Plenty of x-factor, some serious coaching talent and a mid-ranking draw mean a successful 2021 season is firmly in North Ballarat’s hands. Scoop will continue to serve up the pros and cons of the fixture for every BFNL club each day this week.
PROS: Don't leave Ballarat until ROUND FIVE (v. Sunbury)
- Play just THREE of the 2019 top six against Redan, Sebastopol and East Point
- Play the last THREE games at HOME before the Round 18 bye, which is ideal finals prep (if in contention)
CONS:
- Play 2019 Grand Finalists East Point and Sebastopol TWICE
- FOUR highway trips EAST will be a test given their recent record
- FOUR AWAY games in FIVE weeks from Round 10 to Round 14, including THREE highway trips EAST (Darley in Round 10, Melton South in Round 11 and Bacchus Marsh in Round 14)
Comment: Despite meetings with East Point, Sebastopol and Redan twice, North Ballarat have an even 2021 draw to work with. Needless to say, they must improve on their away record down the highway with just ONE win from EIGHT trips across 2018 and 2019. With Brendan McCartney at the helm, a crop of thriving young kids and some of their x-factor players returning from injury North Ballarat’s 2021 outlook is difficult to predict, leaving destiny in their own hands.
