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While the tussle atop of the BFNL ladder remains as fierce as ever, the gap between the top six and the remaining aspirants has started to creep open.

Lake Wendouree won its second game of the season, ending an 11-game run of outs on the road with a comfortable 29-point win over Bacchus Marsh.

The Lakers booted nine goals to four after quarter time, flipping a two-point deficit into a 16-point lead at the half, that margin became 20 at three quarter time before extending to 29 at the final siren.

The Cobras were disappointing and let themselves down on the scoring front with an inaccurate one goal, eight behinds through the middle stages while Rohan Brown's Lakers took their chances adding 5.6 for the period, earning vital separation on the scoreboard.

Momentum remained with the visitors for the final term, enough to see them through for their most satisfying result under new season coach Brown.

The elusive talent in Bailey Thompson (three goals) was named best on ground for the Lakers ahead of new recruit Jaydo Wright, Angus Gove, Joel O'Connell (two goals), Cooper James (one goal) and Jonte Jarrod. 

For the Cobras, it looked all too much like hard work with reward seemingly beyond their reach.

Jake Owen and Serafino Crea kicked two goals apiece to head slim pickings for the hosts on the goalfront. 

Cody Gates, Jake McCreery, Jack Kovacevic and Isaac Nixon all earned the nod of approval from the coaching staff in a losing side.

Unfortunately for Cobras coach Dennis Armfield, Saturday's result extends the clubs' losing run to five having not won since May 18.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Angus Gove (Lake Wednouree) - 38 disposals, 13 intercept possessions, 8 score involvements

Luke Goetz (Bacchus Marsh) - 52 hit outs, 18 disposals, 9 intercept possessions

Joel O'Connell (Lake Wendouree) - 33 disposals, 17 contested possessions, 11 clearances 

COACHES’ VERDICT
Dennis Armfield (Bacchus Marsh)
"Another day of not capitilising on our momentum and the Lakers were able to hurt us when they had it. Connection is something we need to keep working on to finish the year off strong. Credit to the Lakers who showed that it meant a little more to them - great work by Rohan and his team."

Rohan Brown (Lake Wendouree)
"I've used the word resilience within our group and club throughout the season and today our group showed what this meant and they got what they deserved. To be down to 19 men for three quarters and come away with a win away from home is a great step moving forward for our club. Importantly 9/9 results for our club with football/netball is a huge achievement. (We) recover and look forward to Sebastopol next week."

Improving Ballarat confirmed its unofficial sixth seed status in the premiership race with a runaway win over seventh placed Redan at City Oval.

The 69-point win provides Chris Maple's Swans with a two game buffer and handy percentage advantage over the Lions with five games to play.

In a battle of attrition, the margin between the two sides became greater and greater the longer the game went.

Sure, the Swans upset over Sunbury in Round 11 turned a few heads, but I would go as far to say the nature of this win is on a par, if not more satisfying Maple and his developing group.

The match was considered a flip of the coin game heading in before ending in a whitewash.

The emphatic nature of the win validates the Swans position in the six - ironically their sixth win of the season ahead of an untimely bye (given recent form and momentum) in Round 13.

Angus Bade, Rhys Perry, Paddy Simpson, Zak Rinaldi (four goals), Will Liston and Andrew Hooper (four goals) were named best for the winners, with Rinaldi and Hopper sharing game high honours on the scoreboard.

While the result showed all the positive signs of a Swans unit on the rise, it was a different story for Gary Learmonth's Redan despite the efforts of Rudie Forde, Khy Jess, Lachie George and Jacob Short who continue to maintain their recent run of form.

Unfortunately for the Lions however, it was their fourth loss in five games and a major setback for any final’s ambitions.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Paddy Simpson (Ballarat) - 27 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 11 clearances

Lachlan George (Redan) - 24 disposals, 17 contested possessions, 11 clearances

Marcus Powling (Ballarat) - 59 hitouts, 11 contested possessions, 6 clearances  

COACHES’ VERDICT
Gary Learmonth (Redan)
"Disappointing outcome. Was a promising first quarter but we weren't able to sustain it, especially during the second. (We) failed to capitilise on forward opportunities and defensively our ability to hold up the opposition failed. Loved the performance of Forde in the ruck. Look forward to Sunbury next week."

Chris Maple (Ballarat)
"A solid four quarter performance. We were good around the ball which helped us in the territory game. A good day for our footy club."

A much superior and well organised Melton proved a class above visiting Sunbury to the tune of 77 points.

'Bang for buck' with time spent forward was always going to play a huge role defining this first v third outcome.

The scoreline suggests a landslide of inside 50's in favour of the hosts but that wasn't the case - rather a textbook example of workrate and efficiency going forward.

The Kight brothers Braedan (five goals), Jordy (four goals) and the Carters, Ryan (three goals) and Liam (two goals) made Sunbury pay - any error, indecision or hit and hope exits were pounced upon, making a job look easier than it was.

To be frank, this ominous Bloods quartet rarely miss and breaks your heart.

Sunbury were in the game for periods but never on the scoreboard.

Losing Jordan Tentenollo (cork) early, on the back of a Lions’ 22 already without Ben Cameron, Jake Egan, Jack Hannett, Mitch Lewis, Jake Egan and Nathan Wood was always going to make it tough for the visitors despite just four points separating the two sides three weeks ago.

There were concerns the sequel would not live up to the original and that unfortunately proved to be the case.

Bloods’ midfielders Jack Walker (Best), Jaycob Hickey and defenders Lachie Watkins and Conrad Farrugia were standouts in a dominant display from the ladder leaders.

For Sunbury, there was effort, but impact varied.

Josh Guthrie, Brock Landt and swingman Jack Newitt tried their hearts out while Leigh Brennan and Jake Sutton had their moments forward and looked dangerous at times.

But this game was over a long way out - the Bloods confirming they're the real deal and remain the team to beat alongside second placed East Point who have won their last 10 games on the trot.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Josh Guthrie (Sunbury) - 35 disposals, 24 contested possessions, 14 clearances

Kyle Borg (Melton) - 25 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 10 score involvements

Lachlan Watkins (Melton) - 22 disposals, 9 marks, 8 intercept possessions

COACHES’ VERDICT
Troy Scoble (Melton)
"Players approach to the first quarter after a week off was really pleasing. Strong focus to start well and play every minute we could consistent with our system. We really respect how Sunbury play and their performances this year so being able to compete around the contest and be well set behind and in front of the ball was always going to be important. Our pressure and effort was strong and to win every quarter against a top team was good reward. We now face another tough challenge in Ballarat which we are looking forward to."

Matt White (Sunbury)
"Really disappointing day for us. Four goals to zero early put us behind the eight-ball. (Our) effort lifted in the second but we couldn't stop the bleeding. Melton too good in all areas of the game.

Darley simply did 'enough' to overcome an undermanned North Ballarat outfit by 12 points.

In just their third game in 42 days, Dan Jordan's Devils were slow to start as Brendan McCartney's Roosters kicked the only three goals of the opening term, staking their claim, the visitors had come to play.

After a reset of sorts, reigning dual Henderson Medalist Brett Bewley led the reigning premiers back to the lead, assuming control for the most part of the games' remainder.

In a low scoring affair Harley Inglis finished with a game high three goals for the winners, proving an invaluable source given the difference in the final margin.

Bewley was arguably the best player on the ground, giving spectators something to smile about in an otherwise congested arm wrestle of sorts.

It was a game more so for the internal parties to navigate and appreciate the 'mini wins'.

For the viewer, it wasn't necessarily the most memorable spectacle but there was no denying the value and importance banking the four premiership points in the context of their respective seasons.

The win promoted Darley into third place, a game clear, with the toughest run home of any side with double up remaining games against East Point, Sebastopol, Sunbury, Bacchus Marsh and Melton.

Plenty more to play out here especially with the watch on Billy Myers (calf) who was unsighted after half time.

The former Williamstown VFL utility is crucial to the Devils’ title defence.

One major bonus, however, was the standout return of key defender Matty Brett (overseas) who dominated with his intercept marking.

The travelling North Ballarat were brave with up to six or seven first choice players missing with injury.

While goals came at a premium, the contributions of Malachi White, Elliot Lamb, Josh Sparkman, Ryan Hobbs and Charlie Darebin rated worthy mentions in the Roosters’ 'honourable' loss. 

It doesn't get any easier for North Ballarat next week despite a return home as a meeting with competition yardstick Melton awaits.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Brett Bewley (Darley) - 57 disposals, 30 contested possessions, 16 clearances

Matthew Brett (Darley) - 22 disposals, 16 intercept possessions, 13 marks

Malachi White (North Ballarat) - 29 disposals, 10 score involvements, 10 tackles

COACHES’ VERDICT
Dan Jordan (Darley)
"Good hard game of contested footy. (We) fixed up a few areas at 1/4 time and was able to wrestle the ascendency back. Good to come away with the points and keep building momentum after losing two (players) early. Credit to North Ballarat who cracked in hard all day."

Brendan McCartney (North Ballarat)
"Great tough game of footy which our games usually are. Super proud of the players. We kept putting ourselves in the contest and took away some good learnings. Some key playmakers for the 'oppo' took control when needed. We need to manage key moments a little better and that will come with education and teaching. Look forward to our challenge."

East Point extended their winning run to 10 matches with a convincing 54-point win over Sebastopol.

It was not only the Kangas tenth win of the season but their seventh success by 40 points or more, highlighting the trajectory of Joe Carmody's near all conquering group.

Their latest victim, hosts Sebastopol, were just 14 points shy at half time before the high-flying Kangas went into overdrive booting 10 goals to four in the second half to run out comfortable, deserved winners.

Star mid/forward combo Matty Johnston (in the bests 10/11 games) and Bryson McDougall (seven goals) did the job again for Carmody proving a dominant force and arguably the difference in the Kangas’ front half while Jacob Brown (in the bests 5/9) and Jackson Merrett (in bests 4/10) have sparked a newfound respect for the Kangas defensive unit in 2024, enough to give every indication this group is capable of going all the way come the business end.

Underrated ruck Joel Van Meel was sound once again with a fifth appearance in the best players from his 11 games this season.

Sure, the Kangas have had a great run with injury thus far, much better than their top five rivals especially but that could change given the increasing demands of competition in the BFNL enroute to finals.

Since the loss of Isaac Hucker in the season opener, the footy gods have been kind to East Point in the medical room.

Let's hope for the Kangas sake, the 'sparing' pattern continues. 

For Sebastopol, the effort was credible despite the separation on the scoreboard.

Nothing much has gone right for the Burra onfield in '24, but that's not stopping them from fronting up every week and playing for their inspirational leader Tony Lockyer.

Lockyer (two goals) led by example to be named best again (in the bests 9/11 games) ahead of Jack Bambury, Bailey Medwell, Ben Hutt, Jacob Wilkinson and James Curtain.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol) - 35 disposals 19 contested possessions, 10 marks

Matt Johnston (East Point) - 33 disposals, 12 score involvements, 11 inside 50s

Billy Jones (East Point) - 26 disposals, 8 marks, 8 score involvements 

COACHES’ VERDICT
Joe Carmody (East Point)
"Sebastopol's midfield were on top in the first half and put a lot of pressure on our defence. Our mids started to gain territory during the third quarter and we were able to keep the ball in our front half which resulted in more scoring opportunities."

Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol)
"Proud of our efforts - we gave ourselves a chance and were within striking distance at three quarter time against a premiership contender. (We) gave them a fright but to East Point's credit they nailed their last quarter to put the game out of reach showing their depth of quality. With a rotation down in the first five minutes of the game, our players stood up. A shame the scoreline drifted out late, which I feel didn't reflect the even contest of the game. Continuous improvement is what we are showing week to week. Looking forward to continuing that next week!"

With just a handful of games left in the 2023 season, every result counts. Here is how the Round 13 action played out.

Top three contenders Darley recorded an all-important ninth win of the season with a 12-point win over cross town rivals Bacchus Marsh.

The Devils looked to be cruising at half time with a 23-point lead all while registering 12 scoring shots to four.

But, to the Cobras’ credit, they dug their heels in after the break to outscore their more fancied opponents 6.3 to 4.5 in the run home to finish within 12 points at the final siren.

The Cobras’ defensive plan to have a clear out number behind the ball contributed to a higher than average stoppage count in the second half as the Devils failed to capitilise on their landslide weight of forward 50 entries.

Shane Page, Adam Azzopardi, Joel Cadman and Brett Bewley were named best for the Devils as five players shared multiple goals to impact the scoreboard - Billy Myers. Mitch Gardiner, Brett Bewley, Riley Matricardi and Will Johnson each finished with two goals,

For the Cobras, Western Jets listed Joel Freeman kicked a game high five goals, maxing out his limited opportunities while Jake Owen (back), Luke Goetz (ruck), Josh Huxtable (mid) and Alex Porter (wing) made solid four quarter contributions in a losing side.         

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Joel Cadman (Darley): 32 disposals, 10 clearances, 93% disposal efficiency

Brett Bewley (Darley):32 disposals, 10 inside 50s, 9 pressure acts

Luke Goetz (Bacchus Marsh): 68 hit outs, 17 disposals, 12 pressure acts

COACHES’ VERDICT

Dan Jordan (Darley):"(We) controlled the game early and failed to execute when Bacchus Marsh went defensive. Always great to have a win and still identify areas of improvement. Full credit to the Marsh for a four quarter effort and intensity."

Jason Williams (Bacchus Marsh):"Really pleased with our group today, we are getting more and more competitive. Our top end footy is just as good as most teams in the comp. Glad to compete but we need to take the next step and start winning."

Sebastopol had 49 shots on goal on their way to a major percentage boosting win over Melton South at the weekend.

Burras’ big and small duo Toby Hutt (seven goals) and Jay Dahlhaus (six goals) led 13 contributors on the goal front in the one sided affair.

The nature of the win elevates Luke Kiel and Michael Columbro's men into the box seat for a top three finish and only heightens the importance of this Saturday's Round 14 clash against North Ballarat.

Both sides sit on nine wins, separated only on percentage. Darley, fourth with nine wins, are still with a game in hand and face the Lakers this weekend.

For the winners, Bailey Veale, Luke Kiel and Adam Forbes did the damage at ground level joining Hutt and Dahlhaus as the Burra found some quality touch and ball movement on their own terms.

Melton South enjoyed some moments with a three goal third term to give home fans something to savour but again the gulf in class was ever apparent.

Quartet Rhys Lee, Nathan Gemmell, Tevita Hallet-Tualalli and big man Broden Collins did enough to ensure a fourth score against of 200 plus was avoided.

Bring on Saturday's ‘Match of the Round’ billing between Sebastopol (2nd) and North Ballarat (3rd) - should be a ripper. The Panthers (11th) however, have the reigning Premiers and competition benchmark Melton.  

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Jay Dahlhaus (Sebastopol): 38 disposals, 24 score involvements, 19 contested possessions

Bailey Veale (Sebastopol): 31 disposals, 19 contested possessions, 12 score involvements

Broden Collins (Melton South): 41 hit outs, 21 disposals, 15 contested possessions

COACHES’ VERDICT

Ryan Hoy (Melton South):"Proud of the boys for grinding it out for the full 120 minutes. (We were) down to 15 men in the last quarter and still fought out the game. Sebastopol were very strong through the corridor. Watch out for Jay Dahlhaus in the finals, he's a real live wire!"

Luke Kiel/Michael Columbro (Sebastopol):"Melton South put in around the contest. We were able to move the ball effectively and gave our forwards decent enough service."

League benchmark Melton were simply too good, denying visitors East Point a sniff with a four quarter, 46-point win at MacPherson Park.

Forwards Ryan Carter (seven goals) and Braedyn Kight (four goals) combined for 11 of the winners’ 13 goals to keep the Bloods two games clear on top of the BFNL ladder.

Unfortunately for the Kangas, it wasn't their day, as their proven front half struggled to overcome the Bloods’ defence, finishing with just five goals for the game, their second lowest score of the season. 

Kangas’ coach Jackson Merrett praised his young defence in the aftermath for their uphill battle against the 11-win Bloods, but were unable to generate any scoreboard impact of their own at the other end.

Any resemblance of a first half win for the visitors, noted in five of their previous six outings were put to bed with a seven-goal-to-three scoreline in favour of the hosts.

The margin was for the most part gradual but always on the rise for Aaron Tymms’ men who have full respect for the Kangas capabilities.

Carter's returns on the goal front were enough to earn best on ground honours ahead of the ever consistent Jack Walker and crucial big man Ben Archard.

Defenders Lachlan Phillips, Blake Souter and Conrad Farrugia were largely responsible denying the visitors any momentum.

The Kangas’ Harry Ganley, Jack Jeffrey, Joe Fraser, Joe Dodd did everything they could to support the Johnston brothers but the Bloods were too strong.

Seventh placed East must win this Saturday to keep their top six chances alive when they host Ballarat (8th). Melton is away to Melton South (11th).

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Ryan Carter (Melton):23 disposals, 15 score involvements, 13 marks

Jordyn Cotter (Melton): 32 disposals, 9 marks, 8 rebound 50s

Harry Ganley (East Point): 23 disposals, 10 marks, 8 intercept possessions  

COACHES’ VERDICT

Aaron Tymms (Melton):"A really complete performance across four quarters. I thought we were able to win the contested ball which set up our spread. Our defence stood up again and kept a quality attacking side at bay for almost the entire game."

Jackosn Merrett (East Point):"Our young defence stood up really well for the most part against the benchmark. However, our inability to apply scoreboard pressure let us down."

North Ballarat shellshocked finals aspirant Redan with a six-goal-to-one opening term before closing out a 19-point win to hold third place on the BFNL ladder, percentage shy of Sebastopol in second place.

Sure, Redan outscored Brendan McCartney's men 6.11 to 4.5 after quarter time but the damage was already done.

The Roosters are warming to their charge toward finals with a seventh straight win and passed their first test of five straight games against top seven opposition en route to the September action.

Marquee North Ballarat recruit Stewart Crameri had arguably his best game for the club to feature in the best alongside Isaac Carey, Isaac Lovisson, Riley Polkinghorne and bigman Callum McCullum.

Just the thought of the Roosters potential front six featuring Crameri, Riding, Hotchin, Quick and  Glover come finals is a nervous proposition for all opposition clubs.

For Redan, Lachie George, Daniel Bond and Nathan Dunstan were important arresting momentum away from the Roosters after quarter time while Jacob Short, Harry Lawson (two goals) and Izaac Grant rated mentions.

Looking ahead Redan has the week off ahead of their last four games with only one of those coming against top seven opposition. East Point (7th), who remain percentage shy of Redan, must overcome a competitive Ballarat to keep the pressure on the Lions to win.

North Ballarat (3rd) meet (Sebastopol (2nd) in a ‘Match of the Round’ billing on Saturday at Marty Busch Reserve.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Stewart Crameri (North Ballarat): 25 disposals, 13 score involvements, 9 inside 50s

Jack Riding (North Ballarat): 24 disposals, 18 contested possessions, 8 score involvements

Lachlan George (Redan):27 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 7 clearances 

COACHES’ VERDICT

Gary Learmonth (Redan):"Deja vu first quarter cost us. North (Ballarat) were terrific in the first quarter which was the difference. From then on it was a tough, even contest. Lots to like but lots to learn from."

Brendan McCartney (North Ballarat):"We played some really good footy at times. The game showed we have some areas to work on and develop as well. Redan kept coming at us strongly, but our system and competitiveness shown over the last few months again stood up. Our club is looking forward to the challenges ahead."

Sunbury turned the tables on Ballarat with a resounding 60-point win at Clark Oval.

The win keeps Travis Hodgson's crew comfortable in fifth place, just one game shy of Sebastopol, North Ballarat and Darley.

While there's building conversation around the final make-up of an all-important top three finish, don't rule out Sunbury who are beginning to deliver on their potential, largely on the back of returning Captain Tyson Lever.

In just his third game since overcoming a foot injury, the rebounding defender has been named best aground twice.

While other results will likely favour the Lions in the run home, destiny lays in their own hands with three of their remaining four games against top four opposition - namely Melton (away), North Ballarat (away) and Darley (away).

A scalp on the road would validate their currency and confidence levels ahead of a return to finals.

The weekend's win for the Lions was dominant from the outset winning the opening three quarters comfortably to set up a match winning 10.14 to 3.2 lead.

The Swans hopes of a second season win over Sunbury were thwarted after the withdrawal of dangerous forward Andrew Hooper.

The dangerous forward missed his first game of the season, a campaign that sees him sit third on the goal kicking ladder with 33 goals.

Ageless Lions forward Leigh Brennan (four goals) did the damage on the goal front while the ground level contributions of Blake Watson, Josh Guthrie, Tom Werner and Harry Minton-Connell were significant.

For the Swans, five individual goalkickers is all they could muster despite the efforts of Keegan Mellington, Marcus Powling, Sam Fisher and Lawson Prendergast, who never gave up the fight.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Joshua Guthrie (Sunbury): 39 disposals, 12 marks, 10 tackles

Tyson Lever (Sunbury): 24 disposals, 11 marks, 10 intercept possessions

Paddy Simpson (Ballarat): 41 disposals, 9 marks, 9 tackles 

COACHES’ VERDICT

Travis Hodgson (Sunbury):"Another pleasing performance. Ballarat competed hard at the contest and worked hard to slow us down. Credit to the boys, they're showing some real faith in our system now and being rewarded. We get the footy the footy audit after the bye."

Chris Maple (Ballarat):"A lot of learnings from our hit out against Sunbury. Our boys continued to be competitive but couldn't match a strong Sunbury outfit."

In difficult conditions around the grounds on Saturday, crucial wins were claimed and league wide statements made.

Potential flag favorites Melton provided yet another example of their dominance given any conditions with a hard fought 28-point win over North Ballarat at Mars Stadium.

The scoreline in isolation confirmed the adverse nature of the conditions with the Roosters kept to their lowest score during Brendan McCartney’s four-year tenure.

In fairness, the numbers around scoring across the region in BFNL football equate to a forgive run as the elements dominated the landscape.

The Roosters only goal came in the second quarter to have them within 23 points at the main break.

Such is the miserly, stingy habits of the Bloods’ defence, no favours were forwarded to the hosts as they were held to just five behinds for the second half.

Credit to the North Ballarat group restricting the Bloods to just one goal post the break in a match I’m sure both sides were happy to hear the final siren with one eye firmly fixed on a lasting image of a simple hot shower.

Kyle Borg (two goals) was named best on ground for the winners ahead of a handful of Bloods that conditions suited down to the ground.

Warriors, Lachie Watkins, midfield trio Jaycob Hickey, Jack Walker and Brett McIntyre (ruck) earned the plaudits of Troy Scoble and his staff ahead of Liam Carter whose form continues on an encouraging trajectory since his return from injury.

For Brendan McCartney's Roosters, you can never deny their trademark effort in win or loss.

Tom Bromley-Lynch flew the flag for the hosts on a tough day at the office against the ladder leaders, ahead of Ryan Hobbs, Isaac Carey, Nelson Troon, Simon McCartin and Charlie Darebin who rated credible mentions.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Isaac Carey (North Ballarat) - 36 disposals, 22 contested possessions, 10 clearances

Brett McIntyre (Melton) - 58 hit outs, 12 contested possessions, 9 clearances

Jack Walker (Melton) - 23 disposals, 17 contested possessions, 8 tackles

COACHES’ VERDICT
Brendan McCartney (North Ballarat)
"(We) really only looked like us in the second half where we fought hard but struggled to convert. Full credit to Melton for how they set the ground up - very organised and connected. (We) butter up and move onto next week."

Troy Scoble (Melton)
"Full credit to both teams today in how we approached the contest. Full respect to North (Ballarat) given their unavailable players with the effort and attitude shown from their group. (We're) really proud of our group - you must be mentally prepared for days like today and be disciplined to your system. Contest after contest with some luck early to hit the scoreboard to get a lead meant we set ourselves up for the second half slog. Still had some good learnings today which we will review and move forward into our next game seeking continued improvement and focus."

Sebastopol kicked the sweep in arguably the most impressive win of the round albeit on the road, accounting for improvers Lake Wendouree.

The bigger bodied Burras denied the hosts a sniff with a four-quarter winning performance to keep their slim finals chances alive.

Tony Lockyer's group sit in eighth place on the BFNL table still two games and percentage shy of Ballarat who have a game up their sleeve.

Since Round 5 Lockyer (two goals) has been named 'best on' for the Burra in five of their eight games, an ageless veteran who keeps on keeping on, leading from the front with not only voice but action.

Dangerous pressure forward Adam Forbes finished with a game high four goals to earn his place in the company alongside Lockyer and playmakers Jack Bambury and Luke Kiel.

The Burra would take further encouragement on the back of contributions from lesser knowns Lachlan O'Keefe and Mitch Johnson who landed in the pointy end of best player discussions.

The aftermath wasn't so positive for the Lakers who couldn't match the Burra in most key areas and fell well short on an otherwise forgiving day for many sides plying their Saturday afternoon trade on the footy field.

Despite a disappointing 52-point loss in front of home fans, you couldn't deny the efforts of a handful of Lakers who never gave up the fight - namely, Angus Gove, Tom Zampatti, Brayden Helyar, Michael Foster, Cooper James and Ty Palmer.

