Kangaroos claim Wirama Shield against Magpies

KANGAROO Flat outplayed Castlemaine in the A-grade netball match to claim the Wirama Shield as the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL marked Indigenous Round on Saturday.

The Roos and Magpies contested the round’s feature match on Kangaroo Flat’s court at Dower Park.

An 86-33 victory was a fifth win of the season for the ladder-leading Kangaroos who are coached by Jayden Cowling.

It’s been a tough run for the Chloe Hughes-coached Castlemaine which has not won since the second round against South Bendigo at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval.

Reigning premier Gisborne won a hard-fought match on its court at Gardiner Reserve against Strathfieldsaye Storm.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne led 11-10 at quarter-time and 21-17 by the long break.

In the third the team in red, white and blue took control as it scored 11 goals and kept Storm to a tally of six.

Gisborne went on to claim a 40-29 victory against the Steph Freemantle-coached Storm.

A red-hot Sandhurst starred in the cool conditions at Queen Elizabeth Oval against Eaglehawk.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst raced to a 19-8 lead by quarter-time.

Term two was the Dragons most dominant of the match as they poured in 23 goals and held the Two Blues to a score of eight.

By the long break the maroon and blue led 42-24.

The Dragons led 58-24 going into the final term.

An Eaglehawk team coached by Kylie Piercy scored a match-high 12 goals in the last as Sandhurst netted a 75-36 victory.

It was a bye for Golden Square in A-grade, but the blue and gold did play Maryborough on the Princes Park courts in the lower grades.

South Bendigo had a bye.

Standings in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

Kangaroo Flat 219 per cent, 20 points; Gisborne 158 20; Sandhurst 187, 16; Strathfieldsaye 105, 12; Eaglehawk 66, 8; Castlemaine 66, 4; Golden Square 56, 4; South Bendigo 54, 4.

A highlight of King’s Birthday holiday weekend will be Saturday’s round eight match between Strathfieldsaye and Sandhurst at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.

Castlemaine will be on its court at Camp Reserve against Gisborne.

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

It’s a rest for the A-grade team from Eaglehawk, but the Borough’s teams will be on their courts at Canterbury Park to play Maryborough in the lower grades.

Kangaroo Flat has the bye.

Round seven scoreboard:

A-reserve:

Kangaroo Flat 67 d Castlemaine 27, Gisborne 53 d Strathfieldsaye 38, Sandhurst 57 d Eaglehawk 36, Maryborough 45 d Golden Square 33, South Bendigo bye.

B-grade:

Kangaroo Flat 60 d Castlemaine 17, Gisborne 63 d Strathfieldsaye 38, Sandhurst 57 d Eaglehawk 27, Maryborough 34 lt Golden Square 49, South Bendigo bye.

B-reserve:

Kangaroo Flat 56 d Castlemaine 38, Gisborne 55 d Strathfieldsaye 34, Sandhurst 68 d Eaglehawk 31, Maryborough 33 lt Golden Square 44, South Bendigo bye.

17-and-under:

Kangaroo Flat 25 lt Castlemaine 57, Gisborne 47 d Strathfieldsaye 31, Sandhurst 68 d Eaglehawk 17, Maryborough 35 lt Golden Square 44, South Bendigo bye.

League ladders

A-reserve:

Gisborne 201 per cent, 24 points; Strathfieldsaye 136, 20; Kangaroo Flat 119, 18; Maryborough 105, 18; Sandhurst 130, 16; Castlemaine 79, 8; South Bendigo 72, 4; Eaglehawk 66, 4; Golden Square 60, 0.

B-grade:

Gisborne 205 per cent, 24 points; Kangaroo Flat 149, 24; Sandhurst 174, 20; Strathfieldsaye 115, 16; South Bendigo 87, 8; Eaglehawk 74, 8; Castlemaine 70, 8; Golden Square 66, 4; Maryborough 43, 0.

B-reserve:

Sandhurst 230 per cent, 24 points; Gisborne 186, 20; Strathfieldsaye 126, 20; Kangaroo Flat 134, 16; South Bendigo 114, 12; Eaglehawk 97, 8; Golden Square 66, 8; Castlemaine 60, 4; Maryborough 34, 0.

17-and-under:

Sandhurst 244 per cent, 24 points; Golden Square 156, 24; Maryborough 99, 16; Strathfieldsaye 123, 12; Castlemaine 109, 12; Gisborne 97, 12; South Bendigo 93, 8; Eaglehawk 43, 4; Kangaroo Flat 41, 0.

LADDER leaders Sandhurst and Castlemaine meet in Saturday’s eighth round of A-grade netball action in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

In pursuit of a fifth consecutive premiership, Sandhurst has answered all challenges to be seven-nil and perched on top of the ladder.

Castlemaine is on a four-game winning streak and a season record of five wins, one loss, and a draw.

The depth of the Sandhurst squad was on show in last Saturday’s victory on Gisborne’s court at Gardiner Reserve.

Although the maroon and blue was without Ruby Turner, injured, and Imogen Sexton, overseas, it defended brilliantly to win 38-32 in a hard-fought contest between two of the league’s strongest teams.

Key players for the Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst include Bec Smith in attack, Charlotte Sexton in defence, and captain Meg Williams in the centre.

There is also the experience of goaler Kelsey Meade and dual Betty Thompson medallist as league fairest and best in Heather Oliver at goal defence.

A superb run by Castlemaine in ’23 included the 55-39 win on its court at Camp Reserve against Kangaroo Flat in round five.

Jointly coached by Gary Cooke and Fiona Fowler, also a star at goal defence, Castlemaine struck back from a 35-43 loss at home to Gisborne in the second round to win its next three matches.

The league declared the A-grade netball match a draw, so two points were awarded to the Magpies and Tigers.

Castlemaine was back on court last Saturday to score a 71-36 victory against Golden Square.

Players to watch for the Magpies include Shaid Sasalu at goal defence and Mikaela Vaughan in attack.

There have been changes to both line-ups, but Castlemaine can gain plenty of belief from last season’s stunning victory against Sandhurst.

The Magpies upstaged the Dragons, 47-46 in the 18^th round of the ’22 season at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve.

Sandhurst won its next three finals to claim the premiership cup once again.

Another crucial match in Saturday’s round eight action will be at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval where South Bendigo takes on Gisborne.

The Jannelle Hobbs-coached South Bendigo dominated last Saturday’s match at Maryborough’s Princes Park to record a 68-18 victory.

The Bloods have a win-loss tally of 4-2 and drew their most recent game at Harry Trott Oval with Strathfieldsaye.

Pressure in all thirds of the court will be much higher against a Gisborne line-up on the rebound from defeat.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne took it right up to Sandhurst last round, but some turnovers proved costly.

After a hard-fought 41-38 win on Eaglehawk’s court at Canterbury Park, Kyneton is back home to face Kangaroo Flat.

Victory for the Dianne Guest-Oakley coached Kyneton would draw it two points closer to Kangaroo Flat and also keep the heat on the fifth-placed South Bendigo.

Beating the Kangaroos who were runner-up in ’22 will not be an easy task.

The Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroo Flat have been beaten by Sandhurst and Castlemaine, but showed in a 44-42 win against Gisborne what it is capable of.

Kangaroo Flat’s mid-court and attack was superb in an 80-37 win at Strathfieldsaye’s Triple M Park last round.

Eyes of Golden Square and Eaglehawk will be firmly set on ending their winless run as they take to the court at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.

The Benita Swatton-coached Golden Square had a tough match at Castlemaine last round.

The Hawks made a brilliant final quarter fightback in their home game against Kyneton.

A 38-41 result was clearly one of the best performances from the Kylie Piercy-coached line-up from the Borough this season.

Maryborough is back home at Princes Park to take on Strathfieldsaye.

A win for the Jordan Macilwain-coached Maryborough will put it above Strathfieldsaye on the ladder.

The Steph Freemantle-coached Strathfieldsaye will be determined to mark win number three and keep the pressure on the fifth and sixth-placed Bloods and Tigers.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL’s A-grade netball competition:

Sandhurst 215 per cent, 28 points; Castlemaine 136, 22; Gisborne 169, 20; Kangaroo Flat 148, 20; South Bendigo 132, 18; Kyneton 104, 14; Strathfieldsaye 84, 10; Maryborough 65, 8; Eaglehawk 60, 0; Golden Square 38, 0.

Meanwhile, selectors have finalised the Bendigo FNL’s open team to contest the upcoming Association championships in Melbourne.

The BFNL’s open and 17-and-under squads will compete against teams from across the state on June 18 at the State Netball Centre in Parkville.

Bendigo’s open team includes six of Sandhurst’s premiership-winning stars, plus representatives from Gisborne, Kangaroo Flat and South Bendigo.

The Bendigo FNL open team is being coached by Kangaroo Flat’s Jayden Cowling, with Strathfieldsaye’s Steph Freemantle as assistant coach.

Goalers are Claudia Mawson from Gisborne, Kangaroo Flat’s Abbey Ryan, and Sandhurst’s Rebecca Smith.

The mid-court rotation is Sandhurst clubmates Shae Clifford and Meg Williams, along with Gisborne’s Kirby Elliot, and Kangaroo Flat’s Ashley Ryan.

A strong defence includes South Bendigo’s Alicia Gladman joining forces with Heather Oliver, Charlotte Sexton and Sophie Shoebridge from Sandhurst.

