East Point will embrace a ‘throw at the stumps’ chance upstaging warm favourites Ballarat in Jacob Brown’s 100th game at Eastern Oval.

The second placed Swans will (again) be without a host of frontline stars (up to nine) but should prove the testing material on depth alone.

The inclusion of Kangas’ mid Joe Dodd will only complement Brown’s milestone occasion asking questions of Ash Baker’s bevy to maintain the rage that has led them to an impressive 11-3 record over the home and away season.

The Swans will be forced to play the waiting game on the availability of VFL listed pair Tristan Maple (Footscray) and Thomas Simpson (Werribee) despite a host of remaining outs, none more so than leading goalkicker Biggie Nyoun (overseas).

The imposing reality of this game leans heavily in the Swans’ favour who lead the competition for second, third and fourth quarters.

An even start with a top three position to play for is the only motivation Baker’s bevy needs to move forward, with an eye toward greater things.

The Swans ceiling is yet to be realised but beware the milestone game of club favourite JB in front of home fans.

Scoop’s tip: Ballarat

While the Bloods hold the box seat for a top six finish, they will sweat on the medical clearance of two premiership players Adrian Monitto and Jordy Kight when they host North Ballarat in the BFNL’s Match of the Round in the ‘east’.

Unfortunately, Ryan Carter (soreness) and Oscar Greenshields (season) will miss.

Troy Scoble’s 2024 premiers have, like many, struggled for any desired continuity to stake a legitimate claim for a top three spot despite what the numbers suggest.

The Bloods rank one for first quarters, and no worse than fifth for the remaining three suggesting their best is good enough to match it with third placed North Ballarat at MacPherson Park.

The Roosters aren’t out of the woods yet despite their (virtual) season long injury and availability troubles after Isaac Lovisson succumbed to a hamstring injury.

Reggie Palmer returns off a long layoff dating back to Round 5 which will be a morale boost for the visitors.

A win for the Bloods against the odds will keep the Cobras (7th) at arm’s length, a minimum game and percentage away depending on how Dennis Armfield’s quiver negotiate their highway trip to City Oval (Redan).

Counting on the Bloods to start well but the Roosters to stalk, with faith in their system to reel in the hosts, not dissimilar to the nature of their win against Redan last week.

Somehow, Proctor’s Roosters seem to do enough while the Bloods, find a way to fall agonisingly short when it matters most.

Scoop’s tip: North Ballarat

Bacchus Marsh key forward Jake Owen is an outside chance to take his place in a must win game for the club against Redan at City Oval.

While unlikely, the narrative surrounding Owen bears compelling relevance around the Cobras’ chances.

Redan veteran Grant Bell is a chance to play his 200th game pending a fitness test while reliable defender Nick Barker is a lock to return.

Forget the one-sided affair at their first meet, the Lions have come a long way since then, despite their ninth position on the BFNL ladder.

The Cobras have been competitive over recent weeks despite a tough draw without key pillars Owen and Wil Lalor (season).

Looking forward to the midfield battle, with Lions’ duo Rory Gunsser (Geelong VFL pending), Jake Connolly (Rebels pending) and Brodie Pope head-to-head against Josh Huxtable (Williamstown VFL pending), Jamie Fulton and Tyson Shea.

Should be an entertaining game that has the potential of going down to the wire, but plenty will need to go right for the visitors ahead of the ball for the Cobras to post a big enough score overcoming a Lions outfit on the rise.

Postcode tip, with a bit more to play out at selection..

Scoop’s tip: Redan

Reigning Henderson Medallist Jake Egan is a 90% chance of a return this week for Sunbury’s trip to Sebastopol.

The star midfielder has not played since Round 11 after suffering a fracture in his arm. The medics at his aligned VFL club, Essendon, will determine his availability.

Unfortunately, the Lions will be without key forwards Jake Sutton (Sydney VFL) and Daniel Johnston (Coburg VFL).

On spec alone, it’s hard to see Sunbury kicking a big enough score to trouble the ladder leaders without their two spearheads, despite winning their previous meet in Round 5.

Sure, the Lions held the Burra to just seven goals, but no team has been able to do so since.

Sebastopol (excluding their Lake Wendouree game) average 90 points per game, while Sunbury (excluding Lake Wendouree), sit at just just 66 ppg.

Yes, Sunbury have had their troubles with injury and continuity that hasn’t helped their numbers, but overcoming the Burra on the road is one of the toughest gigs going around at the moment.

Tony Lockyer’s men remain unbeaten at home this year in six matches, averaging a whopping 107.5 ppg and winning margin of 50.

Compelling numbers for Lions’ coach Matty White to contemplate despite arriving with back-to-back wins under their belts for the first time this year.

Looking forward to the midfield battle in particular, and how the Lions go about denying a deep Burra’s rotation capable of hitting the scoreboard.

In fact, the Burra engine room combined for 13/15 goals last week in their handling of Darley to the tune of 22 points.

The Sunbury defence is starting to resemble the back six of last year’s grand final side in health and connection but I’m not sure they will be able to restrict the Burra’s tsunami midfield and dangerous forwards.

Luke Kiel remains unlikely while Jack Buckley will be given to Thursday night to stake his claim.

Key forward Joel Edwards (concussion) will miss another week.

Expect the Lions to be competitive, they’re more than capable, but Saturday’s clash is looming more a square up opportunity for the ruthless Burra.

Scoop’s tip: Sebastopol

Given the challenges of the month ahead for Devils’ coach Dan Jordan, expect the dual premiership coach to arrive chasing as many ‘mini wins’ as Lake Wendouree interim coach Jake Lohmann when fourth meets tenth at CE Brown Reserve.

With essentially four sides vying for an all-important top three finish, it’s the reigning premiers who need to lift despite winning five of their last six games.

The Devils sit one game and percentage behind Ballarat (2nd) and North Ballarat (3rd) while ladder leaders Sebastopol look most likely to fill one of those key spots even this far out.

Darley have the Lakers (A), Melton (H), Ballarat (A) and North Ballarat (H) to come and will need to win all four to guarantee the desired finish.

Mini wins for Jordan, given the result looms inevitable, maybe more akin to a wish list - get through unscathed, win each quarter, earn the necessary percentage boost and mirror image a top four side on the rise looking to peak at the right time.

Big guns Brett Bewley (leg) and Billy Myers (thumb) are a chance to return on managed minutes but must tick a few boxes before getting the all clear.

For Lohmann’s brigade, effort will be the one non-negotiable on the former Werribee VFL talent’s white board, while a winning quarter against top four opposition would be a bonus.

Improving on their equal lowest score of the season registered last week (3.6) against East Point will also qualify for a response as the perennial underdogs aim to usurp their average return of 44 points per game.

Good to see season recruits Corey Rich, Lewis Antonac and Alfred Jarnestrom fighting it out each week against the odds, and the growth of midfielder Will Clark.

While the hosts welcomed back Will Fordham last week who had been sidelined with injury since Round 9, the task at hand against the 10-4 Devils won’t be any easier.

Scoop’s tip: Darley