Roosters face big challenge in opener

North Ballarat v Sunbury

MATCH of the round to get the Ballarat Football League underway with last year’s table toppers North Ballarat hosting the Sunbury Lions in a clash that pundits already expect we could see again in September.

It will be a battle of McCarthy’s brash, risk verses reward footy verses Travis Hodgson’s more tempted approach.

The vast expanses of Mars Stadium will suit the Lions runners, with the likes of Tyson Lever and Nathan Wood expected to occupy their usual gate-keeper roles across half back.

However, it’s North’s firepower that will be the catalyst in victory in this one, with question marks around Sunbury’s capability of kicking big enough scores week in week out a key worry for Lions fans.

Prediction: North Ballarat in a tight one.

Bacchus Marsh v Ballarat

Off the basis of last season’s ladder, this one shapes as a traditional eight-point game with the Marsh host Ballarat and get both campaigns underway.

A bit of off-season turmoil for the Cobras with a host of 2021 regulars opting to head down the highway to greener pastures in the Central Highlands.

Coach, Tom German, will be hoping that despite these departures they are able to capitalise on the contest with their sharpshooters Jake Owen and 2018 Tony Lockett medallist Aaron Willits.

The Swans enter this season as one of the favourites to go all the way with their blend of ex-AFL experience and youthful exuberance.

If last year was anything to go off, Joe Carmody will keep us guessing in terms of the availability of his star players Andrew Hooper and Josh Gibson with their presence making this road trip a thousand times easier.

Prediction: Ballarat by 24 points.

Sebastopol v Darley

Definition of danger game for the Burra when they host the rejuvenated Devils in their season opener.

These sides have played some instant classics in recent memory with Sebas holding the slight edge.

Darley recruiting in the off-season will no doubt be able to match Sebastopol’s top end talent and this one will be decided by the team that can make the most of their opportunities.

Prediction: Sebastopol sneak home.

Melton South v Melton

Archrivals go at it once again in their traditional fixture with this year the Panthers hosting the Bloods at the Melton Recreation Reserve.

Newly appointed captain Shaun Wyatt was one of his sides best the last time these two met, with the goal kicking midfielder needing to have a blinder here if his side wants to be any chance.

The Bloods will welcome back key forward Mark Orr who missed season 2021 due to work commitments and with the Panthers lack of size in defence, the big fella could feast inside the forward 50.

Prediction: Melton comfortably.