Tigers seek to climb above the line

Ballan v Springbank
BIG opportunity for the Tigers this weekend with victory against the Blues meaning that they would jump into the top-eight for the first time this season. Ballan were gallant in defeat against Bungaree last round of the Bendigo Bank & Rural Bank Central Highland Football League seniors, with Matthew Rollo once again amongst the better players. Being played at Ballan should reduce the margin, but the Tiger train should continue to roll on. Prediction – Springbank by 15 points.

Beaufort v Dunnstown
After a couple defeats the Crows will be desperate to get back on the winners list this weekend when they host the winless Towners. The Queen’s Birthday bye couldn’t have come at a better time for the reigning premiers, allowing Rohan Brown’s men the opportunity to refocus and a big win this weekend, should get their season moving back in the right direction. Prediction – Beaufort comfortably.

Clunes v Bungaree
No doubt, the Demons are the most frustrating side in the comp this year with their good and worst football too far in-between. They should have no great difficulty dispatching the Magpies in theory, but it really does just depend what Bungaree side comes to play this Saturday. Prediction – Bungaree by 30 points.

Creswick v Newlyn
Another week has gone and the mystique of Marcus Darmody at Newlyn continues to grow with the Cats spearhead booting 11 majors last time out in a win over Rokewood-Corindhap. The big man has now booted 43 goals in only six matches and with the likes of Myles and Adam Sewell continuing to hit him on the chest one out, we could see him again add big to his season tally against the Wickers on Saturday. Prediction – Newlyn thanks to another Darmody bag.

Daylesford v Waubra
Shockwaves were sent through the Central Highlands Football League when the Bulldogs went down to Carngham-Linton two weeks ago. The Saints had their coach depart on the Wednesday, and turned it all around in the space of a few days with interim coach, Tom Sarah, leading his chargers to the surprise victory. It was a big blow to the Bulldogs finals campaign and it doesn’t get any easier with the table topping ‘Roos looking for another big kill. Prediction – Waubra in a shellacking.

Hepburn v Gordon
Match of the round with third playing fourth and the Burra hosting the Eagles this Saturday afternoon. Hepburn is just so strong on their home deck, but Gordon on the other hand is just too good of form to tip against. X-factor Adam Toohey booted eight goals last time out and continues to prove to be one of the toughest matchups in the league. The Burra may need swing spearhead in defence at times this week to combat the danger that Toohey presents. Prediction – Gordon in a flip of the coin.

Learmonth v Skipton
In what is set to be another cracking game this weekend, the Lakies hope to stop the high-flying Emu’s who continue to claim scalp after scalp. The Emu’s smashed Clunes last time out, while Learmonth were no match for Waubra and were embarrassed in a 121-point defeat. Prediction – Skipton far too good.

Rokewood-Corindhap v Buninyong
The Hoppers have lost the last five and you’d not expect that to change this weekend with Buninyong starting to get back to their best footy. Bomber swingman, Jake Dunne, looks to be getting back to his best this year after an injury hampered 2018, and the ever-dangerous Derrick Micallef booted three goals in his side’s impressive win over Hepburn last time out. Prediction – Buninyong to flex their muscles.