Tony Liberatore, a man who once sat in the Carlton box, hinted that the

Blues were not completely eager to win matches that would have cost them

the priority pick, but was howled down by people who did not want to listen.

Well, I've met Tony Liberatore, and I trust Tony Liberatore.

And now we have the issue back again. And it will be back again every

year until the AFL abolishes the priority pick.

The draft is deliberately designed to level the playing field. If a team

finishes last often enough they will eventually rise without putting a

priority pick in there to stimulate a false rebound. And no one would bother

tanking if it was just one position in the draft _ the difference between pick

one and pick two is minimal. But if it is the difference between pick one

AND two, versus JUST pick two, don't tell me a club wouldn't be tempted.

Thankfully there is no priority pick in the Ballarat Football League and

that means there will be 10 teams playing this weekend desperate to win.

Believe me, Sebastopol will not be tanking, nor will Melton.

So my tips, for what they are worth.

Darley should overpower Ballarat at home. A scare at the hands of the

Lakers last Saturday was probably exactly what the doctor ordered for the

Devils.

Speaking of the Green Machine, Lake Wendouree should get a much-

needed win against the talented but erratic North City at City Oval.

Bacchus Marsh versus Melton South could be closer than the ladder would

suggest. No Sutton means the Cobras are a chance, but I think there is still

enough quality in the Panthers' line-up.

Sebastopol will do what the Eagles won't and that is try to win. I think

the Kookaburras will come close but Melton was good last week _ Bloods

for me.

And in what has suddenly become a danger game for Sunbury, the eastern

Lions will be nervous facing a revitalised Redan but, at home, I'm on the

blue-and-whites.

Until next week _ keep Ranting.