IT’S been a tough initiation for Ballan coach Darron Batties.
A new leader at the helm, a big recruiting campaign and a narrow loss to reigning premiers Waubra in round one had many tipping the Blues to rocket up the Central Highlands Football League ladder in 2012.
But it has been a disappointing start for the boys at Ballan, who have failed to register a win from the opening third of the season.
And tomorrow is shaping as a vitally important clash for both clubs, with success appearing as though it will be few and far between this year.
Learmonth will be high on confidence following its win over Illabarook, albeit by two points, and will be hard to toss at home.
PREDICTION: Ballan in a match that could go either way.