The anticipation is high for this all-important showstopper as two of the BFNL's more experienced mentors aim to implement a winning plan that will keep their side’s top three chances alive.

Brendan McCartney's travelling party will arrive confident having won seven of their last eight games including a 57-point (home) win over the Devils in Round 9.

The Roosters army were at their frugal best on that occasion restricting a disappointing Darley to just 28 points.

To put it in perspective, only Melton South (14) has scored less against the Roosters in their 13 games this season.

However, it wasn't the first time the Devils have failed to flatter in more recent times at Mars Stadium having lost by 69 points under Jordan in round 11, 2022.

As if it were a line in the sand moment for the Devils, they've won 16 of 20 games since. They're a better team now under Jordan, enough to warrant a 'mulligan' for their Round 9 failings without the likes of Billy Myers, Luther Baker and Bailey Young.

The fans will be spoilt with the levels of quality we’re likely to see on display.

For the home side, reigning Henderson Medalist Brett Bewley (named in the best nine times from 11 games) will lead the likes of Myers, Baker, Young, Matthew Brett, Shane Page and a host of improving types endevouring to impact under the radar.

Not to be outdone, Roosters marquee signing Stewart Crameri arrives with in-form mids Jack Riding, Riley Polkinghorne, star Collingwood VFL listed swingman Sam Glover, the returning Tom Hotchin and dominant big man Cam McCullum.

Unfortunately for the visitors, no Jamie Quick (33 goals) who must follow concussion protocols after a knock in last week’s loss to Sebastopol.

This one should be a ripper.

Fingers crossed, fine weather is forecast and the game is given every chance to deliver on its promise.

Both sides will look the winners for a long way but leaning with history repeating on McCartney's last trip to Darley Park in a lower scoring affair than the Devils 100-82 victory.          

Scoop’s tip: Darley

The Cobras will look to gain some reward for their recent competitiveness with the hope of victory over winless Melton South.

While a third win of the season appears more likely for the travelling Cobras, there's nothing like the feeling of a win and rendition of the victory theme song in full voice.

Unfortunately for Ryan Hoy's Panthers they're little chance of enjoying the very thing we can take for granted - winning.

It's been the toughest introduction for any coach in recent memory, averaging 176 points against per game.

Adding salt to the wound does little for the embattled club who have also endured a horror run with injury culminating in a third loss of 200 plus points last weekend.

This week however is no Melton, Sunbury or Darley, the three clubs to have put Melton South to the sword by 200+ points, so look for the Panthers to make positive inroads.

They’ll be eyeing the hope to top their highest return this season with a score of 8.12-60 the benchmark, a tally posted against the Lakers in Round 5.

Easier said than done however, as the Cobras eye some conviction of their own.

Their top end talent led by Jake Owen, Jake McCreery and Luke Goetz will ensure the majority of game is played on the Cobras terms as they endeavor to tick off a number of KPI's.

Coach Jason Williams won't be taking this game lightly and will be reliant on a collective buy-in from the outset, enabling maximum result possibilities.

Scoop’s tip: Bacchus Marsh

Sunbury head to MacPherson Park with their slim top three chances still intact. But they will have to do it the hard way on the run home needing wins against Melton (A), North Ballarat (A), Bacchus Marsh (H) and Darley (A).

A big ask, but they're looking ominous ahead of the business end following the return of Tyson Lever (foot) and Mitch Lewis (overseas). Dangerous forward Jake Sutton (overseas) is expected to arrive home on Thursday, prior to the Bloods showdown.

While the Bloods have lost just one game this year, they will have to overcome the Lions without key forward duo Ryan (concussion) and Liam Carter (calf).

Aaron Tymms' men remain the blueprint for the soldier in, soldier out theory but there is no doubt even the most loyal of Bloods’ fans would be wondering where their scores will come from.

That said they did have 14 goalkickers last week against the Panthers.

Given Port Melbourne VFL have the bye expect former St Kilda listed Brenton Payne to assume the key forward role and Braedyn Kight to sacrifice recent midfield minutes for a return primarily to the front half where he is a proven matchwinner.

That would be a nice place to start in the absence of the Carter brothers.

The midfield battle will be finals-like. We're familiar with each teams’ capabilities offensively in this area but do the Lions have the discipline to impact without the ball, denying the Bloods run in transition.

Not many can say they have, especially on Maccy Park.

Can Sutton and ageless support act Leigh Brennan do enough to trouble the Bloods defence? While Sutton has 28 goals from his eight games, the jury is out whether he can impact 48 hours post an overseas return.

Big Lion Cody Brand will also need to stand up against the reigning premiers - his appointed role at either end will be crucial.

The Lions are 0-3 against top three opposition this year and come into the game with a questionable four-week preparation having had Melton South, Ballarat and the bye in the lead up to this Bloods battle. 

Scoop’s tip: Melton

Visitors Redan will be chasing their first win in four weeks when they meet the tenth placed Lakers at CE Brown Reserve.

The Lions head into the game warm favorites and will look to put this game to bed early as they continue their quest for a prized top six finish.

They will be given every chance to usurp East Point (bye) in sixth place. Overcoming the Lakers will see the Lions back into the six, percentage ahead of the Kangas.

An unlikely loss for Gary Learmonth's young group will jeopardise their chances however it would not be the end of the world given the nature of their draw sees the Roos still a strong showing to finish sixth.

So, expect the Kangas from a distance to have one cheeky eye on the prospects of an upset.

But let’s be realistic - Redan should win and win well despite having won just three of their last eight games.

Midfield quartet Isaac Grant (34 goals), Lachie George (in best four times from seven appearances), Cooper Craig-Peters and Daniel Bond will look to assert early dominance around clearance to give opportune forwards Grant Bell (19 goals), Marty Boyer (15 goals) and Lachie McLean (14 goals) first crack impacting the scoreboard.

Despite the Lakers’ capitulating loss to Darley last week, they were very competitive for the best part of three quarters.

Big men Tom Zampatti and Felix Fogarty have added some aerial presence while defenders Angus Gove, Bailey Ryan and Cody Helyar showed resilience against quality opposition.

It's a shame the Lakers have had to endure recent weeks without the O'Connell boys (overseas), Jacob Coxall (concussion issues), Callum McKay (shoulder) and Flynn Loader.

Kicking a winning score could be the Lakers’ greatest challenge. They have managed just eight goals in four of their last six games

A tally that will see them struggle to win but maybe enough to keep them in the game long enough.

Scoop’s tip: Redan