Strong wins were the order for the day when it came to the Round 9 action across the Ballarat Football Netball League.

North Ballarat continues to progress under the radar with a convincing win over Ballarat at Mars Stadium.

The win moves Brendan McCartney's men into fourth place on the BFNL table ahead of their mouthwatering Round 10 meeting with East Point.

The Roosters’ young brigade continue to produce as Riley Polkinghorne (Best), Joshua Sparkman, Elliot Lamb, Hugh Trigg (three goals), Mal White and Fletcher Loader gave the visitors a headache for the most part, restricting the Swans to just three goals.

Just on the visitors, while clearly disappointed, it was their fourth attempt against top five opposition this season and again they've fallen well short.

Eighty-two points separated the Swans and the Roosters, 64 points the Swans and the Devils, 78 points the Swans and the Kangas and 70 points the Swans and the Bloods.

It's clearly a level above for Chris Maple's young group giving every indication they're another 12 months away from bucking the trend.

Such was the conviction of the Swans’ most recent defeat at the weekend, only two players featured in the best players - Angus Bade and Lachie Dalgleish.  

This game was still in the balance at half time despite the Swans having just two goals on the board.

The assignment for the Swans was always going to be a stretch after the main break reeling in a 26-point deficit but the ball was in their court to deliver a response worthy of an unofficial sixth seed given their four wins to date. But that didn't eventuate at all.

The Roosters kicked 10 goals to one after half time to run out deserved, comfortable winners.

Youngster Will Quinlan matched his four goal effort against the Cobras in Round 8 with a game high four goals, filling the void with aplomb in the absence of Jamie Quick (ankle).

Next week the Roosters host East Point in a battle of fourth versus third. Ballarat will welcome their Round 10 assignment when they host Sebastopol (W2 L7) in what looms a flip of the coin match up.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Joshua Sparkman (North Ballarat) - 31 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 8 marks

Riley Polkinghorne (North Ballarat) - 36 disposals, 19 contsted possessions, 11 clearances

Marcus Powling (Ballarat) - 51 hit outs, 16 disposals, 14 contested possessions

COACHES’ VERDICT
Brendan McCartney (North Ballarat)
"Our way of playing is coming along pretty well. The players are investing into the testing parts of the game as a group. Spirit and energy is strong and they are playing for one another. It's been super pleasing to see young players come into the team and develop in their positions."

Chris Maple (Ballarat)
"After a competitive start, it was a very disappointing day. North Ballarat pressed hard and created a lot off turnover. They won a territory game from stoppage far too easily. We will review and look forward to next week."

While the result did not surprise, the Lakers certainly turned a few heads posting the second highest score of the season en route to a belated first win under new coach Rohan Brown.

The Lakers dominated the listless Panthers from the outset with seven unanswered goals while kicking with the breeze, setting the tone for the remainder of the afternoon.

As many as 13 Lakers players hit the scoreboard with damaging effect, especially in the second half registering 18.3 to the visitors’ 1.6 in a dazzling display.

Sure, the Panthers have struggled all year having not won a single quarter in their opening nine games but the way the spirited Lakers went about it resembled more of a side in top six contention.

Their efficiency levels by foot and their ability to create the overlap with their run and carry handball chains was a feature.

On that performance alone it's hard to believe it was just their first win of the season.

The Lakers had arguably the best dozen or so players on the ground, taking full advantage of the struggling Panthers who were hampered with the loss of key movers Tom Phillips (broken hand) and Jeff Garlett (hamstring). To add insult to injury, no pun intended - the Panthers were dealt no favours the longer the game went losing another three players resulting in 'no bench' for the most part of the second half.

Take nothing away from the Lakers, they were impressive, and well worth the watch.

Boom recruit Jaydo Wright arrived in the BFNL with five goals, matched only by teammate Bailey Thompson (five goals) who moved to sixth in the pecking order for the Tony Locket Medal.