SANDHURST won every quarter to record a 21-goal victory against Castlemaine in Saturday’s eighth round of A-grade netball in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

Unbeaten in its pursuit of a fifth consecutive premiership, Sandhurst outplayed the Magpies on the court at Queen Elizabeth Oval on the King’s Birthday holiday weekend.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst led 17-7 at quarter-time and 28-18 by the long break.

Jointly coached by Fiona Fowler and Gary Cooke, Castlemaine fought back to score 10 goals in the third as the maroon and blue added 12.

A hot Dragons’ mid-court and attack did not let up the intensity as it won the final quarter, 15-6, and the contest, 55-34.

Brilliant play across the second and third quarters set up a huge win for Gisborne on South Bendigo’s court at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne led 15-10 at quarter-time and 30-17 by the long break.

Gisborne then unleashed an 18-goal blitz in the third as it held the Bloods to just six goals.

By the final siren Gisborne led 59-27.

Kangaroo Flat jumped to the third rung following a 38-goal victory at Kyneton.

At the end of an evenly-fought first term, Kangaroo Flat led 11-8.

The Jayden Cowling-coached Roos dominated the next two quarters.

It was 23-7 in favour of the green and white in the second, and 21-11 in the third.

The only blow in Flat’s charge to a 72-34 was a knee injury to gun goaler Louise Dupuy.

Eaglehawk marked its first win of the season on Golden Square’s court at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street.

The Hawks and Bulldogs were both determined to mark victory number one.

The Kylie Piercy-coached Eaglehawk poured in 22 goals in the opening term to gain a 14-goal buffer on the blue and gold.

A 14-8 second term put the Borough up 36-16 by the long break.

The Benita Swatton-coached Golden Square lifted to score 10 goals in the third as the Two Blues added 11.

Eaglehawk’s play through mid-court and into attack was excellent as it won the final term, 16-9, to record a 63-35 victory.

The Steph Freemantle-coached Strathfieldsaye stayed in touch with the top five by scoring a 30-goal win at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

Storm surged to a 19-7 lead by quarter-time and then added 18 goals as it kept the Magpies to just seven in the second.

Quarters three and four went Strathfieldsaye’s way, 17-13 and 15-12.

At the final siren the Storm led 69-39 against the Jordan Macilwain-coached Maryborough.

Storm is a win, but 24 per cent behind the fifth-placed South Bendigo in the premiership race.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL’s A-grade netball competition:

Sandhurst 208 per cent, 32 points; Gisborne 174, 24; Kangaroo Flat 155, 24; Castlemaine 122, 22; South Bendigo 117, 18; Strathfieldsaye 93, 14; Kyneton 92, 14; Maryborough 64, 8; Eaglehawk 70, 4; Golden Square 40, 0.

The halfway mark of the home and away series will be reached next Saturday.

Castlemaine and South Bendigo meet on Castlemaine’s court at Camp Reserve.

Gisborne is home at Gardiner Reserve to play Maryborough.

Eaglehawk takes on Sandhurst at Canterbury Park.

Kangaroo Flat is on its court at Dower Park to play Golden Square.

Strathfieldsaye meets Kyneton at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.

Round eight scoreboard:

A-reserve:

Sandhurst 65 d Castlemaine 36, South Bendigo 27 lt Gisborne 66, Kyneton 32 lt Kangaroo Flat 65, Golden Square 37 lt Eaglehawk 51, Eaglehawk bye.

B-grade:

Sandhurst 63 d Castlemaine 21, South Bendigo 28 lt Gisborne 61, Kyneton 37 lt Kangaroo Flat 45, Golden Square 41 lt Eaglehawk 46, Maryborough 34 lt Strathfieldsaye 39.

B-reserve:

Sandhurst 61 d Castlemaine 15, South Bendigo 33 lt Gisborne 45, Kyneton 19 lt Kangaroo Flat 82, Golden Square 21 lt Eaglehawk 48, Maryborough 24 lt Strathfieldsaye 48.

17-and-under:

Sandhurst 54 d Castlemaine 37, South Bendigo 19 lt Gisborne 56, Kyneton 7 lt Kangaroo Flat 64, Golden Square 63 d Eaglehawk 29, Maryborough 36 dr Strathfieldsaye 36.

Ladders after eight rounds:

A-reserve:

Gisborne 223 per cent, 32 points; Sandhurst 173, 28; Kangaroo Flat 121, 20; South Bendigo 95, 20; Castlemaine 94, 16; Eaglehawk 79, 16; Strathfieldsaye 76, 16; Kyneton 58, 8; Golden Square 59, 4.

B-grade:

Sandhurst 205 per cent, 32 points; Kangaroo Flat 140, 28; Gisborne 154, 24; Strathfieldsaye 96, 18; South Bendigo 92, 18; Eaglehawk 87, 16; Golden Square 94, 12; Kyneton 80, 8; Castlemaine 60, 2; Maryborough 55, 2.

B-reserve:

Sandhurst 248 per cent, 32 points; Kangaroo Flat 192, 28; Gisborne 145, 24; Eaglehawk 124, 24; Strathfieldsaye 128, 16; South Bendigo 104, 12; Castlemaine 60, 12; Golden Square 66, 8; Kyneton 41, 4; Maryborough 41, 0.

17-and-under:

Gisborne 194 per cent, 32 points; Sandhurst 169, 8; Golden Square 158, 24; Maryborough 132, 22; Strathfieldsaye 96, 18; Kangaroo Flat 122, 14; Castlemaine 92, 10; Eaglehawk 77, 8; South Bendigo 46, 4; Kyneton 21, 0.

PRESSURE will be high as South Bendigo takes to Castlemaine’s court at Camp Reserve for Saturday’s ninth round of A-grade netball action in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

The Bloods and Magpies are keen to rebound from defeat as teams reach the halfway mark of the season.

A win for the Jannelle Hobbs-coached South Bendigo will draw level on the Magpies’ tally of five wins and a draw.

For the Castlemaine team it’s a chance to move two wins clear of the Bloods and also stay in touch with the second and third-placed Gisborne and Kangaroo Flat.

In last Saturday’s play, Castlemaine could not halt Sandhurst’s charge to a 55-34 victory in the King’s Birthday holiday weekend match played at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Magpies’ coaches Fiona Fowler and Gary Cooke are in charge of a talented line-up which outplayed Kangaroo Flat at Castlemaine in the fifth round.

The Bloods will be determined to strike back after a 32-goal loss to Gisborne at South Bendigo’s new home of Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

Another big match in the ninth round will be at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane where Strathfieldsaye takes on Kyneton.

The Storm and Tigers are both locked on 14 premiership points and separated by 1.45 per cent.

The Steph Freemantle-coached Storm marked its best performance of the season to draw on South Bendigo’s court in the sixth round.

After a loss at home to Kangaroo Flat the next round, Storm struck back for a 69-39 win at Maryborough’s Princes Park last Saturday.

Kyneton has a win-loss tally of 3-4 and a draw.

The Dianne Guest-Oakley coached Tigers were up against Kangaroo Flat last round at Kyneton Showgrounds where the Roos romped to a 38-goal win.

The league’s top three in Sandhurst, Gisborne and Kangaroo Flat should add to their win tally this round.

Unbeaten in its pursuit of a fifth consecutive A-grade premiership, Sandhurst heads to Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park.

The Kylie Piercy-coached Hawks played well for a 63-35 win at Golden Square last Saturday, but are up against a formidable opponent.

Six of Sandhurst’s stars will represent Bendigo FNL at the Association championships on Sunday at the State Netball Centre in Parkville.

Gisborne is back at Gardiner Reserve to take on Maryborough.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne has a 6-2 record in which goaler Clauda Mawson and mid-courter Kirby Elliott have shone in many matches.

Kangaroo Flat takes on Golden Square on the Roos’ court at Dower Park.

A busy weekend for Roos’ coach Jayden Cowling includes the showdown with the blue and gold, and then being in charge of Bendigo FNL’s open team at the Association championships.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

Sandhurst 208 per cent, 32 points; Gisborne 174, 24; Kangaroo Flat 155, 24; Castlemaine 122, 22; South Bendigo 117, 18; Strathfieldsaye 93, 14; Kyneton 92, 14; Maryborough 64, 8; Eaglehawk 70, 4; Golden Square 40, 0.

THERE are some old faces among the new as Bendigo Bank Bendigo Football Netball League clubs build up for the start of the ’23 footy season.

It’s been a busy time on the recruiting front, especially at Sandhurst and Eaglehawk as they strive to improve on last year’s fifth and seventh placings.

Grand finalists Gisborne and Strathfieldsaye have made changes in a bid to stay at the top.

Brad Fox takes charge as Gisborne chases back-to-back premiership victories, while the Darryl Wilson coached Storm eyes a fifth consecutive grand final appearance.

A top contender for the past few years, Golden Square again looks strong as it strives to hit back from a two-point loss to Gisborne in last September’s preliminary final.

It’s a new era for South Bendigo which has made the move from Queen Elizabeth Oval to now be based at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval.

Sandhurst has welcomed back several premiership winners and also recruited versatile big man Bryce Curnow to be co-coach with Ash Connick.

Stung by missing the finals by percentage after a 10-8 run to be sixth, the Paul Chapman-coached Kyneton looms as a big threat to climb into the top five.

Kangaroo Flat, Maryborough and Castlemaine all have new coaches in charge.

The Roos have appointed Nathan Johns who brings a wealth of coaching experience to Dower Park.

Coby Perry steps up to be playing coach at Maryborough.

