Round Seven Rundown

Ballarat (9.16-70) have come from behind to beat reigning dual premiers East Point (9.11-65) in a thriller at Alfredton Oval on Saturday.

What a way to celebrate the long-awaited debut of marquee signing Josh Gibson (played half-back and 90 per cent game time) and the return of inspirational deep forward Andrew Hooper (1 goal).

Swans hype aside, if I'd said to you the Kangas would win 2.5 quarters, their line-up would boast 15 premiership players, plus notable newbies James Lukich, the Ganley brothers and Aaron Hayes, mounting a case for Ballarat would have been difficult. But just how fit the Kangas are at the top end is another question given their run with injury.

The Swans task was made even more difficult with the return of Kangas gun Jordy Johnston from Geelong VFL. Oh please, what a win Ballarat – it was just a shame a crowd of only a thousand could have been there to see it.

Improving Swans big man Bailey Van De Heuvel took a number of contested marks and booted three crucial goals in a low scoring win, while Daniel Kennedy, Nick Weightman and Luke Wynd's contributions were significant. Kangas’ Jake McQueen finished with two goals in his first game back from hand surgery, while the Johnston brothers did their usual thing, but on this occasion, it wasn't enough.

Good to see Gibson sneak into the best on debut - tipping he might get a game next week vs Melton South. Gibson to Conway? I'd like to see that!

Enigmatic Redan (13.11-89) gave frustrated home fans the response they needed, toppling Lake Wendouree (7.7-49) at City Oval on Saturday. Just what had been up with Redan’s disappointing losses in Rounds 5 and 6 was the million-dollar question given they're not shy on talent. The 28-day break has obviously served them well, unlike reliable 2021 starters Lake Wendouree, who couldn't get out of their own way early.

This game was over at quarter-time, with the Lions recording the best opening quarter of the round, posting 7.2-44 to just 3 behinds. Catch-up footy on a cold winter’s day in Ballarat is never easy, especially when you’re seven goals in arrears. Lions star mid Lachie George (4 goals) continues to deliver at home or away, while youngster Cooper Craig-Peters, who was named best afield, continues on his way to 100 senior games in record time.

Bigger bodied Lions Daniel Bond and Keenan Waterbury answered the challenge of Redan fans to get down to work and both featured prominently. What to say of the Lakers? Well, if it's any consolation, they did outscore Redan over the final three quarters, albeit by a solitary point. But the damage was done. Lakers Timothy Collins (2 goals), consistent type Brendan Helyar, and Joshua Bibby can hold their heads up after being named in the best players.

Sunbury (9.12-66) led at every change down the highway to beat the more fancied Sebastopol (8.9-57) at Marty Busch Reserve, spoiling the party for 'Burras fans who had not witnessed a senior game at home for 665 days (Rd18 on August 24, 2019). 

The Lions started well to lead by 18 points at the first change, which again confirms the importance of starting well in Ballarat’s winter. While the lead was reduced to just five points at the main break, Sunbury did win the second half as well to deservedly walk away with four highly sought-after Premiership points. Ruckman David Kovacevic was named best afield for the Lions, who recorded just their third win in Ballarat from their last ten trips.

With goals at a premium, full credit to Sunbury who were able to contain the league's #1 scoring team (before Rd7) to just 8 goals for the game. Sebastopol was forewarned of the impact running machine Daniel Toman could have heading in on last Wednesday night’s edition of 'The Presser' but it made little difference. Toman was terrific, as were youngsters Corey Mobilio and Riley Miller. Tyson Lever continued to influence with his timeless composure and distribution.

Melton South (13.12-90) won for the first time in ten years at Darley Park after downing the winless Devils (9.8-62) by 28 points.

Panthers spearhead Dylan Conway (9 goals 4 behinds) was the star of the show and marked almost everything that came his way. There was nothing stopping the former Port Melbourne forward after his remarkable five-goal opening term that helped set up a match-winning 29-point lead at the first change. Strangely, Panthers mid Shaun Wyatt (4 goals) was their only other player to register a major. Jake Thornton-Gielen and the Callus brothers' run and carry proved too much for a Darley outfit struggling for key personnel.

On the flipside, games into the Devils’ developing youth will see benefits further down the track. Devils forward Joel Cadman continues with his run of solid form, while the Inglis brothers showed no signs of giving up. Mitch Banner (3 goals) was the leading scorer for the Devils, taking his season tally to a club-high 9. But deserved honours to the Panthers, who rightfully belong among the log jam of eight teams sitting on three wins.

North Ballarat City (19.14-130) returned to the top of the table, dismantling Bacchus Marsh (8.11-59) at Mars Stadium on Sunday. City booted 13 goals to four in the second half to extend an 11-point advantage at the main break to 71-points at the games’ end.

Monster-sized City mid Jonathan O'Brien (2 goals) dominated for the most part and became more influential as the game went on. Furthermore, City had an 11-goal spread of goalkickers to make up for an inaccurate Sam Glover (2.5) and Josh Chatfield (1.4 from seven attempts). If they brought their goal-kicking boots the margin could easily have been more. For the Cobras, Tom German's four-quarter effort earned him best player honours for the losing side, while Jake Owen (3 goals) and Kane Dickson (3 goals) kept them in it up until half-time.

Thomas Hotchin and youngster James Quick led the scoring for the winners with three goals each.

That's a snap of Round Seven complete - how good is it to see footy back!