No surprise to see the more experienced, seasoned pick of the Lakers crew landing in the best.

Next week Sebastopol have a very winnable game on the road against an injury depleted Darley while the Lakers get another chance to repay the faith to home fans with a meeting against Chris Maple's Ballarat fresh off the bye. 

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol) - 36 disposals, 25 contested possessions, 10 clearances

Luke Kiel (Sebastopol) - 28 disposals, 21 contested possessions, 8 score involvements

Angus Gove (Lake Wendouree) - 27 disposals, 18 contested possessions, 11 intercept possessions 

COACHES’ VERDICT
Rohan Brown (Lake Wendouree)
"Like everywhere in the state we had to play in really trying conditions where we were beaten comprehensively. We played our brand for 20 minutes. Sebastopol were cleaner and you can't give up three goals in those conditions and expect to win the game. Down to no rotations in the back half of the game hurt us again late but all credit to Tony and his side - he has them playing good footy."

Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol)
"We were keen to produce a four-quarter performance against what we knew was a much improved Lakers team from Round 1. Very pleased to execute that in very trying conditions. We were clean with the slippery ball and responded to multiple Lakers’ surges. Twenty-two contributors got the job done for us. Lakers have a great young group - a lot to like about them going forward."

The flying Kangaroos made it 11 wins on the trot in abhorrent conditions at Eastern Oval, running away with a 50-point win over an undermanned Darley.

Twenty-nine shots to four spoke volumes of the separation between the two sides especially after half time (17-1).

The Devils’ slim winning chances were dealt a severe blow losing reigning dual Henderson Medallist and captain Brett Bewley in the warm-up while Brady Wright left the field in the first quarter and did not return.

Footy can be a cruel game as the experience of East Point inevitably took over the longer the game went on.

Matty Johnston (Best), Jacob Brown, Mikitja Rottumah-Onus, Jackson Merrett, Jordan Taylor and Jordy Johnston (two goals) all featured in the better players and deservedly so.

Their ability to handle the conditions had a bit on the fledgling Devils who resembled barely a shadow of their Round 1 side that inflicted Joe Carmody's group with their only loss of the season with eleven changes from that game for Darley.

Kangas’ forward Bryson McDougall (2.5) was stiff to miss out on the 'best' players and was probably the next man up making it a clean sweep on impact from the experienced brigade.

For Dan Jordan's luckless Devils, conditions suited the Matricardi boys while another brotherly pairing, Andy (two goals) and Adam Azzopardi fought tooth and nail with defender Matty Brett and ruckman Mitch Hovey to earn the nod of approval from the men with the magnets.

While East Point enjoy the week off and savour their bye ahead of the business end, the Devils (4th) will start as underdogs despite their respective ladder positions when they host Sebastopol (8th).   

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Matt Johnston (East Point) - 39 disposals, 23 contested possessions, 12 intercept possessions

Joel Van Meel (East Point) - 66 hit outs, 12 1%ers, 6 tackles

Riley Matricardi (Darley) - 22 disposals, 20 contested possessions, 13 tackles

COACHES’ VERDICT
Joe Carmody (East Point)
"Really difficult conditions on a heavy ground and tricky breeze. We were able to generate a number of scoring opportunities once our midfield got on top. Darley suffered some injuries but made us work hard for the win."

Dan Jordan (Darley)
"Up against it early after losing Brett (Bewley) and Brady (Wright). Toiled hard to half time but too undermanned and were run over in the second. Trying conditions for our inexperienced group but credit to East Point, their top end especially proved too overwhelming for us and thoroughly deserved the win."

Sunbury too survived a scare and returned to the winners list with a 31-point over Redan.

Gary Learmonth's young Pride led the top three candidates into the breeze at quarter time before the hosts were able to regroup, steady and find their mojo.

After the first change the hosts booted eight goals to two earn the plaudits of a well-deserved win.

In another low scoring affair across the competition, goals came at a premium.

Unlikely source Nathan Doyle finished with a game high three goals for the winners ahead of formidable pairing Jake Sutton and Mitch McLean who booted two apiece.

Coburg VFL listed player Benjamin Cameron returned to the Sunbury line up to be judged best afield ahead of consistent midfielder Josh Guthrie, Jack Newitt, Nathan Doyle, Joshua Lee and Mitch Lewis, who has recovered from a soft tissue complaint.

For Redan, shots on goal after quarter time were scarce in the absence of Lachie Bond who returned to Geelong VFL duties.

Grant Bell assumed the role of the Lions’ leading forward and finished with a team high two goals.

Dean Matthews was applauded for his efforts on Jake Sutton to be named best for the visitors ahead of midfield combo Rudie Forde (ruck), Lachie George and Khy Jess.

Billy Douglas and Harry Lawson also earned the tick of approval.

Both sides have the bye in Round 14 and will enjoy some pressure off having each lost four of their last five games heading into their Round 13 match up.

All honours with Sunbury with a return to third spot on the BFNL table a fitting reward.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Lachlan George (Redan) - 30 disposals, 23 contested possessions, 11 clearances

Josh Guthrie (Sunbury) - 45 disposals, 17 contested possessions, 6 marks

Jack Hannett (Sunbury) - 31 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 9 intercept possessions

COACHES VERDICT
Matt White (Sunbury)
"Really happy to be back in the winner’s circle. Really had to grind it out against a young Redan side. Took a while to get it done but (our) guys really started to find form again."

Gary Learmonth (Redan)
"Happy with our first three quarters but couldn't score with the breeze in the last to get the job done. Credit to Sunbury - they were well structured late and cleaner when it mattered most."

The Cobras avoided the upset of the year holding out a brave Panthers outfit by 17 points at Melton Recreation Reserve.

In tough conditions Dennis Armfield's touring party eventually wore down the hosts with a five-goal (12 behinds) to two second half, enough to walk away with the points and a relieving 'wipe of the brow' moment and fourth win of the season.

Cobras’ leading forward Jake Owen (three goals) was arguably the difference in the end given the final margin as the winless Panthers led by captain Cody Chapman put a scare through the hearts and minds of the Bacchus Marsh faithful who would have ticked this off as a win weeks in advance, despite having lost their last five games on the trot post their Round 7 bye.

Former Keilor junior Cameron Freake was named best afield for the winners ahead of Will Lalor, Jake Owen, Simon Lafranchi, Jack Kovacevic and Dennis Armfield.

Promising Panthers’ youngster Jarrod Bibby (two goals) landed in the best alongside Cody Chapman, Stuart Hobijn-Allen, Broden Collins, Jesse Geddes and the Geelong VFL listed Darby Schilder.

What the Panthers can claim given their struggles is their 'mini win' of the season - a first and second quarter win, culminating with a first half win.

Panthers’ coach Travis Hodgson had little time to savour the 'part' achievement, finding himself in with a real live chance of winning a game to the point of disappointment - unable to hang on after the main break.

Tough assignments await these two sides in Round 14 with the Cobras off to Mars Stadium to face North Ballarat while the Panthers journey cross-town for a local derby meet with Melton.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Luke Goetz (Bacchus Marsh) - 60 hit outs, 17 disposals, 11 contested possessions

Cody Chapman (Melton South) - 30 disposals, 25 contested possessions, 13 clearances

Jack Kovacevic (Bacchus Marsh) - 27 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 12 intercept possessions

COACHES VERDICT
Travis Hodgson (Melton South)
"Our application was very good again, has been for a few weeks. Although we are lacking the weapons to win games, we won a couple of quarters today and led at the first three changes. Structurally we were sound and played with energy and intent and ticking the boxes that we set ourselves internally. (We) had long periods where we defended well and challenged them to defend us. Credit to the Marsh, they did what they had to do late to get it done."

Dennis Armfield (Bacchus Marsh)
"Tough conditions and a tough win. I was really pleased with our young group to find a way to win an arm wrestle. Melton South played a totally different brand to earlier in the year and for our boys to adjust and come away with a win is pleasing."

Round 14 saw top teams make some statements on where they stand in the pecking order, while the race for the top six is still wide open.

Top six aspirants East Point overcame a seven-point quarter time deficit to kick 13 goals to four for the remainder of the game to move back into the business end conversation.

Star Kangas mid/forward Jordy Johnston finished with a game high five goals proving the driving force behind a team performance described by coach Jackson Merrett in the aftermath as "...one of our most complete..." for the season.

Thirty-five shots on goal to 18 confirmed the Kangas dominance that evidently keeps their season alive for another week.

Given they're (solely) fighting Redan for sixth, the percentage gain too played a significant role restoring the 2018/19 premiers into the finals mix.

Looking ahead, the Kangas have the bye, Sebastopol (A), Lake Wendouree (H) and North Ballarat (A) while the Lions have the Lakers (A), Ballarat (A), Melton South (H) and Sebastopol (A). 

The weekend gave Kangas home fans plenty to smile about with experienced quintet Cam Lovig, Harry Ganley, Matthew Johnston (one goal), Joe Dodd (one goal)and Jordan Taylor (one goal) playing some of their best footy aiding JJ getting the job done.

For the record it was Jordy Johnston's 11th appearance in the best players in 13 games including four at number one to have him in Henderson Medal contention.

For Ballarat, unfortunately the frailties of a young side remain ever apparent for Chris Maples group.

Sam Fisher continued his run of form to be named best for the visitors alongside Rhys Perry, Will Liston, Paddy Simpson (one goal) and Wil Garner.

Dangerous forward Andrew Hooper was lively finishing with three goals taking his season tally to 36 goals, 11 shy of current leader Ryan Carter (Melton).

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Jordan Johnston (East Point): 40 disposals, 24 contested possessions, 14 score involvements

Matt Johnston (East Point): 24 disposals, 17 contested possessions, 9 tackles

William Liston (Ballarat): 25 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 8 tackles 

COACHES’ VERDICT

Jackson Merrett (East Point):"One of our more complete performances of the season. The most pleasing aspect was our ability to restrict the Swans scoring after quarter time, conceding only four goals."

Chris Maple (Ballarat): "We continually turned the ball over throughout the day which enabled East Point to score. Once again we were competitive in the contest at times but lacked consistency in all phases of the game."

Top three contenders Darley 'flicked the switch' midway through the third term with 15 unanswered goals, including 11 in the final term.

Reigning Henderson Medalist Brett Bewley starred for the Devils with a game high four goals, ahead of 11 other contributors on the goal front. Will Johnson (three goals), Shane Page (two goals) and Matt Denham (two goals) finished among the best alongside defender Zane LeHuray.

But it wasn't all smooth sailing for the Devils who failed to flatter in the opening two and a half quarters against the one-win, determined Lakers. Coach Dan Jordan had every reason to be feeling a little perplexed as to what was unfolding before the Devils found a way to correct on their undoings.

The Lakers were solid for the best part of two and a half quarters before the flood gates opened.

Twin towers Tom Zampatti and Felix Fogarty provided aerial presence around stoppage and offence while Bailey Thompson, Bailey Ryan and Cody Helyar were busy winning their fair share of the ball.

Ryan and Helyar were important in defence, Thompson between the arcs, capping off his afternoon (despite the loss) with goal of the day in the second quarter.     

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Billy Myers (Darley): 36 disposals, 21 contested possessions, 18 score involements

Brett Bewley (Darley): 50 disposals, 20 score involements, 19 contested possessions

Angus Gove (Lake Wendouree): 33 disposals, 14 rebound 50s, 12 marks

COACHES’ VERDICT

Dan Jordan (Darley):"Happy with our effort to build into the game and finish off strongly. Credit to the Lakers who challenged us for three quarters. We stuck to our process and eventually clicked. Pleasing win."

Tim Shearer (Lake Wendouree):"Pleased with our first three quarters today. Very disappointed with the final quarter and margin."

Unfortunately, the buildup to this edition of the local derby was all about 'how far the Bloods?' Tipsters got it right, around the 200 points mark - 214 to be exact.

Bloods’ key forward and BFNL leading goalkicker Ryan Carter booted nine goals in the best part of two and a half quarters before leaving the field after suffering a heavy knock in a marking contest.

Brenton Payne corrected on his recent 1.4 return against the Cobras finishing with six goals, another beneficiary from a game played near all on the Bloods terms.

While the reigning Premiers led 120-2 at halftime, this one-sided affair had been put to bed much earlier as the Bloods led 65-2 at quarter time.

The visitors had 14 contributors on the goal front in what could aptly be described as a 'share fest' with all bar the candles and cake to validate the party.

You often hear sides who are off the mark referred to as 'a step' or 'one step' behind all day. Panthers coach Ryan Hoy conceded they were 'two steps off the pace'. Carefully chosen words!

The Bloods were a model of consistency hitting the scoreboard with hauls of 10,8,9 and 9 goals for each quarter. On the flipside all of the Panthers three goals came in the second half.

For the winners, Adrian Monitto (two goals), Jonothan O'Brien, Lachlan Watkins (one goal) and Kyle Borg (two goals) were named best alongside Carter and Payne.

While the painful struggle on-field continues for the embattled Panthers, Nathan Johns, Rhys Lee, Brendan Smoors, Broden Collins and Aydn Reilly were brave in their efforts.

Ryan Carter (concussion) will miss Saturday's clash against fifth placed Sunbury.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Braedan Kight (Melton): 26 disposals, 16 score involvements, 12 marks

Adrian Monitto (Melton): 27 disposals, 15 contested marks, 11 intercept possessions

Broden Collins (Melton South): 34 hit outs, 23 disposals, 20 contested possessions,  

COACHES’ VERDICT

Ryan Hoy (Melton South):"Not much to take out of the game. (We were) two steps off the pace all day - our worst performance all year. Melton dominated the midfield battle and owned the corridor all day."

Aaron Tymms (Melton):"(We) came here with a job to do and got it done with a solid four quarter team effort."

After conceding the first four goals of the game, Sebastopol managed to arrest momentum to win an all-important top three battle by 22 points against North Ballarat.

'Battle' was probably an understatement for this genuine finals preview, as two of the league heavyweights went toe-to-toe where unfortunately there could only be one winner.

North Ballarat coughed up a 22-point quarter team with scores restored at 38 piece at the main break - game on with questions still to be asked and answered in Round 14's Match of the Round.

Neither side could gain any real advantage in the third term that saw the Roosters lead by the narrowest ahead of the final stanza. With the game in the balance, the Roosters chances were dealt a significant blow with dangerous forward Jamie Quick (one goal) removed from the game with concussion.

To the Burras credit, their ability to hit the scoreboard in the last quarter was telling given the home side added 4.3 to Brendan McCartney's boys 0.4 to earn the four premiership points and cling to second place on the BFNL ladder ahead of Darley on percentage.

Burras quartet Ben Hutt, Arnold Kirby (two goals), Luke Kiel and Jay Dahlhaus (two goals) were named best for the winners while Jack Riding (three goals), Isaac Lovisson, Brock Leonard and Isaac Carey never gave up the fight for the visitors.   

The Roosters will sweat on the outcome of Callum McCullum's report (offered one week) ahead of another showstopper on the road against third placed Darley. Jamie Quick (concussion) will miss.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Jay Dahlhaus (Sebastopol): 28 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 7 tackles

Arnold Kirby (Sebastopol):37 hit outs, 19 disposals, 8 score involvements

Jack Riding (North Ballarat): 22 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 9 score involvements

COACHES’ VERDICT

Luke Kiel/Michael Columbro (Sebastopol):"Tight contest. North Ballarat made a good start. We were able to wrestle momentum our way. Our effort was sensational - we are building towards a four-quarter performance. Good response and proud of our group."

Brendan McCartney (North Ballarat):"Really good game of football. Sebastopol handled the conditions better and showed why they are a top three team. Their contest pressure and aerial work was very good. We had some things go against us at critical times but as we have all year we kept fighting and gave ourselves a chance to win. I'm very proud of the boys."

The ladder continues to shape after 14 rounds of football thus far! There were plenty of big wins and crucial encounters across the weekend that will be telling come season's end.

North Ballarat earned a much-needed percentage boost with a runaway 77-point win over Bacchus Marsh at Mars Stadium.

Following an underwhelming arm wrestle of sorts in the opening half, the Roosters raised the bar after the main break with an impressive 13-goals-to-three finish leaving the Cobras in their wake, a class above.

Let's not forget the Roosters (on paper) currently resemble a mere shadow of their 2023 grand final side.

In fact, just eight players from that side ran out against the Cobras.

Of the 14 players absent, 13 remain North Ballarat listed players unavailable due to injury, unavailability or VFL duties.  

One player that did run out was Simon McCartin, for the 200th time.

McCartin has been a constant in the Roosters line-up for many years now and received his just deserves with a post-game acknowledgement from both teams.

Former Cobra Joel Freeman starred in his third game in new colors with a game high five goals, ensuring McCartin got the dream result on his 200th.

Freeman spent his time rotating forward and, in the ruck, proving a thorn against his old side the longer the game went.

McCartin (best) and Freeman led a dominate second half for the hosts ahead of Joshua Sparkman, Tom Bromley-Lynch, Malachi White and Sam Artz who rarely play a bad game.

For the Cobras, there was obvious disappointment in the wash-up given they had a moment in front on the scoreboard in the second term before the flood gates opened.

A 17-goal concede given the Wintery nature of the conditions wouldn't sit comfortably with Cobras’ coach Dennis Armfield despite the efforts of a handful troops who led the resistance attempt.

Second gamer Leo Nixon showed plenty of promise to be named best ahead of Armfield, Jack Kovacevic, Josh Huxtable, Will Lalor and Isaac Nixon.

The Cobras have lost six of their last seven games and should soak up the bye while the Roosters are off to Alfredton Oval for a tricky assignment with Ballarat.  

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Joshua Sparkman (North Ballarat) - 39 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 11 score involvements

Malachi White (North Ballarat) - 27 disposals, 19 contested possessions, 10 clearances

Luke Goetz (Bacchus Marsh) - 73 hit outs, 15 disposals, 7 score involvements

COACHES’ VERDICT
Brendan McCartney (North Ballarat)
"Another step in the right direction after two challenging weeks in tough, contested games. Our young boys continue to grow and learn. Plenty to like and plenty to work. The whole club did a great job in celebrating our Captain Simon McCartin's 200th game. It was great recognition for a club icon. Thanks to Bacchus Marsh for their acknowledgement at games end."

Dennis Armfield (Bacchus Marsh)
"It was a tale of two halves unfortunately. Thirty minutes of footy cost us again. It's changes in momentum, confidence and execution. Our young list is learning a lot about moments in games. We tried different styles and a small skill error hurt us on turnover, but they were having a crack."

Ballarat look set for a return to finals after moving three games and percentage clear of seventh with a 32-point win over the Lakers.

If not for a six-goals-to-one blitz from the Swans in the second term, the BFNL’s ‘Match of the Round’ did live up to the billing - an otherwise even affair full of contested ball and skillful moments played under trying conditions.

In fairness, CE Brown Reserve (except for the cricket square) was a firm deck, allowing players to run on top of the ground and execute the fundamentals without excuse, for the most part.

The Swans led narrowly at the first change before Lakers’ debutant Monty Maloney kicked truly to get the hosts within a point.

Special moments like these can trigger a spark in momentum but the Swans were quick to put an end to such theory with an emphatic response of their own with three goals in three minutes to rattle Rohan Brown's group, silencing the loyal band of faithful onlookers in the process.

The Lakers simply went missing for 30 minutes on the back of an ailing work rate without the ball.

The result, the punishment evidently, a 41-point half time deficit. Credit to the Swans, they look more organised than I’ve seen in recent outings.

Their intent and attack on the footy gives every indication the once young Swans are not shy on belief either.  

After the main break, a rejuvenated Lakers returned with the type of effort and work rate that has earned the praises of rival coaches throughout the season.

Brown would have been happy winning the second half 6.3 to 4.6 but left lamenting another 'sleep at the wheel' quarter.

For Maple and his Swans, their display showed enough to confirm their win over top three contenders Sunbury in Round 11 was no fluke.

While there was plenty to like, the Lakers response in the second half grounded any thoughts for the Swans getting ahead of themselves.

It’s essentially back to work for the Swans.

If they can get it right for longer, their best is capable of testing another top six team sooner rather than later.

Harry Butler (Swans) and Bailey Thompson (Lakers) shared game high honours on the scoreboard with three goals while Butler got the nod of approval from the Swans camp as best on ground ahead of Jack O'Brien, Will Garner, Tristan Maple and Rhys Perry.

For the Lakers, Phoenix James impressed all afternoon and never gave up competing with his front half pressure ahead of Jaydo Wright and the Helyar boys, Braedyn and Cody.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Angus Gove (Lake Wendouree) - 31 disposals, 18 contested possessions, 14 intercept possessions

Tom Mooney (Ballarat) - 23 disposals, 9 clearances, 9 score involvements

Zak Rinaldi (Ballarat) - 27 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 9 intercept possessions

COACHES’ VERDICT
Rohan Brown (Lake Wendouree)
"Another frustrating day. I thought we were fantastic for three quarters of the game. (In) the second quarter we went away from what we wanted to do and how we wanted to play footy - "fell asleep at the wheel!" Credit to Ballarat they took full advantage and won the game in that period. Once we fixed a few things up and the boys got back to cracking in, our contest was much better."

Chris Maple (Ballarat)
"Credit to Lakers today, they applied a lot of source pressure on the ball and at times, controlled stoppage. I thought we just did enough during the game. Our second quarter was encouraging but we didn't put the game away at any point. (We) must learn from that."

Ladder leaders Melton put on another clinical display taking care of cross-town rivals Melton South at MacPherson Park.

With the result deemed inevitable ahead of the opening bounce given the two sides contrasting seasons, it was more a matter of how far the Bloods.

Troy Scoble's men continue to ramp up the pressure on the back of undeniable efficiency on the scoreboard.

The Bloods rank #1 in the competition for accuracy (62.8%) and two for shots on goal (average per game) behind East Point.

Conversion on goal is considered one of the most underrated stats in the game by many coaches, an area Scoble would surely be proud of his group thus far.

Only twice this season in the Bloods’ 13 games to date have they kicked more behinds than goals - extraordinary effort, now deservedly recognised.

While it poses an ominous sign for future opposition, it does serve as a prime example to replicate.

Saturday was Jordan Kight's day out in front of the big sticks with a game high six goals, ahead of Liam Carter four goals and as many as ten other Bloods to hit the scoreboard.

Jordy's returns were enough to earn him 'best on ground ' honours.

The six-goal haul catapulted the dangerous small forward into 10th place for the Tony Lockett Medal with 24 goals. Dare I add, 35 goals behind leader and brother Braedan Kight on 59 goals!

It's worth noting, acknowledging the powerful Melton machine if only for a moment - all but one of their players from the weekend are 'one pointers'. Remarkable.

Lachie Watkins and Jaycob Hickey continued with their excellent block of recent work to feature alongside Jordy Kight, Liam Carter, Blake Souter and Adrian Monitto.

For the Panthers, their struggles against the old enemy continue.

Not since 2017 have the Panthers enjoyed a win over the rampant Bloods.

Despite the gulf in class, and one sided scoreline, coach Travis Hodgson praised the efforts of Broden Collins, John Kovarik, Jarrod Bibby, Darby Schilder, Lachlan Peterson and Cody Chapman (one goal).        

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Broden Collins (Melton South) - 73 hit outs, 24 disposals, 24 contested possessions

Jaycob Hickey (Melton) - 25 disposals, 12 tackles, 12 score involvements

Lachlan Watkins (Melton) - 24 disposals, 10 marks, 10 intercept possessions

COACHES’ VERDICT
Troy Scoble (Melton)
"Defensive side of the game strong, which was pleasing. (The game provided us with the) opportunity to work on strategies to penetrate large numbers of opposition players inside our forward 50. We did this well at times and other times average. Every week no matter the result, or how opposition try to play against us, is a learning opportunity and we will treat the game as that."  

Travis Hodgson (Melton South)
"Obviously out of our depth against a very good side but was again pleased with the way we competed. Shrinking losing margins significantly second time around so we are making progress. Shout out to the eight boys that played two games and never stopped trying. Looking forward to next week v Sunbury with a goal to keep building our brand and also get closer than we did in Round 2."

Undermanned Darley held off a late challenge from Sebastopol to keep their top three chances alive.

Despite the Devils winning each of the opening three quarters, very little separated the two sides at Darley Park in a low scoring affair.

Progressive young Devil Adam Azzopardi rose to prominence in the absence of star midfielder Brett Bewley to be named best afield ahead of solid leaders Matthew Brett, Luther Baker and Matty Denham.

Devils’ utility Riley Matricardi made it two solid contributions on the bounce to earn another landing in the best players alongside 10 gamer Jack Crawford.

With goals coming at a premium, a barely recognisable Devils’ front six toiled manfully on their way to seven goals which surprisingly, proved enough.

Harley Inglis ended as the sole multiple goal scorer for the winners finishing with two majors.

The win saw the Devils move back into third place ahead of Sunbury who have a game in hand.

While it was the fifth consecutive win for Dan Jordan's Devils over the Burra, you could argue, none have been more important, or satisfying for that matter, than Saturday's five point 'backs to the walls' success.    

