Strong Swans seek to draw blood

Ballarat v Melton

A TOP of table clash and match of the round in the round in the McDonalds Ballarat Football League as the Ballarat Swans host the undefeated Melton Bloods this Saturday afternoon at Alfredton Oval.

The home side narrowly snuck home against Redan in a low scoring affair at the City Oval last weekend while for their opposition it was business as usual at MacPherson Park, too strong for a gallant Darley.

Melton make their first trip up the highway in season 2022 boasting just about a clean bill of health with boom recruit Daniel O’Leary a 50-50 proposition of making his long-awaited debut this weekend.

On the other hand, the Swannies have their concerns with Andrew Hooper and Marcus Powling expected to miss again, on that note might be the difference in class for the Bloods getting over the line.

Prediction: Melton in a tight one.

Darley v Sunbury

Zero and three not the place to be!

Sunbury are on the brink of the most disastrous start in their history in the Ballarat Football Netball League as a shock lost to cellar dweller Melton South last weekend has coach Travis Hodgson scratching his head where to go next with his chargers.

For the Devils a competitive showing against the Bloods would fill their young group with great confidence and expect to welcome back veteran Shane Page, who has missed with a soft tissue complaint the last couple of weeks.

Captain Brett Bewely has been superb since re-joining his boyhood club and a mouth-watering head to head match-up with Daniel Toman should be a fun watch for every spectator jam packed into Darley Park.

Prediction: Darley by 12 points.

Melton South v East Point

Upset is an understatement as the Panthers recorded their first victory of season last weekend in an historic away from home victory.

They now host a Kangas outfit that needs to re-find some confidence after falling to a stringer North Ballarat on the weekend.

East’s best footy is still right up there with the Johnston Brothers the key, although instrumental last week, they were unable to scoreboard… expect a big output from them in this one.

Prediction: East Point comfortably.

Redan v Bacchus Marsh

Definition of the old fashion ‘eight pointer’ as a win for either side is going to wonders for their very own finals aspirations with Redan hosting Bacchus Marsh this Saturday afternoon at the City Oval.

The Lions feel agonisingly short to the Ballarat Swans last weekend despite leading for the majority of the afternoon whereas Bacchus Marsh will travel up the highway fresh off the bye.

Last time these two sides met the Marsh ran riot over a depleted Lions outfit and will be hoping history repeats itself with plenty of ball movement going through captain Jake Owen inside forward 50.

Redan boast one of the very best midfields in the competition with the additions of Nathan Dunstan in the ruck and speedy Lincoln Barnes perfectly complementing the inside grunt of Lachie George and Craig Cooper-Peters.

The Marsh have more notable firepower inside the forward half, but with expected inclement weather the game may be brought down a gear and this will favour the dangerous smalls like Isacc Grant for the home side.

Prediction: Redan in an upset.

Sebastopol v North Ballarat

Both sides bounced back to the winners list last weekend with Sebas too strong for a young Lakers outfit while North Ballarat won a tight tussle against East Point.

In the absence of last year’s Henderson Medallist, Lachlan Cassidy, Chase Dummett stood up for the Burra in a best on ground performance with his clearance work highlighted with also three majors.

North will regain captain Simon McCartin from a hamstring complaint but will lose high half-forward Tom Hotchin who had to be helped from the field last weekend after landing awkwardly in a big marking contest.

With the number of big names still missing for the Burra you would logically have to take North Ballarat in this one, however what comes from this is a no fear attitude with Sebas looking to rectify its poor home from, only winning two out of their last ten at the Marty Busch Reserve.

Prediction: North Ballarat by 30 points.