Eaglehawk

Hawks tackle top Dogs in Borough

A PAROCHIAL Eaglehawk crowd will pack Canterbury Park to witness Saturday’s showdown with Golden Square to complete the first round of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy action.

Winds of change have blown through Golden Square since last September’s grand final victory.

Just eight of the premiership-winning team of ’23 are in the Bulldogs line-up for Saturday’s clash which starts at 2.20pm on the Simpsons Road ground.

In his debut as Square’s senior coach, Brad Eaton will rely greatly on the play of premiership winners Jayden Burke, Jon Coe and Zack Shelton in defence; Harry Burke in midfield; Hugh Freckleton, Jack Stewart and Tom Strauch in attack, and rover Jack Threlfall.

Those in their senior debut in the blue and gold are Xavier Carter, Kai Daniels, Harrison Kelly, Lachlan Monti, Liam Thomas, Zac Tickell and Zac Wescott.

Jordan Rosengren marks his return to Golden Square after a stint with Wedderburn and is joined by Luke Holt from the Redbacks.

It’s a lot more settled Eaglehawk line-up again being coached by Travis Matheson.

The Borough has named recruits Brayden and Bryce Frost from Harcourt; Brady Rowles from Melton; Pala Kuma from Strathfieldsaye Storm and Bendigo Pioneers.

Major strength for the Two Blues is an on-ball division led by Billy Evans, Joel Mullen and Ben Thompson.

The athletic Jonty Neaves who was best afield in the Hawks’ premiership win in 2018 also marks his return to the Borough where he teams up with the likes of Darcy Richards, Cam McGlashan, Charlie Langford and Oscar Madden.

Strathfieldsaye and South Bendigo mark new eras as they meet on Storm’s turf at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.

After previous stints as assistant coach to Darryl Wilson and Troy Coates in premiership years and also as senior coach at Newbridge, Luke Freeman steps up to lead Storm.

At South Bendigo it’s Steven Stroobants and Isaiah Miller who team up playing co-coaches.

For Storm it’s the start of a new era, especially in attack as champion full-forward and multiple premiership winner Lachlan Sharp starts a stint as playing assistant coach of Bridgewater.

A newcomer for Storm is wingman Charlie King from Woorinen.

Daniel Clohesy and Lachlan Ratcliffe are co-captains of a Strathfieldsaye team that has the marking power of Malik Gordon and James Schischka in attack, Caleb Sheahan in the centre, and experience of Shannon Geary and Ben Lester.

A new on-ball brigade for South Bendigo includes Matt McNaughton and Anthony Zimmerman from St Kilda City to team with ruckman Riley Walsh.

The Bloods have gained Nathan Murley from Maiden Gully YCW, Jack Francis from North Bendigo, and Will Marks from Birchip Watchem.

With Brock Harvey and Stroobants in attack the Bloods are capable of kicking plenty of goals.

A player to watch in South’s attack is Zavier Holmes who had kicked 80 goals in 11 matches for North Bendigo’s under-18s last season before he returned to the Bloods.

Club president Dujon Fuzzard was named on an interchange bench that includes talented teen Zaydyn Lockwood who has played well in the Bendigo Pioneers unbeaten run to the Coates Talent League season.

The day’s play will be completed with the twilight clash between Kangaroo Flat and Sandhurst on the Roos’ ground at Dower Park from 4pm.

Huge test for Michael Ellings who marks his senior coaching debut with the Kangaroos.

Been another big turnover of players at Kangaroo Flat.

Newcomers for the Roos include Luke Ellings who had played for Gisborne, but has now joined his Dad at Dower Park.

Fans of the Flat will also closely watch the play of Corey Ash from St Kilda City; Justin Bateson from Wycheproof-Narraport; Lachlan Dalziel and Austin Lothian from Mornington.

Huge challenge for a Roos’ defence led by Kyle Symons and Toby Balcke up against the marking power of former Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn forward Fergus Greene, and Lachlan Wright.

Huge inclusion for Sandhurst is gun midfielder Lachlan Tardrew who has committed to being a full-time player with the club after a 99-game VFL career with Collingwood.

Runner-up in ’23, a Sandhurst team jointly coached by Ash Connick, playing, and Bryce Curnow, non-playing, has the hard-working James Coghlan and Noah Walsh in on-ball roles and experienced Joel Wharton and Nick Stagg.

Recruited from North Hobart, Matt Campbell was named at full-back for the Dragons.

The Bendigo FNL season began with a stand-alone match between Castlemaine and Maryborough on Good Friday at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve.

The Michael Hartley-coached Castlemaine marked a 69-point victory.

After an extended break, Castlemaine will play South Bendigo on April 20 at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval.

A Maryborough team jointly coached by Coby Perry and Matt Johnston will take on Kangaroo Flat in round two at Princes Park.

A GREAT of Golden Square FNC, Jack Geary will mark his 200^th senior footy match when he leads the Bulldogs in Saturday’s start to the Bendigo Bank Football Netball League season.

The Bulldogs will be determined to cap Geary’s step into an elite club with victory against the Kyneton Tigers on home turf at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street.

A five-time premiership player for the Bulldogs, Geary and his team-mates will tackle the Tigers from 2.20pm.

It’s a big test for the Christian Carter-coached Golden Square against Kyneton.

The Bulldogs have kept the majority of the team which reached last season’s preliminary final and will start favourite to take the points against the Paul Chapman-coached Tigers.

A gun midfielder or on-baller for most of his career, Geary was named on a half-back flank.

An attack which has Joel Brett, Jayden Burke and Braydon Vaz as main targets will be tough for Kyneton to hold across four quarters.

Other key players for the Bulldogs include Jon Coe and Will Lee in defence, Ryan Hartley and Liam Barrett in midfield, ruckman Matt Compston, and ruck-rover Ricky Monti.

The blue and gold also welcomes back tough on-baller Tom Toma from Cohuna Kangas.

Plenty of changes have been made at Tigerland.

A huge plus for Kyneton is the return of classy small forward Ethan Foreman after premiership success with Gisborne last season.

Foreman is a previous leading goalkicker for the yellow and black.

The Tigers have also recruited another small forward in Tom Quinn from University Blues.

A defence led by Harrison Huntley, C Fisher and J Safstrom faces a huge challenge.

Other newcomers for Kyneton include ruckman Jayden Eales from Sunbury, and Jordan and Lucas Iudica.

A rematch of last season’s grand finalists, Gisborne at Strathfieldsaye should draw a big crowd to Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve.

It’s the start of a new era as Brad Fox takes charge as senior coach after the successful run of Rob Waters.

The Bulldogs are without several of their premiership stars, including gun forward Pat McKenna.

This season it’s Jack Reaper who takes the captaincy after McKenna stepped aside from the role because of work commitments.

A formidable Gisborne line-up still has ruckman Braidon Blake, onballer Flynn Lakey, the skilful Sam Graham and Matt Merrett.

The Dogs have plenty of running power through the likes of Mack Lord, Matt Weber and Liam Spear.

Newcomers for the Bulldogs include Jed and Zac Denahy from Castlemaine.

The Darryl Wilson and Shannon Geary-coached Strathfieldsaye will be determined to start well.

There have also been quite a lot of changes to the Storm line-up.

A strong attack will again be led by Michelsen medallist and dual Ron Best medallist, Lachlan Sharp.

The marking power of James Schischka was a highlight in many of Storm’s matches last season.

Storm also named two of the prized recruits, Jack Exell and Alex Powell on a ‘from’ interchange.

Michelsen medallist Jake Moorhead will play a key role in and around the packs, as will Riley Wilson, Callum McCarty and Lachlan Gill.

Storm’s defence led by Ben Lester, Lachie Ratcliffe and Mitchell Hallinan will rely a lot on pressure further up the ground.

South Bendigo marks the start of a new era when it tackles Eaglehawk at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

The Bloods have played for premiership points at the Neale Street ground in previous years, but the venue is now the Bloods new permanent home for all football and netball teams.

On-field the Nathan Horbury-coached South Bendigo welcomes back gun small forward Steven Stroobants.

In recent years Stroobants has starred for Rochester in the Goulburn Valley and coached the Tigers last season.

Another key signing for the red and white was ruckman Macgregor Cameron from Monash Blues.

Players to watch for the Bloods include Brock Harvey at full-forward, rover Cooper Leon, Oscar White and Brody Haddow in midfield.

The defensive work of captain Zac Hare, Isaiah Miller, Cameron Taggert and Braydan Torpey will be important.

Biggest recruiting coup in the lead-up to 2023 was former St Kilda captain Jarryn Geary deciding to return to Eaglehawk.

The Geary brothers, Jarryn and Kallen both mark their return to the Two Blues.

Jarryn brings 207 games of AFL experience to the league, and Kallen is a triple premiership winner with Strathfieldsaye.

After finishing on the seventh rung last season the Travis Matheson-coached Eaglehawk could soar back to the top five.

