Round Two Rundown

Melton (8.8-56) remain unbeaten at the top of the BFNL table following their 17-point come-from-behind win over Sunbury (5.9-39) at Clarke Oval. Full credit must go to Aaron Tymms and his Bloods, who booted 6.5 to the Lions 2.1 in the second half to claim the upset over the pre-game favourites. While both sides won their season openers convincingly, it was Sunbury, with the additions of David Kovacevic, Harry Minton-Connell (Port Melbourne) and Wade Derksen (Essendon VFL) who were expected to win. But nobody, it seems, gave Melton the brief. The Bloods, missing Ben Archard (hamstring), Dyson Stevens (hamstring), Kevin Klix (hamstring) and Lachie Watkins (kidney) showed the kind of desire and courage that’s worthy of title conversation. Dangerous Melton forward, Braedan Kight (four goals), enjoyed an off the chain day, which proved to be the difference over a Sunbury outfit just Mitch Conn short of full strength. The Bloods win was soured by a season-ending injury to club favourite, Matty Denham (ACL).

Redan (14.12-96) have survived an almighty scare on the road to win a thriller against Melton South (14.11-95) by one point. The Lions, without both Orron Stephenson for a second week and ball magnet Lachie George, could not shrug off an improved Panthers line-up desperate to open their account in front of their footy-starved loyal fans. When scores were locked together at the final change, one could be forgiven thinking the Panthers’ accurate shooting for goal (13.5-83) versus the Lions (12.11-83) would hold them in good stead en-route to victory. But no. Melton South added 1.6 in the final term (including three posters) to fall agonisingly short, with a late soccer goal from the visitors sealing their fate. Lions young gun Cooper Craig-Peters was named best afield for the winners, while a blend of youth, Izaac Grant (four goals) and experience, Dean Chester (four goals) did the bulk of the damage forward. For a gallant in defeat Panthers, newcomers Bradley Olsson and Shaun Wyatt troubled the visitors, while Dylan Conway (4.7) continues to provide headaches for any opposition defence. Despite speculation, Werribee affiliate Ryan Pendlebury and Coburg's Aaron Clarke did not play for the Panthers.

Dual reigning premiers East Point (14.13-97) were forced to endure a rare hunters' role as they reeled in a 19-point half-time deficit to overwhelm a plucky Lake Wendouree (7.8-50) by 47 points first up off the bye at Eastern Oval on Saturday. Kangas fans would have been stunned at the main break, searching for a second-half response that was non-existent in their season open surrender against Sebastopol. But credit to East Point coach Jake Bridges and his men who dug in to kick twelve goals to two after half-time to win comfortably in the end. Lakers coach Dale Power would have been thrilled with their opening half taking it right up to the 2018 and 2019 premiers but, alas, were unable to hit the scoreboard in the second half - a facet of the game the club is hoping to improve on. The Lakers had seven individual goalkickers on the day and would be crying out for a key forward that can return multiple goals week in, week out. Joe Dodd and Jack Ganley were named best for the winners, while James Lukich and Bryce McDougall booted three goals each. For the Lakers, Ashley Simpson and Callum Harte won more than their fair share of the ball.

Bacchus Marsh (11.11-77) were too good for cross-town rivals Darley (3.3-21) under lights at Maddingley Park on Saturday. The 3340 postcode came to a virtual standstill, as thousands flocked to the ground to witness a moving pre-Anzac Day ceremony before another eagerly-awaited chapter of the local derby. After an arm wrestle of sorts in the first quarter, where the Cobras led by one point, the remaining three were underwhelming to the eye at best, despite the one-sided scoreline. 2018 Henderson Medallist, Daniel Burton (three goals), was adjudged best on ground by most, while the midfield brigade of Tom German, Harry King, Nick Stuhldreier and Tyson Shea had the better of an undermanned Darley midfield. The Devils are younger than ever - and look it. Eight players aged 20 years and under donned the black and white for the first time together in a local derby, providing a glimpse into the future. While the Cobras savour in song with a win over the old foe to go one and one, the Devils are left to ponder when they'll have the opportunity to sing theirs – side-by-side.

North Ballarat (9.8-62) coach Brendan McCartney has enjoyed the perfect start to his stint with City after another nail-biting win, this time against cross-town rivals Ballarat (7.18-60) by two points. City looked home and hosed after flying the boxes early to earn a 23-point half-time lead before a rejuvenated Swans outfit launched a spirited comeback to nearly steal the four points. It's the second week in a row the unbeaten City have led by as much as 23 points and have had to withstand an avalanche of momentum.

McCartney has an enviable mix of talented youth and experience at his disposal. The evidence is palpable, given their 2-0 standing and the steely resolve they've shown when challenged. City youngsters Josh Chatfield (three goals) and Jye Lockett (three goals) featured prominently, while experienced campaigners, Ryan Hobbs and Daniel Jones, made solid contributions. For Ballarat, Nick Weightman (two goals) and Daniel Kennedy continued their good form, while Will Garner was named the Swans’ best.