The Burra’s winning chances suffered a major setback early, losing key playmaker Luke Kiel who was taken from the field in the first quarter with a suspected hyper extension of the knee that will likely sideline the experienced, popular utility.

Tony Lockyer made it a sixth 'best on' for the Burra in his last nine games ahead of Lachie Cassidy, Jack Bambury, Jacob Wilkinson, Ben Hutt and Jed Hill.

Cooper Littlehales was the leading contributor on the scoreboard for the visitors with his two goals.

Unfortunately for the Burra, their finals chances are next to slim with Ballarat a near certainty to hold the prized sixth spot, now three games and percentage clear of seventh.

The Burra host Redan next week while the Devils savour a timely bye to rally the troops ahead of a showdown with Sunbury in Round 16.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Lachlan Cassidy (Sebastopol) - 42 disposals, 11 clearances, 11 tackles

Matthew Brett (Darley) - 23 disposals, 10 intercept possessions, 10 1%ers

Matt Denham (Darley) - 30 disposals, 18 contested possessions, 11 clearances

COACHES’ VERDICT
Dan Jordan (Darley)
"Very pleased. We had 22 contributors in a very high-pressure game today. Having 7 or 8 players with 10 games or less under their belts was always going to be challenging against a well led, improving Sebastopol. Our focus was always for a 'team effort' response. Rapt to get the result."

Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol)
"Disappointed but proud of the fight late to nearly get there. (I) felt we were on top especially in the first, just didn't capitilise on our opportunities which caught up with us later. Down a key rotation early losing Luke Kiel (first quarter) hurt, our boys dug deep to grind it out. A lot of respect for Dan and Darley - backs against the wall and they came away with it. (They) showed their class without key cattle. Wish them all the best for their finals campaign. Our journey continues - we have come a long way this year. We dust ourselves off and we go again next week."

Saturday's eight-point wins, ladder leapfrogging and rare victories were all part of the highlights to come out of Round 15. 

Bacchus Marsh duly saluted with a morale boosting win on the road against Melton South.

While the result may have been expected, Cobras’ coach Jason Williams wasn't prepared to take anything for granted given their modest two-win season.

In fact, it was against the Cobras at their earlier meet where the winless Panthers won their only quarter for the season. Given that was the opening term back in Round 9, Williams’ focus was eyeing an impactful start from his visiting party.

Prime mover jake Owen didn't let him down with two goals in the opening four minutes to lay claim on a potential big day in front of the sticks.

While the former captain finished with a game high five goals, he may have come up shy on the days potential given he had 10 shots on goal for the day.

Cobras’ next generation pair Rylan Porter and Spencer Jenks both kicked three goals.

Owen was named best for the winners ahead of Tyson Shea, Josh Huxtable and Jack Parente. Improver Xavier Jenks also featured for a fourth time this season.

For the embattled Panthers, they did show some fight matching the Cobras with a two goal second term but again the reality of victory was beyond their reach.

Jarrod Bibby, Rhys Lee and Aydn Reilly were once again prominent contributors for the hosts while big man Broden Collins fought valiantly against arguably the competitions’ premier ruckman, Luke Goetz.  

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Jake Owen (Bacchus Marsh): 28 disposals, 22 marks, 17 score involvements

Tyson Shea (Bacchus Marsh): 33 disposals, 18 contested possessions, 14 tackles

Rhys Lee (Melton South): 36 disposals, 13 marks, 10 rebound 50s

COACHES’ VERDICT

Ryan Hoy (Melton South):"Felt our first half was really good, especially the second quarter where we defended well. Unfortunately, we lost our way a bit in the third (quarter) where Bacchus Marsh got control at the stoppage and weren't able to quell momentum. Credit to our boys, they stuck it out in the last quarter which was pleasing."

Jason Williams (Bacchus Marsh): "Grateful to win and have a lot of contributors across the day. I enjoyed seeing the boys really enjoy themselves. Melton South were good in the second half and challenged us which I think will help us over the coming weeks."

Darley moved into outright second on the BFNL table, just one game behind ladder leaders Melton, after a hard fought 34-point win over North Ballarat.

In what was billed as one of the games of the round, the contested brand of footy on display earned the plaudits of all and sundry in attendance.

While scoring on the major front was a difficult assignment for both sides, it was the Devils who held their nerve to breakthrough the Roosters defence, extending their lead at each interval en route toward a meritorious four quarter win.

The convincing nature of the result put pay to any doubts held more broadly across the competition that the Devils could turn the tables on their 57-point loss earlier in the season.

In fairness, the Roosters chances were dealt a severe blow with the late withdrawal of Jack Riding (Werribee VFL).

The creative playmaker’s recall was untimely given the absence of sharpshooter Jamie Quick (concussion), Sam Artz (concussion), Ryan Hobbs (calf), Harry Loader (overseas) and Thomas Hotchin (knee). 

For the Devils, top end talents Matthew Brett, Shane Page and Brett Bewley were the prime instigators in the all-important win while Joel Cadman and Darren Leonard were the only multiple goal scores on the day finishing with two each.

Roosters’ defenders Isaac Carey and Isaac Lovisson were named best for the travelling party, while Callum McCullum, Riley Polkinghorne, Brock Leonard and Tom Bromley-Lynch fought bravely between the arcs.

Honours with the Devils for keeping North Ballarat to their lowest score of the season.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Brett Bewley (Darley): 41 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 9 tackles

Matthew Brett (Darley): 24 disposals, 12 marks, 11 contested possessions

Cam McCallum (North Ballarat): 78 hit outs, 17 disposals, 13 contested possessions

COACHES’ VERDICT

Dan Jordan (Darley): "A good performance against an undermanned North Ballarat outfit. We were strong in the contest and executed mostly what we wanted for the day. Still plenty to work on."

Brendan McCartney (North Ballarat):"Tough day for us. Darley were strong in all areas of the game, in particular overhead and owning the outside of the ground. Dan is a high-quality coach and is building a team built to succeed in finals. Another challenge for us next week where we can put some of our learnings to the test."

An inaccurate Redan took more than a half of footy to shrug off the one-win Lakers to gain a much needed four premiership points to elevate themselves back inside the top six at the expense of East Point.

The Lions had won just three of their previous eight games and were looking to consolidate early but were often denied by a plucky Lakers outfit who played some good footy to be within a goal at the main break.

However, the Lions awoke from their post bye slumber adding 7.15 to 1.3 after half time to earn some separation on the scoreboard.

Twenty-two shots on goal to three after the main break tells its own story of dominance. Nonetheless the Lions would be disappointed with their 10-goal return given the Lakers’ average concede per game is in excess of 100 points.

Isaac Grant (four goals) and Grant Bell (three goals) found their mojo around goal while Declan Phillips, Declan Hart, Jacob Short, Daniel Bond and Lachie George won more than their fair share of the ball to feature in the best players.

For the Lakers, Bailey Thompson continued his run of recent form, booting three of his team’s four goals to aid the efforts of midfield duo Timmy Collins and Michael Foster who accumulated possession whilst under the pump.

Lakers’ big man Tom Zampatti made it a fifth appearance in the best from just seven games with his new club.

While the Lakers have just the one win to their name, they've shown longer periods of competitiveness that should hold no grave fears ahead of their Round 16 clash with Bacchus Marsh this Saturday.

Redan's ongoing battle with East Point for sixth place on the BFNL ladder continues when Gary Learmonth's pride head to Alfredton Oval aiming to consolidate an eighth win of their season.

For the record, East Point host third placed Sebastopol, who will be without livewire forward/mid Jay Dahlhaus with a hand injury. 

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Izaac Grant (Redan): 32 disposals, 14 score involvements, 14 contested possessions

Declan Phillips (Redan): 28 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 9 pressure acts

Bailey Ryan (Lake Wendouree): 28 disposals, 13 rebound 50s, 7 intercept possessions

COACHES’ VERDICT

Tim Shearer (Lake Wendouree): "Another competitive effort today. Playing group was excited about the opportunity in front of them at half time. Redan showed why they are heading towards finals with the poise they displayed after the break."

Gary Learmonth (Redan):"Lakers never gave up and played some good footy. We gave the ball back too often and left plenty of goals out there. We take the win and move on to a great test against Ballarat."

Melton stood up when it counted to deny Sunbury with a four-quarter winning performance at Macpherson Park.

While the visitors were brave for the most part, the Lions were unable to make inroads, trailing by eight, 13, 17 points at each of the breaks before going down by 27 at full-time.

Coach Travis Hodgson cited 'crucial mistakes' at both ends of the ground as the catalyst for their inability to arrest the gradual separation on the scoreboard.

The Lions were in the contest all day but couldn't deny the 'forever honest' Bloods who were well served by their more experienced heads Ben Archard, Jordy Cotter, Braedyn Kight (four goals), Lachie Watkins and the Walker brothers.

Liam Carter returned from a calf injury sustained in Round 7 to finish with two goals alongside Port Melbourne VFL listed speedster Kyle Borg (two goals).

Back-to-back goals for the hunting Lions against the might of the Bloods defence was always going to be a challenge.

With goals at a premium young gun Jake Egan, Jake Sutton and Mitch Trimboli managed two apiece while Patrick Scanlon, Josh Guthrie and Riley got the nod, featuring at the head of the best players.

Melton have the bye his week while Sunbury head to Mars Stadium for another footy audit against fellow Round 15 losers North Ballarat (fourth).

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Jordyn Cotter (Melton): 33 disposals, 13 marks, 12 intercept possessions

Ben Archard (Melton): 75 hit outs, 25 disposals, 14 contested possessions

Joshua Guthrie (Sunbury): 38 disposals, 24 contested possessions, 17 clearances

COACHES’ VERDICT

Aaron Tymms (Melton):"A really good contest and we were able to grind out a professional win against strong opposition. We were able to control the game and were able to adjust to the different looks they gave us."

Travis Hodgson (Sunbury):"Tight contest all day. Proud of the boys and I thought we were a genuine chance for most of the day and during the last quarter. We made some crucial mistakes in front of goal and deep in defence that no doubt hurt. That's what makes Melton so good, they punish you for it."

As we close in on the final rounds of the home and away season, a few more pieces of the 2024 puzzle fell into place across the weekend.

Somehow a never-say-die North Ballarat managed to salvage a draw after trailing by seven points inside the final minute of a thriller at Alfredton Oval.

The game ebbed and flowed for the most part and looked every slim chance of ending in a draw bar the second quarter scoreboard pressure from North Ballarat and the rally late from Ballarat to earn back the lead.

So fans and players alike were left to revisit the unique realisation of the draw as the brain is involuntarily split with its messaging.

We, the mere mortals, are left to process 'glass half full' or 'glass half empty'?

Both sides could find legitimate reasoning for winning the game and maybe letting one slip but after time to look at the game and it's many variables, it was the Swans for mine who were left lamenting.

Even when North Ballarat booted three unanswered goals in the second term, I wouldn't be surprised if there was little between the two in weight of possession.

If the Swans want to be spoken about as finals contenders, they can surely cop their deserves around missed opportunity.

Clumsy decision making and overuse of the ball cost the Swans the game.

You couldn't doubt the second and third efforts of both sides, they were super. However, those efforts were more often attributed to a failing of the first effort, with ball in hand.

North Ballarat had just seven players from their 2023 Grand Final side and travelled to Alfredton Oval to take on the Swans who had won their last three games.

With only Andrew Hopper and Callum Wellings to return for the Swans there was no better time to be getting the Roosters missing no less than eight of their best 22 despite the inclusion of Collingwood VFL listed commodity Sam Glover.

The Roosters three keys forward combined for seven of their 11 goals. Joel Freeman (3), Sam Glover (2) and Ned Nash (2) looked dangerous every time the Roosters went inside.

Reggie Palmer, Malachi White, Isaac Carey, Noah Cockerill, Tom Bromley-Lynch and 201-gamer Simon McCartin were named best.

Harry Butler (two goals) and Tom Mooney (2) were the only multiple goal scorers for the Swans who did miss the direction Hooper in the clinches.

The pick of the Swans troops on an 'almost' day were Marcus Powling, Tristan Maple, Wil Liston, Fraser Perkins, Rhys Perry and Paddy Simpson.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

William Liston (Ballarat) - 32 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 9 clearances

Isaac Carey (North Ballarat) - 29 disposals, 18 contested possessions, 13 clearances

Malachi White (North Ballarat) - 23 disposals, 19 contested possessions, 11 clearances

COACHES’ VERDICT
Chris Maple (Ballarat)
"Two young teams cracking in. A great learning day for our boys. Behind, in front, then even! We wasted some opportunities, and our overuse helped them in their territory game. They were also very efficient going inside 50. As I said, this game will give us plenty of learnings as we head forward."

Brendan McCartney (North Ballarat)
"A fantastic game of footy. We had some great patches of play, and our pressure enabled us opportunities to score. (We) lost our way in a couple of key areas and the opposition took ascendancy away from us. Ballarat had some really good blocks of play. The learning and development continues for us. So proud of the fight in our players every week. They are a fantastic group of young men."

The high-flying Kangas extended their winning run to 12 with a dominant display against the Lakers at Eastern Oval.

The 155-point margin provided coach Joe Carmody with his ninth season win of 47 points or more. Only Melton (five points), Sunbury (20) and North Ballarat (27) have finished closer over the stretch (post Round 1).

Henderson Medal fancy Matty Johnston starred again with a game high seven goals, leading as many as nine other Kangas’ players to hit the scoreboard.

MJ has finished in the best on 12/13 occasions with five (considered) 'best on ground' performances including the last three games on the trot. Bryson McDougall (six goals) added to his already impressive season tally of 45 to move within eight goals of Melton's Braedan Kight (59).

Such is the scoring power of East Point, they have four players in the top 14 goal scorers in the competition. Super effort and another example of a team in rare form.

Behind Johnston and McDougall were tireless, recognised contributions from Mikitja Rottumah-Onus, Billy Jones, Tom Conlan and Liam Howard.

But in reality, there was room in the best for another 16 Kangaroos players according to Carmody.

For Rohan Brown's men, learnings will surely be taken following a first hand, birds-eye view into what's required to feature at the pointy end of the season.

Despite the efforts of Ty Palmer and usual suspects Tom Zampatti, Angus Gove, Joel O'Connell, Tim Collins and Bayley Thompson the gulf in class was palpable.

While it's a given that the Lakers have a long way to go, the Kangas, let it be said, are near joint favorites with Melton to win a third flag in seven years.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Jordan Johnston (East Point) - 24 disposals, 16 score involvements, 11 marks

Matt Johnston (East Point) - 25 disposals, 11 marks, 10 score involvements

Angus Gove (Lake Wendouree) - 30 disposals, 11 marks, 10 intercept posessions 

COACHES’ VERDICT

Joe Carmody (East Point)
"(It) was a comprehensive performance. (We) defended really well and created a high number of scoring opportunities with effective ball movement."

Rohan Brown (Lake Wendouree)
"East Point out played us in every facet of the game. We had one winner in Ty Palmer who did an excellent job on Jacob Brown. Myself and 22 players own what we produced."

Visiting Sunbury usurped their Round 2 144-point advantage over the Panthers with a 188-point win at Melton Recreation Reserve.

Collectively, the two meets equate to a Sunbury scoreline of 56.28-364 to 4.8-32.

Handy percentage boosters for the now third placed Lions.

Leading forward Jake Sutton was the star on the goalfront with a season high 12 goals to move within four of once tearaway Tony Lockett Medal leader Braedan Kight who sits on 59 goals.

Sutton has recorded 18 of his 55 season goals (32.7%) against the Panthers alone.

The Lions embraced an opportunity debuting next generation talent Jackson McHenry (three goals) and Jake Walker (two goals) in the absence of Tyson Lever, Jake Egan, Jack Newitt, Mitch McLean and Harry Power.

While Newitt (quad) is the only certainty to miss upcoming clash with Darley, it will be interesting to see what Lions’ coach Matty White does with Jake Egan having gone on the record indicating it's back through the twos for any player in the event of missing more than a week of footy.

Egan has not been seen since Round 11. Lever, McLean and Power were more or less put on ice for the all-important Darley game this week and are in the clear of an elongated return.

Unfortunately, improving Lion Jack Hannett (collarbone) joins fellow starting defenders Newitt and Jordan Tentonello (leg) on the sidelines, opening the door of further opportunity at Sunbury.  

The Lions’ dominance on the scoreboard at the weekend progressed incrementally from quarter to quarter as they managed six, seven, eight, and nine goal terms to bring up the milestone 200.

Ageless forward Leigh Brennan finished with five goals in a support role for Sutton to finish among the better players named while Josh Guthrie, Nathan Wood, Riley Miller and debutant Walker got it done between the arcs.

Tough day for the Panthers, their second, one goal return in as many weeks. Cody Chapman, Darby Schilder, Jarrod Bibby all featured prominently while it was good to see new faces Lachlan Peterson, Jesse Muse among those recognised for their effort.  

The Panthers losing run of matches is now 36.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Jake Sutton (Sunbury) - 29 disposals, 21 score involvements, 14 marks

Josh Guthrie (Sunbury) - 36 disposals, 22 contested possessions, 14 score involvements

Cody Chapman (Melton South) - 35 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 10 intercept possessions

COACHES’ VERDICT
Travis Hodgson (Melton South)
"Poor performance after a good month, our kids had been up for a while. We fumbled at a level I’ve not seen, didn't stick tackles and took no risks with the ball, dumping it for most of the day and therefore not challenging Sunbury to defend us. Sunbury made our small ground huge with the way they set it up and shaped the ball exceptionally well."

Matt White (Sunbury)
"Was a good four quarter performance and (we) unearthed some great young talent in (Jackson) McHenry and (Blake) Walker. We focus on recovery and Darley now."

The Burra gave sponsors and fans something to smile about with a second 'home win' of the season, downing Redan by 56 points.

The match was considered the unofficial battle for the 'best team outside the top six'.

The response from the Burra in the absence of Luke Kiel (knee) was emphatic.

Sebastopol coach Tony Lockyer took ownership of his side’s recent inability to score and went forward in a genius move that yielded the veteran utility a game high five goals.

With Lachlan Cassidy back and others on the mend, it's likely we will see more of Lockyer forward in his twilight years.

Surely, a headache for opposition coaches moving foward.

This game was over at half-time as the Burra earned bang for buck returns for their efficiency on goal to set up a 42-point lead over the Lions who struggled without reliable defender and distributor Jacob Short (hamstring).

Lockyer wasn't alone leading the charge toward the Burras’ highest score of the season.

As many as eight other Sebastopol players shared the spoils on the goal front behind Lockyer, six of those multiple contributors.

Adam Forbes (three goals), Liam Mason (2), Cooper Littlehales (2), Bailey Medwell (2), Chase Dummett (2) and Cassidy (2) elevated the threat in the Burras’ front half from moderate to dangerous, a rare feature for the Burra camp this season, for one reason or another.

Cassidy gave every indication he's back to full strength over his troublesome hamstring and was named best afield ahead of Medwell, Forbes, Luke Phillips, Ben Hutt and of course, Lockyer.

For Redan, they would be disappointed with their returns on the back of 26 scoring shots. The Lions have now lost six of their last seven games by an average of 63.5 points.

Lachie George (one goal) was named best for the Lions alongside Liam Farnsworth, Grant Bell (three goals), Khy Jess, Riley Collins (one goal) and Patrick Fitzgibbon.

For the record, consistent forward Grant Bell has multiple goals in 12 of his last 14 games.  

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Bailey Medwell (Sebastopol) - 41 disposals, 21 contested possessions, 13 clearances

Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol) - 33 disposals, 17 score involvements, 17 contested possessions

Lachlan George (Redan) - 26 disposals, 12 score involvements, 8 pressure acts

COACHES’ VERDICT
Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol)
"We were after a consistent four quarter performance. We wanted to set the tone early and play the game on our terms. Pleasing to execute on all fronts, very happy with the way moved the ball. Twenty-two contributors all day. The first of three important games to finish off our year. Looking forward to Ballarat next week."

Gary Learmonth (Redan)
"Sebastopol were cleaner and took their chances in front of goal early which set the game up. I thought the boys battled it out in the second half with mounting injuries."

The BFNL welcomed another series of twists and turns over the weekend with upsets, finals previews and big wins all making appearances in Round 16.

North Ballarat held off an honest Sunbury with a tense 12-point win at Mars Stadium.

The important win was set up in the first half as Brendan McCartney's men led by 22 points at the main change.

While the half time difference doesn't seem much on face value the Roosters were near double the Lions score leading 47-25.

The four premiership points consolidates North Ballarat's fourth position on the BFNL ladder with the bye and East Point (H) to come.

Brock Leonard, Tom Bromley-Lynch (two goals), Sam Glover, Sam Scally, Sam Artz (one goal) and Elliot Lamb (two goals) were named best for the winners in a game where goals came at a premium.

Returning star duo Jamie Quick (two goals) and Jack Riding (one goal) looked threatening at times before the Werribee VFL listed Riding left the field temporarily with the blood rule after a heavy knock.

The Roosters impressive record under McCartney at Mars Stadium extends to 16-3 since he took the reins in 2021.

For Sunbury, it was another 'almost' performance, honest by definition. Their 1-5 record against top four teams ahead of finals is a concern given the Lions’ best is very good in capable of matching it with the best.

Unlikely source Harry Power (four goals) had all of Sunbury's three goals at half time to keep the Lions in with a slim chance. But it was always going to be a tough recovery mission reeling in a 22-point deficit.

Credit to Travis Hodgson's visiting party winning the second half 5.6 to 3.8 but their struggles in Ballarat continue with an eighth loss from their last 11 visits.

While Power's contribution warranted best player honours for the Lions, Riley Miller, Fraser Ampulski, Mitch Lewis, Tyson lever and Cody Bramble were recognised for their support roles.    

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Cam McCallum (North Ballarat): 52 hit outs, 19 disposals, 13 contested possessions

Brock Leonard (North Ballarat): 28 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 7 tackles

Mitchell Lewis (Sunbury): 34 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 11 clearances 

COACHES’ VERDICT

Brendan McCartney (North Ballarat):"Good day for the club. Great game of footy. Very proud of our players’ resilience and competitiveness."

Travis Hodgson (Sunbury):"Another solid performance in which we challenged the opposition for most of the day but were unable to get the four points."

The Swans claimed a second top six scalp with a morale-boosting 19-point win at home over Redan.

Chris Maple's young group were victims of the post bye slumber early, smashed by the Lions 47-8 prompting a genuine wakeup call at the first change.

To the Swans credit, five unanswered second quarter goals had the game back on near level terms with the hosts just four points in arrears. Welcome back!

Overall the effort after quarter time was arguably the Swans best output for the season as they bounced back with 11 goals to two to run out deserved winners in the end.

Unfortunately for Lions coach Gary Learmonth the challenge of reducing the gap from their best and worse remains a problem as they endeavour to hang on for a place in the finals.

As it stands, they sit nervously inside the top six just 3.3% ahead of East Point. It's hard to comprehend the Lions failings after quarter time given their seven-goal blitz in the opener.

A 35-point lead squandered against the eighth placed team of the competition tells you just as much about both sides.

For the winners, ruckman Marcus Powling took the honours to be named best afield ahead of any number of Swans (nine goalkickers) with Daniel Kennedy, Mitch McGrath, Will Liston and Rhys Perry got the nod.

Redan named Jacob Werts, Jacob Short, Nathan Dunstan, Dean Matthews and Flynn Atchison among their best while seven goal scorers made up their nine-goal return.

Sharpshooters Andrew Hooper (Ballarat) and Izaac Grant (Redan) were both kept goalless.   

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Paddy Simpson (Ballarat): 31 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 13 score involvements

Daniel Kennedy (Ballarat):33 disposals, 23 contested possessions, 9 score involvements

Izaac Grant (Redan): 21 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 9 tackles 

COACHES’ VERDICT

Chris Maple (Ballarat):"After a poor first quarter we regrouped well, and showed plenty of spirit. Good for our group to have some reward for their efforts."

Gary Learmonth (Redan):"First quarter was super, after that we were terrible. Credit to Ballarat for sticking together and clawing their way back."

Match favorites Darley made light work of their hit-out against Melton South with a massive win to celebrate club favorite Darren Leonard's 250th game.

The contest was over at quarter time as the merciless Devils posted 10 unanswered goals, holding the winless Panthers scoreless.

If not for rain in the last quarter the rampant Devils could have conceivably finished with 40 goals such was the gulf in class between the second and eleventh placed sides on the BFNL table.

Billy Myers and Will Johnson booted seven goals each to feature prominently while as many as seven other Devils hit the scoreboard to consolidate the one-sided nature of the affair.

Star midfielder Brett Bewley (three goals), Andy Azzopardi (four goals), Darren Leonard (four goals) and Leigh Spiteri (two goals) proved a handful all day for the clearly undermanned Panthers.