A talented line-up from the Borough includes Darcy Richards, new captain Cam McGlashan and Liam Marciano in attack, new ruckman Connor Dalgleish from Montmorency, and a centreline of Joel Mullen, Fraser Verhey and Billy Evans.

The Thompsons – Ben, Jack and Sam are all in the Hawks line-up.

Maryborough is on home turf at Princes Park for its clash with Castlemaine.

Both of the Magpies will be keen to mark a victory, especially Maryborough after a winless ’22 campaign.

The Borough has appointed gun on-baller Coby Perry as playing coach.

A wrist injury will keep Perry on the sidelines for a few more weeks.

Massive plus for Maryborough is the return of Bailey Edwards who spent the summer playing for Nightcliff in the Northern Territory.

Edwards is a previous club champion at Maryborough who played for Carisbrook last season.

Key players for the Borough include Joel Swatton from South Bendigo; Brady Neill; Chris Freeeman in the centre or attack; Darcy Bond, Kya Lanfranchi and Luke Bucknall in defence.

Matt Johnston was also named in the Maryborough attack.

A premiership winner with Castlemaine, Brendan Shepherd marks his return to the club as senior coach.

On the recruiting front, Castlemaine has regained previous club champion Matt Filo.

The Magpies will look for big games from the likes of Jackson Hood, David Wilson, Ben Moran, Brodie and Jackson Byrne, and Callum McConachy.

Sandhurst takes on Kangaroo Flat at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Beaten in last season’s elimination final, Sandhurst could mark a dramatic rise.

Ash Connick has stayed on as coach and is joined by Bryce Curnow as playing assistant coach.

A premiership winner and Nalder medallist as best on ground in a Strathfieldsaye grand final victory, Curnow played in Kerang’s premiership team in ’22.

The Dragons have also welcomed back favourite son Nick Stagg after last season’ stint with the Kerang Blues.

Former coach Andy Collins bolsters the Dragons’ attack or midfield on his return from Bridgewater.

Other key players for Sandhurst include Michelsen medallist and on-baller Lee Coghlan, ruckman Hamish Hosking, Matt Thornton and Joel Wharton in attack, Zach Pallpratt in the centre, Liam Ireland and Tanner Nally in defence.

It’s a tough initation for Nathan Johns to his coaching stint with Kangaroo Flat.

Johns brings plenty of coaching experience to lead a young Roos’ line-up.

Key recruits for the Flat include the Rouse twins, Jordan and Zac in defence.

Rover Mitch Trewhella, Liam Collins, Kyle Symons, Tim Brooks, Ryan O’Keefe, and co-captains Mitch Collins and Ethan Roberts will all play key roles as the Roos strive to maintain a high level of pressure in all quarters.

Hawks overcome dogged fight from Square

EAGLEHAWK withstood a dogged fight from Golden Square to take the points in Saturday’s completion to the first round of senior footy in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

The Hawks and Bulldogs fought out a low-scoring scrap in the first hour at Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park.

Although it was fielding five players in their first senior game and another two in their first match for the club, Golden Square put up a great fight to lead 27-21 at half-time.

In the third quarter it was the Travis Matheson-coached Eaglehawk which seized control through the midfield.

The Borough pumped the ball to the attack and slammed on 7.6 to 2.0 as the run and skill of Joel Mullen, Pala Kuma and Billy Evans was to the fore.

A premiership winning ruckman at Harcourt, Brayden Frost marked his senior debut with the Hawks by winning plenty of centre ball-ups and boundary throw-ins.

Although it faced a five-goal deficit going into the last term the Brad Eaton-coached Golden Square did not give up.

Jordan Rosengren, Jack Threlfall and Jon Coe kept winning the ball and using it well.

The Bulldogs won the last term, 20-9, but the Hawks won the contest, 78-59.

Leading goalkickers for the Two Blues were Sam O’Shannessy, three; Bailey Ilsley, Jonty Neaves and Darcy Richards on two.

Bulldogs’ captain Jayden Burke booted three goals as Jordan Rosengren added two.

Best for Eaglehawk included Marcus Angove and Jacob O’Brien.

Jayden Burke, Luke Holt and Tom Strauch were among the best for the blue and gold.

Strathfieldsaye overran South Bendigo in the last quarter of their match in Storm territory at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.

The Steven Stroobants and Isaiah Miller-coached South Bendigo took it right up to their highly-fancied opponent in the first half.

The Bloods turned a one-goal deficit at quarter-time into a one-goal lead by half-time.

South Bendigo’s accuracy was a key factor as it scored 6.5 to 4.11 in the first hour.

The Luke Freeman-coached Strathfieldsaye controlled a lot of play in the crucial third quarter.

A 63-55 lead for Storm going into the final term kept growing as it won the last, 5.3 to 2.1.

Abe Sheahan booted three goals as Lachlan Gill, Carson James and James Schischka added two majors in a 96-68 victory.

The Bloods’ attack was led by Stroobants, three; Brock Harvey and Alex Smith, two.

Strathfieldsaye’s best were Daniel Clohesy, Jaidi Jackson-Leahy, Cooper Jones, Charlie King, Riley Wilson and Lachlan Gill.

Recruited from Wedderburn, William Marks was best for the Bloods along with Matt McNaughton, Brody Haddow, Cody Brooks, Zac Sims and Tait Poyser.

The day’s play was completed with the twilight match between Kangaroo Flat and Sandhurst at Kangaroo Flat’s Dower Park.

It was always going to be a tough task for a young Kangaroos line-up and new coach Michael Ellings.

The Roos worked hard to be within 15 points, 7-22 at quarter-time.

From there it was the Dragons on-ball brilliance and firepower near goal which took control.

Sandhurst scored 10.2 to a goal in the second and won the third term, 37-6.

Back as a full-time player with Sandhurst after several seasons with Collingwood in the VFL, Lachlan Tardrew kept racking up the disposals in a best afield performance.

Former Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn forward Fergus Greene kicked a round-high six goals and had great support from Tardrew, four; Joel Wharton and Lachlan  Wright, three, as the Dragons won 171-29.

Runner-up in ’23, Sandhurst is again coached by Ash Connick, non-playing, and Bryce Curnow, playing.

The Roos had four goalkickers – Toby Balcke, Justin Bateson, Luke Ellings from Gisborne, and Angus Grant.

Best for the Dragons were Tardrew, Noah Walsh, key defender Matt Campbell, Zach Pallpratt, James Coghlan and Caleb Connick.

Austin Lothian, Toby Balcke, Justin Bateson, Daniel Stagg, Luke Ellings and Ethan Roberts worked hard for the Kangaroos.

The round began on Good Friday when Castlemaine met Maryborough in a stand-alone match at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve.

Led by a five-goal haul by new coach Michael Hartley and impressive play of Bailey Henderson and Zach Greeves, Castlemaine answered a strong first half by the visitors to record a 131-62 victory.

Best for Castlemaine included Kalan Huntly, Callum McConachy and Liam Wilkinson.

Bailey Edwards, Kaian Constable, Coby Perry, Alex Brown, Joel Swatton and Aidan Medlyn were Maryborough’s best.

Gisborne had the bye.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 589 per cent, 4 points; Castlemaine 211, 4; Strathfieldsaye 141, 4; Eaglehawk 132, 4; Golden Square 75, 0; South Bendigo 70, 0; Maryborough 47, 0; Kangaroo Flat 16, 0; Gisborne 0, 0.

Leaders in the race for the Ron Best Medal, senior goalkicking award:

6 Fergus Greene, Sandhurst.

5 Michael Hartley, Castlemaine.

5 Bailey Henderson, Castlemaine.

4 Zach Greeves, Castlemaine.

4 Lachlan Tardrew, Sandhurst.

3 Jayden Burke, Golden Square.

3 Kaian Constable, Maryborough.

3 Sam O’Shannessy, Eaglehawk.

3 Abe Sheahan, Strathfieldsaye.

3 Steven Stroobants, South Bendigo.

3 Joel Wharton, Sandhurst.

3 Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst.

Highlight of next Saturday’s second round will be the clash of Sandhurst and Gisborne at Bendigo’s Queen Elizabeth Oval from 2.20pm.

A fierce rivalry between Golden Square and Strathfieldsaye is renewed in the Bulldogs’ kennel at Golden Square’s Wade Street ground.

Maryborough or Kangaroo Flat will pocket their first premiership points of the season when they clash on the Magpies’ turf at Princes Park.

South Bendigo takes on Castlemaine in the Bloods’ home at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington’s Neale Street.

Eaglehawk has the bye.

Huge clash for Dogs and Hawks at Golden Square

GREAT rivals Golden Square and Eaglehawk meet again in this Saturday’s 10^th round of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy action.

It’s fifth against fourth on the Bulldogs’ turf at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.

When these clubs met in round one it was the Travis Matheson-coached Eaglehawk which won by 19 points.

There will be many crucial duels in the return bout.

In the centre, Golden Square has Jordan Rosengren to take on the in-form Joel Mullen.

Talented youngster Macey Eaton was named as ruck-rover where his opponent will be Hawks’ gun Billy Evans.

