Tight tussle at the top

Sebastopol v Darley
MATCH of the Round as Sebas host the Devils at Marty Busch Reserve, with the former coming off the bye. This fixture in recent years has produced shock upset after shock upset with Sebas no doubt having Darley’s number recently. The Burra will be without James Keeble for another three weeks with a broken finger, while Darley’s coach, Heath Scotland, is every chance of pulling on the boots after a short-lived return in the reserves competition a couple weeks prior. Prediction – Darley in another Marty Busch Classic.

Lake Wendouree v East Point
2019 is all done and dusted for the Lakers now, but you feel they still have one more scalp in them at the back end of the McDonalds Ballarat Football League season. The Kangaroos still sit on top of the ladder, but don’t seem to have the same hunger and desire they possessed last year and that’s why most sides in the competition see them as a ‘beatable’ outfit. However, one big win can change everything and a bag of goals from out of form veteran Brad Whittaker this weekend could get pundits back on the bandwagon. Prediction – East Point comfortably.

Ballarat v Bacchus Marsh
Andrew Hooper booted six majors in the Swans second win of season last week to extend his lead in this year’s race for the Tony Lockett Medal and will fancy himself to add to his tally against a flaky Marsh line-up that sits a game outside finals contention. The Cobras suffered a five-point loss to Redan last weekend and will need to be at their best if they are going to knock off the young and ever improving Swannies. Prediction – Bacchus Marsh by 30 points.

North Ballarat City v Redan
North made it three in a row against cross stadium rivals Lake Wendouree but will have to be at their very best against the Lions this round. Redan Captain, Liam Hoy, was best on ground last week to continue his fantastic season, while Ben Smyth was terrific in defence holding Aaron Willitts goaless. North will have a big call to make on the fitness of Tim Spiers, who hasn’t played since the early parts of the season with a leg injury, but he’s genuinely 50-50 to return. Shane Skontra’s men are full of belief and a sneaky win here makes them finals contenders. Prediction – North Ballarat City in an upset.

Melton South v Sunbury
Not much needs to said about this one, the Panthers will most likely be competitive for a half and crumble to the pressure of Sunbury in the later stages. The Lion’s will be wanting a big percentage booster with senior coach, Travis Hodgson, saying the coming weeks are ‘vital’ in the club’s attempt to charge up the ladder. Jarrah Maksymow still looked a class above last week against the top side… it’s a bit scary what he could do against the bottom place Panthers. Prediction – Sunbury by 60 points.