If you thought round nine of the Central Highlands Football League (CHFL) was an exciting week of footy, like I did, then get ready for a jam-packed round 10.
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For the second consecutive week there will be a top-of-the-table clash after Hepburn fell to third following its 35-point loss to Gordon.
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Rokewood-Corindhap took the Burras place and now welcome the Eagles to see if it can climb to top of the table.
The match-up couldn't have come at a better time for the Grasshoppers, who dominated Buninyong in round nine, having 40 shots at goal to eight on their way to a 57-point win.
Whilst many of them were rushed behinds and the conditions were tough, Rokewood did kick 10.30, which is something it can't afford to do against the offensive powerhouse that is Gordon.
The Eagles average the most points per game through nine rounds with 120.5.
Dunnstown travel to Hepburn with the hopes of breaking another hoodoo after its heroics against Buninyong in round six.
The Towners haven't beaten the Burra since round 17 2009, when they won by 23 points.
With the teams even on five wins through seven games, this weekend presents as good a chance as any for Dunnstown to break through.
Coach Glenn Wilkins told The Courier the hoodoo isn't a focus for his side but they go in confident.
"We're happy with the way we're tracking, it's hard to know, conditions will probably play a bit of a part in it as well, but we've got nothing to lose," he said.
"Obviously they're a strong side and it looks like Gordon and Hepburn at this stage are the two front runners.
"Look anything's possible, so we're certainly going in with confidence."
Learmonth hosting Bungaree is an important clash for both sides and their seasons.
A loss for the Lakies and they potentially fall out of the eight by round's end.
A win and they live to fight another day with the top group.
For Bungaree, this kicks off a winnable month of footy, but every game presents a dangerous element. It's win or go home in these games for the Demons.
The same predicament faces Daylesford and Skipton.
A loss in round nine put the Dogs back a step in the chasing pack and it means a win over Skipton is a near necessity to keep the top eight within arms reach.
The Emus have the ability to climb closer to the top four but as is the case with Learmonth, could fall outside the top eight with a loss.
Clunes is entering a danger stretch of games and it begins with Springbank on Saturday.
Newlyn, Buninyong, Gordon and Dunnstown are to follow and while all winnable, are equally danger games.
A win over the Tigers gives the Magpies some breathing space and confidence going into clashes with top sides like Gordon and Dunnstown in a few weeks time.
Springbank has enjoyed a nice run of form after a tough start owing to injury and opponents and the path to the top eight seems a little clearer.
The door well and truly opens after round 10 if the Tigers can get the four points.
A loss drops it back into the chasing pack and that door closes once again.
Rokewood-Corindhap vs Gordon
at Rokewood, 2:35pm
Last time: Gordon 28.11 (179) def Rokewood-Corindhap 7.8 (50), round 10 2019
A quick word: Two top of the table clashes in consecutive weeks, CHFL fans are lucky.
Rokewood-Corindhap has passed every test so far this season, it's only blemish a loss to Skipton.
A win lifts the Grasshoppers to top of the table.
Gordon has passed every test too, its most recent one last weekend, a 35-point win over Hepburn. A win confirms itself as the lone premiership favourite.
Prediction: Gordon
Clunes vs Springbank
at Clunes, 2:35pm
Last time: Springbank 23.12 (150) def Clunes 3.5 (23), round 10 2019
A quick word: A game with big ramifications for both clubs depending on the result.
A loss for Clunes takes it to the brink of dropping outside the top eight, it's strong percentage enough to keep it in for another week, however.
A win keeps its hopes for the top four alive.
A win for Springbank brings the top eight closer, a loss pushes it even further away and the climb becomes tougher again.
Prediction: Springbank
Creswick vs Buninyong
at Creswick, 2:35pm
Last time: Buninyong 23.12 (150) def Creswick 4.8 (32), round 10 2019
A quick word: Two teams that need a win.
Buninyong has lost three on the trot and fallen outside the top eight.
Creswick's lost three in a row also, slipping down to 14th on the ladder and losing touch with the chasing pack for the top eight.
A win for either side gets their seasons back on track.
Prediction: Buninyong
Daylesford vs Skipton
at Daylesford, 2:35pm
Last time: Skipton 15.13 (103) def Daylesford 9.4 (58), round 10 2019
A quick word: On paper, another ripping clash for round 10.
Skipton finds itself in the top eight and a win makes the top four a viable option going forward.
Daylesford is a strong side on its home deck and needs a win to keep its top eight dreams alive.
Prediction: Daylesford
Hepburn vs Dunnstown
at Hepburn, 2:35pm
Last time: Hepburn 11.12 (78) def Dunnstown 6.5 (41), round 10 2019
A quick word: While 35-point losers last week to Gordon, Hepburn won't be losing too much confidence as it heads home to host Dunnstown, one poor quarter it's only real blemish last week.
Dunnstown beat Buninyong for the first time since 2010 before lockdown and now has the chance to beat Hepburn for the first time since 2009.
A huge game.
Prediction: Hepburn
Learmonth vs Bungaree
at Learmonth, 2:35pm
Last time: Learmonth 10.6 (66) def Bungaree 6.7 (43), round 10 2019
A quick word: This is the beginning of a winnable month for Bungaree, but each game is equally dangerous.
Wins in this month make the Demons a genuine top eight threat, losses knock them out of contention.
Learmonth were disappointing against Skipton, trailing by 50 points at half-time, so will be hoping for a strong display on its home deck.
Prediction: Bungaree
Ballan vs Newlyn
at Ballan, 2:35pm
Last time: Newlyn 18.20 (128) def Ballan 3.4 (22), round 10 2019
A quick word: After a rough start to the season, mostly thanks to injury, Newlyn is back on track and on the brink of the top eight.
If it can win and one of Skipton or Learmonth lose, the Cats will be in the eight by round's end.
Ballan are fresh from a 124-point belting at the hands of Springbank. It needs to respond strongly this weekend.
Prediction: Newlyn
Carngham-Linton vs Waubra
at Snake Valley, 2:35pm
Last time: Waubra 29.14 (188) def Carngham-Linton 6.5 (41), round 10 2019
A quick word: Waubra was tested for three quarters by Daylesford last weekend but pulled away as good teams do in the final term.
With an expected win against Carngham-Linton this weekend, the top four is wide open for the Roos.
The Saints should be fresh from the week off and if any round was going to provide them a chance at an upset, it would be this one, coming in with a lot of rest.
Prediction: Waubra
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Ollie Nash
A keen sports follower covering the Central Highlands Football and Netball League's and the wider sports scene in Ballarat. Get in touch at ollie.nash@thecourier.com.au.
A keen sports follower covering the Central Highlands Football and Netball League's and the wider sports scene in Ballarat. Get in touch at ollie.nash@thecourier.com.au.