Premiership player Brendan Shepherd will be determined to mark a successful return at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve.

As reigning premier, Gisborne will be prepared for the heat.

It’s the third time in the club’s stint in the Bendigo FNL it starts a season chasing back-to-back premierships.

The Gardiner Reserve-based Bulldogs did so in 2002-03 and 2005-06.

A line-up that includes captain Pat McKenna, Braidon Blake, Flynn Lakey, Jack Reaper, Matt Merrett and Sam Graham will be tough to beat.

Those to have left Gisborne include Ethan Foreman, Kyneton; Josh Kemp, Aberfeldie; Ethan Minns, Woodend-Heskett; Matt Panuccio, Riddell;

Strathfieldsaye’s remarkable run since 2013 includes being in seven of eight grand finals and a win-loss tally of 4-3.

Key inclusions for Storm include running half-back Luke Webb as playing assistant coach.

Webb was on Geelong’s list in the VFL and also played for St Joseph’s.

A powerful attack is bolstered by the inclusion of Jack Exell who kicked 100 goals for Violet Town last season.

Storm also regains Alex Powell after stints at Tooleybuc and Bridgewater.

A triple premiership player and Nalder medallist for best afield in the 2017 grand final win, Kallen Geary has left Storm to play for Eaglehawk where his superb career kicked off.

Fergus Payne has gone to Inglewood as an assistant coach.

A formidable Storm line-up includes Michelsen medallists Lachlan Sharp at full-forward, and ruck-rover Jake Moorhead.

Golden Square has kept most of last year’s line-up which reached the preliminary final.

Christian Carter kicks off a third season in charge and has 2001 premiership winner Matt Dillon back at the club as assistant coach.

Most recent coaching stint for Dillon was in 2019 when North Bendigo won the Heathcote DFNL grand final.

Back in the blue and gold is Tom Toma from Cohuna Kangas.

A hard-at-it mid/onballer, Toma’s signing is a huge plus for the Bulldogs.

A multiple premiership winner, dual Nalder medallist for best afield in a grand final, and the 2018 Michelsen medallist, Jack Geary will again lead Golden Square.

The Dogs’ attack was brilliantly led by Joel Brett and Jayden Burke last season.

Those to have transferred from Square include Jarrod Fitzpatrick to Boort; Liam Jacques to Heathcote, and Will Thrum to Cohuna Kangas.

After marking a long-awaited finals appearance by winning the elimination, South Bendigo will be determined to keep rising.

The Nathan Horbury-coached Bloods welcome back classy small forward Steven Stroobants from Rochester.

The return of Stroobants off-sets the departure of Ron Best medallist Kaiden Antonowicz to White Hills.

Another key signing for the Bloods was ruckman Mac Cameron from Monash Blues.

The play of Brock Harvey in attack, Zac Hare, Cooper Leon, Will Allen, Braydan Torpey and Andrew van Heumen will have a major bearing on South’s run in ’23.

After a productive recruiting spree, Sandhurst could mark a rise from fifth to premier this season.

The Dragons gained Bryce Curnow who was the Nalder medallist in Strathfieldsaye’s grand final win in 2019 and played in Kerang’s premiership victory last season.

Also back at Sandhurst are Nick Stagg and Andy Collins from Kerang and Bridgewater respectively.

Another key recruit is Harrison Monk.

Gun midfielder Lachlan Tardrew is still on Collingwood’s list in the VFL, but has re-aligned with the Dragons.

The Paul Chapman-coached Kyneton again shapes as a tough opponent, especially at Tigerland.

A previous winner of the club’s goalkicking award, the classy Ethan Foreman is back in the yellow and black after premiership success at Gisborne.

Although he battled hamstring issues last season, Foreman’s skill and experience is a massive plus for the Tigers.

Kyneton has also gained another talented small forward in Thomas Quinn from the VAFA, but will be without Rhys Magin, Sunbury Kangaroos; and Guy Dickson, Leongatha.

The return of the Geary brothers, Jarryn and Kallen has generated plenty of excitement as Eaglehawk strives to fly from seventh position.

After a 207-game career with St Kilda, Jarryn Geary’s play across half-back or any other role decided by coach Travis Matheson is a massive plus for the Two Blues and the league.

Another key signing for the Borough was ruckman Connor Dalgleish from Montmorency.

Other players listed on the transfer list to Eaglehawk included Ryan Wellington from Mitiamo; Jack Daley and Jacob Greenwood from Calivil United.

Departures from Eaglehawk include Shaun Knott to Westmeadows, and Sean Williams to Rochester.

A 14^th year in coaching for Nathan Johns is likely to be one of his most challenging as he takes charge at Kangaroo Flat.

Key signings for the Roos were tall defenders Jordan and Zac Rouse to join what will be an extremely young team.

Long-time number one ruckman and captain Nick Lang has made the move from the Roos to Kerang.

Others to have left Dower Park include Brodie and Jackson Fry and Lachlan Wilson to Huntly; Max Johnson to Lockington-Bamawm; and Mitch Rovers to Mount Pleasant.

For the Roos’ coaching team, players and supporters it’s not focus on what we don’t have, but we do have.

A premiership winner as a teenager with Castlemaine in 2000, Brendan Shepherd returns to Camp Reserve as senior coach.

The Magpies re-appointed Brodie Martin as senior assistant coach, while Jackson Hood tackles a new role as playing assistant coach.

Signings for the Pies included Lloyd Butcher from Waverley Blues; Tom Wilson from Marong; and David Wilson after stints at Harcourt and Maldon.

Key players for Castlemaine include Bailey Henderson, Liam Wilkinson, David Stephens, Brad Keogh, and Brodie and Jackson Byrne.

A coup for Maryborough was the signing of Joel Swatton from South Bendigo to play in the midfield and also be strength and conditioning coach.

The Magpies also regain gun onballer and previous best and fairest winner in Bailey Edwards.

Based in Darwin, Edwards played the latest Northern Territory FL season with Nightcliff.

The Tigers were beaten in the first semi by St Mary’s in a season where Edwards played 16 games and kicked 11 goals.

Edwards was among Carisbrook’s best as it finished runner-up to Harcourt in last year’s Maryborough Castlemaine District FNL senior grand final.

Players on the transfer list to the Magpies included Darcy Bond, Sam Flynn, Brodie Quinlan, and James Woods.

The Pies will be without talented on-baller Aidan Hare who has headed west from Princes Park to Peel Thunder.

Maryborough will be desperate to hit back from a winless season.

CASTLEMAINE bounced Kangaroo Flat from the A-grade netball premiership race on Sunday.

The Magpies swooped for a 42-41 victory in the first semi-final at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Last season’s runner-up and third at the end of the home-and-away series, Kangaroo Flat was beaten in consecutive weeks in the finals series.

The Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroos were on the rebound from a six-goal loss to Gisborne in the qualifying final.

Castlemaine had won the elimination final against South Bendigo by 23 goals.

The Fiona Fowler and Gary Cooke-coached Castlemaine have moved to week three of the finals series where they take on Gisborne in the preliminary final.

In pursuit of a fifth consecutive A-grade premiership, Sandhurst showed it’s going to be extremely difficult to stop as it won Saturday’s second semi-final against Gisborne.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst fired up for a 44-38 victory.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne worked hard, but the maroon and blue was able to answer a spirited challenge.

Second semi-final day featured four matches between Sandhurst and Gisborne.

The Dragons won the A-reserve match by 11 goals, and the 17-and-under contest by three goals.

Gisborne marked a 48-46 win against the maroon and blue in B-grade.

In B-reserve, Sandhurst took on Kangaroo Flat where the Dragons won a closely-fought match, 45-43.

Fans were treated to dramatic finishes to Sunday’s first semi-finals.

In A-reserve, Kangaroo Flat beat South Bendigo by a goal.

The Kangaroos also took out the B-grade clash with Strathfieldsaye by two goals.

A tough day for Strathfieldsaye Storm included a five-goal loss to Gisborne in B-reserve.

Golden Square’s rising stars stayed in the premiership race when they scored a 48-41 win against Strathfieldsaye in the 17-and-under match.

Second semi-final scoreboard:

A-grade: Sandhurst 44 d Gisborne 38.

A-reserve: Gisborne 33 lt Sandhurst 44.

B-grade: Sandhurst 46 lt Gisborne 48.

B-reserve: Sandhurst 45 d Kangaroo Flat 43.

17-and-under: Sandhurst 46 d Gisborne 43.

First semi-final scoreboard:

A-grade: Kangaroo Flat 41 lt Castlemaine 42.

A-reserve: Kangaroo Flat 38 d South Bendigo 37.

B-grade: Kangaroo Flat 49 d Strathfieldsaye 47.

B-reserve: Gisborne 39 d Strathfieldsaye 34.

17-and-under: Golden Square 48 d Strathfieldsaye 41.

Schedule for Saturday’s preliminary finals at Queen Elizabeth Oval:

A-grade at 3.20pm: Gisborne v Castlemaine.

A-reserve at 2pm: Gisborne v Kangaroo Flat.

B-grade at 12.40pm: Sandhurst v Kangaroo Flat.

B-reserve at 11.20am: Kangaroo Flat v Gisborne.

17-and-under at 10am: Gisborne v Golden Square.

EIGHT clubs will feature in either netball qualifying or elimination finals in this weekend’s Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL action at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

On Saturday it’s Kangaroo Flat against Gisborne in the A-grade qualifying final.

The Roos and Bullogs clash starts at 3.20pm.

This season’s meetings stand at one-all.

