Castlemaine

GISBORNE overcame a three-goal deficit at the start of the final term to clinch a one-goal victory against Castlemaine in Saturday’s 11^th round of A-grade netball in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

It was another classic contest between Gisborne and Castlemaine at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve.

Castlemaine made a great start to lead 10-8 at quarter-time and 21-17 by the main break.

Although the margin was cut by a goal in a low-scoring third term, the Fiona Fowler and Gary Cooke-coached Castlemaine led 27-24 going into the final quarter.

In the last it was the Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne which was able to score five goals in the difficult conditions as the Magpies added just one.

At the final whistle Gisborne led 29-28.

Kangaroo Flat was too strong for South Bendigo at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval.

The Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroos marked the trek across to the Bloods’ home in Neale Street to win 61-41.

Defeat pushed the Jannelle Hobbs-coached South Bendigo from the top five.

Strathfieldsaye has climbed to the fifth rung following a 75-27 win on Golden Square’s court at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street.

The Steph Freemantle-coached Strathfieldsaye led 21-7 by quarter-time and 41-17 at the main.

Storm went on to win the next two quarters, 17-7 and 17-3 to record a 48-goal victory against the Benita Swatton-coached blue and gold.

Sandhurst’s unbeaten run kept rolling.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst won every quarter on its way to a 92-38 result against Kyneton at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

A red-hot Dragons line-up led 22-11 at quarter-time and it was the same scoreline in the second.

Sandhurst won the third, 24-6, and the last, 24-10, to complete another emphatic victory against the Dianne Guest-Oakley coached Tigers.

Eaglehawk brought up its third win of the season.

The Kylie Piercy-coached Eaglehawk teamed superbly on Maryborough’s court at Princes Park to win 59-28.

Eaglehawk led 15-6 at quarter-time and 28-15 by the main break.

A great run by the Borough kept rolling as it won the third term, 16-6, and the last, 15-7, against the Jordan Macilwain coached-Maryborough.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

Sandhurst 207 per cent, 44 points; Gisborne 176, 36; Kangaroo Flat 161, 32; Castlemaine 129, 30; Strathfieldsaye 101, 22; South Bendigo 104, 18; Kyneton 92, 18; Eaglehawk 76, 12; Maryborough 58, 8; Golden Square 36, 0.

Round 11 scoreboard:

A-reserve:

Gisborne 37 d Castlemaine 29, South Bendigo 40 d Kangaroo Flat 36, Golden Square 20 lt Strathfieldsaye 57, Sandhurst 59 d Kyneton 26, Eaglehawk bye.

B-grade:

Gisborne 75 d Castlemaine 18, South Bendigo 36 lt Kangaroo Flat 44, Golden Square 34 d Strathfieldsaye 28, Sandhurst 70 d Kyneton 27, Maryborough 11 lt Eaglehawk 39.

B-reserve:

Gisborne 53 d Castlemaine 15, South Bendigo 42 lt Kangaroo Flat 53, Golden Square 34 lt Strathfieldsaye 40, Sandhurst 79 d Kyneton 9, Maryborough 19 lt Eaglehawk 62.

17-and-under:

Gisborne 41 d Castlemaine 23, South Bendigo 26 lt Kangaroo Flat 43, Golden Square 29 lt Strathfieldsaye 39, Sandhurst 85 d Kyneton 5, Maryborough 56 d Eaglehawk 19.

Ladders after 11 rounds:

A-reserve:

Gisborne 205 per cent, 44 points; Sandhurst 174, 40; South Bendigo 97, 28; Kangaroo Flat 117, 24; Castlemaine 94, 24; Strathfieldsaye 87, 24; Eaglehawk 76, 20; Kyneton 62, 10; Golden Square 59, 6.

B-grade:

Sandhurst 197 per cent, 44 points; Gisborne 180, 36; Kangaroo Flat 130, 36; South Bendigo 101, 24; Strathfieldsaye 95, 22; Eaglehawk 90, 22; Golden Square 94, 20; Kyneton 75, 8; Castlemaine 58, 6; Maryborough 48, 2.

B-reserve:

Sandhurst 232 per cent, 40 points; Kangaroo Flat 176, 40; Gisborne 147, 32; Strathfieldsaye 129, 28; Eaglehawk 122, 28; South Bendigo 106, 20; Castlemaine 62, 16; Golden Square 72, 12; Kyneton 39, 4; Maryborough 44, 0.

17-and-under:

Gisborne 187 per cent, 44 points; Sandhurst 201, 40; Golden Square 157, 32; Maryborough 122, 26; Strathfieldsaye 112, 26; Kangaroo Flat 110, 18; Castlemaine 100, 18; Eaglehawk 70, 12; South Bendigo 50, 4; Kyneton 18, 0.

Castlemaine kicks off crucial two week test

CASTLEMAINE kicks off a crucial two week test when it plays at Golden Square’s Fur Life Oval in Saturday’s 12^th round in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy action.

A win-loss tally of four-six has the Michael Hartley-coached Castlemaine in sixth place ahead of the 2.20pm showdown in Wade Street.

The Magpies start the round a win and five per cent behind the fifth-placed Golden Square.

When these clubs met in round three it was the Brad Eaton-coached Bulldogs who finished the best to claim a 78-66 victory.

For Castlemaine to push for a top-five finish and qualify for finals it needs to claim an upset win or two.

First up is Golden Square and then at home against Eaglehawk next round.

Beating the Bulldogs at the Wade Street ground will not be an easy task for the Pies.

A strong on-ball group in the blue and gold includes the classy Ricky Monti who was best for Bendigo in last Saturday’s inter-league match against the Victorian AFA in Brighton.

Huge plus for the Bulldogs is the return of Terence Reeves for his first senior game since round nine against Kangaroo Flat last season.

Injury meant Reeves was on the sidelines as Golden Square charged to last September’s premiership victory.

The Bulldogs team to tackle the Magpies includes captain Jayden Burke, Jack Stewart, Jon Coe, Jack Threlfall, Jordan Rosengren, Tom Strauch and Luke Holt.

The play of youngsters Macey Eaton and Harrison Kelly, and by ruckman/forward Kai Daniels who has played 10 senior games have been highs in Square’s run so far.

Castlemaine has the marking power of Hartley and Zach Greeves in attack to test the Dogs’ defence.

A key for the Magpies will be their run and teamwork through midfield and from stoppages.

Expect big games from the likes of Kalan Huntly, captain Bailey Henderson, Ryan Eyre, Callum McConachy and Liam Wilkinson.

A premiership winner with Golden Square in ’23, Zavier Murley returns to the ground as a Castlemaine player.

Another big match will be at Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park where the Borough takes on Strathfieldsaye.

The Travis Matheson-coached Hawks can still grab a top-three finish, but must beat Storm to do so.

Margin was nine points in favour of the the Luke Freeman-coached Storm when it played the Hawks in round three at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye.

Two huge inclusions for Eaglehawk are Kallen Geary and ruckman Brayden Frost.

A multiple premiership winner in his time at Storm, Kallen Geary has not played since the round five win against Kangaroo Flat.

Among the opposition will be his older brother, Shannon, a star in many of Storm’s wins.

Eaglehawk also welcomes back Pala Kuma who had not played since the round four victory against Castlemaine.

A highlight will be the midfield contests where Eaglehawk has Clayton Holmes, Joel Mullen and Brady Rowles to take on Jai Featherby, Daniel Clohesy and Shannon Murphy.

Team-mates for Bendigo last Saturday, Charlie Langford and James Schischka could spend a fair amount of time as opponents.

Big test for a Hawks defence that includes Dylan Hanley, Pala Kuma, Jack and Sam Thompson against Caleb Ernst, Abe Sheahan, Riley Wilson and Zach Grieve.

A Hawks’ attack led by Jonty Neaves, Jack O’Shannessy and Cameron McGlashan takes on Lachlan Ratcliffe, Patrick Blandford and Cooper Jones.

South Bendigo will be back on home turf at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington to take on Kangaroo Flat.

A win is likely to put the Steve Stroobants and Isaiah Miller-coached South Bendigo above the Roos on the ladder.

When they met in round three it was Kangaroo Flat which won 121-94.

A South Bendigo attack led by Stroobants and Brock Harvey will test the Roos.

The ability of the Roos to limit or affect the Bloods’ moves forward of centre was a key to victory in round three.

Key players for the red and white include Brody Haddow, Anthony Zimmerman, captain Zac Hare and Alex Smith.

In a season where he has played 10 matches for the Bendigo Pioneers in the Coates Talent League, athletic big man Zaydyn Lockwood is in the Bloods line-up.

Roos’ midfielders Ethan Roberts and Luke Ellings have been in outstanding form all season.

Other key players for the Michael Ellings-coached Roos include Harry Whitty in attack, Jack Lefroy, Jake Hywood, Daniel Stagg, Kyle Symons and Isaac Lowndes.

Maryborough will be on home turf at Princes Park to take on Gisborne which ended Sandhurst’s unbeaten run last round.

Another massive challenge for the Coby Perry and Matt Johnston-coached Magpies.

Maryborough played well to score 48 points at Kangaroo Flat last round, but is up against a formidable Gisborne line-up.

Bulldogs’ ruckman Braidon Blake returns from injury to again team with Brad Bernacki, Jackson Cardillo and Flynn Lakey.

There’s no rest for gun forward Pat McKenna after the inter-league match.

A strong Gisborne team includes Harry Luxmoore in attack, Bendigo FNL captain Jack Reaper, Jed Denahy and Zac Vescovi in defence.

Been a tough run for the Coby Perry and Matt Johnston-coached Maryborough all season.

The Magpies will be doing all they can to compete as strong and for as long as they can against the Bulldogs.

Marybortogh will again look to Kya Lanfranchi, Joel Swatton and Aidan Medlyn to lead the way.

Sandhurst has the bye.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 293 per cent, 36 points; Gisborne 216, 32; Strathfieldsaye 175, 32; Eaglehawk 141, 20; Golden Square 118, 20; Castlemaine 113, 16; Kangaroo Flat 63, 12; South Bendigo 68, 8; Maryborough 14, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

56 Fergus Greene, Sandhurst.

43 James Schischka, Strathfieldsaye.

34 Michael Hartley, Castlemaine.

34 Brock Harvey, South Bendigo.

34 Pat McKenna, Gisborne.

29 Steven Stroobants, South Bendigo.

27 Harry Luxmoore, Gisborne.

26 Jack Stewart, Golden Square.

22 Jonty Neaves, Eaglehawk.

21 Jayden Burke, Golden Square.

20 Bailey Henderson, Castlemaine.

20 Cobi Maxted, Sandhurst.

19 Harry Whitty, Kangaroo Flat.

18 Malik Gordon, Strathfieldsaye.

18 Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst.

17 Brad Bernacki, Gisborne.

17 Zac Denahy, Gisborne.

15 Abe Sheahan, Strathfieldsaye.

14 Bryce Curnow, Sandhurst.

13 Zac Greeves, Castlemaine.

13 Matt Merrett, Gisborne.

13 Darcy Richards, Eaglehawk.

12 Lachlan Gill, Strathfieldsaye.

12 Lachlan Tardrew, Sandhurst.

11 Zach Charles, Strathfieldsaye.

11 Nick Stagg, Sandhurst.

11 Noah Walsh, Sandhurst.

10 Joel Mullen, Eaglehawk.

10 Mitchell Ronchieri, Eaglehawk.

10 Tom Strauch, Golden Square.

10 Riley Wilson, Strathfieldsaye.

Magpies, Roos try to break long-running hoodoo

CASTLEMAINE and Kangaroo Flat will be striving to break long-running hoodoos in Saturday’s 13^th round of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy action.

It’s been eight years since Castlemaine beat Eaglehawk.

The Magpies will be desperate to buck the trend and in doing so keep faint hopes of qualifying for finals flickering by winning Saturday’s home game at Camp Reserve.

The showdown between the Magpies and Hawks will start at 2.20pm.

It’s going to be a daunting task for the Michael Hartley-coached Magpies against an Eaglehawk team which thrashed Strathfieldsaye by 10 goals last round in the Borough’s Canterbury Park.

Chances of the black and white taking the points will hinge greatly on the play of captain Bailey Henderson, Michael Hartley in attack, Liam Wilkinson, Kalan Huntly, John Watson, Declan Slingo, Ben McConachy and Zavier Murley.

An Eaglehawk on-ball division that includes ruckman Brayden Frost, Billy Evans and Joel Mullen will test the Pies all match.

Bailey Ilsley kicked five goals in the Hawks win against Strathfieldsaye and is part of an attack that includes Jonty Neaves, Cam McGlahsan and Sam O’Shannessy.

Other players to watch for the Two Blues include Charlie Langford and Pala Kuma in defence, Thomas Bennett and Marcus Angove.

Kangaroo Flat is back on home turf at Dower Park to face Golden Square.

A run of 44 consecutive defeats to Golden Square included a 106-29 result for the Bulldogs in round six at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street.

The Michael Ellings-coached Kangaroos worked hard to score 16 goals last round, but went down to South Bendigo by seven points at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval.

The Kangaroos’ line-up for this round includes Jack Lefroy, Luke Ellings, Toby Balcke, Ethan and Toby Roberts, Jake Hywood and Harry Whitty.

After crossing from Marong at the end of ’23, Tucker Thach will play his first senior match for the Kangaroos.

Huge plus for Golden Square is the return of gun on-baller Thomas Toma for his first senior game with the Bulldogs this season.

Toma has played four VFL matches with Essendon.

The inclusion of Toma strengthens Square’s on-ball and midfield group which includes Ricky Monti, Jordan Rosengren, Terence Reeves, Luke Holt, Brodie James and Tom Strauch.

An attack led by Jayden Burke and Jack Stewart is in top form.

The Brad Eaton-coached Bulldogs also have the marking power of Kai Daniels and Tanner Rayner, and strong defence led by Jon Coe.

Gisborne returns to Gardiner Reserve to take on South Bendigo.

The Rob Waters-coached Bulldogs won their previous meeting on the Bloods’ turf in Kennington by almost 25 goals.

South Bendigo will be determined to avoid a similar margin.

Massive challenge for the Bloods against a Gisborne attack that includes Pat McKenna, Harry Luxmoore, Jack Scanlon and Zac Denany.