Tom Zampatti, Timmy Collins, Angus Gove and Joel O'Connell essentially 'brought their own footy' amassing huge numbers between the arcs while the efforts of Kyle Anderson across half back topped off a huge day for the club.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Angus Gove (Lake Wendouree) - 42 disposals, 10 score involvements, 10 rebound 50s

Jaydo Wright (Lake Wendouree) - 26 disposals, 20 score involvements, 14 contested possessions

Cody Chapman (Melton South) - 21 disposals, 17 contested possessions, 7 tackles

COACHES’ VERDICT
Rohan Brown (Lake Wendouree)
"The club and players were rewarded today for the effort and the resilience they have shown since pre-season since last October. Absolutely rapt for them. Thought our attitude and attack on the footy early set the scene for the game. We go into the back half of the season with confidence that our brand and system will get us some more wins. Melton South down to no bench and injuries hurt them early."

Travis Hodgson (Melton South)
"First 30 minutes were horrible. We were poor and the Lakers were outstanding and scored heavily wind assisted. Nothing went right for us from that point on unfortunately and we finished the game short of players."

Melton continued their winning ways, outclassing visiting party Bacchus Marsh.

The Bloods’ complete four quarter winning performance was highlighted by another seven-goal return from co-captain Braedan Kight.

For the record it was the x-factor forward’s sixth bag of seven goals in eight games, extending his lead in the race for the Tony Lockett Medal to 12. Kight has 48 goals, averaging six per game and is in rare air.

The Tony Lockett Medal may not be the only accolade within his reach in 2024 having featured in the Bloods’ best players on six of eight occasions.

Kight's impact on games has been significant, unrivalled at least on the goal front while averaging 16 disposals per game.

Jack Walker continued his run of stellar games against the Cobras, his run and carry a feature again to be named best afield in front of a host of Bloods including Lachlan Walker, Lachlan Phillips, Lachlan Watkins and Ryan Davis (four goals).

The Bloods kicked the first five goals of the game before extending to a match winning 52-point advantage at the main break. Game Over.

Despite not winning a quarter the Cobras saw positive progress in next gen duo Joel Freeman (best) and Cody Gates, who weren't intimidated by the might of the Bloods.

Experienced quartet Tyson Shea, Jake McCreery, Jake Owen (two goals) and playing coach Dennis Armfield ensured the Cobras had their moments, denying the Bloods a contest entirely on their own terms despite being held to their lowest score of the season.

Next week's games carry their own weight of interest and expectation as the two sides prepare for like-for-like opponents having won the same number of games.

The Bloods are on the road to Sunbury (W7 L1) while the Cobras host Redan (W3 L5).

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Lachie Watkins (Melton) - 32 disposals, 13 marks, 11 intercept possessions

Braedan Kight (Melton) - 23 disposals, 18 score involvements, 13 marks

Jack Kovacevic (Bacchus Marsh) - 27 disposals, 12 marks, 5 rebound 50s

COACHES VERDICT
Troy Scoble (Melton)
"Really well pleased with our response off the bye. We had to be competitive in the contest phase today, a strength of Bacchus Marsh. While we were patchy for periods, lots of the game was fairly even - the Marsh are a very talented young team. Overall, happy with our players application under duress with a couple of rotations down and our ability to make the most of our opportunities forward of the ball. We look forward to playing one of the best performed teams on their home ground in Round 10."

Dennis Armfield (Bacchus Marsh)
(It) was a great learning against arguably the best. Got jumped, five goals down in the first 15 minutes and from there I thought it was an evenly fought game except for another ten-minute patch in the third quarter. They are well drilled, clean and hurt us big time on our mistakes. Tough game and proud of our lads to give it their all a couple of men down."

Joe Carmody's rampant Kangas made it seven wins on the trot, embarrassing a disappointing Lions outfit in front of their home fans at City Oval.