Kangaroo Flat won the round four showdown on its Dower Park court, 44-42.

Defences were well on top in the 13^th round when Gisborne claimed a 32-35 victory at its Gardiner Reserve home.

Since the loss to Gisborne the Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroo Flat is on a five-game winning streak.

Runner-up last season, the Kangaroos have a powerful team led by captain Chelsea Sartori, and co-captains Ashley Ryan and Carly Van Den Heuvel.

The Roos’ squad for the qualifying final includes Lou Dupuy, Ingrid Hopkins, Ava Lowndes, Emma Moroney, Ashlee O’Shea, Abbey Ryan, Annie Spear, Ella and Milly Wicks.

Gisborne ended the home-and-away series on a 14-4 record.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Bulldogs have a win-loss tally of 3-2 across the past five rounds.

A 31-47 loss to Sandhurst at the QEO in the 16^th round was followed by a 28-32 upset to South Bendigo at home in the 17^th round.

Key players in the red, white and blue include co-captains Kirby Elliott and Claudia Mawson who has represented Victoria Fury at the past two Netball Australia championships.

Gisborne also has Kiralee Collings, Rylee Connell, Zoe Davies, Charlee Kemp, Emerson Lakey, Tiana Newman and Torie Skrijel to take to the court.

The winner of the Kangaroo Flat and Gisborne match meets unbeaten reigning premier in the second semi-final on September 9.

Eight days after they drew their final round clash, Castlemaine and South Bendigo meet again in Sunday’s elimination final.

The Magpies and Bloods match starts at 3.20pm.

When these clubs met in round four it was Castlemaine which scored a 44-31 win on its court at Camp Reserve.

Both teams warmed up for the finals by playing a round 18 thriller in the Bloods’ home at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

Scores were locked on 45-all at the final whistle.

The Fiona Fowler and Gary Cooke-coached Castlemaine achieved a win-loss tally of 11-5 and two draws in the home-and-away series.

Among the highs was a 55-39 victory against Kangaroo Flat in the fifth round at Camp Reserve.

Castlemaine’s squad for Sunday will be led by captain Jane O’Donohue, playing coach Fiona Fowler, Caitlin Richardson, Montaya Sardi and Megan Wilson.

Goalshooter Mikaela Vaughan was superb against the Bloods last Saturday.

The Magpies will also be represented by Kyla Byrne, Madeline Carter, Meg Ginnivan, Charlotte McMurray and Emma Winfield.

A knee injury has put Tara Ford on the sidelines.

The record for the Jannelle Hobbs-coached South Bendigo is 9-7-2.

The Bloods win at Gisborne showed it could be a huge threat to those in the top four.

After a 41-44 loss at Eaglehawk in the 10^th round, South Bendigo was under intense pressure in the race to decide fifth place.

The Bloods lifted for a 61-52 victory on Strathfieldsaye Storm’s court at Triple M Park in the 15^th round.

A hat-trick of wins included taking the points against Maryborough and Gisborne.

The Bloods have great leadership provided by Stephanie Goode and Alicia McGlashan.

A key player is the classy Chloe Langley in attack.

Coach Hobbs is rapt with the development of teenagers Carissa Brook, Maggie Burke and Claudia Griffiths.

South Bendigo’s squad to face the Magpies includes includes Chloe Gray, Stephanie Greene, Olivia Mason, Morgan McClellan and Amanda Walters.

In the A-reserve competition, Sandhurst takes on Kangaroo Flat in Saturday’s qualifying final at 2pm.

The Dragons have won both hit-outs against the Roos this season.

In round one, Sandhurst scored a 63-42 victory on the QEO court.

Scores were much closer in the 10^th round as the Dragons won 44-37 on the Kangaroos’ court at Dower Park.

Sandhurst achieved 14 wins, a draw, and just one defeat in the run to the finals.

The Kangaroos’ record is 10-6.

It will be the Dragons or Kangaroos against Gisborne in the second semi-final.

On Sunday it’s South Bendigo against Castlemaine in the A-reserve elimination final from 2pm.

Although the Magpies finished a rung below the Bloods, Castlemaine scored a 33-29 win against South Bendigo in the ninth round, and marked a 42-40 victory at Harry Trott Oval last Saturday.

The Bloods’ tally in the regular season was 9-7.

In B-grade, Gisborne faces Kangaroo Flat in Saturday’s qualifying final at 12.40pm.

It’s one-all in this season’s meetings.

Kangaroo Flat beat the Dogs, 47-42 in the fourth round.

The round 13 showdown at Gardiner Reserve ended in a 53-47 victory for Gisborne.

The Bulldogs had a win-loss tally of 15-2 and also drew a match in the home-and-away series.

Kangaroo Flat’s record is 14-4.

The winner meets Sandhurst in the second semi-final.

On Sunday, Strathfieldsaye plays South Bendigo in the B-grade elimination final from 12.40pm.

It was 42-all when the Bloods and Storm clashed in round six at Harry Trott Oval.

Storm surged to a 46-36 victory against the red and white in the 15^th round at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane.

Storm’s record is 10 wins, seven losses, and a draw.

The Bloods’ marked a win-loss tally of 8-7, but also drew matches with Storm in round six, Eaglehawk in the 10^th, and Kyneton in the 12^th round.

Beaten just once, Kangaroo Flat will start favourite in the B-reserve qualifying final.

The Roos and Bulldogs will play from 11.20am.

In round four, Kangaroo Flat beat Gisborne, 59-42 at Dower Park.

The Roos hopped to a 48-35 victory on Gisborne’s court in the 13^th round on the way to a 17-1 record this season.

Gisborne has a win-loss tally of 13-5.

The ladder-leading Sandhurst has advanced to the second semi.

It’s Strathfieldsaye against Eaglehawk in Sunday’s elimination final from 11.20am.

The Hawks won 33-32 at Triple M Park in the fifth round.

Storm was too strong in the return game played at Canterbury Park where it won 45-33.

The league’s young stars take to the court from 10am on Saturday and Sunday to contest the 17-under matches.

In the qualifying final it’s Gisborne against Golden Square.

The Bulldogs from the south won 58-47 at Golden Square’s Fur Life Oval in Wade Street in the sixth round.

Golden Square won a great contest at Gardiner Reserve in the 15^th round, 49-44.

It’s a 16-2 record for Gisborne, and 14-4 for Golden Square across the home-and-away series.

Either Gisborne or Golden Square will face Sandhurst in the second semi.

On Sunday it will be Strathfieldsaye and Maryborough fighting to keep their season alive in the elimination final.

First pass in the match between Storm and the Magpies will be at 10am.

In round eight scores were locked at 36-all when the whistle sounded to end the match at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

The Magpies won 41-35 at Strathfieldsaye in the 17^th round.

Both elimination finalists have identical records of 10-7-1 win across the home-and-away series.

CASTLEMAINE ended South Bendigo’s run as they met in Sunday’s elimination final on two of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL netball finals action.

The Magpies and South Bendigo had drawn their previous contest just eight days earlier in the last round of the home-and-away series.

Jointly coached by  Fiona Fowler, playing, and Gary Cooke, Castlemaine made a great start to the elimination final.

The Magpies led 13-9 at quarter-time and then took control to win the second term, 15-7.

Winning the next two quarters, 13-7 and 16-11 meant the Magpies were up 57-34 at the final siren.

Castlemaine will now meet Kangaroo Flat in next Sunday’s first semi-final.

The Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroos will be on the rebound from a qualifying loss to Gisborne.

In Saturday’s start to the finals series it was the strong defence of the Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne which played a big part in winning the A-grade clash with Kangaroo Flat.

The Bulldogs led 10-9 at quarter-time and 19-15 by the main break.

Gisborne then won the third term, 12-8.

Although the Flat outscored the red, white and blue in the last quarter, 8-6, it was Gisborne which advanced to the second semi after a 37-31 victory.

Gisborne will take on Sandhurst, the unbeaten reigning premier next Saturday.

In A-reserve, South Bendigo won a closely-fought elimination final against Castlemaine.

The Bloods were down 10-13 at quarter-time, but hit back to win the second term, 12-7.

Both teams scored 12 goals in the third quarter.

Pressure was high in the last as the Bloods poured in 10 goals and held the Magpies to a tally of nine.

At the final siren South Bendigo led 46-43.

Sandhurst dominated Saturday’s qualifying final showdown with Kangaroo Flat.

The maroon and blue led 7-6 at quarter-time and then unleashed a 14-5 blitz in the second.

A 10-goal buffer at the start of the third was 14 by the end it as the Dragons scored 13 goals to the Roos’ tally of nine.

Sandhurst went on to win 50-27 and set up a second semi-final meeting with Gisborne.

A great day for Strathfieldsaye in the elimination finals included three wins for Storm.

In B-grade, Storm faced South Bendigo.

Strathfieldsaye led 10-7 at quarter-time and then won the next three terms, 12-3, 14-10 and 14-7 for a 50-27 victory.

Storm will now take on Kangaroo Flat in the first semi-final.

The Roos were beaten by Gisborne in Saturday’s qualifying final by 14 goals.

Just a goal separated the teams at half-time as the Bulldogs led 22-21.

Gisborne dominated the third, 16-10, and then won the last, 17-10, for a 55-41 result.

Saturday’s second semi-final will feature Sandhurst against Gisborne.

In B-reserve, Strathfieldsaye surged to an eight-goal victory against Eaglehawk in the elimination final.

Storm led 19-17 at half-time and won the third quarter, 9-5.