The Bulldogs attack will again be led by captain Jayden Burke, Jack Stewart and Kai Daniels as they take on Oscar Madden, Charlie Langford and Aydan Hanley.

Key targets in the Hawks forward line are Jonty Neaves and Cameron McGlashan who are well supported by Michell Ronchieri and Thomas Bennett.

Two of the league’s younger ruckmen in Tanner Rayner and Bailey Ilsley are likely to have a great battle.

South Bendigo and Strathfieldsaye clash at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

The Bloods did play well to finish within 28 points of Strathfieldsaye at Triple M Park in round one.

Creating enough chances for dangerous forwards Steven Stroobants and Brock Harvey is a huge challenge for South Bendigo.

The smaller confines of the Kennington ground may make it easier for the Steven Stroobants and Isaiah Milller-coached Bloods to slow the fast-running game Storm brings.

South Bendigo will rely a lot on Anthony Zimmerman, Zac Sims and Brody Haddow to win at stoppages or not allow Storm to dominate clearances.

Big test for Bloods defenders Zac Hare, Matt McNaughton, Isaiah Miller and Alex Smith against James Schischka, Malik Gordon, Zach Charles and Abe Sheahan.

In-form players for the Luke Freeman-coached Storm include Riley Wilson, ruckman Tim Hosking, Lachlan Gill and Caleb Sheahan.

Storm also has talented youngsters Caleb Ernst and Jaidi Jackson-Leahy capable of winning plenty of the footy.

It’s an all-Magpies showdown between Maryborough and Castlemaine at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

These clubs played a great match to kick off the season on Good Friday.

It was Castlemaine which kicked clear in the second half after Maryborough had gained a near five-goal lead in the second quarter at Camp Reserve.

Injuries have significantly tested Maryborough’s depth all season.

Huge plus for Maryborough is the return of experienced on-baller/mid Joel Swatton who has not played since the round three clash with Gisborne.

Co-coach Coby Perry just keeps racking up the possessions and will again play a vitally important role in challenging Castlemaine.

Key defender Kya Lanfranchi keeps proving he is one of the league’s best each week.

The play of co-coach Matt Johnston, Alex Brown, Fraser Russell, Aidan Medlyn and Josh Britten will be important in staying competitive in every quarter.

There’s plenty of class in a Castlemaine team which has been a lot more competitive against the league’s big guns this season.

First-year coach Michael Hartley leads the Castlemaine attack on 38 goals and is sixth in the race for the Ron Best Medal as leading goalkicker.

Captain Bailey Henderson, Matt Filo, Zavier Murley and Ryan Eyre will test the opposition with their hard running and skills.

Other players to watch for Castlemaine include Liam Wilkinson, Ben McConachy, John Watson, Brodie Byrne and Ashton Frankling.

Sandhurst faces Kangaroo Flat at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The unbeaten Dragons have a formidable attack which will again test the Roos.

Fergus Greene starts the game on 47 goals.

Back in the Dragons’ den after stints at AFL clubs Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn, Greene’s been one of the recruits of the year.

Another is midfielder/on-baller Lachlan Tardrew who had an impressive VFL career which included being captain of Collingwood.

There will be no let-up in the intensity by the Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow-coached Dragons as competition for spots in the best 22 is heating up.

In-form players for the maroon and blue include Cobi Maxted, Cooper Smith, James Coghlan, Jake McLean and Isaac Ruff.

Been a tough two-week stretch for Kangaroo Flat which played at Gisborne last Saturday and now takes on the unbeaten ladder leader.

Huge challenge for the Roos midfield and on-ball brigade which includes Ethan Roberts, Jack Lefroy, Luke Ellings, Josh Leersen and Xav Dingfelder-Hope.

The Michael Ellings-coached Kangaroos will also look for big games from the likes of Jake Hywood, key forward Harry Whitty, Lachlan Dalziel, Dion and Kyle Symons.

Gisborne has the bye.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 321 per cent, 32 points; Gisborne 233, 28; Strathfieldsaye 169, 24; Eaglehawk 150, 20; Golden Square 123, 16; Castlemaine 85, 8; South Bendigo 76, 8; Kangaroo Flat 58, 8; Maryborough 12, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

47 Fergus Greene, Sandhurst.

38 James Schischka, Strathfieldsaye.

32 Brock Harvey, South Bendigo.

29 Pat McKenna, Gisborne.

25 Harry Luxmoore, Gisborne.

23 Michael Hartley, Castlemaine.

21 Jayden Burke, Golden Square.

20 Jack Stewart, Golden Square.

18 Steven Stroobants, South Bendigo.

18 Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst.

17 Brad Bernacki, Gisborne.

17 Jonty Neaves, Eaglehawk.

16 Zac Denahy, Gisborne.

16 Malik Gordon, Strathfieldsaye.

15 Bailey Henderson, Castlemaine.

14 Bryce Curnow, Sandhurst.

13 Darcy Richards, Eaglehawk.

13 Harry Whitty, Kangaroo Flat.

12 Zac Greeves, Castlemaine.

12 Cobi Maxted, Sandhurst.

12 Matt Merrett, Gisborne.

11 Lachlan Gill, Strathfieldsaye.

11 Nick Stagg, Sandhurst.

11 Lachlan Tardrew, Sandhurst.

11 Noah Walsh, Sandhurst.

10 Abe Sheahan, Strathfieldsaye.

10 Riley Wilson, Strathfieldsaye.

AFTER three narrow defeats and a draw, Eaglehawk’s senior footy team is desperate to turn fortunes around when it meets South Bendigo in Saturday’s 10^th round in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

The Hawks have home-ground advantage at Canterbury Park as the second half of the home-and-away series kicks off.

A 58-48 victory against South Bendigo at Kennington’s Harry Trott in round one kicked off a five-match unbeaten streak by Eaglehawk.

Defeats by margins of three, one and three points, and then a 64-all draw with Sandhurst last round have put the Hawks in fifth place and just two points clear of Kyneton.

After heavy rain in recent days the ball is likely to be at ground level a lot.

A Hawks’ defence that includes Clayton Holmes, Sam Thompson and Dylan Hanley faces a huge task against Bloods’ small forwards in Steven Stroobants, Brock Harvey and Will Keck.

A highlight will be the ruck contests were the Hawks have Connor Dalgleish up against Mac Cameron.

The Borough named Kallen Geary in the centre against Bloods’ star Brody Haddow.

Other key players for the Hawks include co-captains Billy Evans and Cam McGlashan, Ben Thompson and Darcy Richards.

A 6-3 record has the Nathan Horbury-coached South Bendigo in third place, but locked on points and less than one per cent in front of Strathfieldsaye.

The Bloods’ pressure will be a key to winning in a hostile venue.

A talented line-up in the red and white includes Isaiah Miller, Cameron Taggert, Braydan Torpey and Andrew van Heumen.

It’s the rematch of the 2022 grand finalists when Strathfieldsaye is home at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane to take on Gisborne.

The Darryl Wilson-coached Storm has lifted its play dramatically in recent weeks to now be 6-3.

Gun forward and captain Lachlan Sharp has moved to joint leader in the race for the Ron Best Medal as leading goalkicker on 41.

The play of on-baller Callum McCarty, Riley Wilson in the centre, Tim Hosking in the ruck, Mitch Hallinan in defence has played a big part in Storm’s surge.

Other players to watch for Strathfieldsaye include Shannon Geary, Baxter Slater, James Schischka and Luke Webb.

Gisborne returned to the winners’ list in a big way as it marked a 200-plus point victory against Maryborough at Gardiner Reserve last round.

The Brad Fox-coached Bulldogs know the pressure will be much higher.

Although seventh on a 3-6 record, Gisborne will not have given up on making the finals.

An upset win at Strathfieldsaye would be a massive turning point in the reigning premier’s season.

The Bulldogs’ will test Storm through the play of ruckman Braidon Blake, rover Flynn Lakey, captain Jack Reaper in defence or attack, and Harry Luxmoore at half-forward.

Others capable of winning plenty of the footy include Luke Ellings, Matt Merrett, Liam Spear and Seb Bell-Bartels.

It’s the all-Magpies clash as Castlemaine is home at Camp Reserve to play Maryborough.

It will be win number two for the Brendan Shepherd-coached Castlemaine, or Maryborough breaks its losing streak.

In round one, Castlemaine turned an 11-point deficit at three quarter-time into an 11-point victory at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

The Castlemaine line-up for this match includes Brodie Browne-Kerr, Brodie and Jackson Byrne, Matt Filo, Ashton Frankling, Ben Moran, John Watson and Liam Wilkinson.

Been a tough first year in the coaching caper for Coby Perry who is back on-field for Maryborough.

Players to watch for the Borough include Joel Swatton, Chris Freeman, Jai Howell, Ty Stewart, Matt Johnston and Kya Lanfranchi.

Kyneton is back in Tigerland at Kyneton Showgrounds to take on Golden Square.

The Paul Chapman-coached Tigers need an upset win to keep the heat on Eaglehawk.

A daunting task for the yellow and black against a Golden Square team which has a 7-2 record and is second on the ladder.