They are likely to be given plenty of opportunities through the play of ruckman Braidon Blake, Brad Bernacki, Jackson Cardillo and Flynn Lakey.

Bloods’ on-ballers Brody Haddow, Anthony Zimmerman and Jasper Langley face a huge task.

In attack South Bendigo has co-coach Steven Stroobants and Brock Harvey with the pace and goal smarts to trouble Gisborne.

A Bloods’ defence that includes co-coach Isaiah Miller and captain Zac Hare will rely a lot on pressure from team-mates up the ground.

After an extended break, Sandhurst returns to Queen Elizabeth Oval to take on Maryborough.

With it’s future in the league beyond this season unclear it may be the last time Maryborough plays on the iconic QEO turf.

Inter-league and bye have meant Sandhurst has not played since a one-goal loss on June 29 at Gisborne.

The Dragons’ dominated at Princes Park in round six to rack up a league record score and winning margin of 333 points.

The Coby Perry and Matt Johnston-coached Maryborough will be doing all it can to not allow the Dragons to score as freely and quickly this time.

Among the inclusions for Sandhurst is Ollie Hannaford who played in three of the AFL national under-18 championship matches for Victoria Country.

It will be Hannaford’s second senior match after his round two debut against Gisborne at the QEO.

Joel Wharton is also back after being sidelined since the round five win against South Bendigo.

The ladder-leading Dragons have a formidable attack led by Fergus Greene and Cobi Maxted.

Captain Lachlan Tardrew, Jake McLean and Cooper Smith win plenty of the footy, but also impress with their hard-running to support the defence.

Maryborough’s best in last Saturday’s home game against Gisborne were Coby Perry, Aidan Medlyn, Joel Swatton and Kya Lanfranchi.

Highlights included the play of Matt Johnston to kick four goals and rising star Kaian Constable who booted three goals.

Strathfieldsaye has the bye.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 293 per cent, 36 points; Gisborne 227, 36; Strathfieldsaye 155, 32; Eaglehawk 148, 24; Golden Square 127, 24; Castlemaine 103, 16; South Bendigo 71, 12; Kangaroo Flat 65, 12; Maryborough 15, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

56 Fergus Greene, Sandhurst.

47 James Schischka, Strathfieldsaye.

37 Harry Luxmoore, Gisborne.

35 Michael Hartley, Castlemaine.

35 Brock Harvey, South Bendigo.

34 Pat McKenna, Gisborne.

33 Steven Stroobants, South Bendigo.

31 Jack Stewart, Golden Square.

23 Jayden Burke, Golden Square.

23 Jonty Neaves, Eaglehawk.

21 Brad Bernacki, Gisborne.

21 Harry Whitty, Kangaroo Flat.

20 Bailey Henderson, Strathfieldsaye.

20 Cobi Maxted, Sandhurst.

18 Malik Gordon, Strathfieldsaye.

18 Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst.

17 Zac Denahy, Gisborne.

16 Abe Sheahan, Strathfieldsaye.

14 Bryce Curnow, Sandhurst.

13 Lachlan Gill, Strathfieldsaye.

13 Zac Greeves, Castlemaine.

13 Matt Merrett, Gisborne.

13 Darcy Richards, Eaglehawk.

12 Lachlan Tardrew, Sandhurst.

11 Zach Charles, Strathfieldsaye.

11 Luke Ellings, Kangaroo Flat.

11 Bailey Ilsley, Eaglehawk.

11 Matt Johnston, Maryborough.

11 Jack Lefroy, Kangaroo Flat.

11 Nick Stagg, Sandhurst.

11 Tom Strauch, Golden Square.

11 Noah Walsh, Sandhurst.

10 Ricky Monti, Golden Square.

10 Joel Mullen, Eaglehawk.

10 Jack O’Shannessy, Eaglehawk.

10 Mitch Ronchieri, Eaglehawk.

10 Riley Wilson, Strathfieldsaye.

Castlemaine marks best victory in many years

CASTLEMAINE’S hard-fought victory against Eaglehawk in Saturday’s 13^th round is being hailed the Magpies’ best in many Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL seasons.

Conditions were incredibly difficult as rain teemed down at times at Camp Reserve as Road Safety Round was played across central and northern Victoria.

The Magpies beat the Hawks for the first time since 2016 and in the process kept hope of featuring in the finals action alive.

It’s a daunting run home for Castlemaine which faces Strathfieldsaye, away, has a bye, and then hosts Kangaroo Flat at Camp Reserve.

Final two hit-outs of the regular season for the Magpies will be at Gisborne and then Sandhurst at Camp Reserve.

Irrespective of where it finishes the ’24 campaign, Castlemaine has shown vast improvement in Michael Hartley’s first year as coach.

The Magpies were determined to bounce back from a 71-point loss at Golden Square the previous round.

Constant rain and a heavy ground would test the resolve of all players.

Goalless in the first half, Castlemaine faced a 14-point deficit at half-time.

The Magpies lifted their way to win the third term, 16-6.

Castlemaine captain Bailey Henderson capped a dramatic fightback by kicking the final goal of the game to clinch a 31-33 victory.

Other goalkickers for the Pies were Jack Chester and Harrison Sheahan.

The Hawks’ attack was led by co-captain Joel Mullen on two as Jonty Neaves and Ben Thompson were also on target.

Midfielder Zavier Murley earned best afield honours for Castlemaine as Harrison Sheahan, Bailey Henderson, Declan Slingo, Michael Hartley and Callum McConachy also starred in the team’s fifth win of the season.

Best for the Travis Matheson-coached Eaglehawk were Joel Mullen, Clayton Holmes, Marcus Angove, Ben Thompson, Billy Evans and Thomas Bennett.

Kangaroo Flat’s hoodoo against Golden Square has now hit 47 matches.

The Roos were without several key players for their clash with the in-form Bulldogs at Kangaroo Flat’s Dower Park.

Five goals to one in the first term put the Bulldogs in control of the match.

The Brad Eaton-coached Golden Square then slammed on 6.5 in the second term as it kept Flat scoreless.

Kangaroo Flat hit back to win the third term, 20-16, but it was the blue and gold which finished with plenty of run as it scored eight goals in the last.

At the final siren Golden Square led 143 to 33.

The Bulldogs’ attack was led by co-captain Jayden Burke and Jordan Rosengren on four goals as Ricky Monti, Jack Sampson, Jack Stewart and Tom Toma added two each.

Goalkickers for the Roos were Jake Hywood, Jack Lefroy, Luke Stagg, Tucker Thach and Harry Whitty.

Bulldogs’ co-captain Tom Toma who has played VFL with Essendon this season marked his first senior game with Square in ’24 by being best afield.

Golden Square also had Ricky Monti, Jordan Rosengren, Harrison Kelly, Jack Threlfall and Zac Wescott win plenty of the footy.

Best for the Michael Ellings-coached Roos were Jack Lefroy, Luke Ellings, Angus Grant, Kyle Symons, Daniel Stagg and Campbell Smith.

A tally of 61 scoring shots was a sign of Sandhurst’s dominance against Maryborough at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

With its future in the Bendigo FNL beyond this season under a cloud it may have been the last time Maryborough played on the iconic oval.

Although the final margin was 193 points it was a dramatic improvement on the league record of 333 set by Sandhurst at Maryborough’s Princes Park in round four.

In Saturday’s match the Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow-coached Dragons led 51-1 at quarter-time and 125-2 by the long break.

The Magpies worked hard to limit the maroon and blue to a score of 3.7 in the third.

As Sandhurst added six goals in the last, Lachlan Bursill broke the deadlock for Maryborough.

Fergus Greene kicked six goals as Jake McLean booted four in the 201-8 victory.

Other multiple goalkickers for the league leaders were Cobi Maxted, Lachlan Tardrew, Lachlan Wright on three; Caleb Connick, Oliver Morris, Oscar Perez and Joel Wharton with two.

Best for Sandhurst were Lachlan Tardrew, Isaac Ruff, Fergus Greene, Caleb Connick, Jake McLean and Alex Wharton.

Kaian Constable, Seb Collins, Aidan Medlyn, Kya Lanfranchi, co-coach Coby Perry and Joel Swatton were best for a Maryborough team which also has Matt Johnston as co-coach.

Gisborne put in another ruthless performance on its turf at Gardiner Reserve against South Bendigo.

A hard-fought opening term went Gisborne’s way, 21-18.

From there the Rob Waters-coached Bulldogs dominated play.

The Bulldogs scored eight goals in the second term, seven in the third, and five in the last to complet a 153-26 victory.

Harry Luxmoore’s hot form continued as he kicked seven goals and Ryan Bourke and Dylan Johnstone added four each.

The Bulldogs also had Zac Denahy and Pat McKenna boot two majors.

South Bendigo’s attack was led by Brock Harvey on three goals.

Best for Gisborne were ruckman Braidon Blake, Jack Reaper, Flynn Lakey, Frank Schipano, Harry Luxmoore and Macklan Lord.

Tait Poyser, Riley Walsh, Zavier Holmes, co-coach Isaiah Miller, Thomas Starr and Brody Haddow were best for a Bloods’ line-up which also has Steven Stroobants as co-coach.

Strathfieldsaye had the bye.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 329 per cent, 40 points; Gisborne 243, 40; Strathfieldsaye 155, 32; Golden Square 141, 28; Eaglehawk 145, 24; Castlemaine 103, 20; South Bendigo 65, 12; Kangaroo Flat 61, 12; Maryborough 14, 0.

Highlight of next Saturday’s 14^th round will be Golden Square’s clash with Gisborne at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.

The Graeme Wright Memorial Cup will be up for grabs as South Bendigo takes on Sandhurst at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

Eaglehawk will be on home turf at Canterbury Park to play Kangaroo Flat.

Strathfieldsaye faces Castlemaine in Storm territory at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane.

Maryborough has the bye.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

62 - (6) - Fergus Greene - Sandhurst Seniors
47 - (0) - James Schischka - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
44 - (7) - Harry Luxmoore - Gisborne Seniors
38 - (3) - Brock Harvey - South Bendigo Seniors
36 - (2) - Pat McKenna - Gisborne Seniors
35 - (0) - Michael Hartley - Castlemaine Seniors
34 - (1) - Steven Stroobants - South Bendigo Seniors
33 - (2) - Jack Stewart - Golden Square Seniors
27 - (4) - Jayden Burke - Golden Square Seniors
24 - (1) - Jonty Neaves - Eaglehawk Seniors
23 - (3) - Cobi Maxted - Sandhurst Seniors
22 - (2) - Bailey Henderson - Castlemaine Seniors
22 - (1) - Harry Whitty - Kangaroo Flat Seniors
21 - (3) - Lachlan Wright - Sandhurst Seniors
21 - (0) - Bradley Bernacki - Gisborne Seniors
19 - (2) - Zac Denahy - Gisborne Seniors
18 - (0) - Malik Gordon - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
16 - (0) - Abe Sheahan - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
15 - (3) - Lachlan Tardrew - Sandhurst Seniors
14 - (1) - Matthew Merrett - Gisborne Seniors
14 - (0) - Bryce Curnow - Sandhurst Seniors
13 - (0) - Zachary Greeves - Castlemaine Seniors
13 - (4) - Jordan Rosengren - Golden Square Seniors
13 - (0) - Lachlan Gill - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
13 - (0) - Darcy Richards - Eaglehawk Seniors
12 - (1) - Tom Strauch - Golden Square Seniors
12 - (4) - Dylan Johnstone - Gisborne Seniors
12 - (2) - Joel Mullen - Eaglehawk Seniors
12 - (2) - Ricky Monti - Golden Square Seniors
12 - (1) - Jack Lefroy - Kangaroo Flat Seniors
11 - (0) - Luke Ellings - Kangaroo Flat Seniors
11 - (0) - Bailey Ilsley - Eaglehawk Seniors
11 - (0) - Nicholas Stagg - Sandhurst Seniors
11 - (0) - Zach Charles - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
11 - (0) - Matthew Johnston - Maryborough Seniors
11 - (0) - Noah Walsh - Sandhurst Seniors
10 - (4) - Jake Mclean - Sandhurst Seniors
10 - (0) - Riley Wilson - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
10 - (0) - Mitchell Ronchieri - Eaglehawk Seniors
10 - (1) - Ben Thompson - Eaglehawk Seniors
10 - (2) - Joel Wharton - Sandhurst Seniors
10 - (0) - Jack O’shannessy - Eaglehawk Seniors

Castlemaine marks historic win at Strathfieldsaye

CASTLEMAINE finally broke its hoodoo on Strathfieldsaye’s turf as it won the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s senior footy clash with Storm on Saturday.

A 23-point win by the Michael Hartley-coached Castlemaine in the 14^th round kept the Magpies in the race for the finals.

A week after beating Eaglehawk by two points at home, Castlemaine made its way to Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.

The Magpies had borne the brunt of some big defeats in Storm territory in the past.

Not this time.

The Magpies led 25-21 at quarter-time and then scored 3.3 as Storm added two goals in the second term.

A 13-point buffer at the start of the second half became 23 after the Magpies dominated most of the third.

As the Magpies added 2.3 the Storm scored five behinds.

Both teams added seven points in the last as the Magpies celebrated a hard-fought 68-45 victory.

Kalan Huntly capped a superb match for Castlemaine by kicking four goals as Jack Chester, Zac Greeves, Bailey Henderson, Jackson Hood and Callum McConachy added one each.

Storm’s attack was led by Matt Harvey on two as Patrick Blandford, Daniel Clohesy, Darcy Mulquiny and Shannon Murphy were also on target.

Magpies’ captain Bailey Henderson was best afield against a club he won a senior premiership with.

Others to star for Castlemaine were Kalan Huntly, Michael Hartley, Zavier Murley, Brodie Byrne and Liam Wilkinson.

Cooper Jones, Tim Hosking, Patrick Blandford, Darcy Mulquiny and Daniel Clohesy were Storm’s best.

Captain of the under-18s team, Hugh Behrens marked his first senior game by being among the best for Strathfieldsaye Storm.

Golden Square took it right up to Gisborne in the first half of their match at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.

The Rob Waters-coached Gisborne led 28-14 at quarter-time.

In the second it was Golden Square which fired up to score 6.3, but five goals straight meant the visitors led 58-53 at the long break.

Quarter three was dominated by the team in red, white and blue.