It was a closely-fought last term as Storm led 37-29 at the final siren.

Strathfieldsaye now takes on Gisborne in the first semi.

The Bulldogs were beaten in two quarters, had a win in one, and drew the other in a 41-55 loss to Kangaroo Flat in the qualifying final.

The Kangaroos led 15-10 at quarter-time and 25-21 by the long break.

Both teams scored 13 goals in the third before the Roos poured in 17 goals and held Gisborne to just seven in the last.

A 55-41 victory put Kangaroo Flat into the second semi against Sandhurst.

Elimination final day began with a one-goal thriller between Strathfieldsaye and Maryborough in the 17-and-under competition.

Scores were eight-all at quarter-time and 16 apiece by the long break.

In the third term it was Strathfieldsaye which outscored the Magpies, 14-11.

Maryborough won the last, 8-6, but it was Storm which stayed in the premiership race in a dramatic 36-35 victory.

Strathfieldsaye will now play Golden Square in the first semi.

On Saturday it was Gisborne against Golden Square in the qualifying final.

Gisborne led 15-12 at quarter-time and then charged to a 28-17 lead by half-time.

The team in red, white and blue won the third term, 13-9.

Golden Square fought on well to win the last, 14-12, as Gisborne won the match, 53-40 to advance to a second semi-final clash with Sandhurst.

Schedule for Saturday’s second semi-finals at Queen Elizabeth Oval:

A-grade at 3.20pm: Sandhurst v Gisborne

A-reserve at 2pm: Gisborne v Sandhurst.

B-grade at 12.40pm: Sandhurst v Gisborne.

B-reserve at 11.20am: Sandhurst v Kangaroo Flat.

17-and-under at 10am: Sandhurst v Gisborne.

Schedule for Sunday’s first semi-finals at Queen Elizabeth Oval:

A-grade at 3.20pm: Kangaroo Flat v Castlemaine.

A-reserve at 2pm: Kangaroo Flat v South Bendigo.

B-grade at 12.40pm: Kangaroo Flat v Strathfieldsaye.

B-reserve at 11.20am: Gisborne v Strathfieldsaye.

17-and-under at 10am: Golden Square v Strathfieldsaye.

CASTLEMAINE overcame a spirited fight from Maryborough in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo Football Netball League’s senior footy match on Good Friday.

Hundreds of fans packed Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve to watch the fierce country-based rivals strive for the first premiership points of the 2024 season.

For a lot of the opening hour it was the Coby Perry and Matt Johnston-coached Maryborough which outplayed the hosts.

The run and teamwork of the Maryborough team was outstanding and included goals by Jake Twycross, two; Seb Collins, Kaian Constable, Robert Castiglia, Bailey Edwards and Ty Stewart.

Many spectators were stunned as Maryborough led 46-28 nearing half-time.

Fortunes then swung dramatically after Maryborough recruit Seb Collins broke his arm.

After a delay of several minutes it was the Michael Hartley-coached Castlemaine which took control.

In his debut as coach, Hartley’s fourth goal was followed by consecutive majors by Bailey Henderson, the first when a long shot from near the centre bounced through.

In the space of seven minutes the ’Maine scored 3.2 to nil.

Castlemaine quickly turned a two-point lead at the start of the second half into a 33-point lead.

After a subdued start to the match, Henderson was the spark.

Back-to-back goals by Henderson was then capped by brilliant team play from defence to attack where Brad Keogh passed to Zac Greeves for a goal.

Ben McConachy was on target on the run and Greeves goaled again for Castlemaine to lead 80-47.

A run of eight unanswered goals was broken when Kaian Constable booted Maryborough’s eighth in the 22^nd minute.

When  Constable spun out of trouble and goaled the margin was back to 21 points.

A Ben McConachy goal on three quarter-time meant the hosts were up 86-61.

A lack of rotations clearly hurt Maryborough’s run as the match went on.

Castlemaine scored 6.9 to a point in the last to complete a 19.17 (131) to 9.8 (62) victory.

Hartley was rapt with the team’s workrate and ability to move the ball in the second half.

Quick transition from midfield to the forward 50m often led to one-out duels where the marking power of Hartley, Henderson and Greeves was to the fore.

Best afield honours went to Hartley whose experience from AFL stints with Essendon and Hawthorn is a massive plus for Castlemaine.

Now a full-time player with Castlemaine after VFL stints with Richmond and Williamstown, Henderson’s athleticism and skill make him one of the best players in the Bendigo competition.

Others to perform well for the black and white stripes were Kalan Huntly, Zach Greeves and Liam Wilkinson.

Maryborough on-baller Bailey Edwards kept racking up possessions to be his team’s best, along with talented teen Kaian Constable.

Coby Perry’s attack at every contest is inspirational.

GOALS – Castlemaine: Michael Hartley, Bailey Henderson 5, Zach Greeves 4, Ben McConachy, Callum McConachy 2, Zavier Murley,. Maryborough: Kaian Constable 3, Jake Twycross 2, Robert Castiglia, Seb Collins, Bailey Edwards, Ty Stewart.

BEST – Castlemaine: Michael Hartley, Bailey Henderson, Kalan Huntly, Callum McConachy, Zach Greeves, Liam Wilkinson. Maryborough: Bailey Edwards, Kaian Constable, Coby Perry, Alex Brown, Joel Swatton, Aidan Medlyn.

Although disappointed about the final margin, Maryborough co-coach Coby Perry said the opening 50 minutes showed what his team is capable of.

Injuries to Collins (arm) and Fraser Russell (groin) were significant as both had been strong targets inside the forward 50m arc in the first half.

It was a hat-trick wins on the footy field for Castlemaine.

In the reserves, Castlemaine won 101-13.

A high-standard under-18s match ended in a 9.10 (64) to 8.9 (57) victory for the Bailey Henderson-coached Castlemaine.

Netball results were split two-all.

Castlemaine won B-grade and B-reserve by margins of five and seven goals.

Maryborough took the points in A-reserve, 56-38, and 17-under, 61-53.

There was no A-grade match.

The first round of the Bendigo FNL season will be completed on April 13.

Highs in the footy action include Eaglehawk against reigning premier Golden Square on the Borough’s turf at Canterbury Park.

Strathfieldsaye Storm takes on South Bendigo at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane.

Kangaroo Flat tackles Sandhurst in the twilight match on the Roos’ ground at Dower Park.

Gisborne has the bye.

Castlemaine and Maryborough have a break until April 20.

The Michael Hartley-led Castlemaine makes its way to Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval to take on South Bendigo.

Maryborough will be home at Princes Park to face Kangaroo Flat.

A new season for Gisborne begins against Sandhurst at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The Bendigo Football Netball League, in conjunction with the Castlemaine FNC, Kyneton FNC, and Bendigo Umpires Association (BUA), can confirm adjustments to Round 6 senior football match results unanimously supported by all parties, following the tragic passing of Castlemaine FNC Under 18 player Dallas Keogh-Frankling on the day.

Immediately following the tragic incident during Round 6 on May 27^th, 2023, both the Senior football and A-Grade netball matches were classified as ‘abandoned’ with both competing teams awarded 2-premiership points each, as an insignificant action on match day as our united primary focus became the immediate welfare of impacted players, families, club members, umpires, officials, and spectators on the day.

With the benefit of an appropriate period of reflection supported by further investigation, both competing clubs and the BUA, with the support of the BFNL Board, unanimously agree that the Castlemaine FNC Senior Football team declared to relevant appointed match officials and the direct opposition that their team was ‘forfeiting’ the senior football match on the day as a direct result of the tragic death of a CFNC Under 18 player.

This version of events is fully substantiated by both competing clubs including the Castlemaine FNC as the forfeiting team, along with appointed round 6 match officials on behalf of the BUA. Therefore, under the extreme and extenuating circumstances, the following adjustments have been approved to the round 6 Kyneton FNC v Castlemaine FNC senior football match results:

Senior Football Match, round 6, Kyneton FNC v Castlemaine FNC:

This match result will be adjusted from ‘abandoned’ to ‘forfeited’, in line with 2023 AFL Laws of the Game 11.2.1 Match Forfeiture:

For the purposes of this Law, a Team forfeits a Match if:

(a) it is unable, or it fails, refuses or neglects to commence or recommence play:

1. at the scheduled starting time; or
2. within such other time period determined or specified by the Controlling Body, a field Umpire or these Laws;

(b) a field Umpire determines, in accordance with these Laws, that a Team has forfeited the Match.

Therefore, the current allocation of 2-premiership points each for the round 6 senior match will be adjusted, with the Kyneton FNC to be awarded 4-premiership points, and Castlemaine FNC 0-premiership points.

No individual player Best & Fairest votes will be awarded for this match under regular Michelsen Medal Best & Fairest voting procedures.

Percentage for this match will be calculated in line with 2023 AFL Laws of the Game 11.2.2 Consequence of Forfeiture:

Where a Team forfeits a Match, the following shall apply:

(a) the points for the Match shall be awarded to the Team who did not forfeit the Match;

1. the percentage of the Team who did not forfeit the Match shall be adjusted by crediting and debiting that Team with the average number of points for the Home and Away Matches that were scored for and against the Team who did forfeit the Match; and
2. the percentage of the Team who did forfeit the Match shall be adjusted by crediting and debiting that Team with the average number of points for the Home and Away Matches that were scored for and against the Team who did not forfeit the Match.