Melton South ruckman Brodie Collins kicked their only major in the last quarter. Captain Cody Chapman, Rhys Lee and Collins were acknowledged for their "never give up" attitudes on what was simply a devil of a day for the embattled Panthers.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Brett Bewley (Darley): 41 disposals, 10 clearances, 10 inside 50s

Lucas Impey (Darley): 33 hit outs, 23 disposals, 13 clearances

Broden Collins (Melton South): 68 hit outs, 24 disposals, 12 contested possessions

COACHES’ VERDICT

Dan Jordan (Darley):"Executed the way we wanted and played good team footy all day. Great to see Leonard get some individual reward in the last quarter in his 250th game. A great clubman."

Ryan Hoy (Melton South):"Outclassed. The boys tried hard and never gave up."

The Cobras impressed with a dominant 92-point win over Lake Wendouree at Maddingley Park on Saturday.

Progressive youngster Isaac Nixon (six goals) and prime mover Jake Owen (four goals) did the bulk of the damage forward with their aerial presence and accuracy at goal a major feature.

The duo were the ultimate beneficiaries of a landslide in clearance numbers. Midfield trio Luke Goetz, Tyson Shea and Jake McCreery combined for a stack of possessions and were the primary instigators behind a majority of the Cobras’ season high 38 shots on goal.

While the Porter brothers Alex and Rylan chimed in with two goals apiece it was Rylan's volley out of midair over the shoulder that stole the show - a genuine goal of the year contender.

The nature of the finish resembled more of a round ball game 'strike', at the HIGHEST of level mind you - check it out on the highlights this week!

There was very little joy for the visitors in a performance described by coach Tim Shearer in the aftermath as "poor' despite the efforts of Brayden Helyar, Michael Foster, Ethan Prestan, Jamie Norton and Jack Butler who fought the game out to the very end.

All honours with the Cobras, they're clearly a different proposition with the added depth provided by their returning Coates talent league players.

One more win in the final two rounds would see the Cobras hit par in their first season rebuild under new coach Jason Williams.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Luke Goetz (Bacchus Marsh): 69 hit outs, 25 disposals, 11 score involvements

Jake McCreery (Bacchus Marsh): 30 disposals, 12 contested possessions, 11 score involvements

Angus Gove (Lake Wendouree): 31 disposals, 11 Rebound 50s, 8 marks

COACHES’ VERDICT

Jason Williams (Bacchus Marsh): "Today we rolled out close to our best squad for the season and got a result that reflects the personnel. Really sets us up for the last two games of the year."

Tim Shearer (Lake Wendouree):"We were very poor today. Credit to Jason and his Bacchus Marsh lads, they were dominant in the midfield and set up their win from there."

East Point fell agonisingly short of moving back into the top six at the expense of Redan when they went down by nine points to flag fancy Sebastopol at Eastern Oval.

There was external interest in the lead up as to which side was able to impact off their round 15 bye and what influence that would have finding some early separation on the scoreboard.

While the Kangas led by 12 points at quarter time it was the Burras’ nine goal second term that would see the visitors head into the main break with a 19-point advantage.

For the record it was the only quarter of the match the Burra won but enough to grant Luke Kiel and Michael Columbro’s men an 11th win of the season.

Despite the high scoring affair that included 30 goals, not one forward in particular was able to get off the hook, as 10 individual goalkickers made up each teams’ 15 goal return.

For the winners Arnold Kirby and Adam Forbes finished with three goals, while Kangas’ duo Matty Johnston and Bryce McDougall also booted three.

Forbes and Kirby were named in the best for the visitors behind Kiel, Daniel Widgery, Ben and Toby Hutt.

It was a familiar sight for the Kangas heading their list of major contributors as Henderson Medal prospect Jordy Johnston was named best for a fifth time adding to his overall 12/14 game appearances in the bests.

Experienced Kangas quintet Matthew Johnston, Joel Van Meel, Cam Lovig, Bryce McDougall and Harry Ganley weren't far behind JJ and were acknowledged for their efforts.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Luke Kiel (Sebastopol):26 disposals, 12 contested possessions, 10 score involvements

Toby Hutt (Sebastopol):21 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 13 score involvements

Matt Johnston (East Point): 25 disposals, 11 score involvements, 10 tackles  

COACHES’ VERDICT

Jackson Merrett (East Point):"It was a really pleasing performance across the board today. Barring a few moments in the second quarter, we controlled large portions of the match."

Luke Kiel/Michael Columbro (Sebastopol):"Solid win. Didn’t take our opportunities in front of goal. East Point hung around to their credit. Good solid hit-out post bye."

Round 16 saw the top six officially locked in for finals action, but there is still plenty to play out over the remaining two home & away rounds.

The Kangas extended their winning run to 13 games with a hard-fought win over a spirited, undermanned North Ballarat.

Seven unanswered goals in the opening term for the Kangas had this game, albeit on the scoreboard, put to bed.

Sure the 60-point margin validates some degrees of ease but credit to the young Roosters who were able to minimise the damage after half time.

The Kangas led by 56 points at the main break but were denied an ensuing blow out on the back of unquestionable effort.

With all respect to a depleted North Ballarat, the match up resembled boys v men on occasions as the Kangas went to work early.

Bryson McDougall was the beneficiary of the hosts early dominance with seven first half goals before finishing the day with eight.

Progressive forward Strahan Robinson looks well beyond his years with his imposing size, mobility and aerial presence proving a handful for the Roosters’ defence.

Robinson's impressive afternoon ended with four goals.

The bigger bodies of East Point all ended in the best players on a perfect day for football.

Mikitja Rottumah-Onus (Best), Billy Jones, Jordy Johnston, Joel Van Meel (199 games) all featured alongside McDougall and Robinson in a real display of quality depth from the Kangas.

Any number of up to 14-15 players could easily have landed without surprise.

For North Ballarat, there were encouraging signs in defeat.

Newcomer and former Cobra Joel Freeman booted five goals and joined Simon McCartin, Cam McCullum, Isaac Carey, Ned Nash and Taj McMillan at the pointy end for club voting discussions.

Again, the Roosters had just seven players from their 2023 Grand Final side and must be craving the returns of top end, more experienced stocks to support the wave of next gen talent currently flying the flag.

Kangas veteran Drew Murphy celebrated his 200th game in fine style kicking the last goal of the game to send the loyal and faithful social club into a frenzy. Bigman Joel Van Meel will play his 200th game this week against Sunbury.  

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Simon McCartin (North Ballarat) - 28 disposals, 17 contested possessions, 12 clearances

Bryson McDougall (East Point) - 21 disposals, 15 score involvements, 10 marks, 8 goals

Jackson Merrett (East Point) - 31 disposals, 9 marks, 7 intercept possessions

COACHES’ VERDICT
Joe Carmody (East Point)
"Terrific first quarter. We won all the key stats and set up the win. North (Ballarat) kept challenging us throughout the day and will be a handful come finals time."

Brendan McCartney (North Ballarat)
"Hard working and testing day for us. East (Point) are a very good side that make you compete every minute of the game. Our leaders were very good today. Young players are doing a mighty job for us and we are developing quickly. Looking forward to getting some troops back to support them."

Ballarat remains unbeaten since Round 10, following a testing win over Sebastopol at Marty Busch.

The win sees the Swans draw level on premiership points with fifth place North Ballarat.

Melton South (A) and East Point (H) will round out the Swans’ home and away season before a tilt at finals.

North Ballarat are at City Oval with Redan before a bye in Round 18.

The Burra started well, establishing a handy 10-point lead in front of home fans before the Swans used the quarter time break to reset.

The Swans not only regained the lead but went on with it through the middle stages to outscore the hosts 8.10 to 3.4.

Essentially 18 scoring shots to seven.

While the response from the Swans was pleasing for coach Chris Maple, you can't help but revisit the Swans’ inability to get 'bang for buck' on their opportunities despite Zak Rinaldi's game high four goals.

Clearly the young Swans remain a work in progress but when they click, they'll be dangerous, if not already given their leg speed, attack on the footy and greater aerial presence.

Connection is a season long wish for any coach.

For outgoing Maple, let's hope the Swans can find that connection - it could result in winning a final such is the scope and potential of the group.

The Swans’ midfielders are covering the ground and finding a heap of the footy at the right end of the season.

Paddy Simpson, Tristan Maple, Wyatt Squires, the Rinaldi brothers Lewis and Zak all thrived with their run, carry and distribution.

Bigman Marcus Powling, who is crucial in the Swans’ fortunes, was again a mainstay with his aerial combatants.

For the Burra, it was encouraging to see some new faces featuring among the best. Sam Wilkinson, Chase Dummett, Ben Hutt, Lachlan O'Keefe, Jack Bambury and Luke Phillips all earned the nod of approval.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Lewis Rinaldi (Ballarat) - 26 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 11 tackles

Tristan Maple (Ballarat) - 33 disposals, 8 marks, 8 intercept possessions

Lachlan Cassidy (Sebastopol) - 32 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 10 clearances

COACHES’ VERDICT
Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol)
"We started really well but eventually faded in the second half after losing a couple of key midfield rotations in the second quarter. We still could have controlled things a little better after this, however credit to Ballarat who move the ball with pace in the second half and put us under duress. We have come a long way this year and look forward to finishing the year off strong."

Chris Maple (Ballarat)
"Very proud of our young boys with today's performance. We wasted opportunities early but settled into a consistent four quarter effort. We were solid around the ball. but just need to tidy up some of our basic fundamentals as we move forward."

Melton has flexed its muscles with a dominant win over Bacchus Marsh at Maddingley Park.

Bloods’ leading goalkicker Braedan Kight was again the beneficiary of a weight of possession and forward 50 entries to be the standout with nine goals.

Usual suspects, more so dangerous support crew, didn't miss out either as Ryan Carter (four goals), Kyle Borg (four), Liam Carter (three) and Jordy Kight (three) added to Braedan's tally to finish with a combined 23 of 27 Bloods goals.

The quintet all feature in the BFNL's top 14 goalkickers for the season.

For the record, East Point are one shy matching the Bloods’ offensive weaponry on the goal front with four of the top 16.

When Bacchus Marsh led a lacklustre Bloods 15-14 midway through the first term something just clicked for the ladder leaders who went into overdrive as they piled on 25 goals to five for the remainder of the game to make yet another compelling 'action' statement to the broader competition.

Since half time of the Bloods emotional fuelled win over Sunbury in Round 10, Troy Scoble’s connected group have lost just one quarter. It was the Bloods’ eighth score of 100 or more, only East Point have done it more in '24 (nine).

The Cobras’ chances were slim at best heading in - the Bloods inclusion of North Melbourne VFL star Jack Watkins didn't help their cause either as he and brother Lachie featured prominently in the best ahead of a host of contributors including Jaykob Hickey, Lachlan Walker and their headache handful of match winning forwards.

Consistent, hardworking Cobra Jake Owen (three goals) was named best for the hosts as Tyson Shea made a safe return from a layoff to lead the overwhelming battle of resistance.

Shea too was prominent as he always is while Cameron Freake (two goals), Ethan McKercher, Will Lalor and Josh Huxtable rated credible mentions.

The Bloods look primed for another 'fill-up' on the road against the Lakers while the Cobras host Darley in their last game at Maddingley Park for the season.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Jaycob Hickey (Melton) - 36 disposals, 15 score involvements, 12 clearances

Braedan Kight (Melton) - 18 disposals, 15 score involvements, 9 marks, 9 goals

Luke Goetz (Bacchus Marsh) - 87 hitouts, 11 disposals, 7 marks, 

COACHES’ VERDICT
Dennis Armfield (Bacchus Marsh)
"The scoreboard doesn't fully represent the game. We had some very good patches of play against a top-class team in the comp. Our method works when we can execute. Unfortunately, fumbles and execution of inside 50's hurt us on turnover. Melton were able to make the most of their moments and this is great learnings for our young lads. (I) couldn't question our effort."

Troy Scoble (Melton)
"Great to play footy in good weather. Much respect for what Bacchus Marsh are building, lots of top end young talent. We were scratchy in all phases early off the bye, our contest got us into the game and remained strong all game. We're a lot more effective in the second half and was pleased with how we ran the game out. Really proud of the club and being part of five sets of brothers playing senior footy. Look forward to another Ballarat trip next week as we build to finals."                 

Redan's run of four straight losses has come to end with an entertaining 24-point win over a plucky Melton South.

Lions’ key forwards Lachie Bond (six goals) and Grant Bell (five) proved the difference, clearly two match ups beyond the Panthers.

Travis Hodgson's touring party can take solace in the fact they won the second half in isolation 9.5 to 9.3 and recorded their highest total score since Round 7, 2022 (vs Sebastopol) some 39 BFNL matches ago.

Regardless of the humble margin, Lions’ coach Gary Learmonth saw the positives in the aftermath paying tribute to Lachie George, Bond and Bell especially for standing up and leading the team in the absence of club leading possession getter, Khy Jess, who left the field early.

Other notables to feature in the best players from the Lions camp were Liam Farnsworth, Jacob Short and Xavier Gleeson.

Jarrod Bibby enjoyed a team high four goals for the Panthers, while Nathan Gemmell, Mitch Fino and Ryder Rousch were the other multiple goal kickers on the day.

Hodgson's young group return home this week to host Ballarat while Redan remain at City Oval and will endeavour to upset North Ballarat who have endured a mounting injury list for the most part of the season.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Cody Chapman (Melton South) - 37 disposals, 21 contested possessions, 13 clearances

Lachlan George (Redan) - 33 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 11 score involvements

Lachlan Bond (Redan) - 16 disposals, 11 marks, 10 score involvements, 6 goals

COACHES’ VERDICT
Gary Learmonth (Redan)
"A great day for the footy club celebrating 'Chip Barker's 300th club game. Great to have so many past premiership players back at the club. Proud of the boys against a determined (Melton) South side. We were challenged went Khy Jess went off early. (Lachie) George and (Lachie) Bond led an invested group to sing the song for the first time in a while."

Travis Hodgson (Melton South)
"After our worst performance for the season last week we produced our best on Saturday. We were dominant around stoppage, and we had some really good passages in transition. Although we defended pretty well as a team, we had no answers for Lachie Bond and Grant Bell who combined for 11 goals. They were the clear difference in the four-goal loss. Probably the two youngest teams in the comp with 12 underage kids each running around. Credit to Redan being able to win five games this season with so many kids."

The Devils moved into third place on the BFNL table after a convincing runaway win over Sunbury at Darley Park.

To the eye, it was arguably the reigning premiers most impressive performance since their season opening win over East Point. 

With just two home and away rounds left, the win couldn't have come at a better time for Dan Jordan's men.

Inevitably questions would be answered.

Could Sunbury manufacture the connection in their back half that has been a feature, in the absence of Jack Hannett, Jordan Tentonello and Jack Newitt? The scoreline, to a degree, confirmed the concerns.

The Devils’ score of 121 was the highest of any recorded against the Lions this year.

As for Darley, what was under the bonnet given a host of changes in just their fifth game in 10 weeks?

Could they run out a four-quarter game against a top six opposition and not be overran as they were against the Lions at their previous meet? 

As for the bonnet, that did generate a few surprises.

Wil Johnson booted five goals in his first outing since June 1st while Alex Sweet delivered with four crucial majors to follow his SOS inclusion for Leigh Spiteri (finger).

Furthermore, the Devils silenced any short-term speculation they were vulnerable late with a nine-goals-to-one final quarter blitz. 

Johnson and Sweet duly landed among the best players alongside in form defender Matthew Brett, Vic Metro ruckman Lucas Impey, and the Matricardi brothers Riley and Darcy.

Brett Bewley also returned to finish the leading possession winner on the ground with 42. Ironically, that came as a little surprise.

For Sunbury, leading forwards Jake Sutton (four) and Mitch McLean (two) combined for six of the Lions’ eight goals.

Brock Landt, Cody Bramble, Josh Guthrie, Ben Eales, Riley Miller and Sutton all finished among the best, keeping the visitors within touch up until three quarter time before the flood gates opened.

The Lions have little time to lament as the focus shifts to East Point on Saturday in the BFNL’s Match of the Round with LIVE commentary and vision from 2PM. The Devils face crosstown rivals Bacchus Marsh.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Brett Bewley (Darley) - 42 disposals, 11 marks, 10 rebound 50s

Lucas Impey (Darley) - 62 hit outs, 16 disposals, 12 tackles

Josh Guthrie (Sunbury) - 27 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 6 clearances

COACHES’ VERDICT
Dan Jordan (Darley)
"Very pleased with the boys especially in the second half when we were able to kick away against a quality side."

Matt White (Sunbury)
"Great game to watch for three quarters, then Darley put us away. Disappointing we couldn't finish off the way we did last time but that's footy. We'll regroup and review and get ready for this week."

There have been plenty of twists and turns so far in season 2023 and Round 17 proved no different with a weekend full of upsets, premiership statements and brilliant individual efforts.

Bacchus Marsh validated it's rebuild with a thrilling, come from behind win over finals aspirant Sunbury at the Clarke Oval.

It was the third successive win for Jason Williams' team and their fifth for the season elevating the Cobras to eighth place on the BFNL ladder ahead of the final round of home and away matches.

While many observers had been encouraged by the Cobras recent spike in competitiveness against top six opposition, very few gave them much chance taking care of Travis Hodgson's Lions on their own deck.

The upset loss made it three on the bounce for the enigmatic Lions, who leave the finals door slightly ajar for Redan and East Point to usurp their standing in the top six.

But more on the joyous Cobras, claiming a scalp above them on the ladder after trailing by as much as 23 points midway through the game.

Sixteen-year-old Cody Salmon stole the show with three final quarter goals, looking more and more at home at the level after his seventh senior game. His enviable leg speed and composure around goal was significant.

Premier ruckman Luke Goetz was again pivotal for the winners while Alex Porter continues to build on his reputation on the back of his footy smarts and trusty left foot.

Jake Sutton was the only real standout for the hosts, proving a headache for the Cobras before finishing with a game high five goals. 

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Luke Goetz (Bacchus Marsh): 46 hit outs, 17 disposals, 10 contested possessions

Jack Parente (Bacchus Marsh): 29 disposals, 9 contested possessions, 8 rebound 50s

Joshua Guthrie (Sunbury): 37 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 12 score involvements,  

COACHES’ VERDICT

Travis Hodgson (Sunbury):"Disappointing day, us and the Marsh play pretty different brands and full credit to them. I felt they got the game on their terms for the majority. We did not work hard enough to get it on ours."

Jason Williams (Bacchus Marsh): "Today's result is a true reflection of the team we are. The most pleasing thing about today was we didn't play well for the first half, but we owned our moments when it counted. While for most today will seem like an upset, internally we know we've been building into this all year."

It was all one-way traffic at City Oval as the Lions dominated the Panthers to register a massive 187-point win.

Rare is the sequel better than the original, but Lions’ mid/forward Isaac Grant rocketed to the top of Tony Locket Medal calculations with an 11-goal haul making it 21 against the Panthers from their two season meetings.

Grant (49 goals) leads Melton key forward Ryan Carter by one major, with the last round of the home and away season still to come.

The Lions led at every change, setting up the win with 10 unanswered goals in the opening term. It was a fair welcoming for the winless Panthers who can breathe a sigh of relief knowing their struggles are now complete with their second bye set for round 18.

The Panthers forgettable season registered a massive 3000 points against for their 16 games, conceding an average of 187.5 points per game.

Redan on the other hand have bigger fish to fry, needing to win and win well to keep their finals hopes alive. They and cross-town rivals East Point have been fighting out the race for the prized sixth spot on the ladder.

This week the Lions are away to Sebastopol while East Point are off to Mars Stadium for a must win meet against North Ballarat who boast a 16-3 win-loss record under Brendan McCartney at the venue.

The Lions had 10 individual goal scorers led by Grant (11) and Marty Boyer who finished with five.

Nathan Dunstan, Riley Collins, Rory Gunsser (three goals), Lachie George (three goals) and Jacob Short were named in the best players behind Grant who made it an 11th appearance in the best from his 15 games.

John Kovarik, Riley Theo, Jarrod Bibby, Cody Chapman and Broden Collins were named best for the visitors.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Izaac Grant (Redan):25 disposals, 20 score involvements, 14 contested possessions

Lachlan George (Redan):31 disposals, 18 contested possessions, 16 score involvements

Cody Chapman (Melton South):38 disposals, 22 contested possessions, 13 clearances

COACHES’ VERDICT

Gary Learmonth (Redan):"A much more consistent effort across four quarters this week. Was a good spread of contributors."

Ryan Hoy (Melton South): "Competitive in patches. (Our) season is now done, thank god! Redan were too strong and classy - Isaac Grant dominated once again."

Visitors East Point kept their slim finals chances alive with a demolition job over the one win Lakers at CE Brown Reserve.

Chasing some much-needed percentage the ferocious Kangas put the game to bed early opening up a halftime lead of 52 points (55-3).

Henderson Medal chance Jordy Johnston was given the nod once again as the best player on the ground finishing with seven goals ahead of Bryson McDougall who booted six.

The gulf in class was ever apparent as eight of the Kangaroos waltzed in for majors against a Lakers outfit ready to put the cue in the rack.

Lakers’ coach Tim Shearer hinted in the aftermath the motivation for East Point earning a spot in the finals was always going to ask a lot of his young group to contain.

Kangas quartet Joe Dodd, Harry Ganley, Jordan Taylor and Liam Canny were recognised for their support roles behind sharpshooters JJ and McDougall.

While goals for the hosts were a rarity, Bayley Thompson, Michael Foster and Jamie Norton were recognised for their efforts to deny the avalanche.

The Lakers will find little joy ahead of their seasons end, a date with Melton, who are coming off the back of a loss against Darley.

East Point on the other hand face a must win game against North Ballarat at Mars Stadium.  

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Joe Dodd (East Point): 35 disposals, 12 score involvements, 12 marks

Liam Canny (East Point): 41 disposals, 19 contested possessions, 11 marks

Bayley Thompson (Lake Wendouree): 17 disposals, 9 pressure acts, 8 marks 

COACHES’ VERDICT

Tim Shearer (Lake Wendouree):"(We) battled away today against a team still motivated by the chance of finals footy. Some small signs of progress there and looking forward to tackling Melton to finish our year."

Jackson Merrett (East Point):“Really strong performance across the board. We had a strong focus on denying Lakers scoring opportunities and to only concede three points in the first half was really pleasing. Some of our younger boys have also started to find their own at senior level.”

Darley confirmed its premiership credentials with a hard fought 21-point win over ladder leaders Melton.

Dan Jordan's men are looking good at the right time of year with a sixth straight win, and their second in as many hitouts against the Bloods this year, extending their season record against fellow Eastern clubs to 7-0.

Those numbers mean very little in the grand scheme of things, more-so a feather in the cap to the Devils.

But there was plenty to like about Darley’s gritty win. Reigning Henderson Medalist Brett Bewley had the ball on a string while Billy Myers looked dangerous forward, finishing with a game high five goals.

There were plenty of contributors for the winners that could lay claim to playing their role and that's exactly the way the Devils would prefer it.

After trailing by one-point at quarter time, the Devils were able to get their noses in front at the half. It was the first time the Bloods had trailed at any break since their previous meeting in Round 8.

Strangely it was only the Bloods sixth game in 77 days and just the second hit-out against a top six opposition for the period.

Given a less than ideal preparation ,there was little surprise finding a few of the Bloods joining the casualty list in this battle of attrition.

Lachie Walker (knee), Lachie Watkins (ill), Ryan Carter (ill) and Brody Sullivan (ankle) will be monitored closely, eyeing a return for week one of the finals.  

The Bloods have one last opportunity for a fine tune ahead of finals when they face the Lakers on Saturday.

Darley meet Sunbury who have lost their last three games on the trot and five of their last eight. Look out for a response from the Lions.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Brett Bewley (Darley):33 disposals, 17 tackles, 12 contested possessions

Matt Denham (Darley):22 disposals, 82% disposal efficiency, 8 score involvements

Jordyn Cotter (Melton):33 disposals, 11 marks, 11 intercept possessions

COACHES’ VERDICT

Dan Jordan (Darley):"Thought our boys stuck to the task and executed our plan for 120 minutes. Good win against a quality side but lots to improve on."

Aaron Tymms (Melton):"Difficult day at the office. Effort was ok given we were down on numbers on the bench. but our method lacked polish. Darley better on the day."

The Burra impressed with an all the way, old fashioned thumping of Ballarat at Marty Busch Reserve last Saturday.

Coaching duo Luke Kiel and Michael Columbro acknowledged the four-quarter effort from their chargers, giving them an outside chance finishing as high as second on the BFNL table but no lower than third.

Fourteen Burras players hit the scoreboard in a game that resembled more of a free for all by nature the further the game went.

A staggering 50 shots on goal were recorded by the hosts who led by 44, 70 and 127 at the breaks before 151 points separated the two sides at the final siren.

The game’s end could not have come quicker for the Swans despite the efforts of usual suspects Daniel Kennedy, Will Garner, Will Liston and Paddy Simpson.

For the winners, their even spread of goalkickers were led by Jacob Wilkinson's four goal haul ahead of James Keeble and big man Arnold Kirby who booted three apiece.

While many of the Burras’ 22 could have ended up in the best given the one-sided nature of the affair, Ben Hutt, Bailey Medwell, Keeble, Toby Hutt, Tony Lockyer and Jacob Fletcher were recognised for their accumulation, compliance and work rate.