In an on-ball role or attack, Cameron Manuel is in outstanding form for Kyneton.

The Tigers will need big games from the likes of Hamish Yunghanns, Thomas Quinn, Harrison Huntley, Ethan Foreman, Ben Xiriha, Jame Summers and Mitch Comben to trouble the Bulldogs.

A Golden Square forward line led by Joel Brett and Braydon Vaz is in awesome form.

Ruck-rover Tom Toma racked up 40 disposals, 11 marks, five goals and 237 points in Golden Square’s win at Kangaroo Flat to earn the Barry Plant Player of the Round award.

The Bulldogs have the running power of Ricky Monti, Liam Barrett, Jake Thrum, Ryan Hartley and captain Jack Geary which is as strong in the last term as the first.

Kangaroo Flat is on its ground at Dower Park to play Sandhurst.

The Nathan Johns-coached Roos played incredibly well in a 41-49 loss to the Dragons at Queen Elizabeth Oval in round one.

Kangaroo Flat will be determined to bounce back from last week’s big loss to Golden Square.

The Kangaroos have named former Greater Western Sydney Giants and Hawthorn star Jonathon Patton for second match for the club.

Patton’s debut as a Roo was at Kyneton.

The Roos’ attack will rely a lot on quality and ample quanity of supply from an on-ball and midfield brigade that includes Mitch Collins, Mitch Trewhella, Toby Roberts, Campbell Smith, Dion Symons and Jarryd Wiegard.

Sandhurst is still unbeaten, but just after a 64-all draw at Eaglehawk last Saturday.

Jointly coached by Ash Connick, non-playing, and Bryce Curnow, playing, Sandhurst has plenty of atacking options.

Players to watch for the Dragons include Noah Walsh in the centre, Lachlan Wright at centre half-forward, ruckman Hamish Hosking, Matt Thornton and Cobi Maxted in attack, and ruck-rover James Coghlan.

Sandhurst also named Sam Conforti who is playing VFL with Essendon as rover.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 227 per cent, 34 points; Golden Square 213, 28; South Bendigo 157, 24; Strathfieldsaye 156, 24; Eaglehawk 201, 22; Kyneton 88, 18; Gisborne 120, 12; Kangaroo Flat 60, 12; Castlemaine 29, 6; Maryborough 15, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

41 - (6) - Joel Brett - Golden Square Seniors
41 - (11) - Lachlan Sharp - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
31 - (9) - Brock Harvey - South Bendigo Seniors
26 - (2) - William Keck - South Bendigo Seniors
25 - (1) - Lachlan Wright - Sandhurst Seniors
25 - (5) - Cameron Manuel - Kyneton Seniors
25 - (1) - Steven Stroobants - South Bendigo Seniors
18 - (0) - Braydon Vaz - Golden Square Seniors
18 - (2) - Matt Thornton - Sandhurst Seniors
17 - (1) - James Schischka - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
16 - (0) - Andrew Collins - Sandhurst Seniors
15 - (2) - Ryan Hartley - Golden Square Seniors
14 - (0) - Lewin Davis - Eaglehawk Seniors
13 - (1) - Darcy Richards - Eaglehawk Seniors
13 - (2) - Harry Whitty - Kangaroo Flat Seniors
13 - (0) - Cameron McGlashan - Eaglehawk Seniors
13 - (0) - Thomas Quinn - Kyneton Seniors
13 - (3) - Callum McCarty - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
12 - (4) - Matthew Merrett - Gisborne Seniors
12 - (8) - Hamish Morcom - Golden Square Seniors
11 - (1) - Nicholas Stagg - Sandhurst Seniors
11 - (1) - Noah Wheeler - Eaglehawk Seniors
11 - (2) - Hugh Freckleton - Golden Square Seniors
10 - (0) - Dylan Hird - Eaglehawk Seniors
10 - (1) - Jake Summers - Kyneton Seniors
10 - (0) - Billy Evans - Eaglehawk Seniors
10 - (0) - Jed Brereton - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
10 - (4) - Harry Luxmoore - Gisborne Seniors
10 - (0) - Liam Marciano - Eaglehawk Seniors
10 - (3) - Jack O’shannessy - Eaglehawk Seniors

Golden Square’s young guns stand up to Hawks

THE young guns in Golden Square’s line-up played key roles in a hard-fought win against Eaglehawk in Saturday’s 10^th round in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy season.

Playing on home turf at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street, Golden Square led 20-15 at quarter-time.

The Brad Eaton-coached Bulldogs then turned up the heat to score 3.2 as it kept the Hawks to a tally of three behinds in the second quarter.

Eaglehawk hit back strongly in the third term.

The Borough responded with three goals as the Dogs added one.

Golden Square led 47-39 going into the last term.

With key defender Jon Coe in great form the blue and gold held the Hawks to a goal in the last as the Dogs did plenty of attacking.

At the final siren Golden Square led 59-45.

Jack Stewart capped another great match with three goals for the Bulldogs as Tom Strauch kicked two.

The Hawks’ attack was led by Joel Mulleen and Jonty Neaves on two each.

Best for the Bulldogs included Macey Eaton and Kai Daniels who have also excelled on the basketball court.

Lachlan Humphrey, Hugh Freckleton and Tom Strauch were also among Golden Square’s best.

Joel Mullen, Oscar Madden, Billy Evans, Dylan Hanley, Bailey Ilsley and Clayton Holmes were best for the Travis Matheson-coached Eaglehawk.

A nine-goal haul by Castlemaine coach Michael Hartley spearheaded Castlemaine to a 176-29 victory at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

Castlemaine led 28-7 at quarter-time and then slammed on 13 goals in the second.

With Hartley capitalising on the Magpies’ dominance through midfield and at stoppages, Castlemaine kicked away.

Jackson Hood booted four goals as Ryan Eyre and captain Bailey Henderson added three each.

Magpies’ co-coach Matt Johnston kicked four goals.

Best for Castlemaine were Michael Hartley, Ryan Eyre, Zavier Murley, Bailey Henderson, Ben McConachy and Jackson Hood.

Alex Brown, co-coach Coby Perry, key defender Kya Lanfranchi, Joel Swatton, Seb Collins and Beau Trahar were Maryborough’s best.

A nine-goal blitz in the second quarter set up Strathfieldsaye’s big win against South Bendigo at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval.

The Luke Freeman-coached Strathfieldsaye led 34-18 at quarter-time and then slammed on 9.2 to 1.2 in the second term.

A 64-point lead at the break became 84 at a quarter to go.

South Bendigo worked hard to win the final term, 21-19, but it was Storm which took the points in a 138-56 result.

The in-form James Schischka kicked five goals as Abe Sheahan added four.

Other multiple goalkickers were Caleb Ernst, three; Zach Charles and Darcy Mulquiny, two.

South Bendigo co-coach Steven Stroobants booted a match-high six goals.

Storm’s best were Cooper Jones, Darcy Mulquiny, Ethan Featherby, Caleb Ernst, Matt Harvey and James Schischka.

Anthony Zimmerman, Riley Walsh, Brody Haddow, Alex Smith, Steven Stroobants and Cody Brooks were best for a Bloods line-up jointly coached by Isaiah Miller.

Seven goals capped one of Cobi Maxted’s best matches for Sandhurst as the Dragons beat Kangaroo Flat by 114 points at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The Dragons led 46-13 at quarter-time and then scored another seven goals in the second to lead 89-28 at the long break.

An attack led by Maxted and Fergus Greene, five, capitalised on the Dragons’ superb teamwork.

Tanner Nally kicked four goals and Cooper Smith added two as Sandhurst won 152-38.

There were no multiple goalkickers for the Michael Ellings-coached Kangaroo Flat.

Best for Sandhurst were Cobi Maxted, Lachlan Tardrew, Alex Wharton, Liam Ireland, Lachie Hood and Cooper Smith.

Luke Ellings, Lachlan Dalziel, Connor Lee, Jack Lefroy, Kyle Symons and Daniel Stagg played well for the Kangaroos.

Gisborne had the bye.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 328 per cent, 36 points; Gisborne 233, 28; Strathfieldsaye 176, 28; Eaglehawk 141, 20; Golden Square 124, 20; Castlemaine 105, 12; South Bendigo 71, 8; Kangaroo Flat 53, 8; Maryborough 13, 0.

It’s second against first as Gisborne hosts Sandhurst at Gardiner Reserve in next Saturday’s round 11 clash from 2.20pm.

The rivalry between Strathfieldsaye and Golden Square will be renewed at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.

Kangaroo Flat will be back home at Dower Park to play Maryborough.

Castlemaine clashes with South Bendigo in the Magpies’ nest at Camp Reserve.

