Swans and East Point in top three clash

Ballarat v East Point

SECOND and third on the McDonalds Ballarat Football League ladder are set battle for the second time this season, with the victor pressing their claim to be Melton’s greatest challenger for the flag.

The Swans last minute heroics for the second week in a row saw them record a rare victory downing Sunbury at Clarke Oval last weekend.

Meanwhile, the Kangas were far too strong for Redan with fours from Jackson Merrett sealing the empathic victory.

Earlier in the season when these two sides met it was the East Point midfield that was able to get on top, with Matthew Johnston, Merrett and Mickitja Rotumah-Onus all pulling the strings.

Not to be out done Joe Dodd and Jordan Taylor are also continuing to have great seasons and their sheer ability to have multiple blokes able to win a heap of footy, plus the firepower of Jordan Johnston and Bryson McDougall might be the difference in the Kangas sneaking home here.

Prediction: East Point in a tight one.

Melton v Bacchus Marsh

Match of the round with an all Eastern Bloc affair headlining what will be a vital game in determining what sides with feature this year in September.

The Bloods are undefeated so far with their impressive record now 10-0 whereas the Marsh have won the last three to re-join the top six after holding off a gallant Lake Wendouree at this past weekend.

The visitors will be desperate to recall Henderson Medallist, Dan Burton, who missed on the weekend with a foot injury with the impressive Mark Orr being the catalyst in Melton’s success to date.

Prediction: Melton by 24 points.

Darley v Melton South

To hang onto sixth spot, it is simple for the Devils – they must win in a big way.

Last time these sides met spearhead, and competition leading goal kicker Nick Rodda, bag of eight was the highlight in 33-point win.

The gun full forward will see this as another opportunity to have a day out as the Panthers continue to struggle in containing the competition’s power forwards.

Prediction: Darley comfortably.

Lake Wendouree v Sunbury

Both sides are stuck on the one win so far this season, but this game gives it a little bit more emphasis as the Lakers host the Sunbury Lions at Clarke Oval.

With this a golden opportunity to register a rare four points for either side, expect both teams to put their best foot forward.

Sunbury have been much improved in past two weeks, pushing the likes East Point and Ballarat.

That alone is enough to suggest Travis Hodgson is just beginning to get the best out of his chargers as they face the one side they have beaten in season 2022.

Prediction: Sunbury in a flip of the coin.

Redan v Sebastopol

If results fall the way of whoever is victorious the winner of this one could be back inside the competitions top six, making this matchup a must win for either side.

The Lions were no match for East Point last week whereas Sebastopol pushed Melton for a half, only to fall away.

Last year’s Henderson Medallist, Lachlan Cassidy, returned in style with a best on ground performance and James Keeble expected to return from health and safety protocols this weekend.

Redan were once again without Craig Copper-Peters and Clayton Tipaloura, and it is simple for mind, if they play the Lions go in as the slight favourites, if they don’t it could be a win to the Burra.

Prediction: Redan in an upset.