The Burras record in Ballarat is a stern warning for the broader competition having won all 12 games  and not trailed once at half time.

Finals aspirant Redan will have an opportunity to buck the trend with an all-important meeting with the Burra on Saturday at Marty Busch Reserve. 

Kiel and Columbro still have Riley O'Keefe, Jay Dalhaus and Jed Hill to return while Lachlan Cassidy got though unscathed with managed minutes returning from a hamstring strain.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Jesse Clark (Sebastopol):25 disposals, 14 marks, 88% disposal efficiency

Arnold Kirby (Sebastopol):26 hit outs, 24 disposals, 12 score involvements

William Liston (Ballarat):25 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 12 tackles

COACHES’ VERDICT

Luke Kiel/Michael Columbro (Sebastopol):"Good four quarter effort. We controlled the game from the outset. We were able to execute the aspects of the game that we have been focusing on."

Chris Maple (Ballarat):"Credit to Sebastopol, they controlled all phases of the game from the outset. We were disappointed with our execution of the basic fundamentals of the game."

Saturday saw a clean sweep of wins for our away sides as we head towards the final home and away round of the season.

Darley simply did enough to hold off the resistance of crosstown rival Bacchus Marsh at Maddingley Park on the weekend.

The win locks in a prized third place finish for Dan Jordan's men despite a Round 18 meeting with ladder leaders Melton still to come.

While the once highly anticipated showdown is essentially a 'dead rubber' there's a host of narratives on the table for both camps to explore. More later.

The Devils went into the local derby as warm favourites and were made to work hard for their win as the reigning premiers found it difficult to shrug off the young Cobras.

Darley Captain Brett Bewley (three goals) stood up in the big moments to deny the Cobras while Brady Wright made a safe return to finish best on ground honours and equal, game high four goals.

Billy Myers proved a handful posing as another aerial threat alongside Wright.

The three were arguably the difference in the game.

The Devils led at every change winning three and a half quarters but credit to the Cobras who stayed within touch from start to finish.

Cobras’ midfield quartet Luke Goetz, Tyson Shea, Jake McCreery and Josh Huxtable waltzed out of stoppage far too often for the Devils liking, highlighting the absence of compliant clearance king Luther Baker.

Jake Owen provided the aerial target forward for the hosts to match Wright's four goal return while Isaac Nixon looked dangerous with his two majors that could easily have been more.

The Cobras surprised and impressed Devils onlookers, not to mention their own legion of fans with back-to-back goals on more than one occasion, often coast-to-coast ball movement with the aid of separation and predictability to one another - a feature not seen for a while at Cobra land.

For the Devils they ticked the box with an all-important win in the context of their season but clearly on exposed form, they remain a work in progress if they're to match it with the heavy weights at the business end.

The Cobras get some clarity around a potential bright future. The addition of some important top end and targeted role players in the coming off season could see the rise of the Cobras back to finals sooner rather than later.  

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Brett Bewley (Darley) - 32 disposals, 13 score involvements, 12 clearances

Jake Owen (Bacchus Marsh) - 21 disposals, 12 marks, 11 score involvements

Andrew Azzopardi (Darley) - 23 disposals, 10 contested possessions, 10 score involvements 

COACHES’ VERDICT
Dennis Armfield (Bacchus Marsh)
"Very proud of the lads today in a good four quarter game where they kept taking the game on. I felt we played positive footy and showed our brand stands up. Darley made the most of turnovers and stepped up when needed."

Dan Jordan (Darley)
"Sure, happy with the win - Bacchus Marsh came to play and took the game up to us for the most part. We were able to do enough in key moments to hold them out. There were plenty of learnings to draw from the game, highlighting clear areas we need to work on. Credit to Bacchus Marsh, they hung in and made us work hard for an important win given the context of our season."

The Bloods made it ten wins on the trot with a dominant display over the Lakers at CE Brown Reserve.

It was the ninth occasion the Bloods had registered a score in excess of 100 points and their sixth win of 100 or more for the season.

Extraordinary numbers really.

Troy Scoble's flag fancies have been relentless, their edge over bottom five sides compelling.

In the eight games played against Sebastopol, Redan, Bacchus Marsh (twice), the Lakers (twice) and Melton South (twice) the average winning margin is 20 goals.

Only Bacchus Marsh (once) and Redan have managed to keep the margin under 117 points!

Dangerous Bloods’ quartet Braedyn Kight (six goals), Ryan Carter (six), Liam Carter (five) and Jordy Kight (three) combined for 20 of their goals to rattle the Lakers who really didn't know where to look next.

Bloods’ small forward Ryan Davis (three goals) made a safe return in the absence of speedster Kyle Borg.

Midfielder Jaycob Hickey, a model of consistency, made it a ninth appearance in the best players from his 14 games ahead of Conrad Farrugia, Lachie Phillips, the Carter brothers and Braedan Kight.

For the Lakers, big man Tom Zampatti continued his encouraging season with another quality performance to be named best in front of usual suspects Joel O'Connell, Angus Gove and x-factor forward Bayley Thompson who took his tally to 34 with another three goals (comp rank #8).

The Bloods should welcome the tune up against the Devils in Round 18 as Saturday marks 35 days since their last hit out against any side in the top six.

As for the Lakers, a meeting with Redan gives Rohan Brown one final opportunity to put their learnings and progress into action. 

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Liam Carter (Melton) - 24 disposals, 18 score involvements, 15 marks

Jaycob Hickey (Melton) - 37 disposals, 20 contested possessions, 11 clearances

Tom Zampatti (Lake Wendouree) - 86 hitouts, 20 disposals, 8 intercept possessions 

COACHES’ VERDICT
Rohan Brown (Lake Wendouree)
"Melton were very good and used the ball far more efficiently moving forward and gave their forwards great looks at it. I thought for periods of the game we played some good footy even though the margin doesn't recognise that. We let ourselves down and gave opposition goals through fundamental error. Great to give three debutants experience against quality opposition including our U/17s Captain Rawdon Rogers who didn't look out of place. We are looking forward to next week celebrating Nathan Pring's 200th senior game, only the second player in Lakers history to achieve it."

Troy Scoble (Melton)
"To go to Ballarat and get the win is always the goal no matter how we are to do it. We were pleased with our ability to run and create opportunities to score through the whole game. Our contest phase was strong too and our defence phase challenged by the Lakers who were really consistent at contest. Credit to Rohan and his group. We are proud of our group being challenged over the last two weeks away from home and a number of young players getting opportunities at senior level. We continue to get the list ready for another top three match up next week before the finals commence."

The Kangas were simply too strong for too long, overpowering a Lions’ outfit at the Clarke Oval on the BFNL ‘Match of the Day’.

In form Kanga Bryson McDougall finished the game with a game high five goals ahead of Jackson Merrett (three) who was important with his cameo drift forward getting under the guard of the Lions’ defence.

Matty White had his pride in the right frame of mind early as they took advantage of the Kangas adjustment to the big ground, opening up a deserved 14-point lead at quarter time.

The Lions matched the physicality of the Kangas and looked every bit dangerous with their ball movement and favourable inside 50 count.

But the response after the break from the visitors was emphatic, six unanswered goals to arrest momentum, obtaining a 20-point lead.

The 8.0-48 to 4.4-28 scoreline served as the barometer for opportunity made and lost.   

Not dissimilar to Melton, East Point are all on the same page with and without the ball.

While their enviable ball movement is something to behold, it's their set up behind play, without the ball, that is strangling opposition.

On countless occasions, Sunbury players (in possession) were left bereft of options as a wall of red, white, and blue stood tall in the distance.

Since Round 9, Kangas’ opposition have managed miserly returns of 25, 44, 24, 57, 24, 20, 65 and 50 points.

Come finals, experienced coaches Troy Scoble, Dan Jordan, Brendan McCartney, Chris Maple and White will have to find a way through or Joe Carmody's Kangas will march on their winning ways, already at 14 wins.

Jacob Brown and Merrett were named best for the winners ahead of a host contributors simply playing their role.

If you want to beat East Point, you have to beat them all - it's not about a select few anymore.

For Sunbury Brock Landt, Nathan Doyle and Josh Guthrie shouldered a lot of the responsibility between the arcs and made solid contributions. Leading forward Jake Sutton finished with three goals.   

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Jacob Brown (East Point) - 30 disposals, 10 marks, 10 intercept possessions

Matt Johnston (East Point) - 33 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 9 marks

Tyson Lever (Sunbury) - 30 disposals, 14 intercept possessions, 10 marks 

COACHES’ VERDICT
Matt White (Sunbury)
"Started the game well and came out after half time to hold well but the second and fourth quarters killed us. East Point turned it up when they needed to and proved why they're a top side."

Joe Carmody (East Point)
"Sunbury challenged us for most of the day. Young players stood up and complemented our more experienced players with their run and pressure. Always a hard place to win at, so really pleasing to get the points."

Finals bound Ballarat extended their unbeaten run to six games with a big win over the Panthers at Melton Recreation Reserve on Saturday.

The margin could well have been greater if not for some wasted opportunities on goal by the visitors.

Harry Butler booted a game high four goals for the winners ahead of 10 other Swans to hit the scoreboard.

Paddy Simpson, Ben Wardly and GWV Rebels talent Sam McDonald chimed in with three goals, to round out the multiple contributors from the Swans.

Swans midfielder Lewis Rinaldi was named best afield ahead of Butler, ruckman Marcus Powling and fellow mid Paddy Simpson while Bailey Fraser and Rhys Perry rounded out a host of Swans players to have an impact in the percentage building win.

The Panthers started well with Jarrod Bibby, Jesse Muse and Ryder Rousch getting on the scoresheet early.

However, the Panthers were held goalless by the Swans after quarter time as the gears of the game started to grind on the home side.

Tenacious trio Cody Chapman, Broden Collins and Mitch Fino were named amongst the best as the regular contributors put in another mountain of workload for their beloved Panthers.

John Kovarik, Lachlan Peterson and Rhys Lee were also noted for their efforts.

The Swans will face the ultimate test ahead of finals as they host a formidable East Point outfit at Alfredton Recreation Reserve this Saturday.

Melton South will end their season with a trip to Marty Busch Reserve to face off against Sebastopol with the Burra fresh off the bye.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Lewis Rinaldi (Ballarat) - 38 disposals, 28 contested possessions, 19 clearances

Harry Butler (Ballarat) - 20 disposals, 14 score involvements, 8 marks

Broden Collins (Melton South) - 49 hit outs, 27 disposals, 20 contested possessions 

COACHES’ VERDICT
Travis Hodgson (Melton South)
"Got off to a pretty good start and lost (Darby) Schilder and (Jarrod) Bibby early. Ballarat were far superior regardless, scoring easily and shrinking the ground on us when we were in offence. They were wasteful in front of goal, otherwise the margin would have been much greater."

Chris Maple (Ballarat)
"A pretty ordinary game of football today. We wasted a lot of opportunities on goal. Credit to Melton South, they brought a lot of pressure."

North Ballarat won the battle of youth over coming Redan at City Oval by 26 points.

The Roosters found themselves under the pump early as the Lions piled on five unanswered goals in the first term before they awoke from their slumber.

To recover and add 12 goals to four for the remainder of the game is a credit to the progressive maturity shown by Brendan McCartney's young group.

Mid-season edition Joel Freeman had four goals from as many kicks at one stage before finishing with a match winning five goals in a low scoring affair.

The former Cobra has booted 18 goals from his last four games with three hauls of five and one game of three.

After a promising start that saw the Lions lead at the first change by 19 points, a recess was all the Roosters needed to kickstart their comeback.

The deficit took little time to reel in after the break as the Roosters arrested back the lead before gaining a handy 16-point lead at half time.

A fairly even second half transpired with a five-goals-to-four conclusion in favour of the Roosters as they extended their advantage to 26 at the final siren.

Josh Sparkman, Cam McCullum, Tom Bromley Lynch and Issac Carey carried the bulk of heavy lifting and supply to aid Freeman with an aerial contest inside 50.

Brayden Purchase also won the nod of approval to be named in the best.

Experienced 200+ gamer Simon McCartin appeared to be hampered with a hamstring issue and will be monitored ahead of a sudden death elimination final in a fortnights time.

For Redan, Coach Gary Learmonth identified Jacob Short, Rudie Forde, Lachie Bond (three goals), Grant Bell (four goals), Lachie George and Liam Farnswoth as the major contributors in a losing side.

The Lions have a chance to end their home and away season on a high with a trip to CE Brown Reserve to take on the Lakers.

North Ballarat have the bye.  

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Joshua Sparkman (North Ballarat) - 33 disposals, 17 contested possessions, 9 clearances

Cam McCallum (North Ballarat) - 60 hitouts, 17 disposals, 14 contested possessions

Rudie Forde (Redan) - 27 hitouts, 24 disposals, 17 contested possessions 

COACHES’ VERDICT
Gary Learmonth (Redan)
"Was a good game of footy between two young sides with lots of players missing. There was lots to like across the day but unfortunately our consistency from contest to contest and skill execution wasn't good enough against a side that held structure for longer. Really proud of the way the boys have continued to dig in. We played our 24th U/19 player for the season so lots to work with and build on. Massive game against the Lakers to finish the season."

Brendan McCartney (North Ballarat)
“We were up and down during the game. Our fight after quarter time was great. Gave ourselves a chance to play decent footy with our stoppage and pressure work. It's been a big few months coping with plenty of obstacles. Good chance to train well and fine tune going into finals now."

It all came down to a thrilling final round! With finals right on our doorstep, crowds were treated to finals-like intensity over the weekend with a number of massive do-or-die clashes.

Jackson Merrett's East Point did what only reigning premiers Melton have been able to do in 2023 - beat North Ballarat at Mars Stadium.

It was just the fourth loss at the venue under Brendan McCartney since 2021 and with the Kangas’ season on the line - what a response!

Sure, the Kangas had their way with the Roosters at their first meet on Eastern Oval but this was a different assignment altogether. Seeing how the Kangas would dig in without Matty Johnston (concussion) was always going to ask questions of Merrett's young group.

The visitors trailed at every change but kept themselves within reach ahead of a season defining last ditch effort.

The Kangas trailed by 6, 12 and 5 points before kicking two unanswered goals in the last quarter to earn their place in the top six.

In form Kangas trio Joe Dodd (in best 9/11), Jordy Johnston (14/16) and Cam Lovig (7/16 including 3 of last 4) were crucial for the winners behind youngster Tom Conlan who had arguably his best game for the season.

With goals coming at a premium, promoted Under 17 talent Strahan Robinson finished with a game high five goals.

North Ballarat leading forward Jamie Quick booted four of the clubs seven goals for the afternoon.

Reliable defender Isaac Lovisson (in best 6/16) continued his run of form in a losing side ahead of usual suspects Cam McCullum, Stewart Crameri, Jack Riding and Riley Polkinghorne.

While it was a dead rubber essentially for North Ballarat, there's no denying it was the second loss to East Point in as many games this year. Their record against the other top six sides is more favourable with wins over Darley, Sebastopol and the double over Redan.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Joe Dodd (East Point):25 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 10 tackles

Jordan Johnston (East Point):25 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 8 tackles

Riley Polkinghorne (North Ballarat):31 disposals, 17 contested possessions, 9 intercept possessions

COACHES' VERDICT

Brendan McCartney (North Ballarat):"We didn't quite get it right when the game was there to be decided. Some real positives and things to work on as well. We have earned our finals spot and everyone is looking forward to next week."

Jackson Merrett (East Point):"Another solid performance by our lads today, particularly from a few of our younger lads. We stuck to our guns and backed in our system to hold up over four quarters."

Darley gave the broader competition a timely reminder their best is very good with a nine-goal-to-one first quarter blitz of a Sunbury outfit fighting to keep their season alive.

The burst came on the back of just 15 inside 50s as forward targets Will Johnson, Billy Myers, Brett Bewley and Darren Leonard went to work.

While Sunbury showed plenty of spirit through the middle stages to reduce the margin to near single figures in the last quarter, another seven-goal pile-on from the Devils would see this game put to bed.

To validate Devils’ coach Dan Jordan's "real game of momentum swings" quote in the post-match, the nature of scoring tells the story.

In the first and last quarters the Devils added 16.2 - 4.5 while the Lions had their way through the 2nd and 3^rd quarters scoring 7.8 -4.2.

Rejuvenated small forward Leigh Spiteri (four goals) and versatile improver Will Johnson (four goals) were named best for the winners ahead of Billy Myers (three goals), Joel Cadman (two goals) and Luther Baker.

While Bewley was not named among the best he seemingly had his own footy in the first half with an eye toward Melton this week.

For Sunbury, the loss was compounded by underdog wins on the road to Redan and East Point that would essentially spell a premature end the Lions’ season.

Big man Cody Brand was an aerial threat all day for the Lions and offered genuine presence forward of the ball while Cody Bramble enjoyed a day out on his wing to feature prominently. The Lions’ leading forward, Jake Sutton, missed with a cork.

Darley meets Melton at Maddingley Park in Saturday's Qualifying Final.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Brett Bewley (Darley):34 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 11 pressure acts

Luther Baker (Darley):28 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 12 clearances

Harrison Minton-Connell (Sunbury):34 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 11 marks

COACHES’ VERDICT

Dan Jordan (Darley):"A real game of momentum swings. Great effort from our boys to dig their heels in and get the game back on our terms when Sunbury threw everything at us. Some great learnings to prepare for finals."

Travis Hodgson (Sunbury):"Poor start as we were totally outworked early. Darley's conversion at quarter time meant we paid the maximum price. (We) lifted our work rate and played some really good footy reducing the margin back to single digits during the last quarter. Other results going against us meant that it was a disappointing way to end the season."

Lions’ matchwinner Izaac Grant consolidated his Henderson Medal credentials with a five-goal haul, leading his pride into an Elimination Final against North Ballarat on Sunday.

Stakes were high, especially for the visitors with their season on the line. Credit to Gary Learmonth and his young group bucking the trend that was the Sebastopol force playing in Ballarat.

In their previous 12 games in Brick City, the Burra had led (11) or were level (once) at halftime and were unbeaten at home.

The pattern was flipped on its head as Redan led at every change to run out deserved winners despite five less scoring shots.

Lions’ ruckman Nathan Dunstan was named best alongside Grant and was well supported by experienced trio Liam Hoy, Lachie George and Jacob Werts.

The focus on the Burra's best and handful contributors on the goal front took a back seat quickly as the attention shifted on the season ending injury to Luke Kiel (broken leg) in the third quarter.

The Burra are obviously devastated with the loss of their inspirational leader and will sweat on the availability of top end duo Toby Hutt (knee) and James Keeble who are rated a 50/50 chance.

Sebastopol meets East Point on Saturday, while Redan have North Ballarat, who have won both of their previous meets in 2023.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Lachlan George (Redan):26 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 11 inside 50s

Flynn Atchinson (Redan):22 disposals, 11 contested possessions, 7 intercept possessions

Arnold Kirby (Sebastopol):54 hit outs, 22 disposals, 10 contested possessions

COACHES’ VERDICT

Luke Kiel/Michael Columbro (Sebastopol):"Redan applied good pressure and controlled the game for longer patches. Our attention turns to the Elimination Final this week."

Gary Learmonth (Redan): "The boys were super across four quarters. Took the game into their own hands and were able to work together and play a consistent brand of footy. Really happy they got reward for effort."

Bacchus Marsh made it four wins on the trot to end their 2023 season under outgoing coach Jason Williams in eighth place with a nail biting two-point win over Ballarat.

The Cobras continued on from their momentous win over Sunbury in Round 17 with a four-goal-to-one opening term to have the visitors on the back foot trailing by 19 points.

But the response from Chris Maple's young group warranted enough to reduce the deficit marginally to 18 at the half and within one point at the final change.

With the unofficial title of the BFNL’s eighth ranked team at stake both sides fought out a tense final term that could have gone either way but it was the much improved Cobras who held their nerve to hang on and win a thriller.

Cobras’ wingman Alex Porter made a fourth appearance in the best players from his last six games ahead of tireless midfielder Tyson Shea, match winner Josh Huxtable (two goals) and Jake Owen who finished with a game high four goals taking his season tally to 34 (comp rank #8).

Despite the fact the Swans managed just one goal in the opening term for an eighth occasion this year their response was emphatic outscoring the Cobras nine goals to six through the middle stages but couldn't land a killer blow in the last to steal the points.

Homegrown quartet Paddy Simpson, Will Liston, Rhys Perry and Tristan Maple led the charge for the visitors with significant impact but unfortunately on this occasion, they fell agonisingly short.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Tyson Shea (Bacchus Marsh):31 disposals, 20 contested possessions, 14 clearances

Luke Goetz (Bacchus Marsh):77 hit outs, 21 disposals, 10 clearances

William Liston (Ballarat):34 disposals, 18 contested possessions, 12 tackles

COACHES’ VERDICT

Jason Williams (Bacchus Marsh): "Really proud of the boys and the way the club has finished off the season (four wins in o row). Credit to Ballarat who never gave up, coming back to give us a scare late. Rapt the boys were able to hang on."

Chris Maple (Ballarat):"After quarter time we played a good brand of football. Centre bounce became the deciding factor. A shame not to get the points after another strong comeback, our lads will be better from the experience.

The Bloods achieved what they wanted from their visit to CE Brown Reserve at the weekend downing a persistent Lakers outfit by 55 points - injury free.

This game was over early as the newly crowned back-to-back minor premiers combined for seven unanswered goals.

Credit to the young Lakers for showing some pride in their performance against the competition's benchmark winning two quarters leaving interim coach Tim Shearer evidently pleased with the effort after quarter time.

Given the young profile of the Lakers’ list it was always going to be a tough ask despite the Bloods missing four or five from their best side.

Expect Blake Souter, Lachie Walker, Brodie Sullivan and Lachie Watkins to return for this week’s qualifying final against Darley.

Both Brentan Payne and Jono O'Brien, who missed Round 17's 21-point loss to Darley, are expected to play.

Bloods’ captain Braedan Kight (four goals) and Payne (three goals) were the major contributors on the scoreboard while best afield honours went to in-form trio Kyle Borg, Jordy Cotter and Adrian Monitto.

For the hosts, bigman Tom Zampatti impressed ahead of the Lakers’ sole interleague representative Flynn Loader with Joel O'Connell, Michael Foster and Nathan Pring also being named. Their five-goal match returns were all singles.

The Bloods will prepare for a back-to-back flag mission this week kicking off against the Devils. Both sides are expected to be just one or two shy off their best 22.

Should be a belter given the Devils are the only side to beat the Bloods this year, achieving the feat on two occasions.  

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Braedan Kight (Melton):27 disposals, 9 marks, 8 score involvements

Riley Walker (Melton):27 disposals, 12 rebound 50s, 9 marks

Michael Foster (Lake Wendouree):22 disposals, 12 contested possessions, 7 clearances

COACHES’ VERDICT

Tim Shearer (Lake Wendouree):"Pleased with our guys today. Won two quarters, outscored by three points after quarter time. Plenty of boys under 21, had a crack. Expect to see Melton show their class in the next month. For mine, they remain flag favourites.”

Aaron Tymms (Melton):"Got the job done, starting the way we wanted. To the Lakers credit they adjusted and made it a real slog for the rest of the day. Happy to get through unscathed."

The last home & away round saw tentative upsets, some pre-finals sparring and enjoyable wins to savour over the summer. 

Sunbury led by as much as 39 points with the breeze at quarter time before hanging on to beat a spirited Cobras outfit by 13 points at the Clarke Oval.

The Cobras won each of the remaining three quarters to eat into the deficit but the assignment proved a bridge too far.

Speedster Harry Power was named best for the Lions ahead of Mitch McLean (four goals), Ben Cameron, Blake Watson and recalled big men Fraser Ampulski (two goals) and Leigh Brennan (two goals).

Leading forward Jake Sutton (two goals) was well held by Cobras’ defender Colby Piggott.

The visitors were aiming for a repeat of last year’s come from behind win, but it wasn't to be, in one of their most connected performances of the year post quarter time.

Jake Owen was again the star finishing with a game high five goals for the Cobras to feature among Henderson Medal vote contention ahead of Piggott, and consistent quartet Jake McCreery, Josh Huxtable, Luke Goetz and Rye Penny.  

The Lions gain an all-important morale boosting win ahead of an elimination final showdown with Ballarat, who remain unbeaten since Round 10, while the Cobras look to bounce strongly in the coming off-season with an eye to improve on a four game winning season (9th).

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Luke Goetz (Bacchus Marsh) - 48 hit outs, 19 disposals, 14 contested possessions

Cody Bramble (Sunbury) - 31 disposals, 9 score involvements, 7 marks 

Josh Guthrie (Sunbury) - 31 disposals, 94% disposal efficiency, 7 marks 

COACHES’ VERDICT
Matt White (Sunbury)
"Was a good, hard-fought win in the end. Got off to a flying start and had to battle a fired-up Bacchus Marsh outfit to win in the last. Got through with minimal pain but it looks like we've lost (Jake) Egan to another hamstring injury."

Dennis Armfield (Bacchus Marsh)
"Was very proud of the character and belief of the lads. Forty points down at quarter time and we were able to work our way back into the game and finish the year off with positive football and connection."

