Sebas seek rebound against Lakers – BFL round 5 previews

Lake Wendouree v Sebastopol

ALL of a sudden this one has a bit more writing on it with the Lakers hosting the more fancied Sebastopol in the McDonalds Ballarat Football League. Lake Wendouree have shocked all pundits with back-to-back victories cementing a place within the top six. On the flip side, the Burra have dropped all momentum after losing their last two matches. To make matters worse their injury list continues to pile up with livewire Mick Lockyer set to miss after pulling a hamstring in the late stages of the second term last week. The club will be hoping to recall first choice ruckman James Richards for this one, otherwise they may have to look at another avenue like former VFL-Listed player Nick Haulser, who made his return in the reserves last week.

Prediction: Sebastopol in a tight one.

Ballarat v Darley

For the first time this season the struggling Devils make a trip up the highway with a big opportunity to get their first win on the board against the Swans. The Swannies fell again in a tight one under lights at Alfredton Oval last week to Lake Wendouree. Captain, Sam James, was sensational for his side in the five-point loss along with the usual suspects of Daniel Kennedy and Nick Weightman, and Joe Carmondy’s men are hopeful of regaining 2019 Tony Lockett Medallist Andrew Hooper for this important clash.

Prediction: Ballarat by 12 points.

Redan v Bacchus Marsh

THE Lions and Cobras go to battle in an old fashion ‘eight-point game’. Both these sides will know how crucial it is to walk away from the City Oval with the victory and this one shapes up as a little bit of a shootout between the duo forward lines of Dean Chester and Issac Grant for the Lions and captain Jake Owens and 2018 Tony Lockett Medallist Aaron Willitts for the Cobras. Redan will be without skipper Liam Hoy who damaged his ankle in round three but will be hopeful veteran Orren Stephenson can be coerced into pulling on the boots to face the predominate ruckman in the competition in Daniel Burton.

Prediction: Redan in a flip of the coin.

Sunbury v North Ballarat

Always the toughest trip in the comps as the Sunbury Lions look to get back on the winner’s list and keep their finals aspirations alive. A disappointing loss to the ever-improving Panthers will raise the question mark if Sunbury are capable this year or not, whereas North look the goods to do some serious damage in September.

Prediction: North Ballarat comfortably.

Melton v East Point

Match of the Round as last undefeated side in the comp, Melton, host the reigning premiers who were upstaged by a hungry Bacchus Marsh last round. The Kangas couldn’t deal with the dynamic duo of Owen and Willitts and the Bloods will be looking to the Carter brothers inside forward 50 to provide Jake Bridges the same number of headaches this weekend. Scary scenes at Darley Park last Saturday night with an hour delay in the Bloods and Devils matchup as an ambulance had to be called to take Dyson Stevens to hospital after landing awkwardly on his neck. Both sides are missing big name players from their 2018 grand final encounter, with most notably Matt Denham for the Bloods and Jake McQueen for the Roos, the latter still is battling a broken hand. Nevertheless… beware the wounded Kanga.

Prediction: Tip against East Point at your own peril.