A bumper crowd is expected to descend on Darley Park for the annual Anzac Day clash between proud crosstown rivals Darley and Bacchus Marsh.

With fine conditions forecast, little room will be left for excuses in the aftermath as the improving Cobras attempt to overcome the reigning premiers.

Let’s be honest, the Devils (on spec) look to be ‘just going’ at the moment despite their 2-0 start to the season, having come from behind in both matches to earn the points.

The Cobras on the other hand have shown enough to suggest they can test Dan Jordan’s army, who remain unbeaten in their last 22 BFNL games.

It will be a huge task for Dennis Armfield and his group, a four quarter investment surely a non-negotiable if they’re to inflict what East Point went so close to doing last week, the upset of the season so far.

The Cobras won’t die wondering, nor do many sides facing the competition benchmark.

It’s a timely, early season footy audit for Bacchus Marsh who will need to find a way without four of their preferred starters in Jamie Fulton (shoulder), Jack Kovacevic (hand), Hamish Coulton (calf) and Billy Griffiths (managed).

One clear disparity favouring the Cobras is the ruck duel with Luke Goetz likely to face a rotation of part timers in the specific role.

While Goetz was dominant with his tap out differential (+22) last week against young North Ballarat tall Finn Russell, the Cobras best and fairest winner ended the afternoon -1 for hit-outs to advantage.

You can back it in Devils’ luxury trio Brett Bewley, Nick Hind and Luther Baker will be waiting feverishly at the fall of the ball, heightening the importance of the Cobras to take more advantage of another predicted landslide in tap outs.

The groundball stat is an interesting one. Sure, we’re only two games in but the Devils have yet to reach the dominant levels of last year.

The Devils ranked one in this space last year (+20 average) but find themselves in ninth (-14) after two games. Ironically, only Bacchus Marsh (-21) trails in differential.

Both sides remain a work in progress with their mid forward connection despite encouraging inside 50 numbers.

The Cobras average 49.7, the Devils 56.5. Just who can “click” with those ample number of entries will tell its own story on the scoreboard at games end.

The Cobras will miss Fulton at the source, but the form of Jack Parente, veteran Tyson Shea and Ethan McKercher has been solid enough aiding the favourable 2-1 win/loss ledger.

Denying the Devils at the source, will pose ‘a new level’ hurdle for the Cobra trio - not to mention Billy Myers who has been arguably the Devils’ most important player from their two wins.

Just on that, it will be interesting to see who Jordan sends to Cobras’ match winner Jake Owen who booted five goals against the Devils in last year’s Anzac Day clash.

Expect the Devils to put some time denying future star Josh Huxtable having an impact - especially in the Cobras front half.

The BFNL representative averages more than a goal per game from his opening three appearances, adding to his impressive 27 disposals and 6.7 score involvements (avg).

While x-factor Devils forward Will Johnson has been relatively quiet on the goal front his work inside 50 has been sound, bordering on the unselfish as the mounting number of crumb goals in the opening two games will attest.

Should be a belter if the Cobras can get into the game early. The Devils will again carry the warm favourites tag into the Derby in front of home fans and will run out the game accordingly after two previous come from behind wins.

An upset win for the Cobras would officially announce their arrival as a genuine contender but I’m tipping we will have to wait until their next meet in the second half of the season to see the Cobras at their best.

Scoop’s tip: Darley

On current form the Swans will look to put this game away early against the Lakers, banking important percentage which could play a crucial role at the business end.

The Swans have the dynamic to stretch the Lakers in areas they haven’t been already despite two 90+ point losses.

This hit out will tell us about the offensive capabilities of the Swans with a predicted game on their own terms for long enough to post an intimidating score.

Unfortunately for the Lakers, albeit a small sample size, their trip to Alfredton Oval looks every bit daunting given star playmaker Jake Lohmann (back) is likely to miss another week. Consistent utility Angus Gove (elbow) is also sidelined.

While there were positive signs from newcomers Alfred Jarnestrom and Will Fordham, the scoreboard in isolation poses a harrowing issue for the Lakers to make an impression.

Containing Swans pair Biggie Nyuon and Patrick Graham in their time spent forward will test the magnet moving ability of Lakers’ coach Rohan Brown and his staff let alone a team defence approach.

Lakers’ ruckman Tom Zampatti is an invaluable asset applying his craft but numbers around the source are in need of a major spike to deny the Swans a copy-paste version of the Lakers’ opening two rounds.

Brown will show up in full swing with his charges expecting to win but the reality is, on the back of two 24-goal concedes in as many matches, it’s hard to envisage the needle moving enough to trouble the Swans.

The improved structure and experience at the Swans has seen continued growth in their spread stocks despite a 15-point loss to the Burra last week.

While the Lakers focus of attention leans to the resting tall timber forward, do not discard the lead up ability of Jack O’Brien who has proven more than capable hitting the scoreboard.

O’Brien on first impressions resembles the old school lead up forward who can take a grab and convert.

So, what’s a par result for the Lakers come the final siren?

Earning the tick of approval from their coach and fellow teammates in the effort and execution space would be a small step forward in the direction many anticipated a given at the start of the season.

Sure, the Lakers are coming from a fair way back but even a hint of the Anzac spirit shown on such a special day will at least ask questions of a Swans outfit who are expected to win and win well.

Scoop’s tip: Ballarat

The “system based” Bloods head to the wide expanses of Clarke Oval for another crack at the Lions in a replay of last year’s preliminary final.

While a repeat of the nail-biting draw witnessed at Marty Busch Reserve at their last outing is improbable, we can at least forecast a close one on present form, acknowledging a small sample size.

Both sides are 1-1 on the win/loss front but something tells me it’s Troy Scoble’s visiting party that have more at stake regarding their early standing in the competition.