Led by the play of Flynn Lakey, Jack Reaper and Jack Scanlon, Gisborne scored 4.5 and kept the blue and gold to a point.

Golden Square fought back to win the last, 21-7, but it was Gisborne which celebrated a 94-75 victory.

Dylan Johnstone capped a great match with five goals as Brad Bernacki, Harry Luxmoore and Macklan Lord kicked two each.

Golden Square’s leading goalkicker was Tom Strauch on three as Dylan Hird, Jordan Rosengren and Jack Stewart added two each.

Best for Gisborne included Brad Bernacki, Frank Schipano and Dylan Johnstone.

Ricky Monti, Harrison Burke, Dylan Hird, Tom Strauch, Jordan Rosengren and Kai Daniels were best for Golden Square.

It’s a big couple of weeks for the Strauch and Daniels families as Tom’s sister Jenna competes in swimming at the Paris Olympics, and Kai’s brother Dyson is on the basketball court representing the Boomers.

Eaglehawk dominated play to mark a 17-goal win against Kangaroo Flat at the Borough’s Canterbury Park.

The Travis Matheson-coached Hawks struck back from a two-point defeat at Castlemaine the previous round to race to a 39-14 lead by quarter-time of the clash with the Kangaroos.

Eaglehawk led 58-20 at half-time and then slammed on eight goals as the Roos were held to a tall of 1.1 in the third term.

Jack O’Shannessy and Bailey Ilsley led the Borough’s attack on six and five goals in a 136-34 victory.

The Hawks had co-captain Billy Evans and ruckman Brayden Frost kick two goals.

Luke Ellings and captain Ethan Roberts kicked two goals for the Kangaroos.

Best for the Hawks were Billy Evans, Joel Mullen, Brayden Frost, Bailey Ilsley, Jack O’Shannessy and Jacob O’Brien.

Jack Lefroy, Austin Lothian, Ethan Roberts, Angus Grant, Toby Roberts and Dion Symons were best for the Michael Ellings-coached Kangaroo Flat.

Sandhurst dominated the showdown for the Graeme Wright Memorial Cup with South Bendigo at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval.

The Bloods were determined to play well on a day it honoured one of its greatest defenders, a coach and popular clubman.

On field it was Sandhurst which raced to a 40-8 lead by quarter-time.

The Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow-coached Dragons then added 5.5 as it kept South Bendigo scoreless in the second quarter.

The ladder-leaders won the next two terms, 29-8 and 46-2.

Fergus Greene increased his lead in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal by booting five goals in the 150-18 victory.

Four goals by Nick Stagg capped a best on ground performance.

Other multiple goalkickers for the Dragons were Joel Wharton, three; and Cobi Maxted, Lachlan Wright, two.

Bloods’ co-coach Steven Stroobants kicked both of his team’s goals.

Best for Sandhurst were Nick Stagg, captain Lachlan Tardrew, Matt Wilkinson, Fergus Greene, Harrison Free and Jake McLean.

Thomas Starr, Riley Walsh, Cody Brooks, Tait Poyser, Brody Haddow and Jasper Langley were South Bendigo’s best.

Maryborough had the bye.

Big matches will be played at Queen Elizabeth Oval and Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve in next Saturday’s round 15 action.

Sandhurst takes on Golden Square, while Gisborne will be at home to face Eaglehawk.

Maryborough will be back at Princes Park to take on South Bendigo.

Kangaroo Flat meets a Strathfieldsaye line-up stung by consecutive defeats on the Roos’ ground at Dower Park.

Castlemaine has the bye.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 346 per cent, 44 points; Gisborne 229, 44; Strathfieldsaye 147, 32; Eaglehawk 158, 28; Golden Square 134, 28; Castlemaine 106, 24; South Bendigo 60, 12; Kangaroo Flat 57, 12; Maryborough 14, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

67 - (5) - Fergus Greene - Sandhurst Seniors
47 - (0) - James Schischka - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
46 - (2) - Harry Luxmoore - Gisborne Seniors
38 - (0) - Brock Harvey - South Bendigo Seniors
37 - (1) - Pat McKenna - Gisborne Seniors
36 - (2) - Steven Stroobants - South Bendigo Seniors
35 - (0) - Michael Hartley - Castlemaine Seniors
35 - (2) - Jack Stewart - Golden Square Seniors
27 - (0) - Jayden Burke - Golden Square Seniors
25 - (1) - Jonty Neaves - Eaglehawk Seniors
25 - (2) - Cobi Maxted - Sandhurst Seniors
23 - (1) - Bailey Henderson - Castlemaine Seniors
23 - (2) - Lachlan Wright - Sandhurst Seniors
23 - (2) - Bradley Bernacki - Gisborne Seniors
22 - (0) - Harry Whitty - Kangaroo Flat Seniors
20 - (1) - Zac Denahy - Gisborne Seniors
18 - (0) - Malik Gordon - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
17 - (5) - Dylan Johnstone - Gisborne Seniors
16 - (1) - Lachlan Tardrew - Sandhurst Seniors
16 - (0) - Abe Sheahan - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
16 - (5) - Bailey Ilsley - Eaglehawk Seniors
16 - (6) - Jack O’shannessy - Eaglehawk Seniors
15 - (2) - Jordan Rosengren - Golden Square Seniors
15 - (3) - Tom Strauch - Golden Square Seniors
15 - (1) - Matthew Merrett - Gisborne Seniors
15 - (4) - Nicholas Stagg - Sandhurst Seniors
14 - (1) - Zachary Greeves - Castlemaine Seniors
14 - (1) - Darcy Richards - Eaglehawk Seniors
14 - (0) - Bryce Curnow - Sandhurst Seniors
13 - (2) - Luke Ellings - Kangaroo Flat Seniors
13 - (0) - Lachlan Gill - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
13 - (4) - Kalan Huntly - Castlemaine Seniors
13 - (1) - Ricky Monti - Golden Square Seniors
13 - (3) - Joel Wharton - Sandhurst Seniors
12 - (0) - Joel Mullen - Eaglehawk Seniors
12 - (0) - Jack Lefroy - Kangaroo Flat Seniors
11 - (1) - Jake Mclean - Sandhurst Seniors
11 - (0) - Zach Charles - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
11 - (0) - Matthew Johnston - Maryborough Seniors
11 - (0) - Noah Walsh - Sandhurst Seniors
10 - (0) - Riley Wilson - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
10 - (2) - Matt Harvey - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
10 - (0) - Mitchell Ronchieri - Eaglehawk Seniors
10 - (0) - Ben Thompson - Eaglehawk Seniors
10 - (1) - Tanner Nally - Sandhurst Seniors

THIRD place on the A-grade netball ladder is up for grabs as Kangaroo Flat faces Castlemaine in Saturday’s 14^th round in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

Separated by just two points, the fourth-placed Kangaroo Flat is on its court at Dower Park to take on the third-placed Castlemaine.

When these teams met in round five it was the Fiona Fowler and Gary Cooke-coached Castlemaine which controlled most of the play after quarter-time to score a 55-39 victory.

Kangaroo Flat is on the rebound from a 25-32 loss on Gisborne’s court at Gardiner Reserve.

Win and the Roos jump above Castlemaine to the third rung.

Will not be an easy task for the Flat against a Magpies’ line-up which won its latest home game at Camp Reserve against Eaglehawk by nine goals.

It’s the clash of Sandhurst and South Bendigo at the Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Unbeaten in its pursuit of a fifth consecutive A-grade premiership, Sandhurst takes on its previous co-tenant at the iconic venue.

It’s also “Back To Day” for Sandhurst FNC where it thanks all those who have contributed to the club’s success since it formed in 1861, and also welcomes the next generation of footballers and netballers.

There are thousands who have links to the Dragons as players, supporters, administrators, volunteers, sponsors, or friend of the club.

The day includes complimentary entry for the junior netball and football families from Sandhurst’s traditional feeder clubs, St Therese’s and Quarry Hill.

On the netball court, the Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst won the round five clash, 62-22 at South Bendigo’s new home at Harry Trott Oval in Neale Street, Kennington.

Sandhurst goes into this Saturday’s match following an 84-41 win against Strathfieldsaye at the QEO last round.

The Jannelle Hobbs-coached South Bendigo won 93-26 in its home game aginast Golden Square.

Heat from the Sandhurst Dragons will be much higher in all thirds of the court.

Eaglehawk is at home to play Strathfieldsaye at Canterbury Park.

When these teams met in round five it was Storm which claimed a 46-35 victory against the Hawks at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.

The Kylie Piercy-coached Eaglehawk has improved markedly since then and will be confident of chalking up its fourth win of the season.

Will not be an easy task for the Two Blues against the Steph Freemantle-coached Storm which must win to keep the heat on South Bendigo and Kyneton in the race to decide fifth place.

Kyneton is back at Tigerland in Kyneton Showgrounds to take on Gisborne.

The Dianne Guest-Oakley coached Kyneton kept finals hopes alive by winning last Saturday’s match at Maryborough’s Princes Park by 29 goals.

The Tigers are up against the Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne which played superb defence to restrict Kangaroo Flat to 25 goals last round.

Previous meeting between the Tigers and Bulldogs ended in a 28-goal win for Gisborne on its court at Gardiner Reserve.

It will be a breakthrough victory for Golden Square or a third by Maryborough when they clash at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.

The Jordan Macilwain-coached Magpies won 73-53 at Princes Park in round five.

That match was the highest tally the Benita Swatton-coached Golden Square has achieved this season.

The blue and gold will be fired up for a big game as a tough run home includes Gisborne, away; Castlemaine, home; Eaglehawk, away; and Kangaroo Flat, home.

Maryborough will also be keen to strike back after a 29-goal loss at home last round.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

Sandhurst 216 per cent, 52 points; Gisborne 177, 44; Castlemaine 129, 38; Kangaroo Flat 161, 36; South Bendigo 117, 26; Kyneton 96, 22; Strathfieldsaye 92, 22; Eaglehawk 73, 12; Maryborough 55, 8; Golden Square 34, 0.

KANGAROO Flat jumped to third on the A-grade netball ladder after Saturday’s big win against Castlemaine in round 14 of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

The Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroos were in hot form on their court at Dower Park.

Earlier in the season it was Castlemaine which dominated most of the contest on its court at Camp Reserve.

This time the Roos bounded their way to a 62-39 victory against the Fiona Fowler and Gary Cooke-coached Castlemaine.

Sandhurst’s unbeaten run kept rolling.

For the first time in a long time, Sandhurst was down at quarter-time as South Bendigo led 16-14 at the first break at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Dragons fired up to win the second term, 21-4.

From there it was Sandhurst which controlled play in all thirds of the court.

The maroon and blue won the third quarter, 21-6, and the last, 24-5.

At the final whistle Sandhurst led 80-31 against the Jannelle Hobbs-coached South Bendigo.

Eaglehawk and Strathfieldsaye played out a great match on the Hawks’ court at Canterbury Park.

The Hawks led 21-20 at half-time, but Storm lifted to win the third, 33-31.

A two-goal buffer for the Steph Freemantle-coached Strathfieldsaye became four by the end as Storm claimed a 44-40 victory against the Kylie Piercy-coached Two Blues.

Nine goals separated Golden Square and Maryborough at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.

The Jordan Macilwain-coached Maryborough led 14-8 at quarter-time.

In the second it was the Benita Swatton-coached Golden Square which controlled a lot of the play.

A 13-9 quarter in favour of the blue and gold meant the Magpies led 23-21 at the long break.

Maryborough won the third, 13-6.

Both teams scored 13 goals in the last as the Magpies won 49-40.

Kyneton was up against the powerful Gisborne line-up at Kyneton Showgrounds.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne led 28-15 at half-time.

An 18-8 tally in the third put the Bulldogs well in control.

The Dianne Guest-Oakley coached Kyneton kept working hard, but the red, white and blue left Tigerland as 57-31 victors.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

Sandhurst 219 per cent, 56 points; Gisborne 177, 48; Kangaroo Flat 161, 40; Castlemaine 121, 38; South Bendigo 107, 26; Strathfieldsaye 93, 26; Kyneton 92, 22; Eaglehawk 74, 12; Maryborough 58, 12; Golden Square 36, 0.

Match of the day in Saturday’s 15^th round will be Strathfieldsaye against South Bendigo at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.

Gisborne is back on its court at Gardiner Reserve to play Golden Square.

Castlemaine and Kyneton clash at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve.

Maryborough is home at Princes Park to play Sandhurst.

Eaglehawk takes on Kangaroo Flat in the Borough at Canterbury Park.

Round 14 scoreboard:

A-reserve:

Kangaroo Flat  93 d Castlemaine 42, Sandhurst 41 d South Bendigo 31, Kyneton 40 lt Gisborne 61, Golden Square bye, Eaglehawk 42 lt Strathfieldsaye 43.

B-grade:

Kangaroo Flat  68 d Castlemaine 20, Sandhurst 46 d South Bendigo 31, Kyneton 28 lt Gisborne 57, Golden Square 32 d Maryborough 26, Eaglehawk 40 d Strathfieldsaye 37.

B-reserve:

Kangaroo Flat  76 d Castlemaine 26, Sandhurst 56 d South Bendigo 23, Kyneton 16 lt Gisborne 62, Golden Square 60 d Maryborough 26, Eaglehawk 33 lt Strathfieldsaye 45.

17-and-under:

Kangaroo Flat 43 d Castlemaine 42, Sandhurst 63 d South Bendigo 18, Kyneton 10 lt Gisborne 80, Golden Square 59 d Maryborough 43, Eaglehawk 32 lt Strathfieldsaye 32.

Ladders after 14 rounds:

A-reserve:

Gisborne 186 per cent, 56 points; Sandhurst 175, 52; South Bendigo 107, 36; Kangaroo Flat 124, 32; Castlemaine 88, 28; Strathfieldsaye 85, 28; Eaglehawk 78, 24; Kyneton 62, 14; Golden Square 55, 10.

B-grade:

Sandhurst 194 per cent, 56 points; Gisborne 168, 48; Kangaroo Flat 140, 44; South Bendigo 100, 30; Eaglehawk 96, 30; Strathfieldsaye 95, 26; Golden Square 90, 24; Kyneton 79, 14; Castlemaine 53, 6; Maryborough 49, 2.