The BFNL Board in consultation with the competing clubs will calculate the average percentage at the conclusion of round 9, which is the time at which each team has played each other once, offering a true reflection of season average points for and points against. All 2023 match results and ladders have now been updated to reflect these adjustments.

A-Grade Netball Match, round 6, Kyneton FNC v Castlemaine FNC:

With regards to the corresponding Round 6 A-Grade netball match between the Kyneton FNC & Castlemaine FNC, which was unable to commence on the day, the match result was initially classified as ‘abandoned’ with each competing team awarded 2-premiership points each on match day as our united primary focus became the immediate welfare of impacted players, families, club members, umpires, officials, and spectators on the day.

Both clubs recently expressed a combined desire to explore the possibility of rescheduling this match to be played on a new date as negotiated and agreed by the competing teams. The BFNL Board fully supported the combined club request to negotiate a mutually agreed time and date for match reschedule, however, unfortunately due to a variety of reasons the Castlemaine and Kyneton A-Grade netball teams were unable to agree on a mutually suitable date to reschedule the A-Grade game.

Therefore, the current round 6 Kyneton v Castlemaine A-Grade netball match results of ‘abandoned’ and the allocation of 2-premiership points each will remain as previously communicated, with no individual player Best & Fairest votes to be awarded for this match under regular Betty Thompson Medal Best & Fairest voting procedures.

The Castlemaine FNC, Kyneton FNC, and Bendigo FNL extend their sincere gratitude to all clubs, individuals, and organisations who have offered overwhelming support and understanding during this difficult period.

With the 2024 season very close, let’s look back at what happened in the opening round 28 years back.

Two of the big clubs of the mid-Nineties played a cracker to open the 1996 season at Dower Park.

Kyneton downed home club Kangaroo Flat by 10 points in a Dower Park clash where 45 goals were landed for the day.

There was a restrained mood in the Roos’ rooms after the game as a loss wasn’t an ideal way to celebrate champion midfielder Ron Wicks’ 200^th game.

The other big highlight of Rd. 1 28 years ago was Steven Oliver’s astonishing 19-goal haul against Northern United.

Yes, that’s correct. Nineteen snag rolls in Castlemaine’s 48.19 (307) to 7.5 (47) 260-point slaughter of the Swallows.

Maryborough wore down South Bendigo at Princes Park and marched home to a 46-point win with big men Jamie Bond, Ross Cuthbertson and Richard Peart on top in the marking and ruck hitout battles.

And Golden Square landed an astounding 10 last quarter goals at Canterbury Park to bury home side Eaglehawk by 66 points.

First gamer Mark Fulton from the VSFL Southern Stingrays finished with seven goals for the Wade Street Dogs while Damien Wingrave nailed five for the Hawks.

But back to the big Dower Park season opener.

Kyneton unearthed a new forward of real potential in Wayne Eve as the Tigers gradually wore down a spirited Flat.

Eve booted seven goals in a dazzling display at the spearhead and even though a total of 45 goals were landed for the afternoon Eve grabbled the spotlight with his match-winning effort.

Mind you, the Tigers had other great attacking targets in Bendigo Pioneer Luke Beattie (5 goals) and Rohan Larkin (4) while the Roos relied on Barry Pitson and David Lancaster (5 each) as their main goal scorers.

After a stunning first term in which 14 majors were landed, the last few minutes of the second quarter proved the most pivotal of the contest.

The Roos had slipped out to a handy break close to time-on in the second period with only about five minutes left on the clock.

But a couple of turnovers and a line-ball 50m penalty against Flat defender Steve Whitty, all of which resulted in Kyneton majors, lifted the Tigers within a point by half-time: 13.7 to 13.8.

Coach Derrick Filo and veteran on-baller Tony Kelly lifted the Tigers in the all-important third term with Kyneton outscoring the home side 5.7 to 3.3 to establish a valuable last change buffer: 18.14 to 16.11.

Eve bagged three of his seven goals in the ‘premiership quarter’ including one right on the three quarter time siren when he marked a Rohan Larkin pass and goaled from 50m out.

And then Larkin nailed two of his four goals for the day in the final stanza and even though the Roos added 6.3 to the Tigers 5.4 they couldn’t quite bridge the gap.

At Princes Park Maryborough fans were anticipating a day of high marking and big ruck tap-outs with Bond, Peart and Cuthbertson matched up against South’s big men John Hill and Brad Day.

Incredibly the Bloods had only six players from its 1995 grand final day squad of 22 on the field for Rd. 1.

The Princes Park Pies were inaccurate in the opening stanza landing only five goals from 12 scoring shots (5.7) while South kept in touch with a 4.1 first term.

As the match wore on Gordon Sumner and Geoff MacIlwain continued to dominate the inside ball count while Phil Hetherington provided the Bloods with an important focal point.

He sank three of South’s first term majors from limited opportunities to keep the Bloods in touch.

Maryborough’s eventual Michelsen Medallist Matt Aston continued his run right throughout the game as did the nippy Bryce Delidio, the Addy’s reporter-at-the-match Barry Denner reported.

“For South Frank Burke tried valiantly across his half-back flank, but had to lower his colours late in the second half to young Magpie wingman Aston.

“Aston took a spectacular mark on Burke’s shoulders to set up a Maryborough goal to mark his influence on the Magpies’ win,” Denner noted.

And he stated that Maryborough’s pacy new small men in Jim Moniz from Carisbrook and Bryce Delidio from Echuca had bolstered Maryborough’s speed across each line.

At Canterbury Park Square notched 13 goals to Eaglehawk’s five in a dominant second half although Addy writer Peter Harrick noted that two Blues recruit James Voutier restricted match-winner Fulton to just two second half goals.

The Dogs had best afield Bowden Hamilton, who alternated between half-back and half-forward, and he set up attack after attack for the Square and when in the back half combined well with teammates with accurate passes to Fulton.

Darren Moorhead and Peter Garner created drive from the tap-outs and boundary throw-ins for the Square while Brad Giri was prominent across the Dogs’ half-back line.

The home side had Damien Wingrave as their spearhead although Rowan O’Hara could have been more of a problem for the Dogs had he held onto more marks.

Harrick noted that Eaglehawk, with eight new players in the side, would improve “when players get to know each other a bit better after a few more matches.”

“And Danny O’Shannessy who had his wrong kicking boot on will be a good player for the Hawks as the season continues on.”

For the record down at the Camp Reserve Castlemaine nailed 14 majors in the first term, eight in the second, 12 in the third and wound up with another 14 in the last stanza.

Final scores: Castlemaine 48.19 (307) def. N. United 7.5 (47); G. Square 22.19 (151) def. E’hawk 12.13 (85); M’borough 20.18 (138) def. Sth. Bendigo 14.9 (93) and Kyneton 23.18 (156) def. Kang. Flat 22.14 (146). Bye: Sandhurst.

Main goalkickers, Round 1, 1996: Steven Oliver (Cm) 19; Mark Fulton (GS), Kel Stevens (Cm) and Wayne Eve (Kyn) all 7; Brett Fitzpatrick (Cm) 6; Luke Beattie (Kyn), Steve Heincke (GS), Barry Pitson (KF) and Dave Lancaster (KF) all 5.

I know it’s a bit further down the track, but by mid-June in 2005 Ollie had booted 967 goals in 202 games.

Ladder: C’maine 1 win, 0 losses, 0 byes, 653.19%, 4 prem. pts; G. Square 1-0-0, 177.65% 4; M’borough 1-0-0, 148.3%; 4; Kyneton 1-0-0, 166-85%, 4; Sandhurst 0 games, no losses, 1 bye, 0 per cent, 4 points.

Outside Top Five: Kang. Flat, South Bgo, E’hawk, Nthn United.

Netball results, A grade: Kang. Flat 34 def. Kyneton 13; Maryboro 60 def. Sth. Bgo 32; E’hawk 55 def. G. Square 45; C’maine 84 def. Nthn. Utd. 17. Sandhurst, bye.

B grade: Kang. Flat 52 def. Kyneton 29; Maryboro 66 def. Sth. Bgo 31; G. Square 34 def. E’hawk 28; C’maine 58 def. Nthn. Utd. 10.

Gazetted Rd. 2 footy and netball draw for 13^th April 1996: Northern Utd. vs. Sandhurst; Kang. Flat vs. C’maine; G. Square vs. Kyneton; South Bendigo vs. Eaglehawk and Maryborough bye.

Footnote: Northern United officially went into recess on 12^th April 1996, a few days following the Maine match, with the Swallows’ committee calling in BFL officials John Walsh (chairman) and Kevin McNaughton (CEO) after meeting behind closed doors for 75 minutes.

Clearly the BFL draw had to be re-arranged swiftly with Rds. 2 and 3 looming, so a club meeting was called for early the following week.

Although Castlemaine’s ladder percentage boost from the Camp Reserve game wasn’t allowed to accrue for the Magpies there was one other important ruling.

Oliver was allowed to retain his 19 goals so the chase for the ’96 goal-kicking medal was virtually all over before Rd. 2 even began. Including six majors in the finals he ended 1996 with 90.

Tensions were high at the Castlemaine Football Club in mid-June 1992 over a BFL investigation into one of their players.

Magpies’ reserves player Chris Bishop had just been cleared by the BFL Tribunal on a conduct unbecoming charge concerning a match played many weeks earlier – on April 18^th.

The charge related to an incident which occurred in the Kennington vs. Castlemaine game where 25-year old Saint Sean Cummings suffered a broken jaw.

So why had it taken so many weeks for the charge against Bishop to come up?

