Saturday's Preliminary Final between Sunbury and Melton has the potential to replicate last year's thrilling extra time decider between East Point and Darley at Marty Busch Reserve.

Both the Lions and the Bloods will arrive near full strength setting the scene for another absolute belter in the penultimate game of the McDonald's BFNL season.

Finding a winner is not easy, you can mount a case for either side to progress to the 'big dance' at City Oval next Saturday.

While the Lions finished higher than the Bloods on the ladder, thrashed them by 60 points at their last meet, and were brave against the Devils in last week’s semi final, Melton’s finals form may just suggest they are team to beat.

The Blood’s finals record under second year coach Troy Scoble is faultless with five wins from as many outings by an average of 31 points.

The reigning premier’s record in Ballarat is even more impressive (12-1) not to mention winning eight of their last 10 meetings against the Lions head-to-head. 

The Bloods defence have been solid again for the most part but will need to be at their best to restrict the Lions’ four-pronged attack including Tony Lockett Medallist Jake Sutton, Daniel Johnston, Pat Scanlon and Mitch McLean.

Added pressure on the Lions supply from the Bloods midfield and high forwards will only help their cause as they endeavour turning defence into offence, that familiar Bloods brand we've come accustomed to.      

Lions’ midfield trio Jake Egan, Harry Power and Ben Cameron and wingers Riley Miller and Dean Muir will need a spike in their efficiency levels if they're to get the job done forward of the ball against a feverish Bloods unit thriving in the post season.

Waiting to pick you off behind the ball are familiar Bloods’ names Jordy Cotter, Harry Hanley, Alex Monitto, Lachlan Phillips and Lachie Watkins (expected to return) who will make you pay for any careless entries.

The Bloods midfield will be up against it despite the highly anticipated return of Jaycob Hickey, who has been missing since Round 11.

Expect Jack Walker and Kyle Borg to provide a lot of the running between the arcs while Hickey is afforded a licence to find his feet first up.

The Lions chances hinge on the efficiency and weight of supply provided by their midfield.

Failure to do so could have serious repercussions given the Bloods potency forward, in the name of the Kights and the Carters.

The Lions will be asked to deliver on the pressure gauge again after blowing it up just two and a half quarters into last week's 38-point loss to the Devils.

A copy paste version of last week’s effort will see the Lions up to their eyeballs in this decider, but they will need to buck a trend against top four opposition away from home.

Currently the Lions are 0-4, have not scored more than 72 points in any of those games nor conceded less than 80.

The Bloods have found their groove again forward this finals series and that may be enough to edge out the Lions in a close one. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Defenders

Melton: Jordyn Cotter (#4), Harrison Hanley (#5), Lachlan Watkins (#8), Lachlan Phillips (#9) and Adrian Monitto (#45) - highly talented quintet who have been the Bloods trademark model in transition. 

Sunbury: Tyson Lever (#4) - had scans this week, incredibly important to the Lions’ structure - averages 26.4 disposals (comp rank 20th) and is 13th in the comp for effective disposals. BFNL rank 1st for intercept marks and 3rd for marks.

Midfielders

Melton: Jaycob Hickey (#10) - Key two-way runner nearing a return, averages 28 disposals per game. Hickey and Adrian Monitto are the only two Bloods who have averaged over 100 ranking points per game in 2025. Looking to make his first appearance since Round 11 due to a foot injury. Jack Walker (#11) classic accumulator, elite runner, never stops trying, loves the short hit-up and overlap run in transition. Kyle Borg (#16) - star x-factor qualities, speed to burn, excellent both sides and crucial to the Bloods fortunes. He will have his moment, having kicked 25 goals in 2025.

Sunbury: Jake Egan (#6) - elite in near all areas in 2025 - averages 27.8 disposals, ranks 4th in the comp for contested possessions and ranks 3rd for pressure. Harry Power (#1) - averages 29.8 disposals and ranks 3rd in the comp for handball receives. Ben Cameron (#26) – the Coburg VFL listed accumulator averages 19.4 disposals a game in 2025.

Forwards

Melton: Braedan Kight (#7) - 66 goals (comp rank 2nd) - dynamic small forward who has had another great season with 60+ goals. Matchwinner, guaranteed to be prepared for his next opponent before they even know they have the job! Has kicked bags of four and three goals in his last two games vs Sunbury. Liam Carter (#18) 36 goals and Ryan Carter (#23) 12 goals from 11 games - dangerous premiership forward pairing who cover the ground, support separation, excellent overhead and trusting on goal.

Sunbury: Jake Sutton (#14) - 71 goals (comp rank 1st), 20 games including 19 returns of multiple goals. Kicked 6 and 2 goals in previous meets against the Bloods. Daniel Johnston (#21) - 42 goals (comp rank 6th), 17 games including 15 returns of multiple goals. Kicked a pair of goals v Bloods in the previous two meets.

FOR THE RECORD

• Melton has won eight of their last 10 meetings against Sunbury.
• Melton has 20/22 last year’s Grand Final side available. (missing only Brett McIntyre and Riley Walker) 
• Sunbury have won six of their last seven games
• Sunbury's best quarters against top 4 opposition (7 games) - first (+73) and third (+59).

Scoop’s tip

Melton