The Devils host the Roosters in a perfectly timed hitout ahead of arguably the most even BFNL finals series on recent record.

Dead Rubber? Nah, not for these two coaches who will embrace every last minute to be cherry ripe for their respective final’s campaigns.

The cat and mouse decision to rest players on the err of caution hasn’t been in the forefront of mind for these two, rather another opportunity to build connection and continuity with ‘games-in’ given their injury troubles.

While some teams would prefer an easier lead up into the post season, coaches Dan Jordan and Clint Proctor see it differently.

Jordan has gone on the record in recent campaigns wanting a physical challenge while Proctor agreed (last year) in favour of the dual premiership coach’s theory.

Expect a full-dress rehearsal on Saturday minus any plan B reveals from the men with the magnets.

Let the players play they say, and that you can count on.

Devils’ key defender Matthew Brett is in doubt having missed last week while the Roosters welcome the return of Jamie Quick and Tom Bromley-Lynch at the expense of Max Faulkner and Harvey Shea who suffered ‘corks’ during their big win over the Lakers. 

Devils’ morale alone requires a top four scalp heading into finals given their 1-4 season record, not to mention a win at home having lost their last two at Darley Park.

In fact, the only win anywhere (1-3) Jordan’s army has had in the last month came against the Lakers on August 1 (Round 15).

On the other hand ladder leaders North Ballarat could be minor premiers come 5pm Saturday, a remarkable achievement for Proctor and his group who have had to overcome season long adversity on the injury front.

The Roosters are flying at the moment having won their last seven games. Hard working high forward Jye Lockett is on fire with multiple goal returns from his last nine outings while Dave Brinker Ritchie looks set to expose the Devils in the ‘ruck’ space.

Darley’s best is undoubtedly good enough, I’m just not sure we’ve seen it for long enough this year.

If the theory ‘peaking at the right time’ carry’s any weight, Jordan’s Devils should go close - a fourth loss in five games (three at home) in the run home is not ideal.

Tipping a proud yet vulnerable reigning premier to find a way back this week - it’s time!

Scoop’s tip: Darley 

While there’s little at stake in the context of the BFNL season, this intriguing battle between the Lions (ninth) and the Kangas (eighth) will provide the means for one team to celebrate at City Oval come 5pm Saturday.

In Redan’s case it would confirm their improvement not solely from recent near misses but also their previous meeting with the Kangas back in Round 8 when they were soundly beaten at Eastern Oval.

Key Lions Nick Barker, Oliver Pittard, Wil Madden, Zach Lang, Pat Fitzgibbon and Sean Mason will be given until Thursday night to prove their availability but no risks will be taken according to coach Marc Greig who already has one eye fixed on the coming pre-season.

For East Point, a sixth win would validate an encouraging rebuild ahead of a 2027 campaign under newly appointed, former Redan assistant coach Patrick Bowden.

Despite a couple of season ending injuries expect the Kangas to be right up for this final stoush, embracing the opportunity to end their season on a high.

There will be plenty of experienced and next gen talent on display at City Oval and well worth the visit if you’re in the area.

Two proud clubs, chasing a win on the way out - so just who is the better team in 2026?

Best let them decide….

Scoop’s tip: Draw

It’s likely the Swans will make the pilgrimage to Sunbury’s Clarke Oval for their Round 18 clash without three of their big guns.

With a prized third place finish already locked in for Ash Baker’s bevy, no risks are (likely) to be taken with Alex Keath, Brad Crouch and Fraser Perkins (all rested).

Good news for the travelling party however with the likely returns of Tristan Maple (Footscray VFL), wingman Luke Gray and Rhys Perry (ankle).

Unfortunately, the hosts will be without Jake Sutton (Sydney VFL) but welcome back Daniel Johnston, Cody Bramble and Jordy Gillard from Coburg VFL duties.

For the record, Johnston’s last game at BFNL level was against the Swans at their last meet back in Round 8.

Harry Power and Tyson Lever missed last week’s narrow six-point win over East Point and will need to get through training to earn the green light while Ben Cameron (work) remains subject to availability.

The inclusions for Sunbury give coach Matty White a better chance to shape the best version of his 22 ahead of an Elimination Final with Darley (likely) or Ballarat for a second week in a row.