The visitors put their foot to the floor for the opening three quarters and had this game put to bed by half time with an unassailable 60-point lead.

The nature of the 12.5 to 2.5 scoreline highlighted the gulf between these two sides, especially when East are at their best.

The merciless Kangas went on to add a further 7.4 to just 0.1 in the third term consolidating their authority over the contest.

Redan's final score was the lowest recorded under Gary Learmonth, now in his second season.  

Kangas forwards Strahan Robinson and Bryson McDougall shared the honours in front of the sticks with a game high four goals ahead of seven others to hit the scoreboard.

Alex Molan (three goals) made a welcoming return from Essendon VFL duties to add to the firepower that clearly overwhelmed the Lions.

Jack Jeffrey (two goals) was named best afield ahead of a host of impacting Kangas - Joel Van Meel, The Johnston brothers, Jesse Cairns and Deng Lual to name a few.

There was little to smile about for the Lions in the aftermath, but it was encouraging to see star recruit Lachie Bond (two goals) make a safe debut after an ankle complaint delayed his gameday arrival in Redan colors.

Midfielder Khy Jess continued with his rich vein of form to be named in the best for a sixth time in eight games.

Cracking Round 10 match-ups await these two sides as the Lions head to Maddingley Park to face the Cobras - both have three season wins to date.

East Point are off to Mars Stadium to meet North Ballarat who have an imposing home record under Brendan McCartney having won 22/26 at the venue including 11 of their last 13 since the start of 2023.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Matt Johnston (East Point) - 39 disposals, 23 contested possessions, 13 score involvements

Jordan Johnston (East Point) - 28 disposals, 17 contested possessions, 12 score invovlements

Daniel Bond (Redan) - 22 disposals, 10 contested possessions, 6 intercept possessions 

COACHES VERDICT
Gary Learmonth (Redan)
"We were terrible. (We) put it behind us and focus on Bacchus Marsh next week."              

Joe Carmody (East Point)
"We had 22 contributors today. (We) defended really well and were able to capitilise with the high amount of forward 50 entries we created."

Sunbury remain level on points with Melton and East Point atop of the BFNL table after nine rounds. The trio have lost just one game, each averaging over 100 points (for) per game.

If it's any consolation for Sebastopol they did deny Matty White's Lions recording a fifth ton of the season despite a 59-point loss.

Strangely, the margin was the closest of any BFNL game at the weekend - make of that what you will.

After a relatively even start to the game, the Lions raised the bar after half time with an impressive defensive display restricting the visitors to just one goal while adding six majors of their own to earn the separation on the scoreboard.

Josh Guthrie was named best afield for the winners ahead of recalled Harry Power and recently promoted Murphy Boyd who answered the call from White. Dean Muir and Jordan Tentonello provided plenty of drive out of the Lions’ defence while spearhead Jake Sutton reaped the rewards of a favourable inside 50 count with five goals.

Offsider Mitch McLean continued his breakout season adding another two goals, taking his tally to 27 (comp rank #3).

For the travelling Burra, effort wasn't lost but their failings to convert opportunities in any event of scoring was palpable. Unfortunately for Tony Lockyer's men it was the third time this season his chargers were kept to under 30 points.

Usual suspects Tony Lockyer, Bailey Medwell, Luke Kiel (two goals), Ben Hutt, Riley O'Keefe and Ryan Birthisel featured prominently again to minimise the difference at the final siren.

The Burra remain in ninth place on the BFNL table with two wins.

Sunbury look threatening in second place ahead of their top of the table clash against Melton.

Sebastopol will consider themselves a live chance when they travel to Alfredton Oval to take on Ballarat (W4 L4).    

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol) - 45 disposals, 9 marks, 9 intercept possessions

Tyson Lever (Sunbury) - 26 disposals, 16 intercept possessions, 10 marks

Jake Sutton (Sunbury) - 26 disposals, 10 score invovlements, 7 marks

COACHES’ VERDICT
Matt White (Sunbury)
"Really good defensive game. (We) held Sebastopol to a low score and low inside 50 count. We broke even in the midfield battle and came away on top which is great after a week off."

Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol)
"Credit to Sunbury who are quality side and always tough to beat at home. Very even contest especially in the first half. Unfortunate we didn't make the most of our chances, which could have changed the trajectory of the game. We regroup and look forward to Ballarat next week."

With Round 1 in the books, a grand final replay headlines the action in Round 2 as our teams come out to play!

Who could forget the last time these two sides met when Darley came from behind to clinch its third premiership in seven seasons with the last kick of the day.

To put in perspective, over 100,000 viewers combined to watch in real time or replay the final moments of the 2023 Grand Final in a conclusion for the ages.

Given its unique evening time slot, expect again (while not at those lofty heights), significant, curious interest.

While Devils’ coach Dan Jordan is renowned for 'not looking back', it would be remiss of him to ignore his last two visits to Mars Stadium where his chargers have struggled to even score, beaten comfortably in both outings by 57+ points.

For the record, Mars Stadium is the only ground in the BFNL that Jordan (0-2) has yet to salute at. But the Devils won't be alone in this mental battle of attrition.

The heartbreak reminder of the one-point 2023 Grand Final loss against the Devils will feel like yesterday for Brendan McCartney's men at stages I’m sure, and more specifically during the days leading up and moments before the opening bounce.

How effectively the Roosters manage those emotions and turn into positive action will be telling against an in form visiting party that have won their last 11 BFNL games on the trot and are led by the competition’s best player.

Brett Bewley counts the sleeps to a new season of football like a kid counts those down to Christmas. The reigning dual Henderson Medalist's appetite for footy and competing was highlighted with a standout 44 possessions, three goal return in the Devils’ season opener - a 96-point dismantling of East Point.

Tipping some of the North Ballarat faithful in attendance wish they hadn't made the pilgrimage.

Expect Roosters’ trio Cam McCallum (in best v Darley 3 of last 4), Riley Polkinghorne (in best 3 of last 4) and Jamie Quick (kicked 10 goals v Darley last 3 @33%) to have the greatest say in the Roosters’ fortunes.

For the Devils, Bewley aside, midfielder Luther Baker hasn't lost a BFNL game since the 2022 First Semi Final, while Billy Myers is yet to play in a losing BFNL Darley side since his return to the club ahead of the 2023 season (17-0).

PLAYER WATCH

Will Johnson (Darley)
Kicked 40 goals last year (Comp rank 5) and has started the new season in fine style with four goals against East Point. Johnson looks the beneficiary of a solid pre-season and train-on time spent with Geelong VFL - capable of playing a number of roles.

Malachi White (North Ballarat)
New recruit from the Geelong Falcons will add depth to the list of midfield options for Brendan McCartney's group who aim to go one better in season 2024.     

SCOOP’S TIP

Darley

The Burra, under new coach Tony Lockyer, face their nemesis Melton on Saturday and will be keen to change the narrative - albeit a first win over the Bloods since the 2019 preliminary final.

It's not like Sebastopol haven't had the tradesmen to get it done, rather an execution of the tools per se has proven their undoing.

Sure, the Bloods have won 40 of 48 BFNL games for the period since including a premiership and the Burra aren't on their own falling short, but Saturday looms a timely footy audit.

The Bloods made light work of cross-town rivals Melton South with no less than 14 goalkickers with seven players accumulating 20 possessions or more that amounted to a landslide of inside 50s (72-29).

Not too dissimilar, the Burras 80-point routing of the Lakers saw the inside 50 count 64-38, while matching the Bloods for players enjoying 20+ disposals.

In essence, last week’s challenge for both teams could be described as the entree to this feast, spike if you will for the senses and levels of intensity.

Visiting Melton will have to do it without prime mover Liam Carter (5 goals last week) giving the Burra one less obstacle to overcome.