Eaglehawk has the bye.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

52 - (5) - Fergus Greene - Sandhurst 
43 - (5) - James Schischka - Strathfieldsaye 
33 - (1) - Brock Harvey - South Bendigo 
32 - (9) - Michael Hartley - Castlemaine 
29 - (0) - Pat McKenna - Gisborne 
28 - (6) - Steven Stroobants - South Bendigo 
25 - (0) - Harry Luxmoore - Gisborne 
23 - (3) - Jack Stewart - Golden Square 
22 - (2) - Jonty Neaves - Eaglehawk 
21 - (0) - Jayden Burke - Golden Square 
19 - (7) - Cobi Maxted - Sandhurst 
18 - (0) - Lachlan Wright - Sandhurst 
18 - (3) - Bailey Henderson - Castlemaine 
17 - (1) - Malik Gordon - Strathfieldsaye 
17 - (0) - Bradley Bernacki - Gisborne 
16 - (0) - Zac Denahy - Gisborne 
14 - (4) - Abe Sheahan - Strathfieldsaye 
14 - (1) - Harry Whitty - Kangaroo Flat 
14 - (0) - Bryce Curnow - Sandhurst 
13 - (1) - Zachary Greeves - Castlemaine 
13 - (0) - Darcy Richards - Eaglehawk 
12 - (1) - Lachlan Tardrew - Sandhurst 
12 - (1) - Lachlan Gill - Strathfieldsaye 
12 - (0) - Matthew Merrett - Gisborne 
11 - (0) - Nicholas Stagg - Sandhurst 
11 - (0) - Noah Walsh - Sandhurst 
10 - (2) - Tom Strauch - Golden Square 
10 - (0) - Riley Wilson - Strathfieldsaye 
10 - (2) - Joel Mullen - Eaglehawk 
10 - (0) - Mitchell Ronchieri - Eaglehawk 
10 - (2) - Zach Charles - Strathfieldsaye 

EAGLEHAWK returned to the winners’ list as it scored a 56-point win against South Bendigo in the 10^th round of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy action on Saturday.

After a run of three defeats by single figure margins and a draw, Eaglehawk was desperate for the points against the Bloods at Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park.

The Bloods led 14-9 at quarter-time before the Hawks scored 5.5 to 3.0 in the second.

A two-goal lead for the Borough at the main break grew to 22 points by the final change.

Led by the play of Noah Wheeler, Kallen Geary and co-captain Billy Evans, Eaglehawk kicked 6.5 to 1.1 in the last to complete a 103-47 victory.

Lewin Davis and Darcy Richards kicked three goals as eight team-mates chipped in with a major.

The only multiple goalkicker for the Bloods was Will Allen on three as the Hawks’ defence worked well to limit the dangerous Brock Harvey and Steven Stroobants to a goal each.

Eaglehawk’s best included Clayton Holmes, Dylan Hird and Charlie Hillier.

Mac Cameron, Sam Langley, Tait Poyser, Andrew van Heumen, Will Allen and Braydan Torpey were best for the Nathan Horbury-coached Bloods.

Castlemaine marked its second win of the season in the all-Magpies clash with Maryborough at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve.

The Brendan Shepherd-coached Castlemaine led 10-7 at quarter-time and 31-22 by the long break.

In the third quarter it was the Coby Perry-coached Maryborough which dominated play to score 3.4 to just four behinds.

It was déjà vu as Castlemaine again made a final quarter fightback.

After being down 35-44 at three quarter-time, Castlemaine lifted to score 5.3 to 0.5 in the last for a 68-49 victory.

Ben Moran led Castlemaine’s attack on three goals.

Chris Freeman kicked two goals for Maryborough.

Best for Castlemaine were Matt Filo, Riley Pedretti, Brodie Byrne, Callum McConachy, Tyson Hickey and Ethan Hein.

Brady Neill, Mitch McClure, Kya Lanfranchi, Jake Postle, Kaian Constable and Chris Freeman played well for Maryborough.

Strathfieldsaye Storm fought from 32-points down at quarter-time to mark a 27-point win against Gisborne at Strathfieldsaye’s Triple M Park.

On a day where Lachlan Bonney marked his 150^th senior game for Storm, Strathfieldsaye was down 6.5 to 1.3 at quarter-time.

Storm surged back to score 4.2 to just two points in the second.

The Brad Fox-coached Gisborne still led 59-55 at a quarter to go.

In the last it was Strathfieldsaye led by the play of Bode Stevens, James Schischka and Mitch Hallinan which scored 6.4 to 1.3 to complete a 95-68 victory.

Captain Lachlan Sharp, James Schischka and Baxter Slater all kicked three goals for the Darryl Wilson-coached Storm.

Gisborne’s attack was led by Sam Graham and Jake Normington with two each.

Best for Strathfieldsaye included Luke Webb, Shannon Geary and Tim Hosking.

Gisborne’s best were Matt Merrett, Flynn Lakey, Frank Schipano, Connor Bills, Harry Luxmoore and Jake Normington.

Eight goals to a point in the second term put Golden Square well in control of its showdown with Kyneton at Kyneton Showgrounds.

The Christian Carter-coached Bulldogs led 28-11 at quarter-time and then dominated the second to score 8.4 to a point.

A 68-point lead at half-time was up to 78 by three quarter-time.

A strong midfield and on-ball group led by Tom Toma, Ricky Monti, Jake Thrum and Brodie James kept pumping the ball into the 50m arc where Joel Brett and Jack Stewart capitalised to kick four goals each.

Other multiple goalkickers for the Bulldogs were Liam Barrett, Jack Hickman and Braydon Vaz on two.

There were no multiple goalkickers for Kyneton.

Best for Square included ruckman Matt Compston and Jack Stewart.

Mitch Comben, Jayden Eales, Harrison Sheahan, Harrison Huntley, Dom Bennington and Cameron Manuel were best for the Paul Chapman-coached Tigers.

Sandhurst dominated its match against Kangaroo Flat on the Roos’ ground at Dower Park.

After a draw at Eaglehawk the previous round kept its unbeaten run intact, Sandhurst slammed on 8.1 to 1.1 in the first term against the Kangaroos.

Ruckman Hamish Hosking and rover Sam Conforti were in great form as the Dragons added 3.5 to nil in the second.

The result was in stark contrast to the first round at Queen Elizabeth Oval where the Kangaroos finished within eight points of the maroon and blue.

Jointly coached by Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow, Sandhurst went on to record a 127-22 victory in the return game.

Sam Conforti capped a best afield performance with four goals and Joel Wharton also booted four.

Captain Lee Coghlan and Nick Stagg chipped in with three majors for the Dragons.

Goalkickers for the Roos were Nic Keogh, two, and former Greater Western Sydney Giants and Hawthorn key forward Jonathon Patton with one.

Sandhurst’s best included Jake McLean, Zach Pallpratt, Noah Walsh and Cobi Maxted.

Ryan O’Keefe, Dion Symons, Zac and Jordan Rouse, Campbell Smith and Toby Roberts were best for the Nathan Johns-coached Kangaroo Flat.

It’s a general bye across the league next weekend.

The season resumes on July 8 when Golden Square and Strathfieldsaye meet in the 11^th round at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street at 2.20pm.

Sandhurst takes on Kyneton at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

South Bendigo faces Kangaroo Flat at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

Gisborne and Castlemaine play at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve.

Maryborough and Eaglehawk meet at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

44 Joel Brett, Golden Square.

44 Lachlan Sharp, Strathfieldsaye.

32 Brock Harvey, South Bendigo.

26 Will Keck, South Bendigo.

26 Steven Stroobants, South Bendigo.

26 Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst.

23 Cameron Manuel, Kyneton.

20 James Schischka, Strathfieldsaye.

20 Braydon Vaz, Golden Square.

19 Matt Thornton, Sandhurst.

17 Lewin Davis, Eaglehawk.

16 Andy Collins, Sandhurst.

16 Ryan Hartley, Golden Square.

16 Darcy Richards, Eaglehawk.

14 Callum McCarty, Strathfieldsaye.

14 Cam McGlashan, Eaglehawk.

14 Hamish Morcom, Golden Square.

14 Nick Stagg, Sandhurst.

13 Thomas Quinn, Kyneton.

13 Harry Whitty, Kangaroo Flat.

12 Jed Brereton, Strathfieldsaye.

12 Matt Merrett, Gisborne.

11 Hugh Freckleton, Golden Square.

11 Dylan Hird, Eaglehawk.

11 Harry Luxmoore, Gisborne.

11 Liam Marciano, Eaglehawk.

11 Noah Wheeler, Eaglehawk.

10 Billy Evans, Eaglehawk.

10 Zavier Murley, Golden Square.

10 Jack O’Shannessy, Eaglehawk.

10 Baxter Slater, Strathfieldsaye.

10 Tom Toma, Golden Square.

10 Jordan Wilson, Strathfieldsaye.

A STUNNING three-goal win by Eaglehawk against South Bendigo has shaken up the A-grade netball competition after 10 rounds in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

The Hawks’ 44-41 victory on their Canterbury Park court against the Bloods has meant top-five hopes for Kyneton and Strathfieldsaye are far from gone.

The Kylie Piercy-coached Eaglehawk teamed superbly to beat a Bloods’ line-up which went into the match on a win-loss record of 4-4 and a draw.

