The Bloods host the in-form Kangas and will appreciate another week to rediscover their winning habits having lost four of their five games.

But their opposition is no easier than recent weeks, in fact Joe Carmody's Kangas have won their last six BFNL matches having lost just two for the season.

MacPherson Park holds no fears for East Point having won two of its previous four at the venue.

The midfield battle, and the efficiency of, will have a large say determining the outcome of this BFNL Match of the Round.

The injury to prime midfielder Jaycob Hickey has played a significant role in the Bloods’ last month having lost three of their past four games.

Coach Troy Scoble's only win for the period came against North Ballarat when needing the last goal of the game to get the job done.

Finding an offensive alternative remains ongoing, Billy Crofts would be perfect!

The Kangas on the other hand have won their last four comparatively, three without reigning Henderson Medallist Matty Johnston and key forward Bryson McDougall, who will miss another week.

If inform trio Jordy Johnson, Mickitja Rotumah-Onus and Jessie Cairns can find an efficient way to exit forward of stoppage and deny the rebounding Bloods defence, the Kangas will go a long way earning a 14th win of the season.

However, a failure to so could open the door for the familiar Bloods’ rebound, run and carry aid from Kyle Borg and Jack Walker that more often ends in a forward 50 entry.

If Braedan Kight and potentially both Carter brothers bring their kicking boots it could be a difficult afternoon for the visitors.

On recent form it's hard to go passed the Kangas who welcome the inclusion of swingman Jacob Brown who missed their previous meet (and win) back in round six.

For the record

• Despite Melton's fourth placed ranking on the BFNL table they rank 8th for last quarters.
  
  
• East Point rank #1 for first and third quarters in 2025, and rank #2 for second quarters.  

Scoop’s tip

East Point

Surely it's the last roll of the dice for the Swans’ finals chances when they host the Cobras at Alfredton Oval on Saturday.

If Ash Bakers' young group are to be successful, they must buck the trend of recent outs.

The Lakers game aside, the Swans have their lost their last six games by an average of 27.5 points.

Progressive midfielder Fraser Perkins will be a welcomed return for the Swans as they endeavour to keep their season alive with just three games to play.

Currently they sit a game and considerable percentage behind North Ballarat, who teeter precariously in sixth.

With Bacchus Marsh, Melton and Redan to come, a win for the Swans on Saturday is paramount, despite the congested nature of the BFNL table from fifth (Bacchus Marsh) to eighth (Ballarat).

The Cobras arrive brimming with confidence on the back of a thrilling come from behind win over the Bloods.

How the Cobras utilise that gain in confidence will play-out in this crucial game given the context of the season.

There is no entitlement having beaten the reigning premiers and it will be up to Dennis Armfield and his leaders to keep his talented group in check, understanding the Swans on their home deck will provide some challenges of their own.

In a nutshell, this game will be decided by the efficiency levels of the talented young brigades.

The more experienced bodies will surely deliver on their weight around the coalface but who can impact greater with momentum on the spread, or the outside will finish with their noses in front.

Evidence suggests, the Cobras are traveling a little better despite having to overcome a perceived home ground advantage.

Again, Lakers aside, the Swans have not won a full game at home all season.

For the record

• Ballarat has won the last two meetings against the Cobras - both at Maddingley Park.

• Bacchus Marsh has not beaten the Swans at Alfredton Oval since 2016.  

Scoop’s tip

Bacchus Marsh

North Ballarat will look to consolidate their position inside the top six when they host Redan at Mars Stadium.

While the separation between the two sides on the BFNL table leans to a Roosters’ win, don't discount the Lions’ chances despite the prospect of a finals berth now off the table.

The young Lions would be happy to upset a few sides on the way home, gaining valuable impetus into the off season and a win for recently appointed interim coach Steve Kane.

Unfortunately for the Lions, they haven't been able to cruise under the radar at all in season 2025.

Preparation and thorough planning from all sides has surely denied the Lions a win or two given their talent base.

Expect Roosters’ coach Clint Proctor to prepare for this game as a final, in the context of their season, as they endeavour to keep the wolves from the door of the top six, namely Sebastopol and Ballarat.

You only need see the Redan side on paper to justify the Lions credible chances.

Taj Bond and Lachie Bond pose a genuine threat forward.

Midfield trio Rudie Forde, Brodie Pope and Lachie George are in-form, and the rebound distribution of Rory Gunsser has seen him named in the best on 9 of 15 occasions.