Burra small forward Adam Forbes told 'The Insider' midweek during an interview that the Burra will comply with a new system approach implemented by Lockyer will hold them in good stead, allowing every chance on that MO alone featuring prominently at the business end.

Easier said than done against the Bloods.

Troy Scoble is the new man leading the Bloods and has invigorated a group who would concede 'may have left a flag out there' given the clubs recent dominance.

Scoble is thorough, well credentialled, and popular among the Bloods faithful and brings a fresh set of eyes onto a proud group that has forgiven itself for a straight sets exit from last year’s finals, but surely not forgotten.   

PLAYER WATCH

Jaycob Hickey (Melton)
Seamless return to the club for Hickey landing in the best players last week. Adds vital depth to a midfield group aiming to look a little less predictable despite earning the last two minor premierships. 

Lachie Cassidy (Sebastopol)
Hard working mid who must lead from the front if the Burra are to be any chance ending their run of outs against the Bloods. Fingers crossed for Burra fans his body holds up following hamstring issues the last couple of seasons.  

SCOOP’S TIP

Melton

Former Lions coach Travis Hodgson faces his old team when he arrives with perennial recent battlers Melton South at the Clarke Oval on Saturday.

While intel on the opposition won't be a problem for Hodgson, having his new group more competitive and in games for longer looms his greatest challenge.

Despite trailing last week in their season opener against the mighty Bloods, the quarter time scoreline of three goals to one provided some glimmer of hope looking forward.

The Panthers aren't expected to resemble their best 22 for another week or two leaving Saturday's outcome in the 'worry basket', given Sunbury's block of form in the pre-season and their win over Redan in Ballarat last week.

Expect the 'link up' Lions to expose the under manned nature of the Panthers the further this game goes.

Containing Lions’ leading forward Jake Sutton will be one of many tasks that lies ahead for the Panthers.

Experienced Redan defender Jacob Werts was stoic in his performance last week despite Sutton's five goals.

It would not surprise if Sutton was the target in at least half of the Lions 43 inside 50's. It would be a brave call to estimate how many times Sutton will again be the target of opportunity, given Melton posted a monster 73 inside 50s against the Panthers last week.

Unfortunately, star Panthers’ recruits Patrick Veszpremi (broken hand - 6 weeks) and Anthony Wilson (hamstring - 10 weeks) are set for a significant stint on the sidelines after succumbing to serious injury last week.

For Sunbury, it will be all about maintaining good habits and getting through unscathed with a convincing second win of the season.

Sunbury's depth is as good as any, suggesting the separation on the scoreboard will be mounting the longer this game goes.

Two solid quarters matched on the scoreboard would equate to a mini win for the Panthers.

PLAYER WATCH

Josh Guthrie (Sunbury)
Former North Melbourne VFL listed player now integral part of the Lions midfield. Hit-up accumulator who keeps presenting and keeps opposition accountable. While Panthers coach Travis Hodgson knows all about the Guthrie game as a former coach, denying the mid a 30-possession game will be tough.   

Broden Collins (Melton South)
Hard working ruckman will no doubt be a shining light in a tough afternoon tipped for the Panthers.

SCOOP’S TIP

Sunbury

The Swans gave every indication their unofficial second year rebuild under experienced mentor Chris Maple is on track after a 16-point win on the road against the Cobras in Round 1.

Margin aside, it was the 30 shots on goal that grabbed my attention, all without Andrew Hooper!

Only once under Maple have the Swans had more shots on goal, Round 7, 2023 v Melton South.

The addition of Footscray VFL listed player Rhett Montgomery went under the radar as the former pick #4 in the AFL Rookie draft (Essendon) had 19 disposals, with eight contested, in his first hit-out.

The long-awaited debut of former Collingwood VFL listed product Callan Wellings was also significant (29 disposals ,10 contested).