South Bendigo was determined to take the points and stay clear of the Tigers and Storm.

It was not to be as the Two Blues celebrated win number two.

Match of the round was at Kangaroo Flat’s Dower Park where the Roos took on the unbeaten Sandhurst.

In the rematch of last season’s grand finalists it was Sandhurst which dominated the opening term, 18-10.

The Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroos worked hard to score 10 goals in the second, but the ‘Hurst added 13 to lead 31-20 at half-time.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst showed it will be tough to stop in its pursuit of a fifth consecutive premiership was it won the second half, 25-17, and the match, 56-37.

Kyneton kept the pressure on the fifth-placed South Bendigo by scoring a 49-goal win against Golden Square at Kyneton Showgrounds.

The Dianne Guest-Oakley coached Tigers led 16-7 at quarter-time and then dominated the second to pour in 18 goals as Square added four.

The yellow and black won the next two terms, 20-3 and 15-6 to complete a 69-20 victory.

Strathfieldsaye was on its court at Triple M Park to take on the powerful Gisborne line-up.

The Steph Freemantle-coached Storm worked hard to be down by just four goals, 10-14 at quarter-time.

In the second it was Gisborne which took control through mid-court and scored 13 goals for a 27-17 lead by the main break.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Bulldogs did not let up the pressure as it won the third term, 15-5.

Storm fought back strongly in the last to score 12 goals and held Gisborne to 14.

At the final siren Gisborne led 56-34.

It was an all-Magpies contest at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve.

The Fiona Fowler and Gary Cooke-coached Castlemaine kept its hot form rolling in a 66-30 victory against Maryborough.

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

Sandhurst 203 per cent, 40 points; Gisborne 183, 32; Castlemaine 132, 30; Kangaroo Flat 162, 28; South Bendigo 110, 18; Kyneton 103, 18; Strathfieldsaye 91, 18; Eaglehawk 69, 8; Maryborough 59, 8; Golden Square 36, 0.

Teams take a break for the general bye next weekend.

A highlight of the 11^th round on July 8 will be Gisborne on its court at Gardiner Reserve to meet Castlemaine in a match between second and third.

South Bendigo and Kangaroo Flat are both on the rebound from defeat as they take to the court at Harry Trott Oval in Neale Street, Kennington.

Sandhurst is back at Queen Elizabeth Oval to play Kyneton.

Maryborough hosts Eaglehawk at Princes Park.

Golden Square and Strathfieldsaye will play at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.

Round 10 scoreboard:

A-reserve:

Eaglehawk 35 lt South Bendigo 37, Kangaroo Flat 37 lt Sandhurst 44, Strathfieldsaye 35 lt Gisborne 55, Kyneton 39 dr Golden Square 39, Castlemaine bye.

B-grade:

Eaglehawk 37 dr South Bendigo 37, Kangaroo Flat 39 lt Sandhurst 49, Strathfieldsaye 43 lt Gisborne 53, Kyneton 31 lt Golden Square 35, Castlemaine 46 d Maryborough 29.

B-reserve:

Eaglehawk 24 lt South Bendigo 30, Kangaroo Flat 45 lt Sandhurst 48, Strathfieldsaye 42 d Gisborne 37, Kyneton 25 lt Golden Square 48, Castlemaine 48 d Maryborough 31.

17-and-under:

Kangaroo Flat 35 lt Sandhurst 62, Eaglehawk 43 d South Bendigo 34, Strathfieldsaye 30 lt Gisborne 43, Kyneton 9 lt Golden Square 54, Castlemaine 48 d Maryborough 31.

Ladders after 10 rounds:

A-reserve:

Gisborne 214 per cent, 40 points; Sandhurst 170, 36; Kangaroo Flat 120, 24; Castlemaine 96, 24; South Bendigo 95, 24; Strathfieldsaye 78, 20; Eaglehawk 76, 16; Kyneton 64, 10; Golden Square 62, 6.

B-grade:

Sandhurst 191 per cent, 40 points; Gisborne 167, 32; Kangaroo Flat 131, 32; South Bendigo 103, 24; Strathfieldsaye 97, 22; Eaglehawk 83, 18; Golden Square 93, 16; Kyneton 80, 8; Castlemaine 63, 6; Maryborough 49, 2.

B-reserve:

Sandhurst 213 per cent, 40 points; Kangaroo Flat 179, 32; Gisborne 138, 28; Strathfieldsaye 130, 24; Eaglehawk 112, 24; South Bendigo 110, 20; Castlemaine 66, 16; Golden Square 71, 12; Kyneton 44, 4; Maryborough 46, 0.

17-and-under:

Gisborne 188 per cent, 40 points; Sandhurst 179, 36; Golden Square 166, 32; Maryborough 113, 22; Strathfieldsaye 110, 22; Castlemaine 105, 18; Kangaroo Flat 106, 14; Eaglehawk 74, 12; South Bendigo 49, 4; Kyneton 20, 0.

Hawks too strong for Storm at Canterbury Park

EAGLEHAWK marked a 10-goal victory against Strathfieldsaye Storm in Saturday’s 13^th round of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy action.

Fielding close to its best 22 all season, Eaglehawk hit back from a 21-point deficit at quarter-time to dominate the next three quarters.

The Travis Matheson-coached Hawks were goalless in the opening term, but then slammed on 6.6 to just two behinds in the second to gain a 19-point lead by the main break.

A closely-fought third term went the way of the Borough, 27-20.

Inspired by the play of Bailey Isley, Charlie Langford in defence and the hard-running Joel Mullen it was the Hawks who scored 5.3 to a tally of five behinds in the last.

At the siren the Two Blues led 111-51.

Although it’s still eight points behind Storm in the race to gain third place, Eaglehawk will have gained plenty of confidence from this contest.

The Hawks’ attack was led by Bailey Ilsley on five goals as Blake McGregor kicked three.

Thomas Bennett and Jack O’Shannessy also kicked two goals in the Hawks best win of the season so far.

Multiple goalkickers for Storm were Zach Charles and James Schischka on two.

Best for the Hawks included captain Billy Evans, Blake McGregor and Thomas Bennett.

Zach Charles, Charles Dole, Bode Stevens, Ethan Featherby, Tim Hosking and Shannon Geary were best for the Luke Freeman-coached Storm.

Golden Square moved two wins clear of Castlemaine after the Bulldogs dominated the clash with the Magpies at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.

The Golden Square players wore black armbands in memory of long-time supporter and club volunteer Rod Fyffe who also served four terms as Mayor across a 38-year stint as a Councillor.

On the field it was the Dogs who made a brilliant start to the contest.

There was plenty at stake for both clubs.

Golden Square was determined to move clear of the sixth-placed Castlemaine, while the Magpies were in a fight to narrow the gap.

The Bulldogs slammed on 7.3 and held the Magpies to a tally of two points in the first term.

Another four goals as it kept the visitors to a goal in the second meant Golden Square held a 58-point lead by half-time.

Castlemaine fought back to win the third, 21-16, but the Dogs finished with plenty of run as they scored 4.3 to 2.3 in the last.

At the final siren the Brad Eaton-coached Bulldogs led 120-49.

A week after representing Bendigo against the Victorian AFA, Jack Stewart kicked five goals in a best afield performance for the Bulldogs.

Other multiple goalkickers for the blue and gold were Ricky Monti, three; Jayden Burke, Jordan Rosengren and Tanner Rayner on two.

There were no multiple goalkickers for the Magpies.

Best for Golden Square were Jack Stewart, Ricky Monti, Kai Daniels, Jack Sampson, Jordan Rosengren and Jayden Burke.

Zavier Murley, Darby Semmens, coach Michael Hartley, Callum McConachy, Will Moran and Archie Rixon were Castlemaine’s best.

South Bendigo capped a great fightback to beat Kangaroo Flat by seven points at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

The Bloods faced a 22-point deficit at quarter-time after the Roos scored 5.2 to 1.4 in the first term.

Forwards were well on top in the next quarter.

The Bloods fired up to slam on 7.6 as the accurate Roos added 5.1.

The Michael Ellings-coached Kangaroos scored 3.2 to 3.5 in the third.

In a reversal of their previous encounter it was the Bloods who dominated the final term this time.

South Bendigo scored 5.2 to 3.5 in the last to complete a 113-106 victory.

Bloods’ co-coach Steven Stroobants led the attack on four goals as classy on-baller Brody Haddow added three and Matt McNaughton kicked two.

The Roos’ leading goalkicker was Jack Lefroy on three as Lachlan Dalziel, Xav Dingfelder-Hope, Luke Ellings and Harry Whitty booted two.

List of South Bendigo’s best was not supplied.

Best for Kangaroo Flat were Angus Grant, Jade Mayes, Xav Dingfelder-Hope, Toby and Ethan Roberts, and Luke Ellings.

A 10-goal haul by Harry Luxmoore was a highlight of Gisborne’s win at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

Gisborne led 63-18 at quarter-time.

Defences were well on top in the second as the Bulldogs scored 2.5 and the Magpies added a behind.

