Your game-by-game preview to the Central Highlands Football League's round nine return

Premiership contenders facing off, teams on the fringe of the top eight battling and strugglers through the first six rounds looking at a chance to re-start their season. Round nine has it all.

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Gordon welcome Hepburn, in what could be a grand final preview.

In the revised ladder system, where teams are ranked on percentage of games won, Gordon overtook the Burra, as it is 5-0, while Hepburn are five wins and one draw, taking its percentage of games won down to 91.67.

Both teams are under no illusions, however, that not much separates them and the contest should reflect that.

Six players from the two sides featured in The Courier's top 20 CHFL players of the year so far.

Gordon's Ethan Crackel claimed top spot, Hepburn's Sam Dunstan second. Teammate Bradley McKay followed in seventh, his brother Andy next in 11th.

Gordon co-coach Adam Toohey was next in 13th, Gerard Clifford rounding out the group in 20th.

Buninyong will host Rokewood-Corindhap in another huge clash.

The Bombers lost two in a row before lockdown and now find themselves eighth, while the Hoppers are flying in third spot.

The equation is simple. A loss for Buninyong and it most likely falls outside the top eight. A win and it comes within a game of the Hoppers in third spot and the hunt for the top four is back on.

Skipton hosting Learmonth is one of the biggest games of the round looking at the ladder.

They are separated only by percentage of games won (Learmonth 60 per cent, Skipton 50 per cent).

A win for either does wonders for their top eight hopes, a loss makes the climb all the more harder.

At Newlyn, similar consequences face the Cats and Creswick. The Wickers come to town with two wins, the same as Newlyn, but separated by percentage of games won (Newlyn 40 percent, Creswick 33.33 percent).

On paper it's an even contest and with some poor weather expected, the game becomes even more interesting.

Both sides are in need of a win to stay close to the top eight.

Meanwhile at Bungaree, the Demons will host Clunes it is a even contest despite the difference in records.

The Demons have faced five of the top eight sides in a tough run, but after pushing Hepburn for four quarters, take a lot of confidence into this game.

A loss and their season is done. A win and they're back in the hunt for the top eight.

For Clunes, a win cements its spot in the top eight. A loss brings them back to the chasing pack.

A plethora of great options to go watch some local footy and some interesting story lines to come out of each game. We watch on with intrigue.

at Bungaree, 2:35pm

Last time: Bungaree 6.13 (49) d Clunes 6.8 (44), round nine 2019

A quick word: Despite the differences in records, this game looms as one of the most even contests of the round.

Bungaree was just starting to play some consistent footy before the lockdown, challenging Hepburn for four quarters.

The Demons need this win if they are to salvage their season, while Clunes could consolidate its spot in the top four even further.

Prediction: Bungaree

at Buninyong, 2:35pm

Last time: Buninyong 15.18 (108) def Rokewood-Corindhap 3.8 (26), round nine 2019

A quick word: Another superb clash on paper to re-start the season.

Rokewood-Corindhap has announced itself as a genuine contender, while back-to-back losses has knocked Buninyong down to eighth.

A win for the Bombers closes the gap between them and the top four. A win for the Hoppers just extends that gap.

Prediction: Rokewood-Corindhap

at Gordon, 2:35pm

Last time: Hepburn 17.6 (108) def Gordon 9.15 (69), round nine 2019

A quick word: The game of the round.

The two leading premiership contenders at the moment, both without a loss and separated only by Hepburn's draw with Daylesford in round one.

Potentially a grand final preview.

Prediction: Gordon

at Newlyn, 2:35pm

Last time: Creswick 7.3 (45) def Newlyn 5.8 (38), round nine 2019

A quick word: This is a huge game for both sides seasons.

Both sit on two wins and are holding on to the top eight, just.

The loser faces a tougher uphill climb to the top eight, the winner able to breath a little easier.

Prediction: Newlyn

at Skipton, 2:35pm

Last time: Skiptonb 8.12 (60) def Learmonth 7.6 (48), round nine 2019

A quick word: Another ripping clash on paper, footy fans are being treated well this weekend.

Even on 12 points each, separated only by their percentage of games won (Learmonth 60 percent, Skipton 50 percent).

These are the games in the CHFL you just have to win, against the teams around you on the ladder, to create that separation in the standings. Massive game.

Prediction: Skipton

at Springbank, 2:35pm

Last time: Springbank 21.18 (144) def Ballan 3.4 (22), round nine 2019

A quick word: Springbank was hit majorly by the injury bug to start the season but this game could kick start their run at the top eight, which they only trail by four points.

For Ballan, a win is a necessity to keep its season afloat.

Prediction: Springbank

at Waubra, 2:35pm

Last time: Waubra 15.14 (104) def Daylesford 4.8 (32), round nine 2019

A quick word: This is the test Daylesford has been waiting for to prove its legitimacy in 2021.

Not only would the win take it closer to the top eight, potentially in it by round's end, it would be the big scalp it's been chasing.

For Waubra, it just needs wins to keep coasting along and staying in the hunt for the top four.

Prediction: Waubra

at Dunnstown, 2:35pm

Last time: Beaufort 11.6 (72) def Dunnstown 6.12 (48), round nine 2019

A quick word: Dunnstown's announced itself as a contender before lockdown, beating Buninyong for the first time since 2010, now it needs to front up and continue on its good form.

Beaufort present a great chance to do that, but the Crows had been in better form the last few weeks before lockdown.

Prediction: Dunnstown

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