The Ballarat Football Netball League's return delivered it all - grand final retribution, goals, and fierce, contested footy.
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Now, the pressure is on the winners to back up their performances, as a host of opponents wait eager to notch their first win of the season.
There is plenty of intrigue from the line-ups, with star names sidelined by injury.
We dive into the round two match-ups below.
Bacchus Marsh v Darley
at Maddingley Park, Saturday, 6:15pm
LAST TIME THEY MET: round 7 2019, Bacchus Marsh 10.10 (70) def Darley 8.3 (51)
COBRAS: There were promising signs for Tom German's men in their season opener. The Cobras' defence stood the test but were let down by their teammates up top in the 26-point loss to the Swans. Bacchus Marsh led the game until the dying stages of the third quarter and will need to rectify last weekend's lull and put on a four-quarter performance to notch its first win.
DEVILS: It was a tough start to the campaign for Darley, losing to Sunbury on home soil for the first time since 2016. The Devils struggled against the Lions' all-out attack in the 29-point opening-round loss and face a similar challenge this weekend. Darley's best chance of victory is to slow the Cobras down in the middle of the park.
PREDICTION: Bacchus Marsh
East Point v Lake Wendouree
at Eastern Oval, Saturday, 6:15pm
LAST TIME THEY MET: round 13 2019, East Point 15.13 (103) def Lake Wendouree 6.14 (50)
ROOS: The Roos had a harsh welcome to the new season, blowing a five-goal lead at half time to lose the grand final re-match. The raw materials were there for the Roos - with their recruits firing and their kicking on target - but they could not match it with the Burra. There were plenty of sore bodies after round one, and it isn't going to be easier against a team fresh and ready to start their season.
LAKERS: The poor Lakers had to sit back and watch as all the other clubs celebrated football's return at the weekend. Now, they finally get their chance, but it's not going to be a walk in the park. Lake Wendouree's youth face a big challenge against the big-bodied Roos, motivated by the opening round loss. Their ability to not get sucked into the occasion will be key to putting on a good performance.
PREDICTION: East Point
Melton South v Redan
at Melton Recreation Reserve, Saturday, 2:15pm
LAST TIME THEY MET: round 16 2019, Redan 16.21 (117) def Melton South 9.9 (63)
PANTHERS: Life doesn't get any easier for the Panthers after opening their campaign against red-hot rivals Melton. Redan makes the trip down the highway this weekend, posing another challenge for the hosts. Melton South's best chance of victory rests in its ability to find Dylan Conway in space. The gun forward is in fine form, booting three at the weekend.
LIONS: Redan threatened but didn't quite time its charge against North Ballarat in its season-opener. Lachie George was largely kept quiet, but if he unleashes, it could be a long day out for his opponents. Nick Barker could have his hands full in defence trying to contain the Panthers' sweep of former VFL players. If he succeeds, his side could be halfway to victory.
PREDICTION: Redan
North Ballarat v Ballarat
at Mars Stadium, Saturday, 6:15pm
LAST TIME THEY MET: round 17 2019, North Ballarat 13.8 (87) def Ballarat 11.17 (83)
ROOSTERS: Brendan McCartney's men prevailed in their first game under their new coach, and with a couple of experienced players ready to come in from injury lay-offs, the Roosters will have their eyes on a 2-0 start. Inaccuracy in front of goal plagued North Ballarat at times in round one. The hosts will need to kick straight this time, with chances likely to be at a premium against a solid defensive unit.
SWANS: Ballarat notched an important win at the weekend, not just for early points but to instil confidence in the group. The Swans battled, trailing for three quarters, before finally running away to victory. Joe Carmody's group will need to maintain the same stamina levels against a well-drilled opponent. Should they start the way they ended last weekend, the Swans could be walking away victors again.
PREDICTION: Swans
Sunbury v Melton
at Clarke Oval, Saturday, 2:15pm
LAST TIME THEY MET: elimination final 2019, Melton 11.11 (77) def Sunbury 9.11 (65)
LIONS: This one is personal for Sunbury. Travis Hodgson's men saw their premiership run end at the hands of their round two opponents in 2019. A win this weekend would go some way to easing the pain but would, more importantly, see the Lions go 2-0. Hodgson has said it himself, Sunbury will need to be better in front of goal to stand a chance this weekend.
BLOODS: Melton celebrated an early confidence booster, landing a big 69-point win against crosstown rivals Melton South to start the season. The Bloods face their first big challenge in round two, meeting a fellow premiership hopeful. They've been able to score freely - as exhibited in the 33 scoring shots last weekend - but will need to be at their best defensively this time around.
PREDICTION: Sunbury
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