Round 1 Review

Bacchus Marsh led at every change to hold off a wasteful Ballarat to win a thriller by two points at Maddingley Park. Cobras playing coach Tom German was prolific winning his own ball and squaring away a number of stoppages against a Swans midfield who struggled to get the game on their terms.

Jake Owen was the dominant forward of the afternoon proving a thorn in the Swans side with his exceptional work rate, contested marking and kicking for goal. Newcomers Jason Robinson and Jack Williams impressed for the winners across half back and rarely missed a target on the rebound, unlike their highly touted opponents who struggled to execute in the breezy conditions.

The Swans were left to ponder could’ve, would’ve, should’ve easy goals and hit-up targets that were squandered, for the most part. Nic Weightman had midfield numbers out of defence and tried his heart out, while Andrew Hooper looked dangerous forward. Swans boom midfield recruit Aiden Domic is a beast and will be better for the run. The Swans kept coming but have only themselves to blame for coming up short. Full credit to the Cobras, they're a different egg at home. Of their last twelve wins, ten have been on Maddingley Park.

Darley has ended a 959-day winning drought for BFNL Premiership points with a morale-boosting six-point win on the road against finals fancy Sebastopol.

While the number was an exaggerated representation of what was essentially a 12-game losing streak dating back to August 2019, new Devils coach Dan Jordan conceded his boys needed to ‘learn how to win again’, and that they did.

The Devils kicked with the aid of a four-goal breeze in the opening term to lead by 30, keeping the 'Burra scoreless in the process to have them on the back foot from the outset. The 'Burras have been carrying the tag of 'favourites’ but that was compromised this round with the late omission of reigning Henderson Medallist Lachie Cassidy (hamstring) and the first half exit of Luke Kiel.

For the winners, Joel Cadman and Brett Bewley booted two goals each, while younger brigade Mace Cousins and Jack Bewley featured in the best players along with usual suspects Shane Page and Luther Baker.

For the 'Burra, Hugo Papst was their most consistent contributor across the ground. Opportunistic forward Michael Powell finished with a game high four goals.

Melton retain the bragging rights for another day after a resounding 80-point win over cross-town rival Melton South. The Bloods won every quarter to post the highest score of the round so far, leaving coach Aaron Tymms nothing short of satisfied with their efforts on Saturday night. Utility Ryan Carter (5 goals, 7 behinds) posed the greatest threat forward, while Lachlan Phillips did the job in defence keeping star Panther Dylan Conway to one goal.

There was plenty to like about the Bloods’ work on the spread, Blake Souter especially was lauded in the post-match as 'best on' in the eyes of many.

The Panthers lost key mid Shaun Wyatt (knee) early and offered their greatest resistance from the 10-minute mark of the third until the 20-minute mark of the final term, but either side of that it was essentially a demolition job.

The return of Mark Orr gives the Bloods plenty of upside, while experienced campaigner Brett McIntyre performed admirably in the ruck to provide Tymms with added flexibility options moving forward.

Despite leading at quarter time and outscoring the Minor Premiers in the third term six goals to three behinds, Sunbury were unable to contain a very dangerous North Ballarat at Mars Stadium.

The theory around Sunbury throwing everything at Brendan McCartney's men in the opening stanza came to fruition when they kicked to the scoreboard end with the aid of a four goal wind, ending North Ballarat's 10-0 run of first quarter wins. But an eight-point lead just wasn't enough. In fact, only three goals of the 23 kicked for the game were recorded against the breeze.

Jamie Quick (four goals) and Thomas Hotchin's (three goals) returns around goal were matched by the Lions’ Leigh Brennan and midfielder Daniel Toman.

North Ballarat Captain Simon McCartin was a standout for the winners while a notable 'footy smart' Jack Riding continues to thrive.

For Sunbury, there were encouraging signs despite inferior shots on goal (15 to 28) and a 28-point margin at the final siren.

On paper, the Lions look far from the finished product but the scary thought for contemplation as we exit week one in review, neither is North Ballarat!

Last time they met - (Round 7, 2021): Redan 89 defeated Lake Wendouree 49

Good Friday marks the stand alone meeting between Lake Wendouree and Redan. Very little separates these two heading in, a judgement made not solely on pre-season form.

The last four meetings are split 2-2 and finding a winner from the outside is purely on spec. Both sides enjoyed encouraging performances in the lead up against quality opposition - South Warrnambool (Lakers lost by 3-4 goals) and South Bendigo (Redan won by 10 goals). The Lakers didn’t do themselves any favours kicking 11 straight behinds before registering a major. On that note, the Lakers have had their struggles in the forward half lacking a genuine aerial target.

Recent history suggests the Lakers are not short on inside 50 entries so it will be up to new coach Jack Fitzpatrick and his support crew to resolve change. The Lakers did beat Minor Premiers North Ballarat City last year and were the only team to do so, but they were loaded with to-become AFL draftees, a future star ruckman, the Lohmann brothers and fearless leader Ashley Simpson. All have since left the club bar Simpson (inj) who is almost certain to miss.

If Nick Rippon plays and teams up with the return of Scotty Carlin, the Lakers have to be some hope on their home deck, but weight of expectation is with Redan.

Lions coach Jarrett Giampaolo has spoken of the positive vibe around the club following an injection of youth over the summer. While the Lions have lost a wealth of experience, the reinforcements are said to be exciting, quick and prepared to take the game on. That may well be enough.