The Roosters have been a relatively low scoring team but are inside the six in every quarter ladder for win/loss.

Proctor's group rank 5th for first and second quarters, 3rd for third quarters and 6th for final quarters.

Their accuracy on goal has served them well despite fewer opportunities than other teams and has them ranked 3 in the comp.

Unfortunately for Redan, they rank 9th in all areas re individual quarters won and goal accuracy.

All the evidence, including those stark 'for the record' facts listed below, say a Roosters win is more than likely.

For the record

• North Ballarat have won their last six games v Redan.

• Redan have not won at Mars Stadium since 2017.

Scoop’s tip

North Ballarat

The high-flying Devils will aim to extend their BFNL winning streak to 15 games when they host Sebastopol at Darley Park.

The Burras recent form gives every indication this will be no walk in the park for Dan Jordan's army despite a convincing 101-point win at their previous meet in Round 6.

Strangely, the Burras’ 22 won't be much different on paper from that heavy defeat with only three or four changes expected.

Star veterans Luke Kiel and playing coach Tony Lockyer missed the bout which will provide a major boost to the Burras’ chances, but they will have to get it done without Riley O'Keefe and Liam Stow, both done for the season.

Lockyer has his group in form, out of the bottom three, contesting for a finals berth.

On paper they're more than capable but the task at hand against the Devils on their own deck rivals the challenge of East Point at Eastern Oval, as the toughest assignment currently in BFNL footy.  

Weather permitting, the Burra will need 80 odd points on the board to be a legitimate chance, given the Devils’ lowest score at home this year is a tidy 79.

2023 Henderson Medal runner-up, Luther Baker, is likely to return after a two week rest to link up with star midfield pair Brett Bewley and Nick Hind.

Baker's inclusion is timely for the Devils given the current form of injury-free Burras combo Lachie Cassidy and Jack Bambury.

Toby Hutt has assumed the number one ruck duties for some time and has a good record against the Devils despite the Burra having dropped all previous five games against a Dan Jordan led organisation.

Pure and simple, Jordan will be happy to walk away with the points and maintain health levels ahead of finals, while Lockyer's progressive group will again deliver the heat of recent weeks around contest - the mortality of their season depends on it.

For the record

• Darley has won seven of their last 10 meetings against Sebastopol.

• While seventh on the BFNL ladder Sebastopol rank #2 for last quarters behind Darley.  

Scoop’s tip

Darley

Sunbury (3rd) will use this opportunity against the winless Lakers to gain as much percentage as they can to increase the gap on Melton (4th) who sit on the same premiership points with three rounds left to play.

The Lions hold a slender 4.88% advantage over the Bloods and will be counting on a big day in front of goal.

Lions’ forward pair Jake Sutton (53 goals), Daniel Johnson (29) and midfielder Jake Egan (23) sit inside the BFNL's top 15 goal scorers for the 2025 season and will be largely responsible for the finishing work on a forecasted weight of inside 50 entries.

In each of the Lakers last six games, they have conceded 125 points or more which should have the Lions forwards licking their lips.

Sutton has an ideal opportunity to pass injured Cobra Jake Owen (55 goals) in the race for the Tony Lockett Medal.

Expect the Pride to aid Sutton's cause the longer this game goes.

The other consideration for Lions’ coach Matty White is to potentially rest one or two players given their recent elevation into third place on the BFNL table, with just two games to follow in the home and away season.

It's a nice problem to have, a first time for White in his second year in charge.

For the Lakers, another opportunity presents to bring your best and test one of the top four teams in BFNL on their own deck.

There's no doubting player morale at Laker land is high according to coach Rohan Brown. 

As a result, we're hoping the positive nature of energy transpires to an invigorated four quarter effort.

Ruckman Jaydo Wright has been fantastic adopting his new role in the absence of Tom Zampatti.

If at least half follow the intent of Wright, the Lakers will minimise the damage and may have the recipe to pinch a quarter.

Tough ask however for the Lakers on recent returns.

Expect the Lions to earn a hard-fought win loaded with a handy percentage gain, aiding the cause of separation ahead of nearest rivals Melton. 

For the record

• Sunbury have won their last 8 meetings v Lake Wendouree 

• Sunbury's highest ever score recorded against the Lakers is 27.15-177 (2006)

• The Lakers last win at Clarke Oval, Sunbury came back in 2009  

Scoop’s tip

Sunbury