Rosters and Bloods offer September sampler

Melton v North Ballarat

Grand final Preview? That is the early season prediction as two competitions heavyweights go to battle at MacPherson Park in the McDonalds Ballarat Football League this weekend.

The Bloods are yet to lose this year with their undefeated run to date still not seriously challenged by anyone, with Aaron Tymms putting all-commers to the sword so far.

The Roosters are coming off a shock loss at the hands of Sebastopol at the Mart Busch Reserve with Brendan MacCartney’s men failing to kick a goal in the first three quarters in the horror 35-point defeat

It will be vital that they take their chance in front of the big sticks away from home with the dynamic Carter brothers the Bloods best last weekend with six goals combined.

Prediction: Melton by under a goal.

 

East Point v Ballarat

MATCH of the round in with the East Point hosting the Ballarat Swans who were decimated on and off the field last weekend.

Due to a number of players missing to COVID-19 the Swannies and Melton Reserves game was called off with a number of senior regulars missing in their senior line-up as well. The result was Ballarat obliterated by close to 100 points.

East Point on the other hand made hard work of competition cellar dwellers Melton South in a high scoring affair that saw 37-goals booted.

Kangas’ livewire Jordan Johnston bagged a career best eight in the 39-point victory.

Jacob Brown was back and bagged three goals in a return to the forward half while ex-AFL footballer Jackson Merrett also made his presence known down the highway.

The Swans run and carry has been what has brought them to the dance to date but with question marks week after week around their ability to kick a winning score without 2019 Tony Lockett Medallist, Andrew Hooper, it may be a bridge to fair to see them overcome the firepower that Jake Bridges has to his disposal at East Point.

Prediction: East Point in a tight one.

 

Redan v Darley

Already considered a must win encounter for the Lions if they want to feature in September as they host another side in Darley knocking on the door of a return to finals footy.

Redan were blown away in first half by Bacchus Marsh last weekend and despite a gallant fight back they fell by eight points at the City Oval.

Lachie George was once again amongst the best with Cooper Atchinson impressive in the absence of his first name’s sake Craig-Peters who was missing due to VFL commitments at Footscray.

The Devils will still be without Matt Brett who is recovering after serious knee injury but will be hopeful to regain veteran Darren Leonard who will stabilize a very inexperienced and under manned back half.

The pundits want George vs. Bewley in the midfield as two the competitions best and Henderson Medal favourites it could add an extra bit of spice into what is already expected to be a cracker that could go either way.

Prediction: Darley in a flip of the coin.

 

Sunbury v Lake Wendouree

Bottom of the table clash at Clarke Oval as Sunbury try and get on the winner’s list for the first time this year when they host the Lakers.

It is the worst start ever in history for the Sunbury Lions in the Ballarat Football League and they’ll try to use this game as a catalyst to re-write history.

A host of changes expected at Travis Hogsons selection table while Jack Fitzpatrick will be looking to regain the experience of Ash Simpson and Nick Rippon off the back of the bye.

It’s do or die for Sunbury, whereas the Lakers, who have already started their rebuild, get a free swing to upset another side’s finals aspirations.

Prediction: Sunbury by 12 points.

 

Bacchus Marsh v Melton South

Redemption will be on the mind of coach Tom German in this one with the Marsh looking to rectify a loss against Melton South last season that essentially cost them a finals berth.

The last time these two sides met it was current North Melbourne draftee Paul Curtis who lit the league alight with a best on ground three goal performance which catapulted him to super-stardom and eventually being drafted at pick 35 in last season’s AFL National Draft.

The Marsh that afternoon missed their opportunities in front of big sticks with their captain Jake Owen the main offender… wonder if the spearhead his taken some extra shots at training ahead of this crunch clash.

Prediction: Bacchus Marsh by 24 points.