Sure, the Bloods beat up on their “bunnies” in the Lakers last week but this well drilled Lions outfit will ask questions of the depth at Scoble’s disposal given up to five premiership players Ryan Carter, Jordy Kight, Ryan Davis, Lachie Watkins and Max Scoble are likely to be sidelined for another week.

There’s rarely any place to hide on Clarke Oval as the Bloods found out at their last visit, beaten comfortably, 100-40.

The Bloods managed just six goals for the afternoon, four coming off the boot of gun, spiritual leader Braedan Kight.

Scoble would be the first to concede they were handed a lesson around the ball, but the return of Jackob Hickey will provide a major boost despite the Lions inclusion of Josh Guthrie who too missed the Round 18 clash.

With the unlikelihood of Jake Sutton taking his part, the onus on the Lions reaping a greater spread of goalkickers remains a work in progress despite obvious dangers, Daniel Johnston and Pat Scanlon.

The once revered, organised, impenetrable defence of the Bloods has shown encouraging signs in the opening couple of weeks with Jordy Cotter, Harry Handley and Adrian Monitto in full flight, and cherry ripe for the challenge.

Sunbury have won eight (twice v Melton) of their last 11 BFNL games, losing only to Darley.

So, this potential classic will tell us more about the Bloods than it will the Lions who are likely to be without Sutton, Mitch McLean (quad), Zach Stephens (broken arm), Jack Newitt (test) and speedster Cody Bramble (test) who is nears a long-awaited return from an ACL.

“Prep” should be familiar for Lions’ coach Matty White in the “oppo” space.

Contain the Carters, the Kights and the rebound of Cotter and Handley - you’re halfway there.

Easier said than done.

Scoop’s tip: Sunbury

The Burra must continue its winning momentum when they host the Lions under the lights at Marty Busch Reserve from 6.15pm.

The equation should hold no ‘left field’ surprises for Sebastopol coach Tony Lockyer, but what will be asked of his undefeated charges is consistency.

That alone, given the Burras’ opening two wins, should be enough despite key pairing Lachie Cassidy and Bailey Medwell likely to be sidelined for another week.

Sebastopol’s three GFL gains in the off season are mounting their claim among the top echelon of pickups already, despite the small sample size.

The Burra must be travelling alright if former St Joey’s talent Felix Henderson could not make it into the ‘best’ last week after his brow raising 36 disposal return against Ballarat.

And let’s not forget the Burras organic stocks that have featured prominently in the opening two rounds.

X-factor forward Adam Forbes (nine goals) leads the Tony Lockett Medal tally and is sure to attract the attention of Redan coach Marc Greig in his planning.

Veteran leader Luke Kiel is expected to make a swift return raising the degrees of difficulty for the visitors.

Sure, the Burra downed the highly touted Swans in their last hit out by a modest 15 points but it was the 32 scoring shots to 22 that drew the attention, giving every indication Lockyer’s army will prove the testing material against any opposition moving forward.

Redan however, fairness to them, won’t be rocking up under the lights for a party - in fact Greig’s Pride, a balanced mix of youth and experience will embark on Marty Busch Reserve with every intention of winning.

Following their 92-point win over the Lakers, the Lions showed plenty of grit to outscore 2025 Grand Finalists Sunbury in the second half last week, giving every indication this twilight meet could be closer than once thought.

The Bond boys, Taj and Lachie, pose an aerial threat of concern for the Burras’ back six, especially if ball magnets Brodie Pope and Rory Gunsser can extricate some forward half momentum.

The wealth of experience from both camps will come as no surprise to Lockyer or Greig given their celebrated history. With that comes undeniable, mutual respect.

Just who can settle first under the elements, albeit night footy, and make the most of their opportunities will go a long way determining the result.

Scoop’s tip: Sebastopol

The Roosters host the next generation talent of the Kangaroos at Mars Stadium on Sunday.

Experienced mentor and Roosters’ coach Clint Proctor will look at putting this game to bed early, fully aware the potential dangers a young group with any momentum present.

The Kangas, despite a 0-3 record, took it up to the all-conquering Devils last week, leading the game until very late, before Brett Bewley and Billy Myers found another level to deny coach Joe Carmody the upset of the season.

Proctor would’ve seen the vision, the buy-in across the board from the Kangas, palpable.

The experienced heads at East Point are leading by example, all have earned the nod of approval featuring prominently in the best players.

Rising star Jarrod Joyce is proving a focal point up forward and surely the attention of the Roosters’ hierarchy for a targeted role.

Match ups aside, North Ballarat needs to reclaim its aura at Mars Stadium. The days of fearing the Roosters on their home deck are feeling like a thing of the past for rival teams.

The Roosters fell short in their season opener against Ballarat making it three losses from their last four home games.

Time to make a statement, a correction on that if they’re to pose a genuine title threat moving forward.

The Roosters have enviable talent, and a more mature mix of youth and experience than, not only the Kangas, but most BFNL sides.

Sam Glover, Josh Morris and Denver Grainger-Barras would stretch any opposition in local footy, let alone Jai Lockett and Jamie Quick on a good day around the sticks.

What you get from Brock Leonard, Elliott Lamb and Isaac Carey is a model of consistency while Sam Artz, Darby McGuigan, Harvey Lewis, Wilbur Shea, Taj Bowman and Will Quinlan are just some of the running types between the arcs capable of impacting games on a weekly basis.

All bring form into Sunday’s hit out with East Point who is committed to the rebuild naming up to seven players with 10 games or less senior experience.

As brave as the Kangas were last week, the task for a predominantly young group to reproduce those “highs’ will be a tough one.

Scoop’s tip: North Ballarat