B-reserve:

Sandhurst 226 per cent, 52 points; Kangaroo Flat 193, 52; Gisborne 146, 40; Strathfieldsaye 124, 36; Eaglehawk 121, 32; South Bendigo 102, 24; Golden Square 78, 20; Castlemaine 57, 16; Kyneton 43, 8; Maryborough 42, 0.

17-and-under:

Gisborne 204 per cent, 56 points; Sandhurst 193, 52; Golden Square 157, 40; Maryborough 127, 34; Strathfieldsaye 112, 34; Kangaroo Flat 103, 22; Castlemaine 101, 22; Eaglehawk 66, 12; South Bendigo 49, 8; Kyneton 19, 0.

St Kilda great a Magpie for a day

ST KILDA legend Leigh ‘Joey’ Montagna will inject 287 games of AFL experience into Castlemaine’s team for this Saturday’s round 16 action in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy season.

Montagna will play for Castlemaine as part of the Carlton Draught-backed Carlton Draft promotion.

A big crowd is expected to roll up at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve as the in-form Magpies take on Kangaroo Flat from 2.20pm.

Wins in its past two hit-outs against Eaglehawk, home, and Strathfieldsaye, away, has kept the Michael Hartley-coached Castlemaine in the hunt for a finals berth.

The Magpies start this round a win and significant percentage behind the fifth-placed Eaglehawk.

A hat-trick of victories has not been achieved by a Castlemaine team for many years.

That’s among the goals as it takes on the Kangaroos.

A dual All-Australian who played in three AFL grand finals across two seasons, Montagna is likely to start in attack for Castlemaine.

The Magpies also have the marking power of Hartley and Zac Greeves in the forward 50m arc.

Driving forces in Castlemaine’s winning run include Brodie Byrne, captain Bailey Henderson, Kalan Huntly, Callum McConachy, Zavier Murley, Harrison Sheahan, Declan Slingo and Liam Wilkinson.

Massive test for the Michael Ellings-coached Kangaroo Flat to halt Castlemaine’s run.

The Kangaroos will look to captain Ethan Roberts, Luke Ellings, Harry Whitty, Daniel and Luke Stagg, Jack Leersen, Toby Roberts and Corey Ash to fire up for this contest.

Two other big games will be played at Strathfieldsaye’s Triple M Park and Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park.

Strathfieldsaye Storm takes on a Gisborne line-up which is on a 12-game winning streak and moved to top of the ladder.

When these clubs met in round seven the Rob Waters-coached Gisborne marked a 28-point win on its turf at Gardiner Reserve.

There are plenty of crucial match-ups between Storm and the Bulldogs this time.

The Luke Freeman-coached Strathfieldsaye has Tim Hosking, Lachlan Gill, Daniel Clohesy and Bode Stevens to oppose Braidon Blake, Jackson Cardillo, Flynn Lakey and Brad Bernacki at centre ball-ups.

In defence, Storm has Lachlan Ratcliffe, Patrick Blandford, Ben Lester and Shannon Geary to take on Harry Luxmoore, Pat McKenna, Zac Denahy and Matt Merrett.

Kicking enough goals to challenge the visitors will be a huge task for Storm.

Key targets in Strathfieldsaye’s attack are Malik Gordon, Zach Charles and Riley Wilson.

Will not be easy against a tight-knit Dogs’ defence led by Jack Reaper, Zac Vescovi and Jed Denahy.

Eaglehawk tackles Sandhurst on the Borough’s turf at Canterbury Park.

The Travis Matheson-coached Hawks are up against an opponent on the rebound from just its second defeat of the season.

A 7-6 record has the Hawks in fifth place, but they marked a 10-goal win at home against Strathfieldsaye in the 12^th round.

The play of Hawks’ on-ballers Billy Evans and Joel Mullen will be crucial to their team’s chances.

Huge plus for the Borough is the return of Charlie Langford to defence, and Ben Thompson.

Both were injured in the loss at Castlemaine in round 13.

Other key players for Eaglehawk include ruckman Brayden Frost, Bailey Ilsley and Jack O’Shannessy in attack, Kallen Geary, Jonty Neaves and Clayton Holmes.

Limiting the impact Sandhurst captain and gun on-baller/mid Lachlan Tardrew has on the match will be a priority for the Two Blues.

A talented Dragons’ team coached by Ash Connick, non-playing, and Bryce Curnow, playing, includes Fergus Greene, Cobi Maxted, Joel Wharton and Lachlan Wright in attack.

The classy Noah Walsh will play his first match since round five, and Cooper Smith also returns for the maroon and blue.

Bendigo Pioneers captain Dayten Uerata will also mark his first senior match for the Dragons this season.

The in-form Golden Square will play Maryborough at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.

The Brad Eaton-coached Bulldogs played superb footy to beat Sandhurst at Queen Elizabeth Oval last round.

Tom Toma’s return to an on-ball role with Golden Square is a huge plus for younger team-mates such as Kai Daniels, Macey Eaton, Harrison Kelly and ruckman Tanner Rayner.

Key players for the blue and gold include Harrison and Jayden Burke, Jordan Rosengren, Jack Stewart, Jack Coe, Ricky Monti and Tom Strauch.

Another huge challenge for a young Maryborough team jointly coached by Coby Perry and Matt Johnston.

No matter who his opponent will be, Perry is capable of winning plenty of the footy.

His hard-at-it approach inspires team-mates.

Maryborough has Seb Collins in the ruck, Kya Lanfranchi, Alex Brown and Aidan Medlyn leading the defence.

A key will be the Magpies’ play through midfield and around the ground.

Not allowing the Bulldogs easy transition from defence to attack will be a goal for the likes of Joel Swatton, Cobie Read, Ash Humphrey and Mitch McClure.

The Magpies also have Tom Myers in for his fifth senior game of the season.

South Bendigo has the bye.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Gisborne 223 per cent, 48 points; Sandhurst 306, 44; Strathfieldsaye 155, 36; Golden Square 133, 32; Eaglehawk 142, 28; Castlemaine 106, 24; South Bendigo 71, 16; Kangaroo Flat 56, 12; Maryborough 15, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

68 Fergus Greene, Sandhurst.

50 Harry Luxmoore, Gisborne.

49 Brock Harvey, South Bendigo.

47 James Schischka, Strathfieldsaye.

47 Steven Stroobants, South Bendigo.

40 Pat McKenna, Gisborne.

36 Jack Stewart, Golden Square.

35 Michael Hartley, Castlemaine.

28 Jayden Burke, Golden Square.

27 Cobi Maxted, Sandhurst.

26 Jonty Neaves, Eaglehawk.

26 Harry Whitty, Kangaroo Flat.

24 Brad Bernacki, Gisborne.

23 Bailey Henderson, Castlemaine.

23 Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst.

20 Zac Denahy, Gisborne.

19 Malik Gordon, Strathfieldsaye.

19 Jordan Rosengren, Golden Square.

18 Dylan Johnstone, Gisborne.

18 Jack O’Shannessy, Eaglehawk.

17 Matt Merrett, Gisborne.

17 Nick Stagg, Sandhurst.

17 Lachlan Tardrew, Sandhurst.

16 Bailey Ilsley, Eaglehawk.

16 Darcy Richards, Eaglehawk.

16 Abe Sheahan, Strathfieldsaye.

16 Tom Strauch, Golden Square.

14 Bryce Curnow, Sandhurst.

14 Lachlan Gill, Strathfieldsaye.

14 Zac Greeves, Castlemaine.

14 Joel Mullen, Eaglehawk.

14 Joel Wharton, Sandhurst.

13 Luke Ellings, Kangaroo Flat.

13 Kalan Huntly, Castlemaine.

13 Ricky Monti, Golden Square.

13 Riley Wilson, Strathfieldsaye.

12 Matt Johnston, Maryborough.

12 Jack Lefroy, Kangaroo Flat.

11 Zach Charles, Strathfieldsaye.

11 Jake McLean, Sandhurst.

11 Noah Walsh, Sandhurst.

10 Matt Harvey, Strathfieldsaye.

10 Tanner Nally, Sandhurst.

10 Mitch Ronchieri, Eaglehawk.

10 Ben Thompson, Eaglehawk.

10 Matt Wilkinson, Sandhurst

Gisborne breaks Castlemaine’s run at top five

GISBORNE ended Castlemaine’s charge toward a top five finish in Saturday’s 17^th round in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s senior footy action.

The Bulldogs won every quarter on their way to a 92-39 victory at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve against the Mapgies.

A hat-trick of wins had kept Castlemaine in the race for the finals, but they needed to beat Gisborne and then Sandhurst in the final round to be any chance.

On Saturday it was the Rob Waters-coached Gisborne which led 38-17 at half-time.

The Bulldogs then scored five goals and kept the Magpies to a tally of two majors in the crucial third quarter.

Stung by defeat at Strathfieldsaye the previous round, Gisborne responded strongly.

A tally of 32 scoring shots to 14 was a sign of the Buldogs dominance against Castlemaine.

Captain of the 2022 premiership team, Pat McKenna led Gisborne’s attack on three goals.

Seb Bell-Bartels marked his return by kicking two goals as Macklan Lord added two majors.

Brad Keogh kicked two goals for the Magpies.

Gun ruckman Braidon Blake was best afield against his former club as Macklan Lord, Pat McKenna, Flynn Lakey, Jackson Cardillo and Frank Schipano were among Gisborne’s best.

Castlemaine’s best were Lloyd Butcher, coach Michael Hartley, Zavier Murley, Bailey Henderson, Jack Sutherland and Darby Semmens.

It was a scrappy and defence-oriented contest between Sandhurst and Strathfieldsaye at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

No matter how the game looked, Sandhurst would have been rapt with a five-goal win which is likely to have sealed top spot and a rest in the first week of the finals.

The Dragons led 23-8 at quarter-time.

Strathfieldsaye struck back to win the second, 15-8.

Across the second half Sandhurst scored four goals and worked hard to limit Storm to just the one major.

The Dragons led 62-32 at the final siren.

Fergus Greene kicked two goals for Sandhurst which was a feat match by Storm’s Malik Gordon.

A list of best players for both teams was not supplied.

Eaglehawk marked an 81-point win on Maryborough’s turf at Princes Park.

The Hawks led 21-13 at quarter-time and then scored 9.20 to a point across the next three quarters.

Goalkicking practice is likely at Eaglehawk this week as the Two Blues finished with a tally of 12.20 (92) as the Magpies reached 2.2 (14).

Joel Mullen and Darcy Richards led Eaglehawk’s attack on two goals.

It was Zac Cicchini and Sean Davidson who were on target for the Coby Perry and Matt Johnston-coached Magpies.

Best for the Travis Matheson-coached Eaglehawk were Ben Thompson, Bailey Ilsley, Joel Mullen, Thomas Bennett, Zack Bulger and Kallen Geary.

Coby Perry, Tom Myers, Kya Lanfranchi, Josh Britten, Zac Cicchini and Mitch McClure were best for the Magpies.

South Bendigo took on Golden Square on the Bloods’ turf at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

The Brad Eaton-coached Bulldogs led 38-15 at quarter-time and then scored four goals as the Bloods added a behind in the second.

In its final hit-out before the finals, Golden Square played at a high level of intensity.

The blue and gold scored 9.8 to 5.5 in the second half to complete a 129-51 victory.

Jack Stewart capped another great match with five goals as Kai Daniels, Jack Sampson and Tom Toma booted two each.

A highlight for the Bulldogs was a goal by key defender Jon Coe in his 200^th match for the club.

South Bendigo’s leading goalkicker was on-baller Brody Haddow on two.

Best afield honours went to Tom Toma as Tom Strauch, Jack Stewart, Jack Threlfall, Luke Holt and Zac Wescott led the best for Golden Square.

Cody Brooks, Tait Poyser, Riley Walsh, Anthony Zimmerman, Zac Sims and Brody Haddow played well for the Steven Stroobants and Isaiah Miller-coached Bloods.

Kangaroo Flat had the bye.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 296 per cent, 52 points; Gisborne 208, 52; Golden Square 159, 40; Strathfieldsaye 147, 40; Eaglehawk 138, 32; Castlemaine 108, 28; South Bendigo 69, 16; Kangaroo Flat 54, 12; Maryborough 14, 0.

In next Saturday’s 18^th and final round of the home-and-away series, Castlemaine will be home at Camp Reserve to take on Sandhurst.

Strathfieldsaye Storm faces Maryborough at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.

Kangaroo Flat and Gisborne clash on the Kangaroos’ turf at Dower Park.

Eaglehawk and South Bendigo do battle on the Borough’s ground in Canterbury Park.

Golden Square has the bye.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

76 - (2) - Fergus Greene - Sandhurst Seniors
51 - (1) - Harry Luxmoore - Gisborne Seniors
50 - (0) - Brock Harvey - South Bendigo Seniors
47 - (5) - Jack Stewart - Golden Square Seniors
47 - (1) - Steven Stroobants - South Bendigo Seniors
47 - (0) - James Schischka - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
46 - (3) - Pat McKenna - Gisborne Seniors
42 - (0) - Michael Hartley - Castlemaine Seniors
30 - (1) - Jayden Burke - Golden Square Seniors
29 - (0) - Cobi Maxted - Sandhurst Seniors
29 - (0) - Harry Whitty - Kangaroo Flat Seniors
27 - (1) - Jonty Neaves - Eaglehawk Seniors
26 - (1) - Bailey Henderson - Castlemaine Seniors
25 - (0) - Lachlan Wright - Sandhurst Seniors
24 - (0) - Bradley Bernacki - Gisborne Seniors
23 - (2) - Malik Gordon - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
22 - (2) - Darcy Richards - Eaglehawk Seniors
21 - (1) - Jordan Rosengren - Golden Square Seniors
20 - (1) - Dylan Johnstone - Gisborne Seniors
20 - (0) - Zac Denahy - Gisborne Seniors
20 - (1) - Jack O’shannessy - Eaglehawk Seniors
19 - (1) - Kalan Huntly - Castlemaine Seniors
19 - (1) - Matthew Merrett - Gisborne Seniors
18 - (0) - Tom Strauch - Golden Square Seniors
17 - (0) - Lachlan Tardrew - Sandhurst Seniors
17 - (0) - Nicholas Stagg - Sandhurst Seniors
16 - (0) - Zachary Greeves - Castlemaine Seniors
16 - (0) - Bailey Ilsley - Eaglehawk Seniors
16 - (2) - Joel Mullen - Eaglehawk Seniors
16 - (0) - Riley Wilson - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
16 - (0) - Abe Sheahan - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
16 - (1) - Joel Wharton - Sandhurst Seniors
15 - (1) - Bryce Curnow - Sandhurst Seniors
14 - (0) - Lachlan Gill - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
14 - (0) - Luke Ellings - Kangaroo Flat Seniors
14 - (1) - Noah Walsh - Sandhurst Seniors
13 - (1) - Jake Mclean - Sandhurst Seniors
13 - (0) - Ricky Monti - Golden Square Seniors
13 - (2) - Jack Sampson - Golden Square Seniors
12 - (1) - Matthew Wilkinson - Sandhurst Seniors
12 - (1) - Zach Charles - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
12 - (1) - Ben Thompson - Eaglehawk Seniors
12 - (0) - Jack Lefroy - Kangaroo Flat Seniors
12 - (0) - Matthew Johnston - Maryborough Seniors
12 - (2) - Thomas Toma - Golden Square Seniors
11 - (2) - Kai Daniels - Golden Square Seniors
11 - (2) - Brody Haddow - South Bendigo Seniors
11 - (1) - Matt Harvey - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
10 - (1) - Anthony Zimmerman - South Bendigo Seniors
10 - (0) - Cooper Jones - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
10 - (0) - Blake Mcgregor - Eaglehawk Seniors
10 - (0) - Mitchell Ronchieri - Eaglehawk Seniors
10 - (0) - Tanner Nally - Sandhurst Seniors

IT’S almost a year since Sandhurst was beaten in A-grade netball action in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

Unbeaten in its quest for a fifth consecutive premiership, Sandhurst returns to the venue of its last defeat this Saturday.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst team makes the trek south to Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve.