The Swans gave us a timely reminder they're not in the BFNL finals series to make up the numbers with a thrilling seven-point win over East Point at Alfredton Oval.

The upset win ended the Kangas’ unbeaten run of 14 straight games.

In a seesawing affair, the Swans started well to lead by 16 points at the first change before a four-goals-to-one second term response from the Kangas gave them the half time lead, albeit narrowly by three points.

The Swans made another push in the third term to restore the lead at the final change before it was game on in the last, a classic that went down to the wire.

But in the end, it was Chris Maple's Swans who held on to defeat Joe Carmody's men, a feat not achieved by any club since the season opener.

The Swans’ top end stood up under the heat with Tristan Maple, Rhys Perry, Harry Butler, Lachie Dalgleish, Andrew Hooper and Will Liston all featuring among the best players in arguably the club’s best win since the 2022 semi final victory over Darley.

Hardworking Swans’ forward Harry Butler finished with a game high four goals, three of those coming in the third term to keep the hosts in the game with some telling marks.

Butler has played just seven games this year including six wins and a draw. His agility and presence in the air and at ground level has been significant, not mentioning his 16-goal tally at 2.43 goals per game. 

Veteran Andrew Hooper chimed in with three invaluable goals.

The Kangas, while warm favorites, were brave and lost no admirers with clearly bigger fish to fry as a qualifying final lies in waiting this Saturday against Melton.

The Johnston brothers Jordy (three goals) and Matty featured prominently once again, alongside in form defenders Jacob Brown and Jackson Merrett.

Sam Cue and Mickitja Rottumah-Onus were next best.

Forwards Bryson McDougall (three goals) and Strahan Robinson (two goals) combined for half of the Kangas’ ten goal afternoon.

Ballarat remains unbeaten since Round 10 and as a result of their weekend success were promoted to fourth with an elimination final against Sunbury now on the radar.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Tristan Maple (Ballarat) - 40 disposals, 12 marks, 10 intercept possessions

Jacob Brown (East Point) - 25 disposals, 13 intercept possessions, 10 rebound 50s

Lauchlan Dalgleish (Ballarat) - 26 disposals, 11 marks, 11 intercept possessions 

COACHES’ VERDICT
Chris Maple (Ballarat)
"A good effort from our lads. We were pretty consistent in all phases of the game. We will reflect, educate and get ready for next week."

Joe Carmody (East Point)
"Outworked by Ballarat who beat us comprehensively in uncontested ball. No injuries were a positive and we were able to get games into Joe Dodd and Geordie Slater after long layoffs. Excited to prepare for a big finals series."

The Bloods secured back-to-back minor premierships with a 15-point win over the Devils at MacPherson Park.

Both sides were happy to get through relatively unscathed ahead of a challenging finals series.

The Devils kicked with the aid of a two or three goal breeze in the opening term but could only manufacture a six-point advantage.

For the record it was the Bloods’ first 'quarter' loss since half time of their Round 10 win over Sunbury.

The Bloods arrested back the lead in the second quarter on the back of two Jordy Kight goals.

While it looked as though both sides were simply 'playing time' for periods in the second half there was no discounting the performances of a number of individuals.

For the winners, Adrian Monitto, Lachie Phillips, Riley Walker, Jaykob Hickey, Kyle Borg and Conrad Farrugia (three goals) were the standouts while for the Devils, Adam Azzopardi, Harley Inglis, Mitch Hovey, Brady Wright, Leigh Spiteri and Joel Cadman (two goals) showed enough to suggest they've hit form at the right time of year.

Bloods’ quartet Lachie Watkins, Blake Souter, Max Scoble and Bailey Mawson will be in the mix for a return next week while Jordy Cotter faces a race against time to be available at all throughout September.

The Devils are expected to recall Luther Baker, Matt Denham and key back Matthew Brett for their do or die Elimination Final against North Ballarat as the availability of Lucas Impey and Jayven Tanner remains up in the air.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Adam Azzopardi (Darley) - 29 disposals, 18 contested possessions, 9 score involvements

Riley Walker (Melton) - 29 disposals, 13 marks, 11 contested possessions

Lachlan Phillips (Melton) - 22 disposals, 14 marks, 10 intercept possessions 

COACHES’ VERDICT
Troy Scoble (Melton)
"A good day for both clubs I would have thought. Solid hit out against a finals team we respect greatly that has set the standard in the competition in the last 18 months. We were inconsistent in all phases today, however we experienced a strong contest team in tricky conditions and both clubs got through the game managing their playing groups. We built on a few key focus areas and will focus on working on other areas we know will need to be at a high level to be successful in the next few weeks. Home and away done and we look forward to playing in a finals game next week. Proud of our group!" 

Dan Jordan (Darley)
"Clearly a bit more to play out from the two sides given the context of both respective seasons. I think we weren't on our own trying a few things. We saw things that we liked and clearly identified areas of further improvement. Wishing Melton all the best for their finals campaign."

The Lakers overcame a 12-point deficit at half time to win an entertaining shoot-out at CE Brown Reserve.

The result gave Rohan Brown's group a thoroughly deserved third win, and positive way to exit to the home and away season.

Livewire Lakers’ forward Bayley Thompson finished with a game high four goals and best on ground honours to lead as many as six multiple contributors for the hosts on their way to a second score of the season beyond the 100 mark.

Veteran Laker Nathan Pring booted three goals in his 200th game to aid the cause ahead of Jaydo Wright, Timmy Collins, Cooper James and Rory O'Keefe who each finished with two.

Among the best players named behind Thompson were Bailey Ryan, Joel O'Connell, Tom Zampatti, Lewis Gilbert and Cooper James.

For Gary Learmonth's Redan it was disappointing back half of the season losing six of their last seven games by an average of 44 points.

Lachie George (three goals), Rudie Forde, Marty Boyer (three goals), Khy Jess, Liam Farnsworth and second gamer Lachlan Kroussoratis were named best for the losing side.

While it was disappointing for the Lions to end the season on just five wins, there's no denying the mountain of promising youth stocks at Learmonth's disposal looking forward.

On the other hand, the Lakers just need to add some top end class to a group on the rise under Rohan Brown.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Rudie Forde (Redan) - 41 hit outs, 21 disposals, 17 contested possessions

Tom Zampatti (Lake Wendouree) - 49 hit outs, 19 disposals, 8 score involvements

Bailey Ryan (Lake Wendouree) - 31 disposals, 9 rebound 50s, 8 intercept possessions

COACHES’ VERDICT
Rohan Brown (Lake Wendouree)
"Good game of footy. Nathan Pring even showed he's still more than capable in his 200th (game). Really rapt for our group to get a win, thought our contest work was fantastic, and we played a solid four quarters of footy. Credit to Gaz and Redan for doing what they have done this year with injuries etc, their future looks bright, as does ours. We believe we have taken steps forward this year and are already looking forward to next."

Gary Learmonth (Redan)
"Credit to Lakers, they played a solid four quarters. Rohan has done a good job. We played some good footy but as has happened a lot during the year, fundamental mistakes hurt us. Our pressure was super but we didn't make the most of our opportunities. Looking forward to 2025."

An inaccurate Sebastopol did what they had to, notching up a sixth win of the season to finish outside the top six in seventh.

The Burra won every quarter but were wasteful with their opportunities on goal recording 4.15 to 1.5 in the second half to extend a 43-point half time lead to 71 at the final siren.

Adam Forbes (two goals) was named best afield for the winners ahead of Ben Hutt, Liam Mason (two goals), Daniel Widgery, Jacob Wilkinson and William Deans.

Panthers big man Broden Collins made it a tenth appearance in the best players from his 16 games alongside Lachlan Peterson, Riley Theo, Mitch Fino and ever consistent Jarrod Bibby.

The Burra will look for a return to finals next year after an indifferent season starved of continuity.

For the Panthers, it was another tough year on the field, but gradual improvement would have been one of Travis Hodgson’s goals for 2024.

The struggling club averaged just 30 points per game in 2024, a slight uptick from 2023.

However, in defence the club conceded an average of 143 points against, down from 187.5 in last year’s campaign.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Lachlan Cassidy (Sebastopol) - 42 disposals, 13 marks, 13 tackles

Broden Collins (Melton South) - 40 hit outs, 28 disposals, 22 contested possessions

Adam Forbes (Sebastopol) - 29 disposals, 13 score involvements, 8 clearances 

COACHES’ VERDICT
Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol)
"Good to finish off the season with a win. Will review and assess as per usual but now all eyes are on 2025 and taking a big step forward with this exciting young group. Wishing Melton South all the best with their 2025 campaign. They are in excellent hands with Trav at the top."

Travis Hodgson (Melton South)
Beaten comprehensively in most areas with the inside 50 count of 67-26 highlighting the gap between the two sides. Although nowhere near the level of the opposition, credit to the boys for persisting with what we wanted all day and having some really good passages of play because of it. Sebas have improved considerably after starting the season 1-5 and then winning five of their last 10 and I’ve no doubt they will bounce hard next season, so we were well out of our depth. But as they have most of the season our boys showed plenty of spirit and kept the heat on all day making it harder for Sebas to convert in front of goal.

Round 2 saw finals aspirants flex their muscles and key contenders set themselves above the rest. Scoop takes us through all the key games from the weekend.

North Ballarat arrested an 11-point half time deficit to overrun a determined Redan at MARS Stadium. Coach Brendan McCartney has been bullish about the running capacity and pressure of his boys and would be a relieved man to survive the scare. In fact, it was just the second win for the club in eight games since last year’s Round 13 upset win over eventual premiers, Melton.   

Cam McCullum won the battle in the ruck to be arguably North Ballarat's best while the return impact of Riley Polkinghorne was immediate. Harry Loader builds from strength-to-strength across halfback while Jamie Quick was lively forward with two goals.

Redan forward Izaac Grant kicked four of the Lions seven goals to keep the visitors in the game up to three-quarter time before they were held scoreless in the final term by a more desperate North Ballarat in the clinches. Marquee Roosters’ recruit Stewart Crameri confirmed his 'more than a handful' status with three valuable goals.

For the Lions, experienced quintet Jacob Werts, Nic Barker, Patty Fitzgibbon, Jacob Short and Lachie George flew the flag with Grant but fell short, made to pay for skill errors, especially goalkicking. Redan's return of 7 goals and 14 behinds highlights their woes.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Cam McCallum (North Ballarat): 80 hit outs, 9 clearances, 7 inside 50s

Riley Polkinghorn (North Ballarat): 21 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 8 clearances

Izaac Grant (Redan): 25 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 8 marks

COACHES’ VERDICT

Brendan McCartney (North Ballarat):"We're really pleased with how we continued to run, pressure and compete. Good experience for our young group to win in a tight game after a number of recent good losses."

Gary Learmonth (Redan):"We had our opportunities across the day to win but made too many fundamental skill errors including missing gettable shots at goal. North (Ballarat) structured better around the ball (but despite more inside 50s) we were unable to capitalise on our weight of forward 50 entries."  

The Swans booted six goals to one in the last quarter to runaway 46-point winners over Lake Wendouree at Alfredton Oval, giving Chris Maple his first win as coach.

It was essentially a 'copy paste' version of the Swans best players as Paddy Simpson, Will Liston, Wyatt Squires, Matt Powling, Noah Drever and Angus Bade made it back-to-back solid performances. The reward this time however all the more sweet, four premiership points and a rendition of the Swans victory theme song.

Sharpshooter Andrew Hooper finished with four goals as the Swans again struggled to get bang for buck from their forward opportunities. The Swans managed to correct their errant ways in front of goal booting 6.1 in the final term to validate the separation on the scoreboard.

The Lakers were within 15 points at the final change but couldn't find a way back despite the efforts of Angus Gove, Jacob Coxall (two goals) and Joel O'Connell. Another 14-day break awaits the Lakers who have the bye this week. While not ideal, this scenario may be a timely one for the Lakers, a chance for the troops to recover fully ahead of a Round 4 return at home against Sunbury. Ballarat will face Redan.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Paddy Simpson (Ballarat): 37 disposals, 12 clearances, 7 inside 50s

Bailey Van De Heuvel (Ballarat): 21 disposals, 12 marks, 7 intercept marks

Angus Grove (Lake Wendouree): 30 disposals, 4 intercept marks, 3 tackles

COACHES’ VERDICT

Chris Maple (Ballarat):"While consistent (with our output), unfortunately we didn't capitalise on our opportunities once again, but it was good for our young side to do well and get a win.”

Jack Fitzpatrick (Lake Wendouree):"We were far more competitive which was positive, unfortunately losing a number of soldiers saw the score blow out late and did not reflect the better effort from my boys. Re Ballarat - I can see what "Mapes" is trying to implement with his young group, some exciting times ahead for them."

East Point maintained its dominate recent record over Melton South, trouncing the young Panthers by 148 points at Eastern Oval.

A new look Kangas outfit gave debut coach Jackson Merrett the perfect start with 12 players hitting the scoreboard in an impressive display. The visitors were slow to start for the second week in a row conceding nine first quarter goals to trail by 54 points at the break and 79 points at the half.

Kangas forward Brad Whittaker finished with five goals in his return game after a lengthy lay-off with injury. Johnston pair Matthew and Jordy featured prominently for the Kangas while progressive youngster Isaac Hucker (four goals) was named best afield.

It's been a tough opening fortnight for new Panthers coach combo Jason Hamilton and Ryan Hoy, beaten soundly on the road by the Bloods (161 points) and now East Point (148 points). It won't be any easier next week when they host Sunbury.

There was some merit (no pun intended) in the Panthers season high six-goal final term but greater consistency across four quarters remains an ongoing challenge. Panthers’ captain Cody Chapman and youngster Jarrod Bibby were solid contributors again in a losing side.

Four unbeaten sides in the BFNL will become two next week after the Kangas (1-0) host Darley (2-0) and Sebastopol (1-0) head to Melton (2-0).    

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Matt Johnston (East Point): 37 disposals, 19 contested possessions, 10 clearances

Jordan Johnston (East Point):35 disposals, 23 contested possessions, 9 inside 50s

Cassius White (Melton South): 21 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 5 clearances 

COACHES’ VERDICT

Jackson Merrett (East Point):"I was really proud of the boy’s effort for four quarters. The buy-in from all 22 players to implement all the aspects of the game we have worked on over the off-season really came out today."

Jason Hamilton / Ryan Hoy (Melton South):"Very tough day, East Point are a very skillful team and well drilled. We played two quarters (well) and got blown away in the other (two quarters). Full credit to East Point, I think they'll be right up there this year."

A wasteful Darley did enough to make it a 2-0 start to their season downing cross town rival Bacchus Marsh by 50 points.

Despite winning every quarter, Devils fans were left scratching their heads at the final siren wondering how their form stacks up against the more fancied and unbeaten rivals in Melton, Sebastopol and East Point.

A six-goal-to-two opening quarter helped set up the Devils’ win after a moving Anzac ceremony had anticipation levels on high alert. After young Cobra Josh Huxtable snapped truly to kickstart proceedings, the Devils responded in style with six unanswered goals, clearly their best period of the game.

Debutant Devils ruckman Lucas Impey impressed, nullifying Cobras big man Luke Goetz after his 67 hit-out game in Round 1. The 19-year-old capped his dream start in the Black and White in fine style with an unlikely crumbing goal in the first term.

Reigning Henderson Medallist Brett Bewley finished with a game high three goals and was often the 'go to man’, restoring polish for the Devils. While it was a 'choppy' display of the basic fundamentals for the most part, both coaches opted the glass half full approach in the aftermath.

Cobras’ coach Jason Williams, buoyed with the injection of sprightly youth was bullish acknowledging their effort and contribution while Devils coach Dan Jordan was seemingly pleased going 2-0, taking nothing for granted.  

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Brett Bewley (Darley): 34 disposals, 10 marks, 6 tackles

Mace Cousins (Darley):  28 disposals, 11 one-percenters, 9 marks

Jake McCreery (Bacchus Marsh): 24 disposals, 12 clearances, 6 tackles

COACHES’ VERDICT

Jason Williams (Bacchus Marsh):"Super happy with our young players, we must have had 10 players aged under 20 who tried all day and at times played a really exciting brand (of football)."

Dan Jordan (Darley):"Happy with the consistent effort across the board, credit to Bacchus Marsh and the pressure they applied. It’s always good to get a win in the local derby."

Reigning premiers Melton reaffirmed their competition 'benchmark' status with a 20-point win on the road over an honest Sunbury. The Lions were left lamenting a disappointing second quarter, outscored six goals, with five unanswered, to two, surrendering a seven-point advantage in the process.

Bloods elite running duo Jordy Kight and Jack Walker lapped up the wide expanses of the BFNL's biggest ground to feature prominently in vote calculations. Youngsters Harrison Hanley and Adrian Monitto provided the additional run on a day where goals came at a premium.

Key Bloods forward Ryan Carter booted three goals while Ryan Davis (two goals) was busy at ground level. Another eight individual Bloods players hit the scoreboard.

For Sunbury, new addition Bryce Caldone was named best for his all-round performance, capped by his team high three goals. Returning Essendon VFL listed forward Jake Sutton finished with two majors.

Lions’ coach Travis Hodgson has had the early footy audit and will gain some confidence knowing they're not far away from the reigning premiers who are expected to close again in 2023. Away trips to Lake Wendouree and Melton South should equate to wins and a build on what Hodgson thinks can work when it counts most.

For Aaron Tymms, there is no doubt there would be some relief for him getting through and landing the 'W', passing their first real acid test of the season and fragmenting some of the 'spruik' around a determined Lions outfit.

COACHES’ VERDICT

Travis Hodgson (Sunbury):"Pretty good performance for three and a half quarters of footy. We had a 15 minute period before half-time where we went away from what works for us. Melton stamped us with five unanswered goals and that was the difference. We should be better for it."

Aaron Tymms (Melton):"We got some good footy forward of stoppage at the back end of the second quarter and kicked quick goals which really was the difference in the game."

Statement wins and grand final revenge was all part of the script to come out of Round 2.

Undermanned North Ballarat ended Darley's run of 11 unbeaten BFNL games, winning a thriller by three points under lights at Mars Stadium.

While the spectacle was rendered 'a hard watch' for many onlookers, the endeavour on display from both sides under tough conditions could not be questioned.

To put into perspective the nature of the arm wrestle, there were two goals kicked for the entire second half! 

Furthermore, North Ballarat won the game adding just two goals to their tally after quarter time.

The level of free-flowing football you would like to see from a grand final rematch was denied by the evening dew, minimising any genuine aerial impact or efficiency in transition.

The last quarter especially was dour in its purest form, included 17 boundary throw ins and 14 ball-ups in general play.

Neither camp were prepared to make any excuses in the event of a loss as Devils’ coach Dan Jordan conceded in the aftermath. "Conditions are the same for both sides,” he said. "You have to win a game of footy in a number of different ways, especially with two very organised sides."

Despite the struggles of both teams, another grandstand finish played out as North Ballarat newcomer Malachi White broke free in the dying seconds to kick his second goal of the night and the sealer, sending the Roosters faithful, who braved the cold night air into raptures.

Off season North Ballarat additions Noah Cockerill (best), Liam Deering (two goals) and White played pivotal roles swinging the pendulum in the hosts favour who were brave and resolute without top end talent Sam Glover (Collingwood VFL), Jack Riding (Werribee VFL), big man Cam McCullum (knee), Ryan Hobbs (hamstring) and Stewart Crameri (hamstring).

Billy Myers was clearly best for the Devils, while Jack Bewley finished with a game high three goals. 

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Brett Bewley (Darley) - 51 disposals, 23 contested possessions, 13 clearances

Joshus Sparkman (North Ballarat) - 29 disposals, 12 intercept possessions, 12 contested possessions

Riley Polkinghorne (North Ballarat) - 26 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 9 tackles

COACHES’ VERDICT

Brendan McCartney (North Ballarat)
"We want to be a resilient, organised and connected group. We were last night. Very proud of the players’ grit to keep working through a really tough contest. Good day for our club. Looking forward to seeing us growing as a club."

Dan Jordan (Darley)
"The little amount of scoring did not reflect the effort of both sides. The game was a pure physical, arm wrestle (type) affair that went down to the wire. Unfortunately for us it was North Ballarat who had their noses in front at the final siren. I was proud of our effort. We butter up and look ahead to the local derby with Bacchus Marsh."  

Ballarat made it back-to-back wins under coach Chris Maple, now in his second season, with a nail-biting three-point win over Redan.

Both sides split the 'quarter wins' as an exciting mix of experienced and progressive talent dominated the narrative.

For the second time in as many weeks VFL listed affiliated Swan Rhett Montgomerie heightened the degree of difficulty for opposition sides overcoming the red and white.

Experienced duo Andrew Hooper (three goals) and Grant Bell (five goals) looked ominous around goal for their respective teams sounding alarm bells of the 'attention required' variety for future opposition.

Montgomerie, Rhys Perry, Lewis Rinaldi, Tristan Maple and Will Garner were all named in the best providing Maple's group with an encouraging, albeit different look in that space and every indication the rebuild is on track with more and more players by the week capable of having a significant impact on game day.

Twice the Swans were asked to come from behind to earn the win after trailing at quarter time (13 points) and three-quarter time (12 points).

Unfortunately, there was always going to be a team on the wrong end of this entertaining stoush and in this case, it was Gary Learmonth's Redan. 

Lions’ half dozen Kye Jess, Lachie George, Grant Bell, Patrick Fitgibbon, Harry Lawson and Taj Bond were the pick of the visitors, doing plenty right for a group that fell agonisingly short.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Rhett Montgomery (Ballarat) - 24 disposals, 17 contested possessions, 11 intercept possessions

Paddy Simpson (Ballarat) - 27 disposals, 10 contested possessions, 8 score involvements

Harry Lawson (Redan) - 18 disposals, 12 contested possessions, 10 tackles

COACHES’ VERDICT

Gary Learmonth (Redan)
"(The game) was an even contest for four quarters. Again (we) did a lot right across the game but let ourselves down late which allowed Ballarat to get up. Lots of pleasing signs but (we) need to be better for longer to get some reward for effort."

Chris Maple (Ballarat)
"A really tight contest all day. Credit to Redan, they played a tough contested game. Happy to get the points in the end but we have a lot to improve on in all facets of the game."

Sunbury recorded an efficient dismantling of league strugglers Melton South to the tune of 144 points under lights at the Clarke Oval.

As many as 13 Lions joined the party on the goal front led by dangerous forward Jake Sutton (six goals) and utility Mitch McLean who finished with four.

While the phrase 'a game of two halves' did not apply to this one-sided affair. In fact, it was the similarities that caught the eye.

Twelve goals to two for the opening half, and 14 goals to one in the second highlighted the drive of Matt White's Sunbury ahead of their bye in Round 3.

A 2-0 start and healthy percentage is all Lions fans could have asked for under their new coach.

With Sutton and McLean posting most of the damage on the goal front, Lions quartet Ben Cameron, Jack Newitt, Harry Power and Fraser Ampulski were named in the best players for their mountain of work in general play that was one way traffic for the most part.

The Panthers lost star recruits Patrick Veszpremi (hand) and Anthony Wilson (hamstring) but welcomed the return of captain Cody Chapman and newcomer Stuart Hojein-Allen for their first hit out of the season.

Former Sunbury young gun come Panther Ryder Rousch was named best for his new club for the second week in a row. The Panthers have averaged 187.5 points against in their opening two games, identical to their 2023 season returns.

Melton South are at home to meet Redan in Round 3.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Josh Guthrie (Sunbury) - 38 disposals, 23 contested possessions, 10 clearances

Nathan Doyle (Sunbury) - 37 disposals, 13 score involvements, 11 contested possessions

Daniel Donaldson (Melton South) - 19 disposals, 9 pressure acts, 9 contested possessions 

COACHES’ VERDICT

Matt White (Sunbury)
"Really pleased the way the boys went about it. It was a shortened game due to an unfortunate incident in the reserves game, but the boys settled and started the game strong. We have a week off now, so we'll start focusing on Bacchus Marsh the week after."

Travis Hodgson (Melton South)
"The boys tried hard and competed well in periods. We were better in some areas than we were last week. Poor execution of basic fundamentals hurt us consistently throughout the night."

A seven-goal second term from the Lakers wasn't enough to deny Cobras’ new coach Dennis Armfield his first win in charge.

Despite heading into the game as favorites, the visiting Cobras found themselves behind at the main break on the back of a wasteful opening term kicking 2.8.

With the door of opportunity left seemingly ajar, the hosts pounced and were rewarded for their accuracy as they kicked 7.1, earning Rohan Brown's young group an eight-point lead.

Both sides struggled for any periods of momentum in the second half as the degree of difficulty to get the ball on the outside and into clear air fell into the 'easier said than done' basket.

A spike in ground ball pressure led to more stoppages, raising the value of any goal to premium status. Eventually it would be the Cobras who would correct their errant ways on, and defending goal, outscoring a gallant Lakers outfit six goals to three in the second half to win by seven points.

Cobras veteran Tyson Shea was judged the best player on the ground by many observers while Lakers’ defender Brayden Helyar was recognised for his efforts on key target Jake Owen (three goals).