The Rob Waters-coached Bulldogs slammed on eight goals in the third as the midfield and on-ball seized control.

Maryborough kept working hard and finished with eight goals in a match the Dogs won 169-51.

Luxmoore was the star of Gisborne’s attack on 10 as Brad Bernacki added four; Shane Clough and Jacob Floreani chipped in with three; and Dylan Johnstone added two.

The Magpies’ attack was led by co-coach Matt Johnston on four talented youngster Kaian Constable with three.

Bulldogs’ ruckman Braidon Blake marked his return after several weeks on the sidelines through concussion protocols to be best afield.

Harry Luxmoore, Flynn Lakey, Brad Bernacki, Matt Merrett and Jackson Cardillo also starred for the red, white and blue.

Magpies’ co-coach Coby Perry was best along with Aidan Medlyn, Joel Swatton, Kya Lanfranchi, Seb Collins and Kaian Constable.

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.

In next Saturday’s 13^th round, Castlemaine take on Eaglehawk at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve.

Gisborne will be back on home turf at Gardiner Reserve to play South Bendigo.

Kangaroo Flat is up against long-time nemesis, Golden Square on the Roos’ ground at Dower Park.

Sandhurst will meet Maryborough at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Strathfieldsaye has the bye.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

56 - (0) - Fergus Greene - Sandhurst Seniors
47 - (2) - James Schischka - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
37 - (10) - Harry Luxmoore - Gisborne Seniors
35 - (1) - Brock Harvey - South Bendigo Seniors
35 - (1) - Michael Hartley - Castlemaine Seniors
34 - (0) - Pat McKenna - Gisborne Seniors
33 - (4) - Steven Stroobants - South Bendigo Seniors
31 - (5) - Jack Stewart - Golden Square Seniors
23 - (2) - Jayden Burke - Golden Square Seniors
23 - (1) - Jonty Neaves - Eaglehawk Seniors
21 - (4) - Bradley Bernacki - Gisborne Seniors
21 - (2) - Harry Whitty - Kangaroo Flat Seniors
20 - (0) - Bailey Henderson - Castlemaine Seniors
20 - (0) - Cobi Maxted - Sandhurst Seniors
18 - (0) - Lachlan Wright - Sandhurst Seniors
18 - (0) - Malik Gordon - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
17 - (0) - Zac Denahy - Gisborne Seniors
16 - (1) - Abe Sheahan - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
14 - (0) - Bryce Curnow - Sandhurst Seniors
13 - (0) - Zachary Greeves - Castlemaine Seniors
13 - (1) - Lachlan Gill - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
13 - (0) - Matthew Merrett - Gisborne Seniors
13 - (0) - Darcy Richards - Eaglehawk Seniors
12 - (0) - Lachlan Tardrew - Sandhurst Seniors
11 - (1) - Tom Strauch - Golden Square Seniors
11 - (2) - Luke Ellings - Kangaroo Flat Seniors
11 - (5) - Bailey Ilsley - Eaglehawk Seniors
11 - (0) - Nicholas Stagg - Sandhurst Seniors
11 - (0) - Zach Charles - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
11 - (3) - Jack Lefroy - Kangaroo Flat Seniors
11 - (0) - Noah Walsh - Sandhurst Seniors
11 - (4) - Matthew Johnston - Maryborough Seniors
10 - (0) - Riley Wilson - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
10 - (0) - Joel Mullen - Eaglehawk Seniors
10 - (0) - Mitchell Ronchieri - Eaglehawk Seniors
10 - (3) - Ricky Monti - Golden Square Seniors
10 - (2) - Jack O’shannessy - Eaglehawk Seniors

Hawks, Storm fight to gain edge

EAGLEHAWK and Strathfieldsaye Storm will vie to gain a psychological edge by winning this Saturday’s round 12 match in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s A-grade netball competition.

The match on Eaglehawk’s court in Canterbury Park is likely to be an elimination final preview.

Teams are back in action after last weekend’s rest as Bendigo took on the Victorian Amateur Football Association in the inter-league footy match at Brighton’s Elsternwick Park.

The Kylie Piercy-coached Hawks start the round in fifth place, but just four points behind Strathfieldsaye.

When these teams met in round three it was the Steph Freemantle-coached Storm which won 33-27 at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.

The Hawks had a bye in round 11 as Strathfieldsaye scored an 11-goal win at home against Golden Square.

Another big match on Saturday will be at Golden Square’s Fur Life Oval in Wade Street.

The Teigan Redwood-coached Golden Square will chase its third win of the season against Castlemaine.

A long run of defeats for the Square was ended in round three when it won at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve by four goals.

On that day Chris O’Sullivan was coaching Golden Square.

Increased work commitments meant O’Sullivan stepped down from his coaching role after the round five match at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve.

Another big test for the Chloe Hughes-coached Castlemaine.

In round 11 the Magpies were outpointed by a slick South Bendigo at Camp Reserve.

South Bendigo starts this round eight points adrift, but level on percentage with Eaglehawk.

The Bloods are at home in Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval to take on Kangaroo Flat this Saturday.

The Alicia McGlashan-coached Bloods have not given up hope on qualifying for finals.

To achieve the feat South Bendigo has to get on a winning roll.

The Bloods scored 70 goals a 43-goal victory at Castlemaine in round 11.

Massive test against a quality Kangaroo Flat team this round.

When the Bloods and Roos met in round three it was Kangaroo Flat which bound away to record a 60-27 victory.

After a rest in round 11 as it was drawn to play Maryborough, the Jayden Cowling-coached Roos have a chance to reclaim top spot on the ladder.

It’s a rest for the second-placed Gisborne, but the Bulldogs will play at Maryborough’s Princes Park in all other grades.

The ladder-leading Sandhurst has the bye.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

Sandhurst 170 per cent, 28 points; Gisborne 138, 28; Kangaroo Flat 180, 24; Strathfieldsaye 95, 20; Eaglehawk 78, 16; South Bendigo 78, 8; Golden Square 62, 8; Castlemaine 60, 4.

Hawks mark important win on their court

EAGLEHAWK marked an important victory on its court in Saturday’s 12^th round of A-grade netball in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

The Kylie Piercy-coached Hawks took on Strathfieldsaye in what is likely to be an elimination final prelude at Canterbury Park in the Borough.

At the final siren the Two Blues led 45-33 against the Steph Freemantle-coached Storm.

Highs of play at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington included South Bendigo coach Alicia McGlashan and Kangaroo Flat’s Karlyn Bingham joining the league’s 300 Game Club.

McGlashan did so in the A-grade match as Bingham played in B-grade.

Both had been premiership team-mates with Kangaroo Flat.

In the A-grade contest the Roos were too strong for the Bloods.

A 14-7 first quarter put Kangaroo Flat in control of the match.

The Roos then won the second, 16-9, and the third, 11-9.

The Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroo Flat finished the match with plenty of run as it won the last, 13-6.

At the final siren the Roos led 54-31.

Golden Square won every quarter on its way to a 52-goal win at home against Castlemaine at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street.

The Teigan Redwood-coached Golden Square raced to a 21-5 lead by quarter-time and did not let up.

The blue and gold won the next three quarters, 19-6, 20-9 and 18-6.

At the final siren Golden Square led 78-26 against the Chloe Hughes-coached Castlemaine.

It was a rest for Gisborne in A-grade, but the red, white and blue did play on Maryborough’s Princes Park in the lower grades.

Sandhurst also had an extended break after the inter-league match as it had the bye.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

Kangaroo Flat 180 per cent, 28 points; Sandhurst 170, 28; Gisborne 138, 28; Strathfieldsaye 93, 20; Eaglehawk 83, 20; Golden Square 74, 12; South Bendigo 76, 8; Castlemaine 56, 4.

In next Saturday’s round 13 action, Gisborne returns to its court at Gardiner Reserve to take on South Bendigo.

Kangaroo Flat and Golden Square clash at Dower Park.

It’s the Magpies against the Hawks as Castlemaine hosts Eaglehawk at Camp Reserve.

Sandhurst has another rest in A-grade, but the Dragons will play Maryborough in the lower grades at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Strathfieldsaye has the bye.

Round 13 scoreboard:

A-reserve:

Eaglehawk 37 lt Strathfieldsaye 59, South Bendigo 35 lt Kangaroo Flat 56, Golden Square 48 d Castlemaine 37, Maryborough 23 lt Gisborne 70, Sandhurst bye.

B-grade:

Eaglehawk 46 lt Strathfieldsaye 56, South Bendigo 29 lt Kangaroo Flat 50, Golden Square 48 d Castlemaine 42, Maryborough 17 lt Gisborne 54, Sandhurst bye.

B-reserve:

Eaglehawk 42 lt Strathfieldsaye 47, South Bendigo 30 lt Kangaroo Flat 49, Golden Square 60 d Castlemaine 44, Maryborough 13 lt Gisborne 85, Sandhurst bye.

17-and-under:

Eaglehawk 29 lt Strathfieldsaye 44, South Bendigo 36 d Kangaroo Flat 24, Golden Square 54 d Castlemaine 46, Maryborough 52 d Gisborne 39, Sandhurst bye.

