle in a rejuvenated Simon MaCartin through the midfield and veteran Ryan Hobbs in defence and you have a side projected to continue to great things.

Prediction: North Ballarat in a tight one

 

Sebastopol v Redan

After bouncing back in big way with a shock victory over East Point on the weekend the Burra go in as firm favourites when they host the Lions at the Marty Busch Revers.

Tony lockyer, Lachlan Cassidy and James Keeble all stared in the victory highlighting Sebas’ best is the very best in the competition on its day and their top end talent will dictate success.

The only lowlight was another injury, with big man Toby Hutt going off in the early stages and not returning.

The Lions are no doubt on the rebuild with an emphasis on youth at the forefront.

Jarrett Giampoalo played three 17 year olds in their round one matchup on Good Friday against Lake Wendouree with the Lions not afraid to throw the kids to wolves.

Coming of the bye, expect Craig Cooper-Peters to return after being a late withdrawal on Good Friday and if he could bring veteran Lachie George with him that would help their case in keeping this encounter competitive.

Prediction: Sebastopol by 24 points