Maddingley Park is set to host one of two massive Good Friday clashes as Bacchus Marsh and East Point, both undefeated at 2-0, go head-to-head in a battle for top spot on the ladder.

Over the past seven seasons the two teams have met just once per year during the home and away rounds and only twice at Maddingley Park during this time.

All eyes will be on Zach Tuohy, with the AFL veteran finally set to don the Cobras’ red, yellow and black for the first time.

The streets of Bacchus Marsh have been buzzing all week in preparation, and Tuohy’s much anticipated debut is sure to bring a big crowd through the gates.

Jamie Foulton will miss the clash after a knock in last week’s win over Redan, with the recruit now likely sidelined for several weeks.

East Point, although off to a great start to their season, will come in with selection headaches.

An interstate wedding will see several Senior players out for the clash, including trio Matt Johnston, Bryson McDougall, and Billy Jones, leaving Coach Joe Carmody with some major magnet-moving to do.

Expect some fresh faces to step up from the Under 18.5 ranks as the Roos look to cover the significant losses.

Statistically, the teams have mirrored each other across the opening rounds, though East Point holds a slight edge in clearances both at the centre and around the ground.

Bacchus Marsh, meanwhile, has brought a tackling intensity that’s been a real highlight early in the season.

Can the Cobras make the most of their star recruits’ debut and jump to the top of the ladder?

Tip: Bacchus Marsh

If you're Bacchus Marsh, you're heading into this Good Friday clash with a healthy dose of confidence – and for good reason.

After walking off City Oval last week thinking they’d drawn with Redan, the Cobras received a surprise Monday morning phone call.

A post-match scoresheet review revealed a scoring error, handing Bacchus Marsh their first A Grade win in six years – by a single goal.

Now, under the guidance of new coach Nicole Gleeson, the Cobras will be eyeing back-to-back wins for the first time in recent memory.

There’s plenty to like about the Marsh in 2025.

 Kim Phillips has been a standout under the post, proving a composed and accurate goaling option.

The midcourt is humming too, with the pace and connection of Holly and Ally Keating, plus the return of club stalwart Kaila Saker.

But East Point will be eager to bounce back after a narrow Round 2 loss to North Ballarat, undoubtedly one of the competition’s most consistent sides over the past decade.

For the Kangaroos, Jamie Palmer has added a new dimension with her athleticism and drive through both the midcourt and goal circle, while Bridey McElligott has slotted seamlessly into multiple midcourt roles.

A positional switch has paid early dividends, with Liv Ashby impressing in her new role in goals and Stella Geljon thriving at the defensive end.

With both clubs boasting strong goaling circles, this game could be won and lost through the midcourt.

Stopping clean ball movement and limiting supply will be crucial.

While recent seasons have seen both sides rebuilding, there's no doubt each has finals aspirations in 2025 – and a win on Friday could set the tone.

Tip: Bacchus Marsh

The second of the Good Friday double-header sees Sunbury host Redan at Clarke Oval, with both sides hungry to notch their first win of the 2025 season.

Both teams came close in Round 2, heading into the final quarter of their respective matches within five points of their opponents.

But the hot conditions saw them fall away late, unable to capitalise on their strong starts and ultimately walking away winless.

There’ll be plenty of interest in the midfield battle, particularly around the ruck, where Sunbury’s Fraser Ampulski will be challenged by Redan’s dual threat in Taj Bond and Rudie Forde.

The pair worked well in tandem last week and loom as key figures again.

Redan were Round 2's leaders in one-percenters, showcasing a commitment to the contest.

But Sunbury can take heart in their ball-winning ability, amongst the top of the competition in both intercept and contested possessions.

Historically, Sunbury had Redan’s measure early in their rivalry, winning seven of the first eight encounters.

But since as early as 2002, it’s been a much tighter affair. Their past seven clashes have been hard-fought, with Sunbury’s 31-point win last year the biggest margin in that stretch.

Both clubs fell short of expectations in 2024, and a win here would do plenty for confidence with tough matchups looming in Round 3—Redan facing East Point, and Sunbury up against a strong Darley outfit.

Tip: Sunbury

Both Sunbury and Redan hit the court this weekend for their second outing of the 2025 season.

For Sunbury, it was business as usual.

Facing Darley in the Grand Final rematch, Kim Bailey’s reigning premiers shook off a tight first half and flexed their depth and dominance in the second, blowing the margin out from five goals to a convincing 21-goal win.

Meanwhile, Redan will no doubt have some disappoint coming off their opener.

 What was thought to be a draw with Bacchus Marsh turned out to be a narrow one-goal loss following a scoring review.

Redan will know they need greater efficiency under the post if they’re to challenge a side of Sunbury’s calibre.

The return of player-coach Ash Smith – a notable absence due to Victorian Mixed Team duties – could be the spark Redan needs.

Smith’s versatility and on-court leadership will be a major asset.

For Sunbury, Georgia Hellyer returns to A Grade after recovering from a knee injury and spending 2024 in the B Grade ranks, while off-season recruit Charli Cooke, formerly of the Ballarat Swans, adds another defensive option.

Add to that the unstoppable presence of Rebecca Hicks in goals and dual Sally McLean Medallist Simona Di Fillipo in the midcourt.

Redan’s midcourt of Grace Manserra, Lily Francis, and Cass Peace will need to be at their absolute best to slow Sunbury’s fast ball movement and limit clean entries into the goal circle.

If Redan can tighten up their shooting and bring pressure through the middle, they’ll give themselves a chance to compete.

Tip: Sunbury