Split round set for conclusion

Sebastopol v Bacchus Marsh

LAST year’s runner-up in the McDonald’s Ballarat Football league couldn’t ask a better fixture to kick off their 2023 campaign as Sebas host the Marsh.

Bacchus Marsh have been decimated in the off season with many high profile players walking out the door including their Henderson Medallist and ruckman Dan Burton.

Sebas showcase a host of new talent with various VFL experience as they look firmly poised as premiership favourites for season 2023.

The only thing else of note is actually the last time these sides met at the Marty Busch Reserve the Cobras pulled off on of the upsets of the season, can lightning strike twice?

Prediction: Sebastopol comfortably.

Ballarat v Darley

MATCH of the round as it is a rematch from the dramatic semi-final last year that saw Ballarat sneak home against Darley.

Key players for both sides from that day are missing with the Swannies in a rebuilding stage in 2023.

The Devils are the biggest question mark this year, with no Nick Rodda can they kick a winning score week after week?

Bewley may need to spend time forward to fill that void and the returning Billy Myers may also have to go one out in the square for Dan Jordans chargers to get four points.

Prediction: Darley in a flip of the coin.

Melton v Melton South

Derby’s do can have funny results but the reining premiers hosting one of last season cellar dwellers may be a stretch too far as Melton host the Panthers at MacPherson Park.

Melton haven’t lost at Maccy Park since its renovation and annihilated their fierce rivals there last season.

For the Panthers the equation is simple, show some heart, don’t get blown off the park, and maybe it’s the first step towards not getting yet another wooden spoon.

Prediction: Melton in a landslide.

Sunbury v North Ballarat

The two side’s pundits are most excited to see the improvement in 2023 as the Lions host the Roosters.

Normally the vast expanses of Clarke Oval challenges the visiting opposition, however with North’s ability to spread under Brendan McCartney and of course being accustomed to playing on a big ground in Mars Stadium, this should be an enthralling contest.

Difference between the two sides may just be Sunbury’s ability to score and score fast with swingman Cody Brand going to have a say in this game at either end of the field he plays.

Prediction: Sunbury in a tight one.