Round 4 Review

For such a low scoring affair, it's hard to believe the Swans kicked the last two goals of the game after the 25-minute mark of the last quarter to claim a hard-fought win at City Oval.

The Lions left it all on the park, leading an inaccurate and goalless Swans at the main break by 15 points (3.3 v 0.6) but ultimately couldn't hold off their spirited opponents and the Swans’ overwhelming will to win. While there was a slight breeze to the Pleasant Street end, it was far from match-defining. The low scoring affair was, for the most part, reflective of the defensive grind, becoming a game destined to be decided by a handful of clutch moments.

According to Swans coach Joe Carmody, Redan deserved their lead at half time, having been on top around the contest. It wasn't until the second half that his boys could produce a swing in momentum and he named the big-bodied duo of Nick Swain and Josh Gibson as being instrumental in turning the fortunes of the match in favour of the Swans.

For Redan, Isaac Grant (2 goals) was the only multiple goal scorer on a cold day where majors came at a premium. Declan Phillips and Jacob Werts featured among the best players once again, but unfortunately for Jarrett Giampaolo's Lions the result is bound for the 'honourable loss' file. They will be happy with their effort but disappointed they couldn't find the line against a quality Ballarat side. The Lions will have another chance at home this week when they meet Bacchus Marsh in another even BFNL matchup. 

Backs to the wall Sebastopol proved too much for a young Lakers outfit to the tune of 48 points at the weekend. Despite missing eight of arguably the club’s twelve best players, the 'Burras did coach Michael Searl proud, who had every reason to be nervous heading in.

Chase Dummett (3 goals) and James Keeble (3 goals) were the standouts and made the slippery conditions look dry with their clean ball handling and execution. Searl lauded these two players, highlighting their two-way running in particular to match their returns on the scoreboard for levels of importance. 

Not to be outdone, the 'Burras defence was very solid maintaining their shape, creating turnover and conceding just nine scoring shots in the process (a Round 4 low across the competition).

The Lakers, without Scott Carlin, struggled for the most part but were well serviced by Lane Buckwell and experienced trio Nathan Pring, and Joel and Lachlan O'Connell. Jack Fitzpatrick's men will soak up the bye this week after their 1-3 start to the season, while Sebastopol's focus moves to North Ballarat with a clear aim to back up their Round Four efforts.

Despite both sides looking for their first win heading in, the Panthers’ performance would have turned a few heads in BFNL circles to suggest this was a genuine upset. I know Melton South beat Sunbury at their previous meeting in 2021 by 23-points, but many thought a repeat outcome, this time on Clarke Oval would be too big of an ask.

Panthers coach Heath Pritchard said he "was rapt with the effort and our pressure with a lot of blokes out”. Lions Coach Travis Hodgson, while clearly disappointed with the loss, credibly gave the Panthers their dues. "They brought good pressure, were the better side on the day and deserved to win," he said.  

The Panthers led at every change despite a miserly 0.4 start kicking with the breeze. Scoreboard pressure would come later with the breeze in the third term where the Panthers added six goals to one to set up a match-winning 35-point lead at the final change. Youngster Jarrod Bibby was best for the winners, along with Dylan Jones and Cody Chapman, who continued their solid patch of good form. Leading forward Dylan Conway kicked two goals.

For Sunbury, James Cree, Harrison Minton-Connell and Pat Scanlon were recognised for their efforts in a losing side as Leigh Brennan (2 goals) and Blake Graham (2 goals) snagged multiple goals for the third time in as many games.

North Ballarat bounced back to the winner's list with a reassuring win over the Kangas at Mars Stadium. It promised to be a tantalising matchup, and, for the most part, didn't disappoint. VFL affiliates Sam Glover (4 goals) and Josh Chatfield returned for North Ballarat to bolster their stocks, while East Point was without marquee recruit Jackson Merrett after a late withdrawal.

According to Brendan McCartney, this was a seven-day response from his boys, saying they were better this week at the contest, defending and hunting the ball. North Ballarat was rewarded for their straight kicking for goal, leading by two points at the half 6.0 to 5.4 before extending in the third and fourth quarters adding 6.8 to the Kangas 2.6.

Sam Glover was the difference between the two sides, adding cream to the already daunting prospect that is North Ballarat. Experienced defender Ryan Hobbs was solid all day, while the Loader boys, Harry and Fletcher, had their best games for the season.

For the Kangas, Thomas Brown battled manfully in the ruck to keep his side in the game for three quarters to be named best in a losing side. Usual suspects Matty and Jordy Johnston, Joe Dodd and Mickitja Rotumah-Onus were never far from the action.

A spirited Darley was no match for a more seasoned, undefeated Melton at Macpherson Park. The game from the outside reeked of a five-goal Bloods win - either side of that was always going to tell us more about the Devils' progress off a winless 2021.
The match itself, in trying conditions, was a hard watch for the footy purest. Conditions were blustery but made look calm on occasions by the Bloods, whose ball movement from defence to forward - particularly into the breeze - was a defining feature. The Bloods’ run and carry between the arcs was noted by both coaches post-match, with Devils coach Dan Jordan conceding "that's how we want to play."

In fairness to the Devils, the Bloods (2018 Grand Finalists) have been at it for four years, honing their craft, and their style and are one of the most respected teams in the comp. Jack Walker, Kyle Borg and Jacob Hickey had a heap of the footy and were instrumental in driving the Bloods’ repeatedly into attack. Their accountability with and without the ball is as good as any in the comp. Bloods forwards Ryan Carter (2 goals) and Liam Carter (1 goal) looked like they were going to tear the game apart and credit to the young Devils' defence that their influence was tempered.

Darley's loss was compounded by a first-quarter knee injury to Matthew Brett, who is likely to spend an extended period on the sidelines. Ball magnet Brett Bewley was Darley's best player.

Looking ahead, Darley faces Sunbury, while the Ballarat v Melton clash at Alfredton Oval looms as the headline act for Round 5.