For the second year running, Lake Wendouree and Ballarat will go head-to-head in the stand-alone Anzac Day clash.

The history between the two sides has been relatively even, but it’s Ballarat who’ve had it over the Lakers in recent years – winning the past five matchups.

You’ve got to go back to 2018 for the last time the Lakers knocked off the Swans, and they’re still chasing that elusive home win against them.

After a couple of weeks of uncharacteristic sunny weather, both sides should feel more at home this week, with a forecast that’s looking more like classic Ballarat footy weather.

It’ll put an importance on clean possession and converting opportunities, two areas both teams have been a bit shaky in so far.

The Swans are off to a great start, leading the competition last round for both inside 50s and intercept possessions. Paddy Simpson has been a key in the forward half, linking up well with veteran Andrew Hooper.

For the Lakers, the win column is still empty – but there were encouraging signs last round against reigning premiers Melton.

The return of Jake Lohman gave them a bit of spark, but he’ll be a big out this week as he suits up for Werribee in their VFL Anzac Day clash with Williamstown.

That puts the pressure on the Lakers' midfield and forward brigade to step up. They’ll need to find extra avenues to goal and bring the heat early.

Ballarat look the more settled and confident outfit at this stage, but Anzac Day footy always has a bit of unpredictability about it.

Can the Lakers break the drought, or will the Swans make it six straight?

Tip: Ballarat

If recent history is anything to go by, the away side might just have the upper hand in this one but Redan will need to pull out something special to keep that trend going when they roll into Eastern Oval to face an in-form East Point.

It’s been a while since the Roos got one over the Lions at home – the last time been 2022.

And while Redan had the better of East Point up until 2017, things have flipped since then, with the Roos taking the upper hand in most clashes since.

Joe Carmody has had his hands full at the selection table already this season, but this week it’s a good problem to have.

After a depleted line-up last round, he’s now looking at a much stronger squad with Matt Johnston, Bryson McDougall and Billy Jones all available.

There’s also a chance for Joe Dodd and Alex Molan to return from injury, which would only add more depth to the home side.

Redan are still chasing their first win of the year, but there were some positive signs in their Good Friday clash against Sunbury – especially their strong opening term.

That kind of start will be crucial again this week, particularly against an East Point outfit that’s leading the comp for first quarter performance.

Accuracy hasn’t been an issue for the Lions – they sit top two in the league when it comes to converting in front of goal – but it’s their final quarters that have left a bit to be desired.

If they want to challenge late in the game, they’ll need strong finishes from the likes of Zac Mortlock and Jacob Short, both of whom have had impressive starts to the season.

As for East Point, it’s hard to fault their form. They’re sitting on top of the ladder and with momentum and confidence, they’ll be hard to stop.

Can Redan spring a surprise and break into the winner’s column? Or will East Point continue to set the pace?

Tip: East Point

There’s just something about these two teams meeting that favours the home side.

In their last 10 meetings, the home team has won nine times – the only exception being way back in 2021, when North Ballarat managed to break through at Clarke Oval.

That stat alone gives Sunbury plenty of confidence heading into this one.

North Ballarat has the stock, no doubt about it.

On paper, they’ve got the depth and experience to be a finals contender.

But a surprise draw in Round 1 and a loss in Round 2 sees them sitting seventh on the ladder, and they’ll be desperate to get a win before next week’s task against Melton.

In terms of efficiency, North aren’t far off.

They’ve been accurate in front of goal and getting it inside 50 hasn’t been the issue.

It’s what’s happening late that’s hurting them – just 17 points total in their two final quarters. And running out of legs is going to be a real concern, especially on the big deck at Clarke Oval.

Sunbury, meanwhile, are coming off a strong Good Friday performance, showing once again they’re a team that knows how to use the footy smartly.

Expect Tyson Lever to play a key role in cutting off North’s forward entries, while the midfield will be looking to tidy up turnovers, particularly through the corridor and inside 50.

If North can bring a four-quarter performance, they’re more than capable of causing problems. But if history repeats, and they fade late again, Sunbury might just run over the top of them.

Tip: Sunbury

It’s only the second time since 2019 that Melton make the trip out to Marty Bush Reserve, and while they’ve had Sebastopol’s number in recent years – winning the last six clashes – that doesn’t tell the whole story.

Three of those six wins were decided by less than three goals, including two single-digit nail-biters – one of those being the 2022 grand final.

So, while Melton may be the reigning premiers and red-hot early in 2025, this one’s far from a walkover.

For Sebastopol, the Easter break couldn’t have come at a better time.

After a bruising Round 1 and a Round 2 performance, the Burra have had a chance to reset, rest up, and refocus.

There have been some key individual efforts, with Lach Cassidy and coach Tony Lockyer leading from the front, but it’s going to take a full-team performance to knock off the calibre of Melton.

The Bloods are looking as sharp as ever.

Braedan Kight is coming off a six-goal haul and is a massive threat inside 50, while the likes of the Carter brothers and Souter, continue to provide class and consistency all over the park.

It’s no surprise Troy Scoble’s side are yet to lose a game – they’ve been efficient.

If Sebastopol are going to push them, it starts with contested ball.

They’ll need to lift significantly in that area and bring the pressure from the first bounce.

The home ground advantage, plus a week’s rest, should give them every chance to bring the heat early and stay in the fight.

Expect this one to be closer than many might think.

Can the Burra shock the comp with a statement win, or will the Bloods continue business as normal?

Tip: Melton

The local derby between Darley and Bacchus Marsh is always a highly anticipated clash and this year's edition is shaping up to be another classic.

Sure, Darley have won the past five matchups against the Cobras, but this one’s never as straightforward as the head-to-head suggests.

Three of those five were decided by two goals or less, and the last time these two met at Darley Park, it was the Devils by just twelve points – twice – with a one-point Bacchus Marsh win in 2022 still fresh in local memory.

The Cobras come in with a bit of a buzz after Good Friday, where they unveiled Zach Tuohy, in what was a major moment for the club.

While Tuohy is still warming into things, his presence gave Bacchus Marsh a serious lift as they pushed ladder-leaders East Point for much of the match.

Darley, on the other hand, are coming off a stat blitzing Round 2.

Dan Jordan's side topped nearly every major team metric and with the class of Brett Bewley leading the way through the midfield, it’s no surprise they’re humming.

For the home side, ruck Luke Goetz is in form, leading the league in hit outs – and more importantly, hit outs to advantage – making first use crucial.

To start the season, Bacchus Marsh have shown strong first-half form, while Darley have built into games late.

If the Devils can start hot, they'll be hard to stop. But if the Cobras can weather that early storm, keep it tight at the stoppages, and hold strong through the third quarter, they’ll be right in this.

Will the Cobras break their drought, or will the Devils make it six straight in the derby?

Tip: Darley