The Early Crow

Ballarat FNLMatch Previews | As the halfway point of the season approaches, things are heating up in the Wintery depths of the competition with plenty to play for this weekend.

 Expect the high-flying Swans to start unofficial favourites against the Devils for the first time in four years at Darley Park.

Sure, the Devils recent record at home is compelling, a 15-0 run dating back to the 2024 Semi Final, but they’re vulnerable and need a scalp.

The reality is, the Devils have beaten the bottom four sides and only Bacchus Marsh (5th) inside the top six.

The weight of expectation on the Devils’ top end to deliver has never been greater since Nick Hind joined the club at the start of 2025.

The reigning premiers will require every bit of their brilliance PLUS a second tier and depth response to get this done!

Star playmakers Hind, Brett Bewley and Billy Myers lead the charge again on Saturday but will be confronted by a team that bats arguably deeper than any list for talent in the competition.

The Swans’ enviable point of difference is their well-documented trio of inform 200cm keys Patrick Graham (in best 6/8), Biggie Nyuon (26 goals/7 games) and Alex Keath (in best 4/6 games).

The luxury for coach Ash Baker developing the spread around them is seeing a growing response by the week, their commitment to the task is palpable.

Click here to read the full article