The Dragons and Magpies will hold match of the day status in the league’s 17^th round.

On August 20 in 2022 it was Castlemaine which celebrated a 47-46 victory against Sandhurst.

The Magpies went on to make their way to a first semi-final in their return to the league’s top division.

Stung by the loss at Castlemaine, Sandhurst fired up to win its next three finals by margins of 15, 39 and 15 goals to claim the premiership cup.

Castlemaine goes into Saturday’s clash with the league leaders following a 22-goal win on Golden Square’s court at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street.

Massive test for the Fiona Fowler and Gary Cooke-coached Castlemaine to force turnovers on the Dragons’ mid-court and defence and to capitalise.

When these teams met on the King’s Birthday holiday weekend it was Sandhurst which claimed a 21-goal victory.

The Dragons surged to a 10-goal lead by half-time and had the answers to a Magpies’ fightback in a 55-34 result.

Sandhurst won last Saturday’s clash with Gisborne at Queen Elizabeth Oval by 16 goals.

A red-hot Kangaroo Flat is on its court at Dower Park to play Kyneton.

The Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroos were in top form last round as they beat Strathfieldsaye by 24 goals.

In round eight the Kangaroos dominated the second and third quarters on Kyneton’s court to claim a 38-goal win against the yellow and black.

Huge challenge for the Dianne Guest-Oakley coached Kyneton as it tries to rebound from last Saturday’s loss at home to Eaglehawk.

For the Hawks consecutive victories are a target as they take to their court at Canterbury Park to play Golden Square.

The Kylie Piercy-coached Eaglehawk won the round eight match at Golden Square by 28 goals.

A young Golden Square team coached by Benita Swatton made a great start to last Saturday’s match against Castlemaine, but the Pies gradually took control.

Gisborne is back on its court at Gardiner Reserve to take on South Bendigo.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne beat the Bloods by 32 goals in the eighth round at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval in Neale Street.

The Jannelle Hobbs-coached South Bendigo will be determined to put in a much stronger performance this round.

In the latest round, South Bendigo dominated play on its court in Kennington to beat Maryborough by 35 goals.

Strathfieldsaye faces Maryborough this Saturday on Storm’s court at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.

Both teams are on the rebound from defeat.

The Steph Freemantle-coached Strathfieldsaye won at Maryborough’s Princes Park in round eight by 30 goals.

A Magpies’ line-up coached by Jordan Macilwain will be keen for the margin to be much closer this time, if not an upset victory in Storm territory.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

Sandhurst 218 per cent, 64 points; Gisborne 175, 52; Kangaroo Flat 165, 48; Castlemaine 123, 46; South Bendigo 113, 34; Strathfieldsaye 91, 26; Kyneton 91, 22; Eaglehawk 73, 16; Maryborough 56, 12; Golden Square 36, 0.

Magpies aiming to end season on a high

BOTH tribes of Magpies in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL will be aiming to end their ’24 season on a high in Saturday’s 18^th round.

Castlemaine will be on home turf at Camp Reserve to take on Sandhurst, while Maryborough makes its way to Strathfieldsaye Storm territory at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane.

It’s been a season of contrasting fortunes for the Magpies.

A seven-eight record has the Michael Hartley-coached Castlemaine in sixth place.

Key players in the rise include Hartley who has capped his first season of coaching by kicking 42 goals and also had stints in the ruck.

It’s been a dramatic improvement on recent seasons for the Magpies who until a week ago were in the running for a top-five finish.

Defeat at Gisborne ended those hopes, but there is still plenty for Castlemaine to play for.

The Magpies face a massive challenge against the ladder-leading Sandhurst, but a win for the black and white could push the Dragons from top spot and into a qualifying final.

The ability of Castlemaine’s midfield and on-ballers to win contests and not allow the Dragons an easy run to the forward 50m arc will be crucial.

Captain Bailey Henderson has had an outstanding season for Castlemaine and will again play a key role, along with Kalan Huntly, Zavier Murley, John Watson, Ben McConachy, Brad Keogh and Liam Wilkinson.

The development of youngsters such as Ashton Frankling and Ethan Hein is also important in Castlemaine’s progress.

Standards for the Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow-coached Sandhurst are always at a high level.

The Dragons will again bring a high level of intensity to this match.

Captain and gun mid/on-baller Lachlan Tardrew sets a great example for his Sandhurst team-mates.

In attack Fergus Greene has kicked 76 goals to be a runaway leader in the race for the Ron Best Medal.

Other players to watch for the Dragons include Noah Walsh, Jake McLean, Zach Pallpratt, Cooper Smith, James Coghlan, Nick Stagg and Joel Wharton.

It will be an emotional day for Maryborough players and supporters at Strathfieldsaye’s Triple M Park.

Just what Maryborough does beyond this season is still unclear.

Magpies’ coach Coby Perry has racked up 40-plus possessions in almost half of the games he has played.

It’s a young team which faces a huge challenge every game, but never gives up.

Last week’s performance against Eaglehawk was one of the Magpies’ best of the year.

Creating and capitalising on scoring chances is a constant battle.

Key players for Maryborough include Joel Swatton, Ash Humphrey, Aidan Medlyn, Tom Myers, Seb Collins and Kya Lanfranchi.

Victory will put Strathfieldsaye back in third place and into a qualifying final.

The Luke Freeman-coached Storm has plenty of running power and skill.

He may be in the twilight of his career, but Shannon Geary had a 35-possession game against Sandhurst last Saturday.

Other players to watch for Storm include Daniel Clohesy, Caleb Ernst, Abe and Caleb Sheahan, Lachlan Gill, Lachlan Ratcliffe and Cooper Jones.

Storm will be without defender Patrick Blandford who lodged an early guilty plea and accepted a one-match ban for rough conduct.

Eaglehawk will be back on home turf at Canterbury Park to take on South Bendigo.

Hawks’ co-captain Billy Evans is back to play a midfield and on-ball role and team up with co-captain Joel Mullen, Kallen Geary and Kyen Burrill-Grinton.

After a 50-possession game last round, Ben Thompson will be a player the Bloods target.

The Thompson brothers, Ben, Jack and Sam had a combined possession tally of 114 at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

Rising star Bailey Ilsley is in top form and will play a key role in the ruck or closer to goal for the Travis Matheson-coached Hawks.

An attack that includes Darcy Richards, Jack O’Shannessy and Cam McGlashan will be tough to hold across four quarters.

Big roles will again be played by South Bendigo on-ballers Brody Haddow and Anthony Zimmerman.

The Bloods are again without classy forward Brock Harvey, so a lot of the goalkicking responsibility goes to co-coach Steven Stroobants.

Midfielder Wil McCaig returns for his first game since injuring a hamstring in the 13^th round at Gisborne.

Another inclusion for South Bendigo is Regan Harvey.

Big test for a Bloods’ team that includes co-coach Isaiah Miller, Zac Sims, Zavier Holmes and Thomas Starr.

Kangaroo Flat completes its season with a home game at Dower Park against Gisborne.

The Michael Ellings-coached Kangaroos will be desperate to bring a high level of pressure to one of the league’s best teams.

A premiership player with Gisborne in ’22, Luke Ellings is one of the Roos’ most consistent players in his first season at Kangaroo Flat.

The Roos welcome back Jack Lefroy who has represented Carlton in the past three VFL rounds.

Other key players for Kangaroo Flat are captain Ethan Roberts, Harry Whitty, Kyle Symons, Jake Hywood, Lachlan Dalziel and Daniel Stagg.

Gisborne’s on-ball crew of Braidon Blake, Flynn Lakey, Brad Bernacki and Jackson Cardillo is one of the competition’s best.

In attack the Rob Waters-coached Bulldogs have Pat McKenna, Harry Luxmoore, Dylan Johnstone and Zac Denahy.

Jack Scanlon also returns after missing the past two rounds.

He strengthens a team that includes Liam Spear, Seb Bell-Bartels, Matt Merrett and Zav Vescovi.

Golden Square has the bye.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 296 per cent, 52 points; Gisborne 208, 52; Golden Square 159, 40; Strathfieldsaye 147, 40; Eaglehawk 138, 32; Castlemaine 108, 28; South Bendigo 69, 16; Kangaroo Flat 54, 12; Maryborough 14, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

76 Fergus Greene, Sandhurst.

51 Harry Luxmoore, Gisborne.

50 Brock Harvey, South Bendigo.

47 James Schischka, Strathfieldsaye.

47 Jack Stewart, Golden Square.

47 Steven Stroobants, South Bendigo.

46 Pat McKenna, Gisborne.

42 Michael Hartley, Castlemaine.

30 Jayden Burke, Golden Square.

29 Cobi Maxted, Sandhurst.

29 Harry Whitty, Kangaroo Flat.

27 Jonty Neaves, Eaglehawk.

26 Bailey Henderson, Castlemaine.

25 Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst.

24 Brad Bernacki, Gisborne.

23 Malik Gordon, Strathfieldsaye.

22 Darcy Richards, Eaglehawk.

21 Jordan Rosengren, Golden Square.

20 Zac Denahy, Gisborne.

20 Dylan Johnstone, Gisborne.

20 Jack O’Shannessy, Eaglehawk.

19 Kalan Huntly, Castlemaine.

19 Matt Merrett, Gisborne.

18 Tom Strauch, Golden Square.

17 Nick Stagg, Sandhurst.

17 Lachlan Tardrew, Sandhurst.

16 Zac Greeves, Castlemaine.

16 Bailey Ilsley, Eaglehawk.

16 Joel Mullen, Eaglehawk.

16 Abe Sheahan, Strathfieldsaye.

16 Joel Wharton, Sandhurst.

16 Riley Wilson, Strathfieldsaye.

15 Bryce Curnow, Sandhurst.

14 Luke Ellings, Kangaroo Flat.

14 Lachlan Gill, Strathfieldsaye.

14 Noah Walsh, Sandhurst.

13 Jake McLean, Sandhurst.

13 Ricky Monti, Golden Square.

13 Jack Sampson, Golden Square.

12 Zach Charles, Strathfieldsaye.

12 Matt Johnston, Maryborough.

12 Jack Lefroy, Kangaroo Flat.

12 Ben Thompson, Eaglehawk.

12 Tom Toma, Golden Square.

12 Matt Wilkinson, Sandhurst.

11 Brody Haddow, South Bendigo.

11 Matt Harvey, Strathfieldsaye.

10 Cooper Jones, Strathfieldsaye.

10 Blake McGregor, Eaglehawk.

10 Tanner Nally, Sandhurst.

10 Mitch Ronchieri, Eaglehawk.

10 Anthony Zimmerman, South Bendigo

IT’S an elimination final prelude as South Bendigo and Castlemaine meet in Saturday’s 18^th round of A-grade netball in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

The Bloods and Magpies will play on South Bendigo’s court at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington’s Neale Street.

Although Castlemaine has had two more wins than the Bloods and holds fourth place it’s up against an opponent which won by four goals at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve last round.

The only other line-up to have won at Gisborne at this season was the unbeaten Sandhurst in a 38-32 victory in the seventh round.

Castlemaine’s trek to Gisborne in the 11^th round ended in a 29-28 win for the home team.

When the Bloods and Magpies last met in round nine it was the Fiona Fowler and Gary Cooke-coached Castlemaine which won 44-31 at Camp Reserve.

Defensive intensity by the Jannelle Hobbs-coached South Bendigo was a key factor in beating Gisborne last Saturday.

The Bloods will be aiming to bring the same or higher level of pressure against the Magpies.

Although it was almost a year ago there’s also the memory of a 28-goal loss to Castlemaine in the elimination final to spur the Bloods line-up.

In other matches to be played on Saturday, Sandhurst takes on Eaglehawk at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst will start hot favourite to mark an 18^th consecutive victory.

Last round, Sandhurst answered a spirited challenge from Castlemaine to win 57-48 on the Magpies’ court at Camp Reserve.

The Kylie Piercy-coached Eaglehawk goes into this match following a 63-35 win on its court at Canterbury Park against Golden Square.

Kyneton and Strathfieldsaye will be aiming to end their season with a victory in their showdown at Kyneton Showgrounds.

The Dianne Guest-Oakley coached Kyneton was beaten by 34 goals in last Saturday’s match on Kangaroo Flat’s court at Dower Park.

The Steph Freemantle-coached Strathfieldsaye is chasing back-to-back following a 71-30 result against Maryborough on Storm’s court at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane.

In round nine, Storm beat the Tigers by eight goals.

Maryborough is home at Princes Park to take on a Gisborne line-up aiming to bounce back from its fourth defeat of the season.