Well, BFL investigation officer Bob Richards did his probe into the affair and lodged a report with the BFL board of management.

Apparently it had taken until June for that report to be finalised.

Bishop was unaware that Richards’ eventual charge had even been laid or that he’d been investigated.

“The only way I found out about it was when I read the June 4^th Advertiser,” he said.

“I’d heard rumours that something might be afoot, but nothing official. It was all hearsay.”

Although he’d not been suspended following that June marathon sitting it’s amazing that Bishop had only found out about the upcoming June 9^th pending investigation by reading the Advertiser.

He remained completely astonished that he’d only heard about the lodged charge one week before the hearing was to be held, especially since the media already knew about the date.

“I’m thinking about lodging a complaint, but I wouldn’t like to say too much (in an interview) until I’ve had a chance to talk to my club,” he said.

Bishop added it was “hard to believe” that he had to read about his upcoming tribunal hearing before being informed by the league or someone from the Tribunal.

“I received a letter telling me of the charge the day after it appeared in the paper. I was completely surprised it had even got to that stage.

“As far as I’m concerned I’ve done nothing wrong,” he told me as I prepared the back page story.

Bishop declared that the eight-week delay between the match and the charge made getting his tribunal defence together extremely difficult.

The Castlemaine player, who worked for Telecom, said he was “very annoyed” about having to take a day off work to prepare for the tribunal hearing, especially since he had just seven days to try and recollect the whole thing and “put my case together.”

Castlemaine president Ian Shelton said the league had made “a serious mistake.”

“The amount of time which has elapsed since the incident did not match the seriousness of the charge.

“Chris is a decent lad with no (Tribunal) history and if you knew him then you’d know the incident occurred with no malice whatsoever.”

Mr Shelton agreed with Bishop that the charge of ‘conduct unbecoming’ remained a slur on a person’s character.

“And we should have been notified by either the league or the Tribunal and not have to read about it in the paper.”
BFL president Rod Fulton agreed the whole incident “was unfortunate”, but added the league was in no way obliged to tell players they were being investigated.
“It’s not as black and white as it sounds. There were extenuating circumstances.

“But maybe we gave the story to the media too soon and I’ve apologised to Ian and his club for that,” Mr Fulton said.

So, in summary --- Castlemaine Twos player Chris Bishop was cleared on a conduct unbecoming charge, the charge laid by BFL investigations officer Bob Richards.

Mr. Richards lodged his report eight weeks after the match involving Bishop had been played, and league boss Rod Fulton agreed the timing was unfortunate and apologised to Maine president Ian Shelton.

The Magpies’ boss emphasised the league had made “a serious mistake.”

Luckily these days there’s very few Tribunal hearings. I used to spend many a winter Monday night in the 1980s and 90s taking notes at Tribunal hearings in the old admin. rooms at Weeroona Oval.

I could leave the hearings at 11.30 pm, drive back to the Addy office in Pall Mall composing my report in my head during the short journey, type up the story and the wrap would still be printed in the Tuesday’s Addy, on the back page.

When computerisation with its green screens came in a few years later, deadlines were much, much earlier strangely enough and Tribunal hearings wrap-ups had to wait for Wednesday’s papers.

And also in mid-June 1992 eight BFL players were selected in the Victorian Football Development Foundation under-17 Teal Cup training squad.

They were Maryborough’s Matthew Aston and Glen Gorman, Kangaroo Flat’s Nathan Chapman, South Bendigo’s Leigh Colbert, Dylan Flavell and Adam Shanahan, Golden Square’s Tony Plim and Sandhurst’s Paul Sexton.

If some of these names sound familiar to you, they should.

Colbert and Chapman both played AFL footy --- Colbert 105 games with Geelong and 104 for North Melbourne (209 total) and Chapman 76 games with the then Brisbane Bears and Hawthorn --- while Aston was the Michelsen Medallist in 2002.

The 25-strong squad was set to train at Square’s Wade Street Oval on June 14^th (a Sunday) before the squad’s numbers were trimmed down.

On to mid-March 1995 and the BFL’s night pre-season series was well under way.

In that March second round of matches, Castlemaine was matched up against Kangaroo Flat in the 8.30 pm late game.

Roos coach Robert Ross was confident the additions to his senior playing list were going to work well in ’95.

Bond, a new recruit from South Launceston, would be playing at centre half-forward Ross told me in a pre-match interview.

The Tassie recruit had played under former Richmond premiership rover Dale Weightman, the South Launceston coach.

And he’d added extra height with Matthew Ritchie, along with former Maine premiership ruckman David Cox, both at Dower Park for 1995.

“Lack of height told against us last season when we finished sixth,” Ross said.

Castlemaine had champion full-forward Steven Oliver as playing coach in 1995 so he was coming up against a flag-winning Magpie teammate in Cox.

With Cox right there in the Pies grand final winning side Ollie had booted 146 majors for Castlemaine in their flag-winning year of 1992.

He’d play either at full-forward or centre half-forward during 1995 he told me in a pre-match interview.

The early night match that week pitted league powerhouses Golden Square and Eaglehawk in a big clash.

It was going to be a major test for Two Blues coach Robert O’Connell as his side came up against 1994 grand finalist Square.

One interesting sidelight which I’d completely forgotten about concerned defender or midfielder Bert McIvor.

I clearly remember him playing for Eaglehawk in the Eighties against Northern United in some stirring grand finals, yet in 1995 he wanted to depart Square to play for Loddon Valley club Newbridge.

Some things stick in your memory yet McIvor’s ’95 situation had completely slipped in mine.

With many credits with Square’s under-18 sides to his name, new senior coach John Fisher had to mould a competitive top-ranked side.

One interesting sidelight to the early part of the looming 1995 season was the naming of netball legend Pam Schepers to the league’s board of management.

Under the terms of the BFL’s business plan the board needed to include a full voting netball representative.

So it was Pam Schepers who took up that position on the board of management.

Richard’s 2024 tips:

• Top Five: Sandhurst, Gisborne, Eaglehawk, South Bendigo, Golden Square.
• Grand final: Sandhurst vs. Gisborne.
• Michelsen Medal: Fergus Greene (Sandhurst).
• Ron Best Medal: Brock Harvey (South Bendigo).
• Big Improver: Castlemaine.
• Big slider: Strath Storm.
• Spoon: Maryborough.

After their stunning success in the 2000 BFNL grand final, the rest of the Noughties were a mixed bag for the Castlemaine Magpies.

Finishing just out of the Top Five in 2001 and 2002 the Pies sank to eighth in 2003 before re-bounding to snatch a spot in the 2004 semi-finals.

New coach Paul Eyles had re-invigorated the Pies and the re-formed Maine netball side under Vicky McLeod reached the ‘04 preliminary final.

The semi-final beckoned again for the footballers in 2005, but the netballers had slipped to eighth although Georgia Wills took home one of the A grade netball’s BFNL Betty Thompson medals in early September.

She’d tied with Maryborough’s Alicia Cassidy in the big award, a thriller on the vote count night.

But going back to the 2005 home-and-away season gun full-forward Steven Oliver reached 1,000 BFNL goals --- only the second man after the legendary Ron Best to reach the magic four figure total.

And his 1,000th came up in a one-sided final round clash with Golden Square.

Starting out on 995, Ollie booted the five goals he needed to reach the 1,000 in the first term and then went on, in a picnic, to add eight more.

So he finished with the baker’s dozen, thirteen, as the Magpies thumped the Square by 124 points.

Oliver topped the 2005 goal kicking table with 72 majors and was eventually inducted into the BFNL Hall of Fame in 2019 along with fellow Maine greats: Derrick Filo and John ‘Chicka’ Jefferies.

There’s another interesting statistic about Ollie which often passes unnoticed.

In the 2000 grand final where the Pies beat Kangaroo Flat 12.11 (83) to 9.17 (71) Ollie didn’t kick a solitary goal.

Still it took two Flat defenders to keep him quiet so the ace spearhead played his role for the Magpies.

So let’s concentrate now on the 2004 season under Eyles’ leadership.

After three early wins the Pies fronted up against Maryborough with the Castlemaine side keen to record a victory to honour Michael ‘Apples’ Blake’s 200th club game.

But it didn’t pan out as planned with Neville Massina’s Borough downing the Maine, with another loss coming up straightaway --- this time to Gisborne.

But Eyles re-formed his playing group. And straight after the bye they downed Eaglehawk to cement a Top Four spot.

And just behind the three top sides. But losses to the Hurst and the Square meant that Castlemaine had slumped to fifth at the exact halfway point of the 2004 season.

Still, there was a fair bit of the season remaining and two, consecutive victories over Kyneton and the Flat got Castlemaine pumping once again.

There were a couple of interesting trophies contested in the early Noughties.

The victory over the Kyneton Tigers meant the Highlands Challenge Cup stayed at the Camp Reserve, while the Maine played Maryborough for the Steve Brown Memorial Cup.

Back to Maryborough in a moment, but a round earlier and the Magpies registered a great win over South.

The Bloods jumped ahead early in the match but led by Eyles’ hard work and resolve the Pies re-bounded hard in the second half to post a resounding 41-point victory.

It was similar scenario in the Maryborough match. The Princes Park Pies bounced out of the blocks to hold a very handy 33-point lead at quarter time.

Again Eyles led the fightback. The Maine whittled away at the Maryborough lead and with a bright last term won the match --- and the Steve Brown Cup --- by 14 points.