Organic trio Wyatt Squires (22 disposals, 13 contested), Will Liston (20 disposals, 11 contested) and Paddy Simpson (21 disposals, 6 contested) showed further signs of progression.

A mirror image of those numbers would see the Swans well on their way to a 2-0 start to the season.

Redan aren't shy on quality youth either, paving the way for an entertaining brand of attacking football.

Lions’ forward Marty Boyer kicked two goals to open his 2024 account in last week's 25-point loss to Sunbury but could easily have had five with a touch more, well...touch!

Taj Bond (203cm) is a welcoming addition to the Lions rucks stocks and will have an important role to play against seasoned Swans big man Marcus Powling.

Unfortunately for the Lions, the tape will tell you there is too much reliance on Lachie George around stoppage to reap any clean advantage.

I'd like to see more protection for Kye Jess who was denied any real time to maximise impact, and was often rushed with his decision making.

Harry Lawson is not on his own as a rebound attacker off half back with Rory Gunser and Liam Farnsworth proving more than capable with their piercing left foot.

Looking forward to this battle of the youth brigades but I’m leaning to the Swans top end talent to sway the pendulum in their favour in front of a home crowd.     

PLAYER WATCH

Rhett Montgomery (Ballarat)
A huge asset for the Swans in their 16-point win on the road over the Cobras. Taken pick #4 in the 2022 AFL Rookie Draft the 190cm, 23-year-old utility will prove a handful at the level pending availability (Now Footscray VFL).

Harry Lawson (Redan)
Attacking defender off half back with his run, carry and distribution. Even snuck forward for a goal last week to be on the end of the Lions chain. Just reward for his gut running.

SCOOP’S TIP

Ballarat

The Cobras will aim to bounce back when they travel up the highway for a must win game against the Lakers.

Sure, it's only Round 2, but the Cobras you'd think would have to win with something in hand to gain the necessary confidence ahead of their Anzac Day weekend clash with cross town rivals Darley.

Both sides are coming off season opener defeats but will give themselves a realistic chance squaring the ledger on Saturday.

The fact this game is played in Ballarat does give the Lakers an outside chance given the two sides were locked together late in the corresponding fixture last year before the Cobras finished with their noses in front.

While it's fair to suggest the Cobras will pose a more formidable combination in the new season, coach Dennis Armfield won't take anything for granted given the clubs opening round loss to Ballarat and 0-2 pre-season return against Avondale Heights and Williamstown CYC.

Looking forward to the ruck dual as Lakers duo Tom Zampatti and Felix Fogarty aim to deny leading Cobras’ big man Luke Goetz any advantage to his waiting midfield.

The Cobras’ leading mids, Tyson Shea (23), Jake McCreery (25), Josh Huxtable (27) and Ethan McKercher (9) combined for 84 disposals last week and will look to build on the three marks afforded inside 50 to prime aerial targets Jake Owen (2) and Joel Freeman (1).

Only Will Clark (24) had more than 20 disposals for the Lakers in their Round 1 loss to Sebastopol.

Winning more ball for a start will be high on the agenda for new coach Rohan Brown as he strives for an early confidence building win.

For any result favouring the Lakers, with the exception of Melton South, will be rendered an upset at this point in time.

Can't wait to see Jayden Wright's break out game in Lakers colors when it surely comes. If it happens to be against the Cobras, who knows what will happen!           

PLAYER WATCH

Joel Freeman (Bacchus Marsh)
Returns from the Western Jets (last year) for a full season with the Cobras under new coach Dennis Armfield. Has kicked 23 goals from his last nine senior games, is dangerous overhead and accurate shot on goal. Confidence player with plenty of upside.  

Bailey Thompson (Lake Wendouree)
Wiry forward/mid formerly of Camperdown who kicked more goals than any other Laker in 2023. Started well in their season opener with 3 goals against Sebastopol.

SCOOP’S TIP

Bacchus Marsh