While Lakers’ pair Timmy Collins and Bailey Thompson finished with a game high four goals, it was the spread of Cobras contributors that would prove the difference in this see-sawing affair.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Luke Goetz (Bacchus Marsh) - 70 hit outs, 21 disposals, 13 contested possessions

Jack Parente (Bacchus Marsh) - 25 disposals, 9 marks, 6 score involvements

Will Clark (Lake Wendouree) - 34 disposals, 17 rebound 50s, 6 marks   

COACHES’ VERDICT

Rohan Brown (Lake Wendouree)
"Whilst always disappointing to lose, I’m very proud of the way the boys competed today. (It) was a great game of footy to be a part of. Koliba and Hicks gave us a great view into our future. Bacchus Marsh handled the big moments late just a little better. Can't wait for our club to be a part of Anzac Day footy next week."

Dennis Armfield (Bacchus Marsh)
"We came with a real positive attack on the ball but couldn't finish off our work early. Lakers were very accurate and were able to wrestle back momentum. We were able to fight back, slowing their ball movement and winning more 1v1's. Credit to the Lakers they were very impressive and lively all day. We were very happy to come away with a hard fought four points."

Sebastopol were completely outplayed by competition yardstick Melton, thrashed by 119 points, leaving home fans stunned in the process.

While most pundits outside of Sebastopol gave the Burra little chance of ending a five-year run of outs against the mighty Bloods, the final margin was compelling.

Key Bloods’ trio Ryan Carter (7), Braedyn Kight (7) and Kyle Borg (5) combined for 17 goals in a rampant display, a game that was near over at quarter time.

A 29-point lead extended to 51 at the main break, 87 at the last change before the final siren served as the unofficial white flag for Tony Lockyer's men.

Even the Bloods faithful had every reason to ponder "what just happened there" such was the nature of the one sided affair..

Recently returned Blood Jaykob Hickey was named best for the winners ahead of a handful of top end talent that has inadvertently put the competition on notice.

Jordy Cotter, Jack Walker, Ryan Carter, Braedyn Kight and Ryan Davis were a constant thorn in the Burras’ side, and relentless with their intent. Liam Carter, Blake Souter and Brett McIntyre did not play. 

For the Burra on a forgettable day if not for the learnings, Tony Lockyer, Riley O'Keefe and Ben Hutt led the charge of resistance on home soil but the tsunami that was the visiting Bloods proved all too overwhelming.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Jack Walker (Melton) - 33 disposals, 18 contested possessions, 12 score involvements

Lachlan Cassidy (Sebastopol) - 36 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 12 tackles

Ryan Davis (Melton) - 29 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 11 score involvements

COACHES' VERDICT

Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol)
"Disaster of a day where we simply did not get going at all. We take full responsibility for the performance, learn as much as we can and look forward. Full credit to Melton who were really a class above today and punished us. This won't define our season."

Troy Scoble (Melton)
"Really pleased to travel 'away' and be able to perform against a quality side. We were able to execute our contest method throughout the day which was a major focus leading in. A step in the right direction in how we're trying to play ahead of another test next week against potential top two side North Ballarat."

A grand final rematch highlighted the Round 3 action with a handful of contenders this year also claiming their stake in the premiership race. Scoop takes us through all the key games from the weekend.

Reigning premiers Melton arrested an 18-point deficit at half time to overrun a gallant Sebastopol in Saturday's grand final rematch.

The Bloods were indeed the hunted as Burra coaching duo Luke Kiel and Michael Columbro went about ending a 1313 day winning drought against Aaron Tymms’ boys dating all the way back to their 2019 preliminary final clash.

Tymms conceded they "didn't cope as well as we would have liked", as the hungry Burra unsettled the league's benchmark to lead by 19 points at quarter time. The main break proved a timely reset for the Bloods, enough to restore the confidence and belief required to mount a match winning comeback. Despite winning just the one quarter, the Burra are coming but will have to wait until finals for another crack at their nemesis.

Bloods youngsters Harrison Hanley, Adrian Monitto and Lachlan Phillips were named amongst the bests with Ryan Carter and Brodie Sullivan booting two goals. For the visitors, Bailey Medwell, Riley O'Keefe and newcomer Liam Latch were dangerous, while mobile forward Toby Hutt finished with a game high three goals.   

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Jordyn Cotter (Melton): 39 disposals, 13 marks, 11 rebound 50s

Adrian Monitto (Melton): 36 disposals, 11 intercept possessions, 9 marks

Arnold Kirby (Sebastopol):34 hitouts, 27 disposals, 14 clearances, 

COACHES’ VERDICT

Aaron Tymms (Melton):"It was a really tough game and we’re proud of the boys’ response to a below par first quarter. Credit to Sebastopol, they brought the heat early and we didn't cope as well as we would have liked. Our second half was back to what we do best, outstanding efforts by individuals to play the team role."

Luke Kiel (Sebastopol):"We were on top in the first half, but they opened us up and kept the ball moving in the second. We still had opportunities but turned the ball over going inside 50. Melton are still the benchmark, and we need to be better for longer to beat them."

Redan recorded an important all-the-way win over a wasteful Ballarat at City Oval at the weekend.

The Swans were made to pay this time for their errant ways in front of goal, after trailing by 25 points at half time despite having the same amount of scoring shots as the Lions (5.7 vs 10.2).

While the Swans won the last quarter, the damage was already done.

Lions’ sharpshooter Izaac Grant starred with a best on ground performance that included six goals. Grant has bags of 4,4 and now 6 goals from his opening three games - a memo indeed for Cobras’ coach Jason Williams, who meets the Lions this week at City Oval.

Despite Redan having some young talent of their own it would pale in comparison to the numbers the Swans are fronting up within the early rounds. The 'average games' stat would tell its own story of experience separation between the sides which can play a role in sealing moments in games.

Unfortunately for the Swans it wasn't their first example of missed opportunity, and it won't be their last, but they're in no better hands to see them through.

New Lions’ coach Gary Learmonth would be rapt taking care of a 'thereabouts' challenger for a prized spot in the top six.

With Sunbury seemingly on the rise eyeing a finals berth, eight does not go into six. Saturday's win adds currency to the Lions credentials at the expense of the Swans who are clearly in a rebuild.    

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Izaac Grant (Redan): 25 disposals, 8 marks, 6 goals

Lachlan George (Redan): 22 disposals, 10 score involvements, 8 inside 50s

William Liston (Ballarat): 29 disposals, 16 tackles, 8 clearances

COACHES’ VERDICT

Gary Learmonth (Redan):"Really happy with the effort from the group after being down two (players) at quarter time. We've got lots to work on moving forward with the progressive improvement of our young players."

Chris Maple (Ballarat):"Once again we didn't make the most of our opportunities in the first half. We were happy with our contest in the second half, and were competitive on the scoreboard, with far better ball use and goalkicking."

Darley remains one of two unbeaten BFNL teams following a 39-point win on the road over East Point. The Devils came to play early, delivering the heat to unsettle the young Kangas, opening up a 27-point lead at quarter time.

The 4.9 to 1.0 scoreline suggested the separation could easily have been greater. What transpired thereafter was considerably more even on the scoring front but again the Devils held sway with some late goals to win going their way.

New Kangas coach Jackson Merrett is under no illusions where his team is at, and quite conscious of their age profile.

Merrett conceded the game was put to bed in the first quarter but gave credit to his boys for the remaining three quarters despite being outscored 10.7 to 8.7.

Liam Canny and Matty Johnston were named their best.

For the winners, Devils coach Dan Jordan would just be happy to claim the premiership points to make it a hattrick of road wins to start 2023, ahead of a bye in round 4.

Full-time Devils addition Billy Myers (four goals) is building into some form that resembles what he is capable of at his best. while Shane Page and Brett Bewley (three goals) continued their good form to start the season. 

The Kangas meet the Swans at Alfredton Oval this week in a battle of the young guns while the Devils enjoy the week off ahead of a Match of the Round billing with Sunbury in Round 5.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Brett Bewley (Darley): 48 disposals, 23 contested possessions, 8 tackles

Mace Cousins (Darley): 28 disposals, 11 tackles, 10 marks

Matt Johnson (East Point): 35 disposals, 19 clearances, 9 inside 50s

COACHES’ VERDICT

Jackson Merrett (East Point):"The game was won in the first quarter. Our ability to apply pressure across the ground wasn't at the level we expect of ourselves. (However) super proud of the young groups response after quarter time to keep us in the game before we conceded late goals."

Dan Jordan (Darley):"(I) thought we executed our game plan well in the first half all bar some finishing. East Point came at us hard in the second half, but we were able to adjust and get the win."

'Season smokey' Sunbury inflicted Melton South with a third successive loss in excess of 100 points at the Melton Recreation Reserve on the weekend.

Lions’ coach Travis Hodgson was most pleased with the convincing nature of the result given the Panthers had won two of their past three encounters. In fairness, only the brave would have tipped the Panthers to extend on that record.

Lions’ key forward Cody Brand booted a game high six goals and found some nice touch around goal proving he's going to be a handful for all opposition defenders moving forward. Nathan Wood, Harrison Minton-Connell and Tyson Lever were named best amid a 'share fest' of possession despite the efforts of a willing Panthers group clearly shy of depth and top end experience.

Despite another heavy loss for the undermanned Panthers there's no denying the commitment of inspirational captain Cody Chapman who battles the odds every week taking pride in his performance. Riley Theo continued with his run of good form in a losing side.

It doesn't get any easier for the Panthers in Round 4, a road trip meeting with Sebastopol awaits.  Sunbury too are on the road to face Lake Wendouree off the bye. All five games in Round 4 are scheduled in Ballarat. 

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Cody Brand (Sunbury): 10 marks, 8 score involements, 6 goals

Tyson Lever (Sunbury): 31 disposals, 10 marks, 9 intercept possessions

Cody Chapman (Melton South): 30 disposals, 11 contested possessions, 9 tackles

COACHES’ VERDICT

Jason Hamilton (Melton South):"I don't think the scoreboard told the full story to be honest. (I'll) give Sunbury credit, they stuck to their guns and plans to have a convincing win in the end. (It's) back to the drawing board for us but pleasing to see we are improving every week." 

Travis Hodgson (Sunbury):"Credit to our boys, they stuck to how we want to play all day and it eventually shone on the scoreboard. Melton South were honest and deserve credit for cracking in all day."

North Ballarat made a successful trip to Maddingley Park to defeat Bacchus Marsh by 68 points.

The 'Crameri-less' Roosters were inadvertently compensated with the inclusion of Collingwood VFL listed player Sam Glover - and didn't he look the part, running a merry dance on occasions to finish with a game high five goals.

Glover's laconic nature gives the indication he's rarely out of second gear but his footy smarts, and ability to read the play proved a handful for the Cobras to contain.

North Ballarat midfielder Riley Polkinghorne was clearly the best man on the ground, his two way running and possession accumulation was a feature. Isaac Lovison and Harry Loader look right at home at their key posts in defence confirming a bright future lay ahead for the former powerhouse club.

When North Ballarat gets their running game going, look out! Their will to take the game on by hand especially ran rings around the trying Cobras and led to scores in transition often out of defence.

If there were any reservations on North Ballarat and their dare, it's with their field kicking. Coach Brendan McCartney conceded his boys remain a work in progress, becoming an exciting team to watch.

For the Cobras, Western Jets addition Joel Freeman (four goals) looked dangerous with limited opportunity while ruckman Luke Goetz had the better of North Ballarat giant Cam McCullum.      

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Riley Polkinghorn (North Ballarat): 38 disposals, 11 score involvements, 10 clearances

Simon McCartin (North Ballarat): 30 disposals, 8 score involvements, 4 tackles

Jake McCreery (Bacchus Marsh): 27 disposals, 8 clearances, 6 tackles

COACHES’ VERDICT

Jason Williams (Bacchus Marsh): "Disappointing day at the office, really let down in attitude early and transition all day."

Brendan McCartney (North Ballarat):"A good days work against a really young Bacchus Marsh team. We are a bit clunky at times but also really exciting at times. We are doing our best to develop into a good team and be good to watch."

We saw Round 3 kick off with a big Anzac Day clash on Thursday before the action kept on rolling all the way through Saturday.

The Swans extended their impressive, unbeaten start to the season with a 68-point win over Lake Wendouree at Alfredton Oval.

The frugal nature of the win, restricting the Lakers to just two goals will have pleased Swans’ coach Chris Maple ahead of a timely exam against the reigning premiers this Saturday.

As for the Anzac Day clash, well this game was over at half time as the speedy Swans opened up a 16-point advantage at quarter time with six unanswered goals in the second to lead by 54 points at the main break.

The nature of the scoreline was telling as the Lakers remained goal less at the final change despite periods of an even natured affair through the first and third terms that saw the Swans manage just four goals of their own.

Tristan Maple and Lauchlan Dalgleish starred for the winners as ten Swans hit the scoreboard on the goals front. While scoreboard contributions were scarce for the Lakers, there was no denying duo Kyle Anderson and Brayden Helyar recognition from the coach in the aftermath.

The Lakers challenges do not get any easier with a Round 4 meeting scheduled at Mars Stadium against a stingy North Ballarat outfit who won't give an inch.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Luke Gray (Ballarat) - 34 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 12 marks

Lewis Rinaldi (Ballarat) - 28 disposals, 16 contest possessions, 8 clearances

Michael Foster (Lake Wendouree) - 25 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 8 tackles

COACHES’ VERDICT

Chris Maple (Ballarat)
The game was certainly closer than the scoreboard indicated. We thought we moved the ball better at times and defended the ground well at times. It was great to be able to play on such an important day and see so many people there."

Rohan Brown (Lake Wendouree)
(We were) beaten comprehensively by a very well drilled side who played very good footy - (Lachie) Dalgliesh outstanding. Whilst happy with the first quarter we can't keep giving the opposition chances through error, falling down structurally and give them momentum. We will regroup and go again after what was a disappointing performance. That's what I like about our group - their willingness to pick themselves up and go again, we have too."

The reigning premiers set up a hard fought 12-point win with a nine-goals-to-three opening half to secure local derby honours in front of a big crowd at Darley Park.

‘A tale of two halves’ fits the narrative as the Cobras came back from 40 points down in the third quarter to finish as close as they did on the final siren.

The Devils had many contributors sharing time in the spotlight without 'getting off the hook' for too long.

Leigh Spiteri (three goals), Will Johnson (three goals) and Harley Inglis (three goals) were clean around goal with their opportunities while key forward Brady Wright (one goal, five behinds) monstered the Cobras in the air but couldn't finish off his aerial dominance.

Midfielders Luther Baker, Matt Denham and Brett Bewley were solider-like with their heavy work inside the contest and distribution on the outer to ensure the Devils did enough to hang on.

For the Cobras, it was not the first time in recent derbies they have been made to do the chasing after half time.

Collingwood VFL listed player Rye Penny and ruckman Luke Goetz were the standout contributors for the Cobras that should take plenty of positives out of the game ahead of an interesting Round 4 clash with Sunbury at Maddingley Park.  

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Luke Goetz (Bacchus Marsh) - 71 hit outs, 19 disposals, 12 clearances

Brett Bewley (Darley) - 33 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 10 clearances

Billy Myers (Darley) - 27 disposals, 19 hit outs, 13 contested possessions

COACHES VERDICT

Dan Jordan (Darley)
"Came away with a win where we saw patches of our best footy. Plenty to work on as we move forward. Full credit to Bacchus Marsh for a great challenge and running out the game."

Dennis Armfield (Bacchus Marsh)
"Solid hit-out against a quality side. We had our chances but missed them and you can't do that against Darley. They were able to react to turnover quicker. To our credit, we fought it out hard and had the run late. A positive finish against last year’s top team. (We) just need to focus on our inside 50 connection."

Travelling North Ballarat gave unofficial flag favorites Melton an almighty scare before falling short by six points.

Despite the close margin, the Bloods led all day but couldn't shrug the resistance of Brendan McCartney's North Ballarat who were up and about having defeated Darley just a week earlier.

The Bloods started well, as they so often do to lead by 14 points at quarter time but were outscored for the remainder on the back some efficiency around goal from the travelling party.

The Roosters booted 10.4 to the Bloods 8.12 after the first break but it wasn't enough to inflict new Bloods’ coach Troy Scoble with his first loss in charge.

The spread of 'player type' major contributors for the winners confirmed the Bloods were stretched finding the line.

Lachie Watkins, Jordy Kight and Luke Heaney took the honours ahead of running machines Jack Walker and Kyle Borg.

In form dangerous forward duo Braedyn Kight (four goals) and Ryan Carter (three goals) did the damage in front of the uprights.

For North Ballarat, it's a no frills, hardworking ethos under Macartney that sees them right in the business end conversation already with a host of impact and experienced players still to return.

Plenty of upside for the Roosters to derive from their opening two games.

Ryan Polkinghorne was named best for the losing side while Brock Leonard and Isaac Carey continued their impressive start to the season. Ned Nash finished with a team high three goals.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Adrian Monitto (Melton) - 39 disposals, 11 marks, 11 rebound 50s

Jordyn Cotter (Melton) - 31 disposals, 12 marks, 12 intercept possessions

Riley Polkinghorne (North Ballarat) - 31 disposals, 12 inside 50s, 11 clearances

COACHES’ VERDICT

Troy Scoble (Melton)
"(It) was a terrific contest, one we really enjoyed. North's contest method is elite and challenged us in all phases of the game. We led all game, were able to capitilise in offence but the game was an arm wrestle and we stayed in front to the end. Two quality teams challenging each other from start to finish - a really enjoyable day.” 

Brendan McCartney (North Ballarat)
"Great game of footy. Melton's energy to move the ball and attack the game provided good learnings for us. Loved our fight and willingness to keep playing. Another really good day for our club. Looking forward already to next week on a big reunion day. Our club has a rich history, and we are hoping to play our part continuing that."

Visiting Redan responded to the midweek hype surrounding the Panthers with a convincing 53-point win.

Experienced quartet Sam Darley (best), Jeff Garlett (two goals), Brendan Kantilla (two goals) and Harley Bernell (two goals) made cameo appearances for Melton South, creating a spike of interest in a game otherwise deemed a foregone conclusion.

The Lions won all four quarters as experienced campaigner Lachie George rose to the challenge to be named best afield ahead of Jacob Short and youngsters Sam Broadbent, Zac Mortlock and Rory Gunsser.

Bustling forwards Grant Bell and Brandon Green proved the focal points inside 50 sharing the honours with a bag of five goals each.

Cameos aside for the Panthers, organic trio Jarrod Bibby, Rhys Lee and Cody Chapman featured prominently, thriving in the surrounds provided with the injection (albeit a one off) of top end talent.

Former Western Bulldog and GWS product Sam Darley was the pick of the crop, still in his prime at 30 years old.

The Panthers venture to Eastern Oval this week, a ground that hasn't been kind to them in recent seasons albeit on the scoreboard.

Redan are at home to Sebastopol, with the Burra keen to bounce back after two big losses.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Sam Darley (Melton South) - 53 disposals, 9 score involvements, 8 clearances

Lachlan George (Redan) - 31 disposals, 23 contested possessions, 14 clearances

Rhys Lee (Melton South) - 23 disposals, 12 intercept possessions, 10 contested possessions

COACHES’ VERDICT

Travis Hodgson (Melton South)
"Super day for the club with the reserves winning and the Under 19's having their first win in 1785 days. (Our) senior group were very competitive and kicking nine goals was a plus. Again, poor execution and turnover hurt us and eliminated any chance of winning. Loved our effort."

Gary Learmonth (Redan)
"Again some good signs. Our young boys had the opportunity to play against some top end players which was a good experience and showed they can mix it with the best, So much to improve on and a great challenge again coming this week. Enjoying our mix of youth and experience."

The Kangaroos booted six goals to one in the second half to run away 47-point winners over a disappointing Sebastopol under lights at Eastern Oval.

From a speculative standpoint the nature of the result says more about the Burra’s struggles than Joe Carmody's first win in charge. 

For the second week in a row Tony Lockyer's Sebastopol has been opened up in the second half. Sure, they won’t be the first team to be on the wrong end of a Melton audit (14 goals to three second half last week) but the six goals to one second half witnessed against the Kangas in trying conditions does prick at least one ear for concern.

Experienced Kangas Jackson Merrett and Mickitja Rottumah-Onus were named best for the winners while Bryson McDougall, Strahan Robinson and newcomer Luke Tebble finished the only multiple scorers in a match where goals came at a premium.

Ever consistent Lachie Cassidy, ruckman Reece MacNally and Lockyer never gave up the fight for the visitors who will look to review and regroup quickly ahead of an important clash with Redan at City Oval.

The outcome surely confirms any early concerns on the Burra’s form or silence the doubters for another week.

East Pont are at home to Melton South.    

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Jackson Merrett (East Point) - 38 disposals, 13 intercept possessions, 11 rebound 50s

Lachlan Cassidy (Sebastopol) - 28 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 9 tackles

Mickitja Rotumah-Onus (East Point) - 29 disposals, 17 contested possessions, 10 clearances

COACHES’ VERDICT

Joe Carmody (East Point)
"Boys responded well (after the Round 1 loss) as we knew they would. We had 22 contributors who all executed their role. (It) was a very contested game against a quality opposition so to come away with the points was pleasing. The test will be for the young players to find consistency and play well again next week."

Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol)
"A solid game, very even throughout the contest in the night conditions. (We) had some great patches where we were on top but just couldn't convert our ball to the scoreboard. East Point were able to convert and kicked away late which didn't reflect the overall game. Much better performance from the boys. Look forward to next week as we continue to build with the young group."

A four-point thriller at City Oval caught the eyes over the weekend, while a couple of contenders found themselves on the end of a percentage boost. Scoop reviews all the action from Round 4.

Competition benchmark Melton came from behind at half-time for the second successive week to remain unbeaten after a hard fought 20-point win over North Ballarat at Mars Stadium.

Talented Bloods’ forward Liam Carter proved the difference with a game high four goals to arrest momentum away from the home side who led by 15 points at the main break.

So often in recent times have the Bloods asserted their authority in the third term of matches. In this instance it was North Ballarat who wore the brunt, conceding four unanswered goals as the Bloods took the lead and never looked back.

Kudos went to consistent Bloods midfielder Jack Walker and utility bigman Brett McIntyre, whose importance to the structural make-up of the side can be undersold.

Familiar North Ballarat ball winners Simon McCartin and Riley Polkinghorne featured prominently while progressive youngster Joshua Sparkman continues to answer the call across half back in his first genuine season at senior level.

With goals at a premium, Jamie Quick was North's only multiple goal scorer.

Coach Brendan McCartney remained upbeat in the aftermath despite the loss while Aaron Tymms was seemingly content to be in the winner’s circle, with an inkling the Bloods are travelling shy of their best despite an enviable 4-0 start to the season.

Marquee North Ballarat signing, Stewart Crameri, left the field with what appears to be an ongoing groin complaint placing him doubt for Saturday's game against East Point.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Jordyn Cotter (Melton):33 disposals, 11 rebound 50s, 9 intercept possessions.

Adrian Monitto (Melton):28 disposals, 15 intercept possessions, 10 contested possessions.

Riley Polkinghorne (North Ballarat): 39 disposals, 12 clearances, 11 inside 50s 

COACHES’ VERDICT

Brendan McCartney (North Ballarat): "We did a lot right against a really good footy club. Our pressure and work rate put us in the game. Lots of learning from today and plenty to look forward to."

Aaron Tymms (Melton): "Another great response from the lads after half-time. Pleasing to grind out the win while not at our best. Credit to North, they didn't allow us to play our normal brand."

A nine-goal second term by a rampant Kangas outfit put this game to bed early, as Jackson Merrett's boys raced away to a 58-point lead at the main break.

Jordy Johnston (two goals) was named best afield ahead of brother Matthew, Bryce McDougall, Joel Van Meel, Jordy Taylor and young gun Alex Molan.

Ballarat, while disappointed, can draw some positives having outscored the Kangas in the second half as Chris Maple's young group continue with hard learnings on the job. Clearly, as reiterated by Maple post-match, the gap between the Swans’ best and worst is a red flag for concern and remains firmly on the agenda to minimise as the season progresses.

Swans’ sharpshooter Andrew Hooper finished with an equal game high four goals along with Kangas forward Brad Whittaker while experienced duo Marcus Powling and Keegan Mellington never gave up the fight.

It’s set to be a cracking fixture coming up for these two sides, as the Kangas and the Swans host North Ballarat and Sebastopol respectively.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Matt Johnston (East Point): 42 disposals, 19 contested possessions, 13 clearances

Jordan Johnston (East Point): 33 disposals, 21 contested possessions, 13 clearances

Tom Mooney (Ballarat): 29 disposals, 17 contested possessions, 11 tackles  

COACHES’ VERDICT:

Chris Maple (Ballarat);"We outscored East for three quarters of the game. Unfortunately, our second quarter was really poor conceding nine goals. We need to reduce the difference between our best and worst (footy), a common trait of young teams."

Jackson Merrett (East Point);"It was really pleasing to see us take another step forward. Our ability to pressure the opposition provided us with some good opportunities going forward."

