The top-10 Ballarat league games of 2023

From a grand final replay to battles for local bragging rights, these are the must watch Ballarat Football League games in 2023.

Ballarat football fans may have had to wait a while for the fixture but now they know who is playing who.

Teams will play 16 games before finals with teams playing some teams twice and others teams once.

You can view the draw here.

But what are the standout games to look out for and which game must you mark on your calendar?

We list 10 you can’t miss.

Ballarat v Darley – round one

Darley won’t have to wait long to do battle with Ballarat, the side who knocked the Devils out of last year’s finals. Expect this battle to be close if last year is anything to go by. The final was decided by one point while the previous contest ended in Ballarat’s favour by 18. The Devils also came back from being more than five goals down in both contests.

Sunbury v Melton – round two

Sunbury was one of only two teams to beat Melton last year. The Bloods will look to re-establish their dominance of the rivalry while Sunbury will aim to make another statement as it moves up the ladder.

Sebastopol's Lachlan Cassidy is back for another year with the club as it looks to go one better in Ballarat. Picture: Red Photos/Adam Cornell

Melton v Sebastopol – round three

Fans will have to wait until round three for the grand final replay and Sebastopol face a tough task heading to Melton to face the Bloods. Melton has not lost at home in almost two years and did defeat the Burras by an average of 40 points in their two matches last year.

East Point Football Club will be looking to bounce back in 2023 after being eliminated in the first week of the finals last year. Picture: Red Photos / Adam Cornell

East Point v North Ballarat – round five

This year is significant for East Point as it marks 30 years since the club’s last premiership when it was East Ballarat. There will be plenty of feeling in this game as the two rivals celebrate the milestone and battle for supremacy.

Darley v Melton – round eight

Darley’s new facilities will be officially opened in round eight and they welcome last year’s premiers to help launch their new home. It will be a massive game for the Devils’ community and a chance to see how the team stacks up against the competition heavyweights. It will also be a welcome home after the club plays away for the first seven rounds this season. Darley will be aiming to beat Melton for the first time since 2017.

North Ballarat v Ballarat – round 12

This year marks the 60th anniversary of North Ballarat winning its first senior premiership. Round 12 is set to be a special weekend for the club as they’ll face the Swans — the side they beat back in 1963. It’s a big year for North Ballarat with the club having a few milestones to celebrate after winning premierships in 1963, 1973, 1983 and 2013. These two teams also provide cracking contests with last year’s two matches being decided by 15 points and four points respectively. The Swans won both matches last year with the Roosters looking to turn the tide this year.

Sunbury’s Cody Bramble, who takes a strong mark against Melton, will be back at the club this year. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Sunbury v Melton South – round 12

Last year, Melton South stunned Sunbury away from home to secure its first win of the season. Sunbury, if they are to push for finals this year, need to be winning these types of matches to put themselves in contention for the top-six.

Darley v Bacchus Marsh – round 13

The two rivals battle in round 13 in what could be a decisive game for the finals hopes of both teams. There’s also plenty of bragging rights on the line for the two rivals. Last year’s contests between both teams were close with Darley winning by 10 points and Bacchus Marsh winning by one.

Lake Wendouree v Redan – round 15

Last year the Lakers won one game for the season — against Redan in round 1. The two teams battle in the first round again but we’ve included the round 15 game as it is at the Lakers home match. In a season where both teams will be looking to climb up the ladder, this clash could be vital to both teams chances. For Redan it could be a game that boosts its finals chances while for the Lakers it could help them avoid back-to-back wooden spoons.

Sebastopol v Ballarat – round 17

Last year these two teams played three matches with each contest being decided by less than 10 points. Sebastopol won two of them with the Swans winning the other, a three-point win in round 18. This game could provide similar windfalls, in terms of ladder position, to the winner. Both teams are expected to finish high up the ladder and this contest could shape where both finish.