Massive task for a young Maryborough team coached by Jordan Macilwain.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne will be determined to put in a strong four-quarter performance in the lead-up to another qualifying final.

Golden Square and Kangaroo Flat meet on the Bulldogs’ court at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.

Been a tough run for a young Golden Square squad coached by Benita Swatton.

The Kangaroos scored 106 goals against the blue and gold in the round nine clash at Dower Park.

A goal for the Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroo Flat will be not only its attacking flair, but also strong defence as it prepares to meet Gisborne in a qualifying final.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

Sandhurst 210 per cent, 68 points; Gisborne 169, 52; Kangaroo Flat 167 52; Castlemaine 120, 46; South Bendigo 113, 38; Strathfieldsaye 96, 30; Kyneton 87, 22; Eaglehawk 78, 20; Maryborough 55, 12; Golden Square 37, 0.

Ladder positions in a couple of other grades could also be switched after Saturday’s play.

In A-reserve the third and fourth-placed Kangaroo Flat and South Bendigo are locked on 44 points.

The Roos play at Golden Square, and South Bendigo meets the fifth-placed Castlemaine at Kennington.

In B-grade, the fifth-placed South Bendigo has 34 points and 97.65 per cent going into a clash with Castlemaine.

Eaglehawk is sixth on 34 points and 97.32 per cent, but up against the ladder-leading Sandhurst at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

SOUTH Bendigo and Castlemaine played out a draw in Saturday’s 18^th round of A-grade netball action in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

The Bloods and Magpies were already locked in to meet in next Sunday’s elimination final as they took to the court at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington’s Neale Street.

A superb contest ended 45-all.

Earlier in the season it was the Fiona Fowler and Gary Cooke-coached Castlemaine which scored a 44-31 victory against the Jannelle Hobbs-coached South Bendigo on the Magpies’ court at Camp Reserve.

In pursuit of a fifth consecutive A-grade premiership, Sandhurst capped an unbeaten run in the home and away series.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst took on Eaglehawk in Saturday’s match at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Sandhurst led 16-7 at quarter-time and 39-13 by the main break.

Slick passing and strong defensive efforts were keys as the maroon and blue went on to record a 79-32 victory against the Kylie Piercy-coached Hawks.

Kyneton faced Strathfieldsaye at Kyneton Showgrounds.

In what may be Kyneton’s final match in the Bendigo FNL as it awaits a move to the Riddell competition the Tigers started well in Saturday’s showdown with Storm.

At quarter-time it was Strathfieldsaye which led 10-9.

Storm surged to a 25-19 lead by the main break.

In the third the Steph Freemantle-coached Storm added 13 goals as the Tigers poured in 12.

A seven-goal lead for Storm at the start of the final was nine by the end as Strathfieldsaye marked a 53-44 win against the Dianne Guest-Oakley coached Kyneton.

Gisborne took charge after quarter-time of the clash on Maryborough’s court at Princes Park.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne led 17-13 at quarter-time and then unleashed a second term blitz of 16 goals as the Magpies added just two.

Warming up for a qualifying final, Gisborne won the next two quarters, 18-7 and 17-5 for a 68-27 result against the Jordan Macilwain-coached Maryborough.

A tough season for Golden Square ended in a clash with Kangaroo Flat at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.

The Jayden Cowling-coached jumped to a 21-1 lead by quarter-time.

In the second the Roos added 27 goals and defensive pressure was high as the Bulldogs were held to a single goal.

It was a ruthless performance by Kangaroo Flat in the lead-up to a qualifying final showdown with Gisborne.

The Roos won the third term of the match on Square’s court, 30-2.

The Benita Swatton-coached Golden Square added eight goals in the final term as the Roos went on for a 98-12 victory.

Final standings in A-grade after the 18-round home and away series:

Sandhurst 212 per cent, 72 points; Kangaroo Flat 180, 56; Gisborne 174, 56; Castlemaine 119, 48; South Bendigo 112, 40; Strathfieldsaye 98, 34; Kyneton 87, 22; Eaglehawk 75, 20; Maryborough 54, 12; Golden Square 36, 0.

Round 18 scoreboard:

A-reserve:

South Bendigo 40 lt Castlemaine 42, Kyneton 53 lt Strathfieldsaye 62, Sandhurst 55 d Eaglehawk 41, Gisborne bye, Golden Square 31 lt Kangaroo Flat 76.

B-grade:

South Bendigo 43 d Castlemaine 23, Kyneton 36 lt Strathfieldsaye 47, Sandhurst 76 d Eaglehawk 34, Maryborough 18 lt Gisborne 71, Golden Square 29 lt Kangaroo Flat 42.

B-reserve:

South Bendigo 43 d Castlemaine 31, Kyneton 21 lt Strathfieldsaye 66, Sandhurst 63 d Eaglehawk 25, Maryborough 18 lt Gisborne 69, Golden Square 32 lt Kangaroo Flat 66.

17-and-under:

South Bendigo 36 lt Castlemaine 56, Kyneton 8 lt Strathfieldsaye 74, Sandhurst 67 d Eaglehawk 23, Maryborough 40 lt Gisborne 50, Golden Square 65 d Kangaroo Flat 33.

Final ladders after 18 rounds in the home and away series:

A-reserve:

Gisborne 181 per cent, 70 points; Sandhurst 164, 66; Kangaroo Flat 125, 48; South Bendigo 104, 44; Castlemaine 98, 40; Strathfieldsaye 87, 36; Eaglehawk 82, 28; Kyneton 67, 18; Golden Square 54, 10.

B-grade:

Sandhurst 196 per cent, 70 points; Gisborne 170, 62; Kangaroo Flat 133, 56; Strathfieldsaye 106, 42; South Bendigo 100, 38; Eaglehawk 92, 34; Golden Square 90, 32; Kyneton 82, 18; Castlemaine 52, 6; Maryborough 45, 2.

B-reserve:

Sandhurst 245 per cent, 68 points; Kangaroo Flat 194, 68; Gisborne 145, 52; Strathfieldsaye 132, 48; Eaglehawk 110, 38; South Bendigo 105, 32; Golden Square 80, 26; Castlemaine 56, 20; Kyneton 41, 8; Maryborough 40, 0.

17-and-under:

Sandhurst 186 per cent, 68 points; Gisborne 181, 64; Golden Square 156, 56; Strathfieldsaye 128, 42; Maryborough 125, 42; Castlemaine 108, 34; Kangaroo Flat 106, 30; Eaglehawk 69, 16; South Bendigo 46, 8; Kyneton 18, 0.

Finals action starts next Saturday at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Teams which finished second and third have earned a double chance and will contest qualifying finals.

On Sunday it’s the elimination finals between the fourth and fifth-placed teams.

A great run by Sandhurst FNC included its A-grade, B-grade, B-reserve and 17-under teams all finishing on top of the ladder and having a week’s rest as the finals begin.

Gisborne led the A-reserve ladder.

Schedule for Saturday’s qualifying finals:

• A-grade: Kangaroo Flat v Gisborne.
• A-reserve: Sandhurst v Kangaroo Flat.
• B-grade: Gisborne v Kangaroo Flat.
• B-reserve: Kangaroo Flat v Gisborne.
• 17-under: Gisborne v Golden Square.

Draw for Sunday’s elimination finals:

• A-grade: Castlemaine v South Bendigo.
• A-reserve: South Bendigo v Castlemaine.
• B-grade: Strathfieldsaye v South Bendigo.
• B-reserve: Strathfieldsaye v Eaglehawk.
• 17-under: Strathfieldsaye v Maryborough.

A YOUNG Gisborne line-up played outstanding netball to win Saturday’s second round clash at Castlemaine in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo Football Netball League’s A-grade competition.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne headed to Camp Reserve for a showdown between two clubs who met in last season’s first semi-final at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

On that day it was Gisborne which won and the red, white and blue did so again.

A 43-35 victory has meant Gisborne is one of just two teams to have a two-nil record.

Best for Gisborne were Claudia Mawson and Zoe Davies as young gun Tori Skrijel continues to impress in attack.

Magpies’ co-coaches Fiona Fowler and Gary Cook said there were plenty of positives.

The play of Emma Winfield at goal attack and Jane O’Donohue as goalshooter were among the highlights.

It was a closely-fought contest at Kyneton Showgrounds where the Tigers took on Sandhurst.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst took the points in a 52-41 victory.

Kangaroo Flat bounced back from a first-round defeat to score a 15-goal win against South Bendigo.

The Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroos were on their court at Dower Park and marked a 41-26 result.

Maryborough coach Jordan Macilwain was rapt with her first win as A-grade coach after the Magpies won 60-43 on Eaglehawk’s court at Canterbury Park.

The Steph Freemantle-coached Strathfieldsaye was too strong for Golden Square.

Storm surged to a 78-29 win on its court at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane.

In next Saturday’s third round, Maryborough hosts Kangaroo Flat at Princes Park.

Sandhurst and Golden Square meet at Queen Elizabeth Oval for the Ron Best Memorial Shield day.

Gisborne will host Eaglehawk at Gardiner Reserve.

Castlemaine is at home again at Camp Reserve to take on Strathfieldsaye.

South Bendigo will be aiming to make it consecutive wins at its new home at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington when it takes on Kyneton.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

Gisborne 155 per cent, 8 points; Sandhurst 126, 8; South Bendigo 133, 4; Strathfieldsaye 130, 4; Kyneton 126, 4; Maryborough 107, 4; Kangaroo Flat 106, 4; Castlemaine 102, 4; Eaglehawk 56, 0; Golden Square 39, 0.

Round two scoreboard:

A-reserve:

Castlemaine 28 lt Gisborne 52, Kangaroo Flat 34 lt South Bendigo 38, Kyneton 37 lt Sandhurst 67, Strathfieldsaye 57 d Golden Square 49, Eaglehawk bye.

B-grade:

Castlemaine 25 lt Gisborne 52, Kangaroo Flat 49 d South Bendigo 38, Kyneton 30 lt Sandhurst 61, Strathfieldsaye 39 d Golden Square 27, Eaglehawk 40 d Maryborough 23.

B-reserve:

Castlemaine 28 lt Gisborne 44, Kangaroo Flat 47 d South Bendigo 35, Kyneton 14 lt Sandhurst 75, Strathfieldsaye 50 d Golden Square 18, Eaglehawk 71 d Maryborough 28.

17-and-under:

Castlemaine 35 lt Gisborne 49, Kangaroo Flat 54 d South Bendigo 18, Kyneton 14 lt Sandhurst 77, Strathfieldsaye 40 lt Golden Square 47, Eaglehawk 36 lt Maryborough 48.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL netball competitions after two rounds:

A-reserve:

Gisborne 231, 8; Sandhurst 164, 8; South Bendigo 126, 8; Kyneton 73, 4; Strathfieldsaye 71, 4; Eaglehawk 70, 4; Castlemaine 53, 4; Golden Square 91, 0; Kangaroo Flat 75, 0.

B-grade:

Sandhurst 196, 8; Gisborne 168, 8; South Bendigo 105, 4; Eaglehawk 102, 4; Strathfieldsaye 96, 4; Golden Square 92, 4; Kangaroo Flat 86, 4; Maryborough 76, 2; Castlemaine 67, 2; Kyneton 64, 0.

B-reserve:

Sandhurst 248, 8; Eaglehawk 172, 8; Gisborne 141, 8; Strathfieldsaye 134, 4; Kangaroo Flat 103, 4; Castlemaine 88, 4; Golden Square 76, 4; South Bendigo 83, 0; Maryborough 50, 0; Kyneton 31, 0.

17-and-under:

Sandhurst 286, 8; Golden Square 259, 8; Maryborough 169, 8; Gisborne 153, 8; Kangaroo Flat 121, 4; Eaglehawk 98, 4; Strathfieldsaye 71, 0; Castlemaine 57, 0; South Bendigo 51, 0; Kyneton 16, 0.

Feathers to fly on Eaglehawk’s turf

FEATHERS will be flying as the Eagles and Magpies meet in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy match between Eaglehawk and Castlemaine on Saturday.

The Hawks have home-ground advantage at Canterbury Park for when the feature match in the Pat Cronin Foundation Round starts at 2.20pm.

It’s a crucial contest for both clubs on a day when the league throws its support behind the Pat Cronin Foundation and the work it does in raising awareness about the “coward punch” and the ramifications of violence.

The Foundation will be spreading its message and also fund-raising at all four Bendigo FNL venues.

On the field, Eaglehawk and Castlemaine will be keen to bounce back from defeat.

A one-one record has Eaglehawk clinging to fifth place on percentage  from Castlemaine.

The Magpies kicked off the season by winning the stand-alone match against Maryborough on Good Friday at Camp Reserve.

Since then the Michael Hartley-coached Magpies have been beaten by South Bendigo and Golden Square.

The Hawks will be determined to play well before a parochial home crowd.

Eaglehawk’s best in a two-goal loss at Strathfieldsaye were Billy Evans, Bailey Ilsley, Joel Mullen and Clayton Holmes.

A major factor to the Hawks chances will be in attack where it has the marking power of Jonty Neaves and Darcy Richards.

Big test for Magpies’ defenders Jack Sutherland and Liam Wilkinson.

Huge plus for Eaglehawk is the inclusion of Kallen Geary for his first game of the season.

Geary’s non-stop run and precise disposal is a major weapon from defence or through midfield.

Other key players for the Hawks include Charlie Langford at centre half-back, ruckman Brayden Frost, Ben Thompson and Marcus Angove.

In his first year of coaching, Hartley has kicked 14 goals to be second in the race for the Ron Best Medal as leading goalkicker.

The Magpies named the versatile Bailey Henderson in the centre, but the captain can be a major threat inside the forward 50m arc.

Castlemaine will look for big games from the likes of ruckman Lloyd Butcher, Matt Filo, Kalan Huntly, Zavier Murley, Jack Chester  and John Watson.

It’s been 23 years since Kangaroo Flat has beaten Golden Square.

Several in Kangaroo Flat’s team bound for Wade Street on Saturday were not born when the feat was last achieved.

After a brilliant win against South Bendigo last round the Michael Ellings-coached Kangaroo Flat will be confident of finally ending the Bulldogs’ run.

Doing so will not be easy against the Brad Eaton-coached Golden Square which won last Saturday’s match at Castlemaine by two goals.