Pre-match favorites Redan survived an almighty scare from a spirited Bacchus Marsh to hold on and win by four points at City Oval.

The final siren couldn't come quick enough for Gary Learmonth's Lions as momentum swung entirely with the visitors. The Cobras were left lamenting missed opportunities in front of goal, in what was their best quarter for the season to date.

But the Cobras’ 4.6 return to the Lions' 0.3 wasn't enough to reel in the 31-point deficit at the final change.    

Lions’ youngster Marty Boyer starred with five goals showing off his forward craft and footy smarts in a true breakout game by definition. Encouragingly, Boyer was one of 12 players to feature in the game still eligible for Under 19 selection with Redan fielding four and Bacchus Marsh, eight.

Experienced Lions defensive duo Jacob Short and Nick Barker were a constant thorn in the Cobras’ efforts, and more often the beneficiaries of some poor Cobra entries inside 50.

For three quarters, Redan answered every challenge thrown at them, denying the Cobras back-to-back goals for the most part, maintaining an arm’s length advantage at every change in 'no excuse' conditions for football.

Lions’ quartet Will Madden, Lachie George, Isaac Grant and Pat Fitzgibbon were the best of the rest for the winners. The Cobras witnessed Jake Owen's best game for the new season while co-captain Jack Parente was staunch, playing above his years across half back. Jake McCreery was never far away from the action and kept the Cobras in it around stoppage while Ethan McKercher was lively at ground level.

The Cobras slick moving new recruit, Jake Long, made his highly anticipated debut in red, yellow and black colors and will be better for the run. The Collingwood VFL listed product showed glimpses of class which looms exciting for Cobra fans.   

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Izaac Grant (Redan): 31 disposals, 9 clearances, 6 tackles

Marty Bower (Redan): 17 disposals, 11 marks, 8 score involvements

Luke Goetz (Bacchus Marsh): 67 hitouts, 16 contested possessions, 10 clearances

COACHES’ VERDICT:

Gary Learmonth (Redan);"We were lucky to hold on in the end. Credit to the Marsh they fought the game out for four quarters. We showed some good signs in the main for the first three quarters but turnovers under little or no pressure allowed the Marsh to stay close."

Jason Williams (Bacchus Marsh);"Another step in the right direction today. Unfortunately, we let ourselves down in the first half and Redan put us to the sword. While happy with the improvement, we're disappointed to leave a result out there."

Sunbury kicked its second consecutive score of 170 plus to outclass a young Lakers team on CE Brown Reserve at the weekend. It was essentially a share feast of possession for the Lions who went to work after half time to set up the 124-point win.

The Lions had 11 goalkickers, highlighting the 'share' nature of the performance. Forward pair Cody Brand (five goals) and Jake Sutton (three goals) led the charge while Corey Mobilio (three goals) took advantage of any crumb to hit the deck.

Usual suspects Harrison Minton-Connell, Tyson Lever, Mitch Lewis, Josh Guthrie featured amongst the better players yet again while youngster Jack Newitt and newcomer Josiah Garisto found some nice touch ahead of ‘bigger fish-to-fry’ opposition in the coming weeks.

The Lakers brought some measurable heat early but the longer the game went, the gulf between the two sides became more apparent.

Both sides will look forward to Round 5 for different reasons. A healthy Lions list will relish their opportunity to meet fellow finals aspirant Darley while the Lakers are on the road and would be buoyant about the chance to end an 18-game losing streak against winless Melton South.     

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Harrison Minton-Connell (Sunbury): 38 disposals, 12 tackles, 12 score involvements 

Jack Newitt (Sunbury): 32 disposals, 11 intercept possessions, 7 rebound 50s

Shuan Finlayson (Lake Wendouree): 40 hit outs, 10 contested possessions, 7 clearances

COACHES’ VERDICT

Jack Fitzpatrick (Lake Wendouree);"For a half we were quite competitive and it was Sunbury's class that had them ahead. We couldn't sustain the effort and they took full advantage. They're a good side!"

Travis Hodgson (Sunbury);"Lakers pressure was super for a half. We had a class advantage and scored heavily as the game opened up. Pleasing road trip."

Dangerous forward Toby Hutt booted 10 goals in the Burras’ demolition job over the struggling Panthers at Marty Busch Reserve.

While the match result for many was deemed inevitable heading in, the extent of the damage and separation on the scoreboard was unknown. But the Burra allayed any fears of not cashing in on a whopping percentage boost opportunity with a 10-goal opening term.

Accuracy on goal was a major plus for the Burra with 21.9 on the scoreboard at three quarter time.

Toby Hutt took field honours with his double figure haul while Bailey Medwell, Tony Lockyer and Riley O'Keefe continued their recent run of good form.

While there wasn't much to write about for the Panthers, coach Jason Hamilton credited the leadership of Cody Chapman, Jack Morrissey and youngster Jarrod Bibby under trying circumstances.

The Panthers have had a horror draw to start 2023 with Melton, East Point, Sunbury and Sebastopol. A meeting with Lake Wendouree in Round 5 should bring some relief despite the likelihood of facing a fifth straight loss.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Toby Hutt (Sebastopol):10 goals, 13 marks, 28 disposals

Bailey Midwell (Sebastopol):34 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 11 score involvements

Cody Chapman (Melton South): 35 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 12 clearances 

COACHES’ VERDICT:

Luke Kiel (Sebastopol); "Solid hit-out. We had a couple of things we wanted to work on and executed them reasonably well. Pleased getting some continuity into players who have been out for long periods. Melton South had some good patches when they were able to get numbers around the contest." 

Jason Hamilton (Melton South);"Burras just way too good. They're a very organised team and skillful. Again, we played great for about 40 minutes, but the Burra had control over the rest of the game."

Round 4 provided plenty of big results across Saturday as a month of football begins to paint a clearer picture in 2024.

North Ballarat continues to show even further promise in the absence of key personnel with a 96-point win over Lake Wendouree.

Jamie Quick, Jack Riding, Ryan Hobbs, Stewart Crameri and Sam Glover are all missing due to injury or unavailability, asking questions of the depth in the Roosters’ ranks under fourth season coach Brendan McCartney.

It must be pleasing for McCartney to see the goal scorers and best players have a different 'ring' to them as fresh faces make an impact.

Hugh Trigg finished with a game high four goals ahead of a list containing another seven contributors on the goal front including newcomers Dakin Morris (three goals), Lam Deering (three goals) and Mal White (two goals) who combined for eight of their own.

Heart and soul players Brock Leonard, Elliot Lamb, Joshua Sparkman and Fletcher Loader were all prominent.

For the visitors, again reward for effort was scarce as a blend of youth and experience filled the Lakers group of major contributors including Tom Zampatti, Joe O'Connell, Phoenix James and Nathan Pring.  

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Joshua Sparkman (North Ballarat) - 33 disposals,  10 marks, 10 intercept possessions

Brock Leonard (North Ballarat) - 27 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 11 tackles

Tom Zampatti (Lake Wendouree) - 48 hit outs, 21 disposals, 14 contested possessions

COACHES’ VERDICT

Brendan McCartney (North Ballarat)
"Really strong performance in all phases of the game. The basics of our game were in place. Some of the new players to our club made some great progress today. Nice to play well as a club in front of four decades of Premiership reunions."

Rohan Brown (Lake Wendouree)
"We applied ourselves well to our system and all indicators read reasonably well. We continue to give the opposition a look at goals due to fundamental errors and poor decisions - something we will continue to work on. Once we fix this up we will be in games for longer. Our boys cracked in today."

The reigning premiers, Darley, handed league improvers Ballarat a lesson around the ball with a dominant 64-point win at Alfredton Oval.

Despite kicking the first two goals of the game the Swans proved no match for another Brett Bewley led masterclass as the Devils went to work booting 18 of the remaining 24 goals of the game.

Underrated Devils’ small forward Leigh Spiteri (four goals) backed up his three-goal return against the Cobras a week earlier to share best on ground honours with Bewley (one goal).

Star utility Billy Myers also booted four goals for the winners ahead of a number of contributors hitting the scoreboard.

Experienced midfielders Luther Baker and Matt Denham ensured the Devils held a clear advantage at stoppage, especially at centre bounce.  

For the Swans, Andrew Hopper (two goals) looked dangerous early while Footscray VFL listed pair Rhett Montgomerie and Angus Bade shouldered much of the resistance before the Devils hit top gear.

It won’t get any easier for Chris Maple's young Swans this Saturday when they travel to face unbeaten Melton.

Darley host bogie side Redan who have won four of their last six encounters head to head.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Rhett Montgomerie (Ballarat) - 27 disposals, 13 intercept possessions, 12 marks

Brett Bewley (Darley) - 42 disposals, 23 contested possessions, 12 score involvements

Luther Baker (Darley) - 32 disposals, 23 contested possessions, 11 clearances

COACHES’ VERDICT

Chris Maple (Ballarat)
"We started the game in a really competitive nature. Unfortunately, we were unable to sustain the pressure. Plenty of learning in this game for us, (especially) in the stoppage and territory game. We will review, learn, modify and move on."

Dan Jordan (Darley)
"Solid effort from our boys where I thought we showed more discipline to execute our plan for four quarters. Full credit to Ballarat who brought great intensity and made us work all day!"

Sebastopol's narrow loss to Redan at City Oval was soured even further following injuries to key playmakers Lachie Cassidy and Riley O'Keefe.

While you can't sense or feel the frustration coming from Burra coach Ton Lockyer, surely it's ever present despite his positive messaging.

Both sides had their opportunities to win this game, but it was Redan who would take their moments to finish with their noses in front, earning a second win of the season.

In form Lions forward Grant Bell booted three goals, joining teammate Marty Boyer as the leading major scorer on the day.

Sebastopol on the other hand struggled for any multiple contributors before Luke Kiel booted his second to become the Burras’ first and only multiple goal scorer.

Seasoned Lion Jacob Short was named best afield in the see-sawing affair ahead of next generation trio Kye Jess, Rory Gunsser and Marty Boyer.

There were some all too familiar names among the Burras’ best as they continue their quest for a broader number of contributors.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Lachlan Cassidy (Sebastopol) - 29 disposals, 12 marks, 11 contested possessions

Rory Gunsser (Redan) - 26 disposals, 9 score involvements, 8 marks

Marty Boyer (Redan) - 19 disposals, 11 marks, 10 score involvements

COACHES' VERDICT

Gary Learmonth (Redan)
"(It was a) really even battle and could have gone either way with Sebastopol missing a few chances. Super proud of the even contribution from the group to win some important moments. Great learning experiences for the group. Massive challenge (next week) against the reigning premiers."

Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol)
"Another step forward for our boys. We had great control of the game in the first half, but we let Redan back into it which we will learn from. (We) nearly snatched it back late but credit to Redan for taking their key moments in the second half and getting the win. Looking forward to continuing the progress against Bacchus Marsh next week."

Former Kangas Premiership player Jacob Brown made his much-welcomed return to the club with a best on ground performance against Melton South at the weekend.

While it was all one-way traffic for Joe Carmody's men there was no stopping some 13 individual Kangas players hitting the scoreboard to set up the percentage boosting win.

Strahan Robinson (eight goals) got a much earned bag of majors, while Bryson McDougall (three goals) had to settle for the support role on this occasion. Matty Johnston and brother Jordy typically starred continuing their excellent run of form in more recent times over the Panthers.

Panthers’ newcomer Darby Schilder was named best for the visitors while a deserving shout out must be reserved for their sole goalkicker for the match Daniel Zajac.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Jacob Brown (East Point) - 34 disposals, 16 marks, 15 score involvements

Matt Johnston (East Point) - 39 disposals, 25 score involvements, 17 contested possessions

Darby Schilder (Melton South) - 30 disposals, 11 contested possessions, 7 intercept possessions

COACHES' VERDICT

Joe Carmody (East Point)
"Good overall performance. The pressure was good and created scoring opportunities off turnover. Pleasing to keep an opposition side to three goals last week and one goal this week. The challenge is for our young team to keep working on our consistency throughout each game."

Travis Hodgson (Melton South)
"Competed hard in the first half but was really disappointed with our lack of effort in the third quarter. (We) responded well in the last only losing it (the quarter) by a few goals. East's A Grade midfield took us to the cleaners and once again turnover was a killer turning it over 78 times from only 273 disposals."

Enigmatic Bacchus Marsh were soundly beaten at home to the tune of 53 points by a well organised Sunbury outfit who look to have something to offer when the whips are cracking around September.

The Lions led from go to woe, won every quarter and looked a class above their one-win opponents who struggled for continuity with their ball movement, partly due to the pressure applied by Matt White's new team.

The Lions look fit and healthy to the eye and all on the same page.

The addition of a handful of players in the off-season has certainly boosted the Lions profile, capable of upsetting the likes of Melton, Darley and North Ballarat.

Usual suspects Tyson Lever (one goal), Jake Sutton (four goals), Josh Guthrie (one goal) and Jake Egan (three goals) led from the front to ensure there would not be no repeat of last year’s shenanigans when the Cobras came from behind to pinch the result. 

Newcomers Ben Cameron, Dean Muir and Jordan Tentonello have all impressed in their opening month in Sunbury colors.

For the Cobras, Jake Owen (four goials) was the pick of the hosting party ahead of Jake McCreery and Ethan McKercher (first half) who enjoyed some quality moments in an otherwise tough day at the office.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Tyson Lever (Sunbury) - 31 disposals, 13 marks, 90% disposal efficiency

Luke Goetz (Bacchus Marsh) - 52 hit outs, 16 disposals, 9 score involvements

Ben Cameron (Sunbury) - 26 disposals, 11 contested possessions, 11 score involvements

COACHES’ VERDICT

Dennis Armfield (Bacchus Marsh)
"(It) was a great lesson for us today on what team football looks like. Sunbury were great on turnover to make the ground long and wide. We were unfortunately a little flat footed and reactive today. (There were) some positive patches that we need to replicate for longer."  

Matt White (Sunbury)
"(We) executed the plan really well knowing we would have a battle on our hands, and thought we broke even. Bacchus Marsh came at us in the last quarter like they did against Darley, and we managed to hold them off which was a great sign moving forward."

Big margin victories were the tale of the round with statement wins and form boosters enjoyed across the league on Saturday by a number of clubs.

The Cobras made it two wins from as many outings in Ballarat with a morale-boosting 72-point win over a disappointing Sebastopol.

After an even first half, the Cobras put together their most complete quarter of the season under new coach Dennis Armfield with seven unanswered goals to set up a match winning 48-point lead at the final change.

Just how the Cobras would go about finishing off their good work in foreign territory and a seemingly unassailable lead became the narrative for Armfield and his staff to implore.

And they weren't about to be let down. A young Cobras outfit full of momentum added a further 4.5 in the final term outscoring the Burra 2.3 to run out comfortable winners.

Isaac Nixon's best on ground performance yielded a game high four goals ahead of experienced campaigners Jake Owen and Armfield who each finished with three.

Usual suspects Jake McCreery and Luke Goetz featured prominently again while live wire Ethan McKercher continued to impress with his clean ball use and explosive pace.

Burra’s quintet Jed Hill, Ryan Noether, Sam Wilkinson, Tony Lockyer and Bailey Medwell were praised for their efforts in arguably the club’s worst loss of the season that nestles them in the bottom three on the back of four consecutive losses.

There seems no end in sight for the Burras run outs next week when they travel to Mars Stadium to front North Ballarat on the rebound. The Cobras will prepare for a fill-up at home against the winless Panthers.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol) - 31 disposals, 11 rebound 50s, 8 intercept possessions

Luke Goetz (Bacchus Marsh) - 52 hit outs, 19 disposals, 10 score involvements

Jake McCreery (Bacchus Marsh) - 29 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 11 inside 50s

COACHES’ VERDICT

Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol)
"A competitive first half with the game in the balance at half time. (Our) third quarter was extremely poor, gave the ball away too easily and efforts to stop the Marsh were lackluster. (We) simply did not execute what we set out to do for each other. Credit to Dennis and the Marsh, they played some great team footy. Backs against the walls for us, but we won't give up. Still plenty of season to go."

Dennis Armfield (Bacchus Marsh)
"Really positive four quarter performance built off pressure and effort. We came with a willingness to put our teammates first and a drive to compete. Sebastopol were really strong at uncontested marks in the first half, and we had to change the way we played to take this away and force (them to go) long."

League improvers Sunbury have firmed into potential flag conversation following an 81-point routing of North Ballarat at the Clarke Oval.

A very well organised Lions outfit under new coach Matt White stunned the crowd, even their most loyal and faithful, booting nine unanswered goals in the third term to extend a 22-point half time lead to 77 at the final change - game over.

Dangerous Lions’ forward combo Jake Sutton (five goals) and Mitch McLean (five goals) hit the scoreboard to share honours on the goal front, while promising young ruckman Fraser Ampulski was best afield ahead of a host of major contributors including Lachlan Urbon, Ben Eales and Mitch Lewis and McLean.

Popular young Lion Thomas Werner took his opportunity with both hands to feature in BOG discussions following a well-earned recall after a bout in the twos.

For North Ballarat, nothing really went right at all despite the consistent efforts of inform duo Isaac Carey and Joshua Sparkman, Nelson Troon, Riley Polkinghorne, Harry Loader and Hugh Trigg.

The Roosters chances were rendered slim at best ahead of the opening bounce in the absence of Jamie Quick, Mal White, Liam Deering, Tom Bromley-Lynch, Jarrod Curran and Stewart Crameri.

Credit to North Ballarat coach Brendan McCartney for making little excuse in the aftermath for a less than ideal preparation.

Matthew White's Lions remain unbeaten with a healthy list and have another opportunity to frank their current form when they host Darley (4-1) who remain shy of a four quarter best performance since their season opener against East Point. Should be a belter.

North Ballarat are at home to struggling Sebastopol.  

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Tyson Lever (Sunbury) - 28 disposals, 13 marks, 13 intercept possessions

Jake Sutton (Sunbury) - 23 disposals, 13 score involvements, 10 marks

Riley Polkinghorne (North Ballarat) - 34 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 9 clearances 

COACHES’ VERDICT

Matt White (Sunbury)
"Really good four quarter performance. A midfield battle that we were able to get clear from in the second half and capitilise on."

Brendan McCartney (North Ballarat)
"Tough day for us today. Sunbury were very good in all areas of the game and were way too good. They showed us their class and competitiveness as a club. We didn't have our best week of preparation. Good learnings (for us) as a club and we move on."

The powerful Bloods, under new coach Troy Scoble, flexed their muscles in the second and fourth quarters posting 11.5 to the Swans’ 1.1, validating a 70-point separation on the scoreboard at the final siren.

It was the second footy audit in as many weeks for Chris Maple's young Swans who fell 64 points of Darley in Round 4. Their bye in Round 6 rings timely.

Despite the Bloods’ humble 'work in progress' narrative, most would agree they are early flag favorites on exposed form.

They're very strong in all areas and blessed with depth, not dissimilar to Sunbury, with as many as 30 players on the list who could fill a role if/when required.

Versatile X-factor forward and Bloods’ captain Braedan Kight featured with another starring role finishing with seven goals to move five clear in the race for the Tony Lockett Medal. Kight has 25 goals to date from just four games. 

Jaycob Hickey, Jordyn Cotter, Lachlan Phillips, Billy Sullivan and Bailey Mawson earned support role nominations behind Kight to be named among the best players.

For the visitors, it was no surprise to see their top end talent brigade provide the greatest resistance.

Rhett Montgomery was named best once again for the Swans ahead of Lauchie Dalgleish, Marcus Powling and Callan Wellings. Youngsters Zach Maple and Rhys Perry also did enough to earn their name in print.

Melton faces East Point at MacPhersons Park on Saturday who head into the game with big wins over bottom three sides Sebastopol, Melton South and Lake Wendouree.

Will the confidence gained by the Kangas’ hattrick of wins prove enough to override their questionable form line and challenge the Bloods?

We shall see.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Rhett Montgomerie (Ballarat) - 26 disposals, 13 intercept possessions, 13 contested possessions

Lachlan Watkins (Melton) - 28 disposals, 17 contested possessions, 7 clearances

Jordyn Cotter (Melton) - 31 disposals, 11 intercept possessions, 9 marks

COACHES’ VERDICT

Troy Scoble (Melton)
"Terrific contest, no side could get away from the other in the first 30 minutes. (The) contest was even and both defences strong. We were able to capitilise on turnover in the second quarter to gain some separation on the scoreboard. We were happy with our planning going into the game against a really talented team. (The) scoreboard did not reflect the competitiveness of the game. When you play top teams, you have to play well and we feel we will learn a lot from the game ahead of the challenge next week against form team East Point. We enjoy playing in the big games each week." 

Chris Maple (Ballarat)
"We were really competitive for the majority of the game. Our second quarter let us down when we lost control in the contested side of the game and turnovers really hurt us. (Our) goalkicking was poor throughout the game. Credit to Melton, a big strong side who will be there come September." 

An eight-goal blitz from the Devils in the opening term gave visiting Redan little to no hope repeating an upset result at Darley Park.

The Lions have proven the Devils’ 'bogie side' in recent times having won four of their previous five meetings but this game was all over at quarter time.

The Devils were at their best for a 24-minute period post the six-minute mark led by Harley Inglis (three goals), Brady Wright (two goals) and dominant midfield trio Brett Bewley, Luther Baker and Matt Denham.

The Lions showed some resistance in the second term to win the quarter before the Devils steadied after the main break to extend the lead to 66 points at the final siren.

Billy Myers booted five second half goals to finish with six ahead of Inglis who continued his solid start to the season with a bag of five.

Brett Bewley (three goals), Baker and Denham were the stars of the show despite the Myers, Inglis influence on goal.

Defenders Zane Lehuray and Matthew Brett were sound shutting down Marty Boyer (0 goals) and Grant Bell (two goals).

Lions next gen quartet Rory Gunsser, Zac Mortlock, Kye Jess and Riley Collins continue to show promise while Billy Douglas (ruck) and Lachie George toiled manfully around stoppage despite the unenviable task denying a rampant Devils midfield.

The Devils extend their winning streak at home to 11, usurping their previous average winning margin (62 points) for the period.    

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Brett Bewley (Darley) - 50 disposals, 19 score involvements, 17 clearances

Rory Gunsser (Redan) - 33 disposals, 9 rebound 50s, 8 marks

Billy Myers (Darley) - 21 disposals, 14 score involvements, 15 contested possessions

COACHES’ VERDICT

Dan Jordan (Darley)
"Solid performance, happy with the result. Again, we saw glimpses of our best but credit to Redan who kept coming at us. Still plenty more to work on as we continue to build into the season."

Gary Learmonth (Redan)
"We were caught out early by an organised and experienced outfit. For the middle part of the game, we gave good effort but turned the ball over far too often. Lots to learn from the opportunity to play against Bewley and Co."

Joe Carmody's Kangaroos have slung themselves into fourth on the McDonald’s BFNL table with a resounding 65-point win on the road over the winless Lakers.

Despite winning all four quarters the Kangas were made to work their way back in front early before building on their advantage at every change.

Kangas’ duo Bryson McDougall and young gun Strahan Robinson shared game high returns in front of goal alongside Lakers talent Bailey Thompson, each of whom finished the day with four majors.

But it was the sheer overall dominance of the Kangas list that proved too much for the Lakers over the journey.

A four-point quarter time lead was raised incrementally at the breaks as the difference between the two sides was validated by the gulf in scoring shots - some 20 more registered by the winners.

Experienced Kangas’ Jordan Taylor (best), Joel Van Meel, Matthew Johnston (one goal), McDougall and Billy Jones provided most of the damage while progressive youngster and 2023 BFNL Interleague rep Liam Canny (one goal) did enough to be among Henderson Medal vote contention.

The two halves on the score front were essentially a copy paste version of one another as the Kangas near mirrored their advantage in each - 33 points at the main break, 65 at the final siren.

Lakers’ utility Bailey Thompson's four goals were a shining light in the Lakers loss as Joel O'Connell, Kye Anderson, Angus Gove and Tom Zampatti maintained their run of consistent form over recent weeks to feature in the best players. 

If there's any consolation for Rohan Brown's Lakers, they were on the end of the lowest losing margin out of a weekend of big results.

The Lakers are away to Redan at City Oval in Round 6 while the Kangas get their round six update on the road against yardstick Melton.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Jordan Johnston (East Point) - 33 disposals, 18 score involvements, 17 contested possessions

Angus Gove (Lake Wendouree) - 36 disposals, 12 intercept possessions, 10 rebound 50s

Matt Johnston (East Point) - 31 disposals, 18 contested possessions, 11 score involvements

COACHES’ VERDICT

Rohan Brown (Lake Wendouree)
"Rinse and repeat for us today. Some of our footy was great, especially in the first quarter. It felt like the game was on our terms early. (Throughout the) middle quarters they took full advantage of our mistakes as our system fell down a bit. Small steps forward once again which is better than going back a couple. Hopefully we get a few players back next week."

Joe Carmody (East Point)
"(We) played in patches today. All credit to Lakers who really had a crack all day. We dominated forward 50 entries so eventually that translated to scoreboard pressure and the win."