Swans seeking strong showing

Ballarat v Melton South

BOTH sides kicked off season 2022 in disappointing fashion falling short in their opening encounters in the McDonalds Ballarat Football League.

The Swans lost by two points against Bacchus Marsh, failing to pinch victory in the dying stages of the game after trailing for the entire match.

Meanile the Panthers were pummelled by cross-town rivals Melton, unable to stop the Bloods key forwards who dominated not just aerially but on the scoreboard as well.

They may not possess the same aerial prowess as the Bloods, but the Swannnies can be just as damaging inside forward 50 with 2019 Tony Lockett Medallist and ex-Western Bulldogs, Andrew Hooper, booting four majors in round one.

Expect the little man to be at his damaging best close to goal.

Prediction: Ballarat bounce back

Darley v Bacchus Marsh

Archrivals go at it as Darley Park hosts a buoyant Devils who are up and about after claiming a shock round one victory.

It was the Devils first win the BFL in 959 days and the dream start for new coach Dan Jordan.

Jordan, a legend of the competition in his own right, reintroduced pundits into the hard nose Darley way who were dominate around the coalface in there six point round one victory.

The Marsh held on against the Swans with their coach Tom German leading from the front in a best on ground performance.

Pre-season both these sides were expected by many to be amongst finals contenders but would ultimately narrowly miss, meaning this one shapes as a classic eight-point encounter with a victory against their arch rival being that little bit more special.

Prediction: Darley in a tight one

East Point v Sebastopol

It is the first-time pundits get to see the Kangas in 2022 as they host Sebastopol at the Eastern Oval.

Over the past few seasons these two sides have created quite the rivalry with the apex being the 2019 grad final, where it was East Point too good with a 14-point victory.

Sebas will be hopefully in regaining Henderson Medallist, Lachlan Cassidy, who was a late withdrawal in their round one defeat to Darley with a hamstring complaint.

His ball winning ability was severely missed and the Burra will be hopeful his return along with recruit Bailey Veale’s fine start to the season can act as the catalyst in pinching victory.

Prediction: Sebastopol in a mini upset

Melton v Sunbury

Match of the Round as Bloods and Lions go to battle in a blockbuster Eastern Bloc clash at McPherson Park.

Melton currently sit on top of the ladder after their comprehensive 80-point victory in round one with Ryan Carter booting five goals to take command in the race for this year’s Tony Lockett Medal.

Sunbury battled hard in breezy conditions at Mars Stadium with Daniel Toman the star of the show with record 50-possessions and three goals in the loss.

Expect the Bloods to keep a closer on Toman this week with a Lachlan Watkins type the obvious choice to do the run with role.

The combination of the Carter and Knight Brothers inside forward 50 was at its most dangerous best in round one and may be the firepower again in this one for the Bloods to sneak home.

Prediction: Melton by 24 points.