NO surprises in Loddon Valley football at the weekend as the good ol’ Oracle powers to a tipping record that outstrips the performance of Marong the last season or two.
With more time on my hands than usual, the Crystal Ball has been working overtime in match analysis and fortune.
I’m pumping for a few upsets this weekend and none bigger that Pyramid Hill toppling Marong at Malone Park.
On the Panthers’ home turf, no less, but the Bulldogs from Mitchell Park up north will be out to avenge last year’s 16-point defeat in the grand final and also grab the Mick Herrick Cup.
It sure will be a toss of the coin but Pyramid Hill is capable.
Mitiamo may not have started the year too well - and I’ve copped a ribbing about the Superoos’ chances of lifting off the bottom. 
They’ve the chance to prove me wrong when Maiden Gully ventures to John Forbes Oval on Saturday.
Many a good side from Bendigo has fallen flat on the windy graveyard.
Maiden Gully is not, to date anyway, one of the better sides out of the big smoke and will find Mitiamo knows how to play the ground and that wind blowing in from the Echuca end. Expect a few cheers in the Legends’ Bar as Mitiamo proves even the Oracle can get some things wrong.
The fighting spirit will be at Bridgewater where the cross-bridge rivalry continues with Inglewood in the annual Anzac weekend clash.
Bridgewater is firing on more pistons than a super-charged V8 scooting around Bathurst at the moment.
The Blues have a tough few opening rounds. Remember, though, they hadn’t had a practice match for a fortnight before last Saturday’s encounter with Bears Lagoon Serpentine.
Inglewood will be the better for the tough hit out and is my tip for the quality chocolates against Bridgewater. 
While the top four teams already look established - Marong, Pyramid Hill, Bridgewater and Bears Lagoon Serpentine - Inglewood in the next few weeks can stamp itself as the team to earn that fifth position, if my crystal ball is not too hazy.
- GLENN CATTO