Roos set for biggest test of the season

Melton v East Point

MATCH of the round in the McDonalds Ballarat Football League with top two sides going to battle in a mouth-watering clash this Saturday afternoon at MacPherson Park.

The Bloods have proven to be the side to beat in season 2022 with combination of the Carter Brothers and captain Braedan Kight a thorn in the side of any opposition coach’s defensive back six.

Daniel O’Leary is expected to make his long-awaited debut in front of a strong home Bloods contingent and will give more support to a midfield that has being firing through the likes of Jack Walker and Lachie Watkins.

East Point have found their mojo again, particularly Jordan Johnston up forward who has bagged 19 goals in the past three weeks as his stocks rise as one of this year’s outside favourites for the Henderson Medal.

Club legend Paul Koderanko put his hand up for senor selection for the first time in two years and acquitted himself nicely be it against the best ruckman in the competition in Dan Burton on the weekend.

Koderanko now has the tall task of Mark Orr who will split his time there, and at full forward to try and stretch an undersized East Point backline.

Prediction: Melton in a tight one.

 

Ballarat v Lake Wendouree

One way traffic expected at Alfredton Oval this weekend after the Swannies bounced back onto the winners list this past Saturday in a gallant victory over the Darley Devils.

After back-to-back losses, noted against the sides currently ranked one and two in the competition, Joe Carmody would be breathing a sigh of relief, and with a big win in the offing the Swans could establish themselves back inside a very tight top eight.

For the Lakers it is another free swing, as in their phase of the rebuild you can excuse a bad performance here and there.

However, matching up to a side relatively similar in terms of age might be built up as a winner, despite being at different spectrums of the ladder.

Prediction: Ballarat comfortably.

 

Melton South v Redan

Should be a tight one this weekend as the Panthers and Lions play off in a must win clash for either side to keep their small glimmer hopes of finals football alive.

Despite being under manned in the absence of first team regulars Billy Lloyd and Jake Bibby, the Panthers took it right up to Sebastopol on the weekend, pinching the lead in the final term only to be overrun by a more experienced and fitter side.

Redan found themselves back on the winner’s list with a come from behind victory over archrivals Sunbury.

The Lions welcomed back captain Liam Hoy from serious injury for the first time this season, and his presence alone inside forward 50 gives a Lachie Geroge type the opportunity to play more midfield minutes.

Despite being well beaten for three quarters, spearhead Dylan Conway showed glimpses that he is returning to his best with four goals in the third term last weekend.

The 2021 Tony Lockett Medallist will get a one on one dual with the likes of a Flynn Atchinson this weekend who has been Redan’s best in defence all season, but the pure size of Conway might be too much handle here.

Prediction: Melton South in a flip of the coin.

 

North Ballarat v Bacchus Marsh

Both sides are out of form and currently vying for the same positions inside top six with the Roosters hosting the Cobras this weekend at MARS stadium.

North will be fresh and ready to regroup off the bye whereas the Marsh go in as the underdogs dropping their past two games.

The return of Aaron Willitts inside forward 50 and the form of Rex Hickman has meant captain Jake Owen has been able to split his time across half back.

Yet goals now seem the problem for Tom German’s side with North Ballarat expected just to grind victory in wet conditions.

Prediction: North Ballarat by 24 points.

 

Sebastopol v Sunbury

Never in their history has Sebas being able to topple the juggernaut that has been Sunbury and they may yet now have their best opportunity to do so when they host the Lions this weekend at the Marty Busch Reserve.

Tony Lockyer played what is being dubbed one of the best individual games in recent memory with three final quarter goals the catalyst in his side knocking off a gallant Melton South on the weekend.

Last year Sunbury upstaged the Burra on their home turf in similar conditions expected this weekend.

However, with the Lions season all but over after a loss to Redan in round seven, Sebastopol might just have a little more fire in the belly to get over the line here.

Prediction: Sebastopol finally beat Sunbury.