With all the excitement that round one brings, there is also eight teams that must re-group and aim for redemption in round two, or in the Central Highlands Football League's case, seven, as Hepburn v Daylesford was declared a draw.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Springbank, Creswick, Learmonth, Dunnstown, Skipton, Bungaree and Carngham Linton all front up this week with an added chip on their shoulder as they look to avoid an 0-2 start.
READ MORE SPORT:
The Tigers nearly pulled off a comeback win in round over Newlyn, but a 60-point first half by the Cats and 10 goals to Marcus Darmody was too much to overcome.
To only go down by 14 points is a positive sign for Springbank but things don't get any easier as it travels to Buninyong on Saturday for one of the games of the round.
Creswick will be one team chomping at the bit to make amends following its 53-point loss to Clunes at the weekend away from home.
Learmonth at home is a winnable game but the Lakies are ready to bounce back from their two-point loss to Rokewood-Corindhap.
An important game for two fringe finals sides.
Dunnstown v Skipton looms as one of the matches of the round, two even teams on paper, both finals hopefuls and both desperately hoping to avoid an 0-2 start.
The Emus were smashed by Gordon and will be without co-coach Andrew Pitson who has broken his thumb, requiring surgery.
The Towners are healthy and should go in favourites, as long as it avoids another 43-point deficit at quarter time like it gave up to Waubra in round one.
Bungaree have every right to be dirty on its round one loss, up by 10 points at three-quarter time and eventually losing by one point to Buninyong.
Gordon away from home doesn't present an easy win, however, especially considering some key players the Demons will miss.
Carngham Linton ignored its recent history and gave Beaufort an almighty scare, going down by a kick under lights at home. Hepburn won't be an easy beat but an upset would set up its season.
If you are seeing this message you are a loyal digital subscriber to The Courier, as we made this story available only to subscribers. Thank you very much for your support and allowing us to continue telling Ballarat's story. We appreciate your support of journalism in our great city.
Have you signed up to The Courier's variety of news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.
