The scene is set for a cracker game between Bendigo and Ballarat. 

Both teams have had rollercoaster seasons, both teams will be desperate to win. 

Let's hope the Braves can string a couple of games together and finish off the season on a high. 

Plus it is always good to beat Ballarat. 

ND: Plenty at stake for the Braves in this battle with their greatest rival at home.

A victory would cap the incredible feat of Chris Hogan in what will be his 391th game for the Braves, a new club record.

Bourkey summed it up best in Thursday's editorial when he wrote about Hogan not being the most skilful or damaging player, but clearly one of the most important in the Braves line-up.

Just the sight of the Ballarat singlets will have the Braves primed for this match.

Have gone to Ballarat's Minerdome a few times over the years, Magpie. The frosty reception when I showed the Bendigo Advertiser card at the door almost matched the temperature outside.

KA: Hopefully, a win would kick-start the Braves in this final stretch before the finals. 

They have the talent. It is just about gelling on the day and working together. 

I am sure the team will lift and do it for Chris Hogan and also having bragging rights over Ballarat, that is always a good thing. 

ND: Last Friday's win against Geelong Supercats at The Arena shows what the Braves can do.

It's not just about racking up the points, but the defensive rebounds and steals that will be crucial to Bendigo's chances of beating the Miners and all other opponents as the season rolls on.

It's been a roller-coaster season for both clubs, but home-court advantage and recent form tips the scales Bendigo's way, just.

Will be interesting to see how the Bendigo Lady Braves respond to defeat when they take on Ballarat Rush. 

KA: The women's game will be just as interesting as the men. 

Bendigo was knocked off first spot in the southern conference ladder and need to bounce back if it wants to finish the season in top spot. 

They have a talented team, match winners everywhere, so I am sure they will respond like all good teams and defeat the Rush. 

It would be great to see both Bendigo teams victorious over Ballarat on Friday night. 

​ND: The only time the Lady Braves have endured consecutive defeats this season started in round four when Rush won at Ballarat by two points.

It was 17 days before Bendigo's next match and it went down to Nunawading.

The Lady Braves know how tough the task against Rush will be and then a week later at Kilsyth.

​KA: The game between the Ballarat and Bendigo earlier this season hurt the Lady Braves. 

So I would imagine Jonathon Goodman and his team would be firing and ready to go for this game. 

The Lady Braves have a big few weeks ahead.

ND: They certainly do, Magpie, just like your boys at Collingwood and mine at Essendon have in the big league.

Huge match at the 'G' on Sunday when the Magpies and Bombers do battle again.

The Pies are not so hot at the moment, but the Bombers will have to play well across four quarters to beat them.