Six spots, nine contenders: the race for a Ballarat Football Netball League finals berth

Just five rounds remain - before any potential COVID-forced changes* - in what shapes to be one of the most dramatic finishes to the Ballarat Football Netball League to date.

East Point has recovered from a shaky start to mount pressure on the early pacesetters, while fellow 2019 grand finalists, Sebastopol, is clinging onto the edge of a finals berth.

Ballarat is hoping to avoid any late scares and play finals for the first time in seven years but has perennial powers Redan and Sunbury breathing down its neck.

The finish line is in sight, but which clubs will be there when it matters?

The Courier has dived into every club's run home.

Mathematically, North Ballarat could still drop out of finals contention. Realistically, it looks to be in a two-horse race for the minor premiership. Three matches against fellow finals contenders in Bacchus Marsh, East Point and Redan will keep the Roosters humble. But, a four-point buffer at the top allows a misstep. Games against bottom two sides Darley and Melton South should see the Roosters lock in a double-chance.

Run home: Darley (A), Bacchus Marsh (A), East Point (H), Redan (H), Melton South (H)

Melton coach Aaron Tymms previously said his side's easy rub of the draw to start the season had glossed over his side's performances. Well, the run home will be the true test of the Bloods' credentials. Four away games - including three against sides with finals aspirations - is no easy feat. Tymms' group is unlikely to drop out of finals from here, but a double-chance is under threat.

Run home: Bacchus Marsh (A), Darley (H), Melton South (A), Sebastopol (A), Ballarat (A)

The best sides time their runs right. The reigning premiers were languishing on the edge of the top six at the season's midway point but have reversed their form in fine fashion. A tough start drew doubters but has allowed for an easy run home. East Point enters only one remaining game against North Ballarat as the underdog and might sneak into a double-chance spot.

Run home: Redan (H), Sunbury (A), North Ballarat (A), Ballarat (H), Lake Wendouree (A)

Ballarat has not been this high since 2014, but it's only job half done. The Swans' success shouldn't be understated, given they've had two of the league's biggest names, Andrew Hooper and Josh Gibson, out for most of the season. Joe Carmody's men are yet to have their first bye, so they will automatically lose four points on the pack. In a season that might be defined by percentage, games against Melton South and Sunbury will define the Swans' finals chances.

Run home: Melton South (A), East Point (A), Sunbury (H), Melton (H)

On their day, the Cobras are unmatchable. When misfiring, they drop games they shouldn't. Just what Bacchus Marshside turns up may determine where - or if - it ends up in the top six. Goalkicking force Aaron Willitts is expected to return from an injury and will help the cause. Lighter games in the final three rounds will help with points but could demand a step-up come September.

Run home: Melton (H), North Ballarat (H), Lake Wendouree (A), Darley (A), Sunbury (H)

5 wins, 4 losses, 20 pts, 98.92 per cent

The Lions may just be left to rue a hot-and-cold start to the season. Redan sits four points clear of the pack but with games against East Point and North Ballarat on the horizon, is at risk of falling out of finals contention. A lowly percentage is the main area of concern. Games against Darley and Melton South are opportunities to grab big wins, but both sides have already troubled Redan this season.

Run home: East Point (A), Darley (A), North Ballarat (A), Lake Wendouree (A), Melton South (H)

If 2019 was a fairytale, then this year could be the nightmare. The Burra showed promise early but have been held back by injuries to nearly half its seniors list. Sitting four points off, it's not panic stationD yet, and Sebastopol enjoys one the easiest runs home - playing sides all in the bottom half of the ladder. Finals is still likely, but just how deep Michael Searl's men can go will rest on who returns from the injury ward.

Run home: Melton South (H), Lake Wendouree (H), Sunbury (A), Melton (H), Darley (H)

It's an easy assignment for the Lions - win. Sunbury plays its next three games at home. Win two, and they can not only enter the top six but increase the buffer with the chasing pack. Consistency has escaped the Lions at times, and it's yet to be seen how their young stars will handle the pressure of a finals fight.

Run home: Lake Wendouree (H), East Point (H), Sebastopol (H), Ballarat (A), Bacchus Marsh (A)

The Lakers' next game is practically a final. Lose to Sunbury, and the gap may just become too big Lake Wendouree meets four of the season's biggest powers to close the season. The Lakers have been giant slayers in the past - handing North Ballarat its only loss. But, with a season on the line and opponents thriving. The task might just be too much this time.

Run home: Sunbury (A), Sebastopol (A), Bacchus Marsh (A), Redan (H), East Point (H)

A couple of drubbings, most recently at the hands of East Point, looks to have cost the Panthers a finals charge. Melton South is only eight points off but is all but out of running due to its lowly percentage. Only sides in the finals equation await the Panthers on the run home. It's not good for their own hopes, but they may just crash the party for others.

Run home: Sebastopol (A), Ballarat (H), Melton (H), North Ballarat (A), Redan (A)

A season that started with such optimism soon turned into a rebuild for Dan Roy after a spate of long-term injuries. The young Devils are dealt one of the worst runs home - playing four of the top six sides. Still searching for a first win, don't expect the proud club just to roll over.

Run home: North Ballarat (H), Redan (H), Melton (H), Bacchus Marsh (H), Sebastopol (A)

*The BFNL has confirmed it will re-start the season, when allowed, with its round 11 matches. Any potential impacts will be dependent on the length of the lockdown and "start-up timeframe".