And even though Gisborne thrashed the Maine at a freezing and very damp Graveyard in the next match there was one special milestone for Castlemaine.

Down at the Gardiner Reserve Derrick Filo payed his 350th senior BFL game with his tally reached at three clubs: the Maine, Kyneton and Kangaroo Flat.

His stint at Eaglehawk was yet to come.

Blake marshalled his side in great style against the Hawks in the Rd. 16 match at the Camp Reserve, and the victory took the Pies to fourth on the ladder and only out of third spot, and the double chance, on percentage.

And even though Eyles’ boys downed the Square in the concluding home-and-away round they couldn’t just get into third place.

Castlemaine beat Maryborough by three goals in the elimination final but the netballers lost the qualifying final to Gisborne.

They weren’t finished yet though, the Maine girls.

A victory over Sandhurst by Vicky McLeod’s girls launched them into the preliminary final but the Gisborne girls were too good in A grade’s penultimate 2004 game.

And in case we’ve forgotten after all the heavy downpours of rain in recent months (including 2022’s grand final day), 2004 was a severe drought year.

A bore had to be sunk at the Camp Reserve with the footy and cricket clubs involved in a joint venture.

Finally after a bit of a hold-up a bigger and more powerful pump was installed and the Camp Reserve remained a green grassy reserve right through the scorching summer months.

Finals scores in the Noughties for the Maine – 2004, 4th on ladder: Elim. final,s Castlemaine 15.10 def. Maryborough 12.10; 1st semi: E’hawk 16.17 def. Maine 9.13.

2005, second on ladder to Gisborne with 13 wins, 3 losses, 2 byes – qualifying final: 15.11 (101) l/t E’hawk 18.10 (118). 1st semi: South Bendigo 15.20 (104) def. C’maine 11.11 (77).

With North City, Ballarat, now in the BFNL in 2006 the league had 10 clubs. The Magpies finished 6th with 7 wins, 11 losses.

In 2007 it was a sixth-placed end to the season on 9-9 and then in 2008, with North City returning to Ballarat so the BFNL was back to nine clubs, Castlemaine ended up 7th on a 5-11 and 2 byes record.

*There’ll be more about the Maine’s seasons in the middle to late Noughties, 2006 to 2008, and not forgetting the classic 2009 match at Tannery Lane to mark the Strathfieldsaye Storm’s entry into Bendigo senior footy.

The two clubs were locked together near the bottom of the 2009 ladder at season’s end.

Castlemaine finished eighth with a 5-13 win-loss record while the Strath Storm ended up just one spot lower, in ninth position, with a 4-14 tally.

Six new coaches were appointed over summer in 2010 as BFNL clubs prepared for the 2011 season.

There were some top names among the appointments, headlined by Maryborough’s Michelsen Medallist Matt Aston and Gisborne’s ‘Rolls Royce’ Luke Saunders.

The other quartet of new faces included Luke Monaghan (Eaglehawk), Derrick ‘Dekka’ Filo (Kyneton), Darryl Wilson (Strathfieldsaye) and Tony Graham (Sandhurst).

Graham wasn’t a brand-new mentor, though. He’d led the Dragons from 1997 to 2000 including a 1998 grand final loss to Maryborough by 47 points.

He took over from Sandhurst stalwart Kieran Nihill who’d served a three-year stint.

Going through the others alphabetically club-wise, Monaghan was at the Canterbury Park helm following Filo’s eight-season era which had resulted in two senior premierships.

Monaghan had previously coached the Hawks under-18s from 2005 to 2007 and he’d then had three years as the Bendigo Pioneers assistant coach.

Four-time premiership player and Michelsen medallist Saunders took over the Graveyard duties from Ty Elliott.

Not only had he played in the Bulldogs’ string of flag wins he’d also captained the successful sides in 2005 and 2006.

Saunders’ Gisborne side went down to Golden Square in the classic 2012 grannie which wasn’t decided until the final kick of the day.

Final scores: Square 16.10 (106) def. Gisborne 14.19 (103).

A Michelsen Medallist just like Saunders, Aston headed into his first coaching role at Princes Park.

He took over from Shane Fisher who’d led the Maryborough Magpies for three, consecutive seasons.

Filo had previously coached the Kyneton Tigers from 1995 to 1997, leading them to their famous flags in 1995 and 1997.

He’d also coached Kangaroo Flat from 2000 to 2002 taking the Roos to the 2000 grand final against Castlemaine where poor kicking let the Roos down.

Final scores: Castlemaine 12.11 (83) def. Kangaroo Flat 9.17 (71).

Filo took over from Paul Houston who’d coached the Tigers for two seasons: 2009-2010.

Although we didn’t know it then, a dozen years back, Strath Storm’s Wilson would become the most successful and prominent coach of the modern era.

He’d been in charge at Dower Park in 2008 and 2009 and had suceeded in leading the Roos to the 2009 preliminary final.

Final scores: South Bendigo 16.11 (107) def. K. Flat 10.15 (75). The Roos had downed Eaglehawk and Gisborne in earlier finals in that 2009 season.

And then out at Tannery Lane Darryl has moulded the BFNL’s premier side of the modern era as the Storm won flags in 2014-15 and then again in 2017 and 2019.

So that was the list of 2011’s brand new incoming coaches.

But four senior coaches from 2010 had stayed on for the upcoming season.

Premiership mentor Nick Carter would lead Golden Square for another season although he took a couple of weeks after the Wade Street Dogs 2010 flag celebrations had eased off to re-sign with his club.

Paul Eyles was returning for a return stint with Castlemaine and like Carter was going to be back for a second year.

However, Eyles had also enjoyed an earlier crack at coaching in the early Noughties.

He led the Camp Reserve Pies in 2004-2005.

Third returning coach was Murray Collins at Kangaroo Flat who, like Carter and Eyles, was saddling up for a second year.

Longest serving coach to re-sign was South’s Rick Coburn who was going into his fifth season.

He’d taken the Bloods to two second finishes in 2009 and 2010 along with 3^rd and 4^th placings, but sources had told footy writers the Bloods would go into 2011 with a much younger list.

2009 grand final: G Square 16.12 def. S. Bendigo 10.11 and 2010 grand final, G. Square 11.21 def. S. Bendigo 8.10.

So how did this impressive array of coaches end up as September in 2011 wound to a close?

Well, Carter’s Square finished unbeaten on top  of the ladder with an 18 win-0 loss record and cantered home in the grand final over Eaglehawk by 135 points.

They restricted the Two Blues to just five majors for the day.

At the other end of the table Filo’s Tigers didn’t win a game so they finished up with the exact reverse to Square: 0 wins and 18 losses.

So the ladder read at the end of August: Golden Square 18 wins, 0 losses, 72 prem. points, 267.3%; Eaglehawk 13-5, 52, 133.5%; Gisborne 12-6, 48, 142.99%; Sandhurst 11-7, 44, 130.5%; South Bendigo 11-7, 44, 117.4%.

Outside the Five: S’saye Storm 9-9, 36, 124.1%; Maryborough 9-9, 36, 81.8%; Kang. Flat 5-13, 20, 84.8%; C’maine 2-16, 8 prem. points, 55.9% and Kyneton 0-18, 0 points, 27.45%.

So Carter ended 2011 with a brilliant season -- home and away and finals. An unbeaten season for the Square.

And apart from the disastrous grand final Monaghan’s Two Blues did OK. As did Saunders with the Graveyard Dogs reaching the preliminary final.

Graham and Coburn probably rated in the 60-65 per cent mark as both clubs were gone by the end of the second week of the finals.

Wilson’s Storm were pretty new to the BFNL in 2011 so he gets a pass mark and so does Aston with the Princes Park Pies.

Both clubs had a nine win-nine loss record

Eyles and ‘Muzza’ Collins fall short of a pass mark, but at least the Roos under Collins scraped together five wins.

But Filo’s at the bottom of the barrel with the winless Tigers not setting any benchmarks at the Kyneton Showgrounds.

And there were some familiar faces in district coaching ranks for the 2011 season.

In the Heathcote DFNL North Bendigo had appointed Damien Lock, who’d played 18 AFL games for Carlton in 1998 and 1999.

Locky was also an Eaglehawk premiership player and back a little further in his footy career had won the VFL’s Bendigo Diggers fairest and best award.

Ash Wilson was the new coach at HDFL club Huntly. He’d enjoyed a fine career with Kangaroo Flat and had later coached premiership sides at Wandella and in partnership with Barry Pitson took Mitiamo to their 1999 flag.

Matt Pinniger was back in familiar territory at Colbinabbin as he took over from Brent Millar who’d led the Grasshoppers to the 2008 HDFNL flag.

At Mount Pleasant well-travelled local footy personality Denis Grinton had been named as the Mounts coach.

He took over from former Gisborne star Shane Davis who’d handed in his resignation in November 2010.

But it was a late appointment for Mounts as Grinton’s coaching job wasn’t revealed until mid-December.

Jason ‘Jugga’ Stevens was the new man at White Hills having stepped up from assistant coach.

Stevens served under Brent Dyer and for the 2011 season would have ex-South Bendigo outside midfielder Gavin Bowles as his assistant.

Incoming coaches in the LVFL for 2011 included Phil Walsh (YCW) who’d previously coached the Eagles to their 1997 flag.

Jim Angove was taking up the reins at the Marong Panthers, Phil Birchmore was to helm Newbridge while up at Pyramid Hill Leigh Davies was taking over from Shawn Filo whose health issues meant he had to step down.