Expect a free-flowing encounter on the big ground as both teams concede there are bigger fish to fry with finals moving forward with the risk of injury minimised.

Both camps will be happy getting through unscathed over the result, as they prepare to resemble something closer to their best after a frustrating run with injury and unavailability.

With merely bragging rights on the line, I think this result means more to Sunbury, at least in the mental space given the Swans have already shown enough.

Scoop’s tip: Sunbury

The Bloods should hold no fears for the high-flying Burra despite a road trip to Marty Busch Reserve.

With a finals berth all but sewn up, coach Troy Scoble can plan for a flag tilt that looked in jeopardy for periods on the back of losses to all teams outside the top six, bar the Lakers!

The recent acquisition of Billy Crofts (Footscray VFL) alone has triggered some life into the 2024 premiers who looked vulnerable on six wins just a fortnight ago.

Crofts, the confirmation of an available Ryan Carter and the return of Harry Hanley (overseas) are three major boosts for Scoble’s campaign, an overdue change of luck for the premiership coach.

The form of Braedan Kight, Jaycob Hickey and progressive young ruckman Joshua Stewart has restored the ‘Bloodahoods’ premiership claims.

And that’s without mentioning their trusted, tried and proven defence led by Jordy Cotter and Lachlan Phillips.

While it’s likely the Bloods will finish sixth, they wouldn’t be the sixth seed heading into finals that’s for sure - they may well scare a few along the way - including Sebastopol on Saturday!

These two sides have a history of hard-fought encounters over the last seven or eight years in particular, wherever they are on the ladder.

Burra coach Tony Lockyer will be looking for signs their best has not passed them as they prepare to face a team on the rise at the right time of year.

Lachlan Cassidy is a chance to return for a timely hit out while Ben Hutt (knee knock) and Luke Kiel (managed) are less likely, targeted more so for a final’s return.

The midfield battle has the all makings of a must watch - the running power of the Bloods vs the scoring ability of the Burra given the talent levels border on the same.

Tipping the Burras’ midfield (this time) to create enough chances in their front half, at home, to enable a narrow advantage on the scoreboard in what looms a cracking finals preview.

Scoop’s tip:  Sebastopol

Expect the Cobras to ‘fill their boots’ on Saturday when they travel to CE Brown Reserve to meet a Lake Wendouree outfit carrying a 35-game losing streak.

With the pressure of finals now off the table for the Cobras, anticipate an open, free running game in contrast to their last two that were dour in nature, essentially nine and eight goal games decided by less than kick!

Jake Owen and Joel Freeman are likely to pose the biggest threats to the Lakers in the Cobras’ front half, and it would come as no surprise if the two combined for double figure returns on the goal front.

Cobras’ ruckman Luke Goetz will have the larger say at stoppage providing the likes of Josh Huxtable and Jamie Fulton first use, heightening the likelihood of Armfield’s quiver posting a big score.

If the Cobras can replicate the intent and pressure of recent weeks, the margin could blow out well beyond 100 despite the celebratory return of Lakers’ interim coach Jake Lohmann into a dual role.

Lohmann played managed minutes last week in a small but giant step back from a season long hamstring tear.

Lakers’ trio Corey Rich, Alfred Jarnestrom and Lewis Antonac continue to rack up the bulk of possession for the Lakers but unfortunately most coming from behind the ball given the weight of play in the Lakers back half.

While the Cobras are expected to go out on a high and left to a degree wondering what could have been, the finish line for the Lakers’ season can’t come quick enough.

With the inclusion of Gisborne into the BFNL in 2027, the Lakers must get cracking in the off season not only with an eye to retain players but acquire some clever ‘moneyball’ recruits to get around the current list.

Yes, the Lakes have endured a horror run on the injury front and will need the missing back fully rehabilitated and firing.

It’s proving a long way back for the Lakers who have won just 4 of their last 67 games.

The Cobras will play without restraint this week and may impress as much as they did back on a sunny Good Friday afternoon when they trounced East Point in arguably their most convincing win of the season.

“Out with a bang” is the saying that best likens my prediction of the Cobras’ final game of their season.

An eighth win of the season for the Cobras would match the returns of 2025 while another loss for the Lakers ironically mirrors theirs.

Scoop’s tip: Bacchus Marsh