A huge plus for the Bulldogs is the availability of the brilliant Ricky Monti to play in an on-ball role or attack.

Monti is on Essendon’s list in the VFL.

Best for the Bulldogs at Castlemaine were Tom Strauch, Kai Daniels, Macey Eaton and Dylan Hird.

Players to watch in the blue and gold include captain Jayden Burke, Jordan Rosengren in the centre, Jon Coe, Jack Stewart and Luke Holt.

The Kangaroos had eight goalkickers as they overran South Bendigo to win by 27 points.

Justin Bateson kicked five goals and looms as a big threat, along with Harry Whitty, Ethan Roberts and Jake Hywood.

Big roles to be played by Luke Ellings on a wing, Toby Roberts in the ruck, Toby Balcke, Josh Leersen and Zach Rouse.

South Bendigo is back at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington to take on Gisborne.

The Steven Stroobants and Isaiah Miller-coached Bloods will be fired up after the loss to the Roos.

Brock Harvey kicked eight goals in South’s latest match for a season tally of 19 goals.

The Bloods are up against a team which scored 273 points last round.

South Bendigo will rely a lot on Brody Haddow, Zac Sims, Blake Poyser and Wil McCaig to win plenty of the on-ball and midfield contests.

In attack it will be Harvey, Stroobants and youngsters Will Marks and Zavier Holmes who the Bloods will look to.

Just who takes on Brad Bernacki will have taken up a lot of South Bendigo’s planning.

A tally of 48 disposals, 15 clearances and 274 ranking points earned Bernacki the Guzman Y Gomez Player of the Round last week.

In attack, the Rob Waters-coached Gisborne has Pat McKenna and Harry Luxmoore in hot form.

Ruckman Braidon Blake, ruck-rover Flynn Lakey, Sam Graham, Jack Scanlon and captain Jack Reaper are capable of winning many contests.

Maryborough takes on Sandhurst from 1.40pm at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

Huge challenge for all of Maryborough’s team, especially the midfield and defence.

A Magpies’ team jointly coached by Coby Perry and Matt Johnston will rely a lot on the defensive work of Kya Lanfranchi, Aidan Medlyn, Jack Shay and Alex Brown.

They will be up against the marking power of Fergus Greene and Lachlan Wright, and the elusive Joel Wharton and Nick Stagg.

In the on-ball duels, Maryborough has Liam Maffescioni, Mitch McClure and Coby Perry opposed to Connor Sexton, James Coghlan and Noah Walsh.

Refreshed by the bye, a Sandhurst team coached by Ash Connick, non-playing, and Bryce Curnow, playing, has plenty of running power through the likes of Lachlan Tardrew, Cooper Smith and Alex Wharton.

Strathfieldsaye has the bye.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Strathfieldsaye 136 per cent, 12 points; Sandhurst 253, 8; Kangaroo Flat 82, 8; Gisborne 335, 4; Eaglehawk 107, 4; Castlemaine 105, 4; South Bendigo 95, 7; Golden Square 84, 4; Maryborough 28, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

19 Brock Harvey, South Bendigo.

14 Michael Hartley, Castlemaine.

13 Pat McKenna, Gisborne.

8 Justin Bateson, Kangaroo Flat.

8 Bailey Henderson, Castlemaine.

8 Harry Luxmoore, Gisborne.

8 James Schischka, Strathfieldsaye.

8 Steven Stroobants, South Bendigo.

7 Jayden Burke, Golden Square.

7 Fergus Greene, Sandhurst.

7 Joel Wharton, Sandhurst.

7 Harry Whitty, Kangaroo Flat.

6 Abe Sheahan, Strathfieldsaye.

5 Zac Denahy, Gisborne.

5 Malik Gordon, Strathfieldsaye.

5 Sam Graham, Gisborne.

5 Zach Greeves, Castlemaine.

5 Jordan Rosengren, Golden Square.

5 Fraser Russell, Maryborough.

5 Jack Stewart, Golden Square.

5 Lachlan Tardrew, Sandhurst.

Hawks outpoint Magpies on Two Blues court

EAGLEHAWK outpointed Castlemaine to win Saturday’s fourth round clash in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition.

The Hawks and Magpies contested the feature match in Pat Cronin Foundation Round.

It was a scintillating start by the Kylie Piercy-coached Hawks as they led 19-11 at quarter-time.

The Borough’s buffer was 14 by the long break after it won the second term, 12-6.

A Castlemaine line-up coached by Chloe Hughes kept working hard, but the Hawks were superb in all thirds of the court.

Eaglehawk led 46-26 at three quarter-time and won the final term, 8-7, to seal a 54-33 victory.

A 20-goal opening term put the Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne well in control of its match against South Bendigo at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

The Alicia McGlashan-coached South Bendigo lifted to score 10 goals in the second, but the red, white and blue added 15.

A 19-goal lead for Gisborne at the main break became 21 at a quarter to go.

The Bloods upped the pressure in the last as they scored 11 goals as the Bulldogs added 14.

At the final siren Gisborne led 61-37.

Kangaroo Flat made a brilliant start to its match on Golden Square’s court in Wade Street.

The Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroos leapt to a 20-goal lead by quarter-time after a 22-2 blitz.

An experienced Kangaroo Flat line-up which has plenty of skill through mid-court and in attack was tough for the Chris O’Sullivan-coached Golden Square to stop.

The Roos won the second term, 21-10, and the third, 34-15.

It became a percentage-lifting Kangaroos as they bounded to a 90-35 victory and top spot on the ladder.

An extended break for the Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst rolled on.

After a bye in round three, Sandhurst was drawn to play Maryborough which is not fielding an A-grade team.

The Steph Freemantle-coached Strathfieldsaye had the bye.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

Kangaroo Flat 175 per cent, 8 points; Gisborne 137, 8; Eaglehawk 126, 8; Strathfieldsaye 124, 8; Sandhurst 103, 4; Castlemaine 90, 4; South Bendigo 64, 4; Golden Square 63, 4.

A highlight of next Saturday’s fifth round will be Kangaroo Flat on its court at Dower Park against Eaglehawk.

Sandhurst and South Bendigo meet in the Graeme Wright Memorial Cup match at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Gisborne is home at Gardiner Reserve to take on Golden Square.

Castlemaine and Strathfieldaye play on the Magpies’ court at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve.

Maryborough’s teams have the bye.

Round four scoreboard:

A-reserve:

Eaglehawk 40 lt Castlemaine 41, South Bendigo 27 lt Gisborne 69, Golden Square 36 lt Kangaroo Flat 43, Maryborough 49 d Sandhurst 43, Strathfieldsaye had the bye.

B-grade:

Eaglehawk 46 d Castlemaine 35, South Bendigo 30 lt Gisborne 61; Golden Square 39 lt Kangaroo Flat 56, Maryborough 24 lt Sandhurst 73, Strathfieldsaye had the bye.

B-reserve:

Eaglehawk 73 d Castlemaine 43, South Bendigo 27 lt Gisborne 53, Golden Square 25 lt Kangaroo Flat 61, Maryborough 13 lt Sandhurst 87, Strathfieldsaye had the bye.

17-and-under:

Eaglehawk 27 lt Castlemaine 52, South Bendigo 47 lt Gisborne 51, Golden Square 85 d Kangaroo Flat 18, Maryborough 25 lt Sandhurst 73, Strathfieldsaye had the bye.

League ladders:

A-reserve:

Gisborne 171 per cent, 12 points; Strathfieldsaye 148, 12; Kangaroo Flat 111, 10; Maryborough 100, 10; Castlemaine 99, 8; Sandhurst 94, 4; Eaglehawk 89, 4; South Bendigo 68, 4; Golden Square 74, 0.

B-grade:

Gisborne 201 per cent, 12 points; Kangaroo Flat 138, 12; Strathfieldsaye 132, 12; Sandhurst 142, 8; Eaglehawk 104, 8; Castlemaine 94, 8; South Bendigo 74, 4; South Bendigo 74, 4; Golden Square 77, 0; Maryborough 38, 0.

B-reserve:

Sandhurst 227 per cent, 12 points; Strathfieldsaye 129, 12; Gisborne 200, 8; Kangaroo Flat 169, 8; Eaglehawk 142, 8; South Bendigo 112, 8; Golden Square 74, 4; Castlemaine 59, 4; Maryborough 28, 0.

17-and-under:

Golden Square 217 per cent, 16 points; Sandhurst 244, 12; Maryborough 95, 12; Strathfieldsaye 132, 8; South Bendigo 118, 8; Castlemaine 92, 4; Gisborne 80, 4; Eaglehawk 35, 0; Kangaroo Flat 34, 0.

Storm surges to big win on Castlemaine’s court

STRATHFIELDSAYE marked an impressive victory on Castlemaine’s court at Camp Reserve in Saturday’s fifth round of A-grade netball action in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

The Steph Freemantle-coached Storm surged to a 64-36 victory against the Magpies.

Now on a three-one record, Strathfieldsaye is third on the ladder.

It was a disappointing result for the Chloe Hughes-coached Castlemaine which now has a two-week break in the split sixth round.

Next hit-out for the Magpies will be on June 1 on Kangaroo Flat’s court at Dower Park.

Results in all other A-grade matches went as expected in round five.

Back on court after an extended break, Sandhurst dominated against South Bendigo at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst raced to a 29-7 lead by half-time.

Pressure from the maroon and blue did not ease up as it won the third term, 18-2.

By the final siren Sandhurst led 64-14 against the Alicia McGlashan-coached South Bendigo.

At Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park it was Kangaroo Flat which outplayed the Two Blues.

Kangaroo Flat jumped away to a 17-4 lead by quarter-time and was up, 32-7 by the main break.

The Jayden Cowling-coached Roos slammed on 22 goals in the third as the defence held the Hawks to a tally of two.

By the final siren Kangaroo Flat led 76-15.

The Roos make their way to Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane to face Storm next Saturday.

An Eaglehawk team coached by Kylie Piercy faces another tough hit-out against at Gisborne in the sixth round.

Reigning premier Gisborne was on its court at Gardiner Reserve against Golden Square.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne led 16-6 at quarter-time and 31-16 by the main break.

Best quarter for the Chris O’Sullivan-coached Golden Square was third where it poured in 10 goals and held the red, white and blue to a tally of 13.

Gisborne went on to mark a 58-31 victory against the blue and gold which is a lot more competitive this season.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

Kangaroo Flat 215 per cent, 12 points; Gisborne 151, 12; Strathfieldsaye 138, 12; Sandhurst 155, 8; Eaglehawk 80, 8; Castlemaine 78, 4; Golden Square 61, 4; South Bendigo 54, 4.

The split sixth round starts next Saturday.

Eaglehawk is home at Canterbury Park to face Gisborne.

Strathfieldsaye plays Kangaroo Flat on Storm’s court at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane.

It’s a rest for South Bendigo in A-grade, but the Bloods will play Maryborough in the lower grades at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval in Neale Street.

Castlemaine has the bye.

The round will be completed on May 25 when Golden Square and Sandhurst clash for the Ron Best Memorial Cup at the Bulldogs’ kennel in Wade Street.

Round five scoreboard:

A-reserve:

Sandhurst 60 d South Bendigo 39, Kangaroo Flat 62 d Eaglehawk 38, Gisborne 70 d Golden Square 22, Castlemaine 38 lt Strathfieldsaye 61, Maryborough bye.

B-grade:

Sandhurst 60 d South Bendigo 38, Kangaroo Flat 51 d Eaglehawk 34, Gisborne 75 d Golden Square 27, Castlemaine 29 lt Strathfieldsaye 56, Maryborough bye.

B-reserve:

Sandhurst 66 d South Bendigo 36, Kangaroo Flat 42 d Eaglehawk 36, Gisborne 65 d Golden Square 29, Castlemaine 42 lt Strathfieldsaye 72, Maryborough bye.

17-and-under:

Sandhurst 47 d South Bendigo 21, Kangaroo Flat 32 lt Eaglehawk 34, Gisborne 37 lt Golden Square 56, Castlemaine 54 d Strathfieldsaye 47, Maryborough bye.

League ladders:

A-reserve:

Gisborne 197 per cent, 16 points; Strathfieldsaye 151, 16; Kangaroo Flat 121, 14; Maryborough 100, 10; Castlemaine 90, 8; Sandhurst 107, 6; South Bendigo 67, 6; Eaglehawk 81, 4; Golden Square 63, 0.

B-grade:

Gisborne 218 per cent, 16 points; Strathfieldsaye 144, 16; Kangaroo Flat 140, 16; Sandhurst 146, 12; Eaglehawk 93, 8; Castlemaine 83, 8; South Bendigo 71, 4; Golden Square 65, 0; Maryborough 38, 0.

B-reserve:

Sandhurst 213 per cent, 16 points; Strathfieldsaye 140, 16; Gisborne 205, 12; Kangaroo Flat 157, 12; Eaglehawk 128, 8; South Bendigo 94, 8; Golden Square 67, 4; Castlemaine 59, 4; Maryborough 28, 0.

17-and-under:

Golden Square 201 per cent, 20 points; Sandhurst 240, 16; Maryborough 95, 12; Strathfieldsaye 116, 8; South Bendigo 99, 8; Castlemaine 97, 8; Gisborne 76, 4; Eaglehawk 45, 4; Kangaroo Flat 42, 0.

CASTLEMAINE outpointed Kangaroo Flat across the final three quarters to mark a 16-goal victory in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s A-grade netball match on Saturday.

A full-strength Castlemaine was down by three goals at quarter-time after the Kangaroos made a strong start on the Magpies’ court at Camp Reserve.

After the first break it was the Magpies who lifted their defensive intensity and run through the mid-court.

Castlemaine went from 8-11 at the first break to hold a 24-20 lead by half-time.

A high-scoring third term also went in the Magpies’ favour, 14-10.

In the last it was the team in black and white which kept peppering the attacking third.

The Magpies scored 17 goals and held the Flat to just nine in the final quarter to seal a 55-39 victory.

Castlemaine co-coach Fiona Fowler teamed with Shaid Sasalu to shut down many of the Kangaroos’ attacking moves.

A Magpies’ line-up jointly coached by Fiona Fowler and Gary Cooke surged clear to claim a 55-39 victory against last season’s runner-up.

