BALLARAT is not necessarily an outfit which buries rivals.
The Swans know how to win well though and this is all that counts.
The Shane Hutchinson-led Ballarat has had just the start it wanted, with four wins in five outings.
And it could so easily have been an unbeaten run, with it going down to Redan by only three points in round one.
Newcomer Braeden Deary is providing some potency near goal, as is the emerging James Quayle in his rookie season in the seniors and the seasoned Mark Nunn, who the Swans need to fire.
Big key forwards can be all the difference and a big season for Nunn might mean the same for Ballarat, especially with the AFL-experienced Luke Brennan also hitting his straps along with first-year player Chris Howgate.
Bacchus Marsh is desperately trying to get something going.
After two early wins, three straight losses have taken the shine of the Cobras and they need to turn things around.
They were not far away against Sunbury before the break for inter-league, but this is not going to be any easier.
Then after a bye, Bacchus Marsh will face Redan and North Ballarat City, so its season is almost on the line right here.
PREDICTION: Ballarat by 23 points