Castlemaine moved to the second rung of the ladder going into next weekend’s general bye as the Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroos slipped to fifth place.

In other A-grade matches, South Bendigo met Sandhurst on Graeme Wright Memorial Cup day at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst made a brilliant start to lead 17-5 at quarter-time.

Although the Bloods tried they could not match the hot Dragons in terms of pressure and ability to force or capitalise on turnovers.

Sandhurst led 34-9 at half-time and won the next two terms, 14-4 and 14-9, against the Jannelle Hobbs-coached Bloods.

At the final whistle the Dragons led 62-22.

Gisborne won every quarter on its way to a 54-26 win against Kyneton at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne led 17-6 at quarter-time and 28-15 by the main break.

It was a tough afternoon for the Dianne Guest-Oakley coached Tigers as Gisborne won this contest by 28 goals.

Closest result of the afternoon was at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane where the Steph Freemantle-coached Storm faced Eaglehawk.

Strathfieldsaye led 11-8 at quarter-time and won the second term, 11-8.

In the crucial third quarter, Storm added 15 goals and kept the Hawks to a tally of 10.

The Kylie Piercy-coached Hawks matched Storm’s tally of nine goals in the final term as Strathfieldsaye marked a 46-35 victory.

It was a high-scoring contest at Maryborough’s Princes Park where the Magpies took on Golden Square.

The Jordan Macilwain-coached Maryborough led 18-15 at quarter-time and 35-29 by the long break.

The Magpies scored 18 goals in the third and 20 in the last to the 73-goal mark.

A return of 53 goals by the Benita Swatton-coached Golden Square was well above its best this season.

Previous scores for the blue and gold had been 23, 29, 21, and 28.

Bendigo FNL’s A-grade netball ladder:

Sandhurst 217 per cent, 20 points; Gisborne 152, 16; Castlemaine 125, 16; South Bendigo 119, 12; Kangaroo Flat 118, 12; Kyneton 104, 8; Strathfieldsaye 94, 8; Maryborough 85, 8; Eaglehawk 62, 0; Golden Square 40, 0.

The Bendigo FNL has a general bye on May 20.

The season resumes on May 27.

Golden Square is at home at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street to face Gisborne in the round six contest.

South Bendigo versus Strathfieldsaye at Harry Trott Oval in Neale Street, Kennington.

Kangaroo Flat plays Eaglehawk on the Roos’ court at Dower Park.

Kyneton faces Castlemaine at Kyneton Showgrounds.

Sandhurst takes on Maryborough at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Round five scoreboard:

A-reserve:

Castlemaine 37 lt Kangaroo Flat 40, South Bendigo 26 lt Sandhurst 45, Gisborne 82 d Kyneton 22, Strathfieldsaye 51 d Eaglehawk 33, Golden Square bye.

B-grade:

Castlemaine 20 lt Kangaroo Flat 64, South Bendigo 32 lt Sandhurst 46, Gisborne 71 d Kyneton 37, Strathfieldsaye 33 d Eaglehawk 21, Maryborough 22 lt Golden Square 52.

B-reserve:

Castlemaine 20 lt Kangaroo Flat 61, South Bendigo 29 lt Sandhurst 62, Gisborne 63 d Kyneton 18, Maryborough 32 lt Golden Square 43, Strathfieldsaye 33 dr Eaglehawk 33.

17-and-under:

Castlemaine 35 dr Kangaroo Flat 35, South Bendigo 18 lt Sandhurst 63, Gisborne 92 d Kyneton 9, Strathfieldsaye 42 d Eaglehawk 33, Maryborough 37 lt Golden Square 50.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL netball competitions after five rounds:

A-reserve:

Gisborne 238 per cent, 20 points; Sandhurst 198, 20; South Bendigo 117, 16; Castlemaine 86, 8; Kangaroo Flat 81, 8; Strathfieldsaye 79, 8; Eaglehawk 66, 8; Kyneton 57, 8; Golden Square 64, 4.

B-grade:

Sandhurst 181 per cent, 20 points; Gisborne 163, 16; Kangaroo Flat 139, 16; Strathfieldsaye 101, 12; South Bendigo 100, 12; Golden Square 97, 8; Eaglehawk 78, 8; Kyneton 74, 4; Castlemaine 63, 2; Maryborough 57, 2.

B-reserve:

Sandhurst 221 per cent, 20 points; Kangaroo Flat 185, 16; Gisborne 153, 16; Eaglehawk 119, 14; Strathfieldsaye 134, 10; South Bendigo 101, 8; Golden Square 72, 8; Castlemaine 52, 4; Kyneton 41, 4; Maryborough 48, 0.

17-and-under:

Gisborne 230 per cent, 20 points; Sandhurst 207, 20; Golden Square 188, 16; Maryborough 145, 16; Strathfieldsaye 84, 8; Kangaroo Flat 100, 6; Castlemaine 82, 6; Eaglehawk 72, 4; South Bendigo 50, 4; Kyneton 19, 0.

Gisborne ends Storm’s unbeaten run

GISBORNE broke Strathfieldsaye Storm’s unbeaten run in Saturday’s seventh round of senior footy action in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

The Gisborne Bulldogs were on home turf at Gardiner Reserve to tackle an in-form Storm as the league marked Indigenous Round.

The Rob Waters-coached Bulldogs charged to a 32-12 lead by quarter-time.

In the second it was Storm which seized control.

With James Schisckha starring in attack, Strathfieldsaye scored 5.2 to 3.4 in the second to be within 10 points at half-time.

Quarter three was when Gisborne broke the game wide open.

The Bulldogs added 5.4 and lifted defensive intensity to limit Storm to a tally of two goals.

The Luke Freeman-coached Storm fought on to win the last term, 26-22, but it was Gisborne which marked a 110-82 victory.

Pat McKenna and Harry Luxmoore led the Bulldogs’ attack on three goals as Brad Bernacki, Zac Denahy and Harry Thomas added two each.

Storm’s leading goalkicker was James Schischka on seven as Matt Harvey and Joel Reinheimer chipped in with two.

Best for Gisborne were Jack Scanlon, ruckman Braidon Blake, Brad Bernacki, Flynn Lakey, Pat McKennz and Frank Schipano.

James Schischka, Cooper Jones, Matt Harvey, Lachlan Ratcliffe, Caleb Sheahan and Patrick Blandford were Strathfieldsaye’s best.

At Kangaroo Flat’s Dower Park the Wirama Shield was up for grabs as the Roos took on Castlemaine.

After victory in the stand-alone match against Maryborough on Good Friday, Castlemaine had endured a run of four consecutive defeats.

The Michael Hartley-coached Castlemaine charged to a 27-1 lead by quarter-time on the Kangaroos’ ground.

Kangaroo Flat bounced back to win the second term, 21-8.

The Magpies dominated most of the third term.

Led by the play of Jack Sutherland, Bailey Henderson and Zavier Murley, Castlemaine scored 5.5 to gain a 39-point lead going into the final term.

A high-scoring final quarter went the Magpies way, 37-33.

Zac Greeves kicked three goals as Michael Hartley, Bailey Henderson and Liam Wilkinson booted two each in a 107-64 victory for the Magpies.

Leading goalkickers for the Roos were Angus Grant and Harry Whitty on three each.

Castlemaine’s best included Kalan Huntly, Darby Semmens and Tyson Jackson.

Kyle Symons, Ethan Roberts, Luke Ellings, Jack Lefroy, Angus Grant and Connor Lee were best for the Michael Ellings-coached Kangaroos.

Sandhurst’s hot streak kept rolling in a 12-goal victory against Eaglehawk at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

A closely-fought opening term went the way of the Dragons, 21-7.

In the second a Sandhurst line-up jointly coached by Ash Connick, non-playing, and Bryce Curnow, playing, scored 5.3 and kept the Borough to a goal.

The Dragons dominated most of the second half as they added 9.4 to 4.3 to complete a 112-40 victory.

Fergus Greene and Bryce Curnow kicked four and three goals as Harrison Free and Nick Stagg added two.

The Hawks’ attack was led by Jack O’Shannessy on three, and Jonty Neaves with two.

Sandhurst’s best were Cobi Maxted, Harrison Free, Lachlan Tardrew, Lachlan Wright, Zach Pallpratt and Isaac Ruff.

Oscar Madden, Jack O’Shannessy, Cameron McGlashan, Billy Evans, Blake McGregor and Zack Bulger played well for the Travis Matheson-coached Eaglehawk.

It was another tough afternoon for Maryborough on home turf at Princes Park against Golden Square.

As the club weighs up prospects beyond this season, Maryborough’s young team faced the blue and gold.

It was Golden Square which slammed on 8.8 and kept the Magpies scoreless in the opening term.

From there the Brad Eaton-coached Bulldogs scored five goals in the second quarter, eight in the third and six in the last.

Captain Jayden Burke finished with eight goals in a best on ground performance nd Jack Stewart added five in a 180-22 victory.

It was a big day for the Eaton family as Oliver kicked two goals in his senior debut and played alongside older brother Macey who also booted a goal.

Maryborough’s goalkickers were Robert Castiglia, co-coach Coby Perry and Tannar Santon.

Best for Golden Square were Jayden Burke, Tom Strauch, Zac Wescott, Jack Stewart, Jack Threlfall and Brodie James.

Coby Perry, Ash Humphrey, Kya Lanfranchi, Tom Myers, Alex Brown and Seb Collins were best in a Magpies line-up which is jointly coached by Coby Perry and Matt Johnston.

South Bendigo had the bye.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 421 per cent, 24 points; Gisborne 249, 20; Strathfieldsaye 138, 20; Golden Square 120, 12; Eaglehawk 99, 12; Castlemaine 97, 8; South Bendigo 82, 8; Kangaroo Flat 59, 8; Maryborough 16, 0.

Highlight of next Saturday’s eighth round will be Strathfieldsaye against Sandhurst in Storm territory at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane from 2.20pm.

Castlemaine is back on home turf at Camp Reserve to tackle Gisborne.

Eaglehawk and Maryborough meet in the clash of the Hawks and Magpies at Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park.

Golden Square faces South Bendigo at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.

Kangaroo Flat has the bye.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

33 - (4) - Fergus Greene - Sandhurst 
32 - (0) - Brock Harvey - South Bendigo 
26 - (3) - Pat McKenna - Gisborne 
25 - (7) - James Schischka - Strathfieldsaye 
23 - (3) - Harry Luxmoore - Gisborne 
20 - (2) - Michael Hartley - Castlemaine 
19 - (8) - Jayden Burke - Golden Square 
18 - (0) - Lachlan Wright - Sandhurst 
16 - (0) - Steven Stroobants - South Bendigo 
14 - (5) - Jack Stewart - Golden Square 
13 - (2) - Jonty Neaves - Eaglehawk 
13 - (0) - Darcy Richards - Eaglehawk 
13 - (3) - Bryce Curnow - Sandhurst 
12 - (2) - Zac Denahy - Gisborne 
12 - (0) - Malik Gordon - Strathfieldsaye 
11 - (2) - Bradley Bernacki - Gisborne 
11 - (2) - Bailey Henderson - Castlemaine 
11 - (3) - Harry Whitty - Kangaroo Flat 
11 - (0) - Noah Walsh - Sandhurst 
10 - (1) - Lachlan Tardrew - Sandhurst 
10 - (3) - Zachary Greeves - Castlemaine 

Roos meet Magpies in Indigenous Round match

IT’S the Kangaroos against the Magpies as Kangaroo Flat faces Castlemaine in the A-grade netball match in this Saturday’s Indigenous Round in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

The ladder-leading Kangaroos will start favourite on their court at Dower Park as the league marks the seventh round.

Since a seven-goal loss to Sandhurst in round one and then a bye, Kangaroo Flat is on a four-game winning streak.

The Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroo Flat has shown it has plenty of scoring power but is also strong defensively.

Highest score against the Roos was 46 by Sandhurst in the season opener at Dower Park.

The Roos defeated South Bendigo, 60-27, and then won 90-35 on Golden Square’s court at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street.

Arguably the most impressive performance was the 76-15 result at home against Eaglehawk in the fifth round.

On day one of the split sixth round, Kangaroo Flat won 59-31 against Strathfieldsaye at Triple M Park.

The rampaging Roos take on an opponent determined to regain confidence.

Castlemaine made a great start when it won 41-27 on South Bendigo’s court at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval in round two.

The Chloe Hughes-coached Magpies have since endured home-court losses to Golden Square and Strathfieldsaye.

The Pies were also defeated in the Pat Cronin Foundation feature round match at Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park.

Huge challenge for Castlemaine, especially in mid-court against a confident and skilful Kangaroos’ trio.

It’s second against fourth as Gisborne is home at Gardiner Reserve to take on Strathfieldsaye.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne is unbeaten as it chases back-to-back premierships.

A great run for the red, white and blue began with a 42-38 victory against Sandhurst in the ’23 grand final rematch at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

After a rest for A-grade in round three as the club was drawn to play Maryborough, Gisborne has beaten South Bendigo, Golden Square and Eaglehawk.

The Bulldogs achieved scores of 61, 58 and 53 goals in wins by 24, 27 and 28 goals.

Strathfieldsaye Storm rolls into Gisborne following a tough round six clash with Kangaroo Flat.

Another big test for the Steph Freemantle-coached Storm which bounced back from a two-goal loss to South Bendigo at Triple M Park to win its next three matches.

The Sandhurst and Eaglehawk rivalry always generates a hard-fought match.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst will start favourite to take the points against the Borough at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

It’s been a disjointed season for Sandhurst which after being defeated by Gisborne had a two-week break because of a bye and then drawn to play at Maryborough the following round.

Latest hit-out for the maroon and blue ended in a 72-26 result at Golden Square on Ron Best Memorial Shield day.

The Kylie Piercy-coached Eaglehawk completes a tough three-match streak which began at Kangaroo Flat and was followed by a home game against Gisborne and now faces last season’s runner-up.

It’s a rest for Golden Square in A-grade, but the blue and gold will trek across to Maryborough to play in the lower grades on the Princes Park courts.

South Bendigo has the bye.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

Kangaroo Flat 210 per cent, 16 points; Gisborne 163, 16; Sandhurst 181, 12; Strathfieldsaye 112, 12; Eaglehawk 72, 8; Castlemaine 78, 4; Golden Square 56, 4; South Bendigo 54, 4.