League ladders:

A-reserve:

Gisborne 209 per cent, 40 points; Strathfieldsaye 137, 36; Maryborough 98, 30; Kangaroo Flat 113, 26; Sandhurst 123, 24; South Bendigo 80, 16; Eaglehawk 70, 8; Castlemaine 69, 8; Golden Square 67, 4.

B-grade:

Gisborne 186 per cent, 36 points; Kangaroo Flat 147, 36; Sandhurst 149, 32; Strathfieldsaye 120, 32; South Bendigo 88, 18; Eaglehawk 85, 14; Castlemaine 78, 12; Golden Square 75, 12; Maryborough 43, 0.

B-reserve:

Sandhurst 221 per cent, 40 points; Strathfieldsaye 133, 36; Gisborne 194, 32; Kangaroo Flat 123, 24; South Bendigo 120, 24; Eaglehawk 104, 16; Golden Square 71, 12; Castlemaine 57, 8; Maryborough 32, 0.

17-and-under:

Sandhurst 242 per cent, 40 points; Golden Square 163, 40; Maryborough 113, 36; South Bendigo 93, 20; Castlemaine 99, 16; Strathfieldsaye 96, 16; Gisborne 95, 16; Eaglehawk  47, 8; Kangaroo Flat 41, 0.

Hawks soar to victory on Castlemaine’s court

EAGLEHAWK moved to the fourth rung on the A-grade netball ladder after Saturday’s win at Castlemaine in round 13 of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

The Kylie Piercy-coached Eaglehawk marked win number six in a 58-40 result against the Magpies at Camp Reserve.

A tally of almost 100 goals was a superb effort by the Hawks and the Chloe Hughes-coached Castlemaine.

Top teams Kangaroo Flat and Gisborne put in ruthless performances.

The ladder-leading Kangaroo Flat dominated play on its court at Dower Park against Golden Square.

Coached by Jayden Cowling who was also charge of the Bendigo Strikers 23-and-under team in its debut Victorian Netball League season, Kangaroo Flat passed the 70-goal mark against the blue and gold.

At the final siren the Roos led 74-26 against the Teigan Redwood-coached Golden Square.

Further south and it was a relentless performance by Gisborne in all thirds of the court against South Bendigo.

In pursuit of back-to-back premierships, the Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne was in hot form.

Gisborne led 11-3 at quarter-time and 21-4 by the long break.

Defensive efforts by the team in red, white and blue were outstanding as the Alicia McGlashan-coached South Bendigo was held a goal in the third quarter and four in the last.

At the final siren Gisborne led 54-9.

It was a rest for Sandhurst in A-grade as it was drawn to play Maryborough at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

A break for the inter-league match on July 6, a bye and then drawn to face the Magpies has meant the Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst has not played since its loss at Gisborne on June 29.

The Dragons return to the court next Saturday to play South Bendigo at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval as the club's mark Graeme Wright Memorial Cup Day.

Strathfieldsaye had the bye.

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

Kangaroo Flat 188 per cent, 32 points; Gisborne 152, 32; Sandhurst 170, 28; Eaglehawk 89, 24; Strathfieldsaye 93, 20; Golden Square 69, 12; South Bendigo 70, 8; Castlemaine 57, 4.

Fourth takes on first as Eaglehawk hosts Kangaroo Flat in next Saturday’s round 14 clash at Canterbury Park.

South Bendigo and Sandhurst meet on Graeme Wright Memorial Cup day as the Bloods take on the Dragons at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval.

Strathfieldsaye returns to the court at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane to play Castlemaine.

Golden Square will be home at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street to face the in-form Gisborne.

Maryborough has the bye across the lower grades.

Round 13 scoreboard:

A-reserve:

Castlemaine 46 d Eaglehawk 40, Kangaroo Flat 76 d Golden Square 24, Gisborne 61 d South Bendigo 21, Sandhurst 41 d Maryborough 39, Strathfieldsaye bye.

B-grade:

Castlemaine 45 d Eaglehawk 34, Kangaroo Flat 44 d Golden Square 33, Gisborne 56 d South Bendigo 24, Sandhurst 80 d Maryborough 22, Strathfieldsaye bye.

B-reserve:

Castlemaine 21 lt Eaglehawk 45, Kangaroo Flat v Golden Square N/A, Gisborne 45 d South Bendigo 39, Sandhurst 86 d Maryborough 30, Strathfieldsaye bye.

17-and-under:

Castlemaine 45 d Eaglehawk 22, Kangaroo Flat 14 lt Golden Square 79, Gisborne 37 d South Bendigo 24, Sandhurst 55 d Maryborough 26, Strathfieldsaye bye.

League ladders:

A-reserve:

Gisborne 214 per cent, 44 points; Strathfieldsaye 137, 36; Kangaroo Flat 124, 30; Maryborough 97, 30; Sandhurst 122, 28; South Bendigo 75, 16; Castlemaine 72, 12; Eaglehawk 71, 8; Golden Square 63, 4.

B-grade:

Gisborne 190 per cent, 40 points; Kangaroo Flat 146, 40; Sandhurst 161, 36; Strathfieldsaye 120, 32; Castlemaine 83, 20; South Bendigo 84, 18; Eaglehawk 84, 14; Golden Square 73, 8; Maryborough 41, 0.

B-reserve:

Sandhurst 227 per cent, 44 points; Gisborne 185, 36; Strathfieldsaye 134, 36; Kangaroo Flat 123, 24; South Bendigo 116, 24; Eaglehawk 109, 20; Golden Square 71, 12; Castlemaine 56, 8; Maryborough 32, 0.

17-and-under:

Sandhurst 239 per cent, 44 points; Golden Square 177, 44; Maryborough 106, 36; Castlemaine 103, 20; Gisborne 98, 20; South Bendigo 91, 20; Strathfieldsaye 96, 16; Eaglehawk 47, 8; Kangaroo Flat 38, 0.

IT’S a huge clash for Eaglehawk’s  and Strathfieldsaye’s senior footy teams in Saturday’s 14^th round of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

Eaglehawk has home-ground advantage at Canterbury Park for the showdown between third and fifth.

The Hawks and Storm are separated by just two points in the premiership race.

Victory for the Two Blues will keep them in third place.

A win for Storm would put it in third place, provided South Bendigo is beaten by Sandhurst at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

When the Hawks and Storm met in round five at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye it was the visitors who romped to a 13-goal victory.

Eaglehawk warmed up for this crucial clash by scoring a 100-point win at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve last round.

A multi-pronged attack includes Lewin Davis, Sam Harper, Charlie Hillier and Jack O’Shannessy will stretch Storm’s defence.

The Hawks’ on-ball division of ruckman Connor Dalgleish, Billy Evans and Noah Wheeler takes on Tim Hosking, Riley Wilson and Daniel Clohesy.

Other players to watch for the Borough include Dylan Hanley and Oscar Madden in defence, Joel Mullen and Jack Thompson.

The Hawks also have Kallen Geary up against a club he won three premierships with.

Held goalless for one of the few times in a brilliant 200-game career, Storm captain Lachlan Sharp will be fired up for a big match.

Strathfieldsaye’s attack in last week’s loss to Sandhurst was led by James Schischka on three goals.

Limiting the amount of turnovers will be crucial to the play of Darryl Wilson-coached Storm.

A tally of 92 proved costly in the clash with Sandhurst at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Key players for Storm include Mitch Hallinah, Lachlan Ratcliffe and Luke Webb in defence, Lachlan Gill, Baxter Slater and Malik Gordon.

Storm also welcomes back Michelsen medallist and gun on-baller Jake Moorhead.

It’s a “Back To” on several fronts as Sandhurst tackles South Bendigo at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The Sandhurst Dragons will welcome back those who have links to the club as players, coaches, administrators, volunteers and supporters throughout their long and illustrious history.

South Bendigo also marks a return to the QEO  for the first time this season.

The Bloods’ new base is at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

A Dragons’ line-up coached by Ash Connick, non-playing, and Bryce Curnow, playing, has a great record of 11 wins, one loss and a draw to be on top of the ladder.

The round five clash between the Dragons and Bloods for the Graeme Wright Memorial Trophy went Sandhurst’s way by 53 points.

After an outstanding game in defence last week, James Coghlan is likely to return to a midfield or on-ball role for the maroon and blue.

An attack that includes Andy Collins, Cobi Maxted, Matt Thornton and Lachlan Wright will test the Bloods all match.

Highlight of this match will be the duel between Sandhurst ruckman Hamish Hosking and Bloods’ gun recruit Mac Cameron.

In-form players for the Dragons include Sam Conforti, Zach Pallpratt and Noah Walsh.

The Bloods will again rely greatly on the goalkicking power of Brock Harvey and Steven Stroobants.

Coach Nathan Horbury was named in the team after missing last round because of a calf injury.

Brody Haddow has had a superb season in the centre for the red and white.

A stronger start will be a key focus for South Bendigo after it was down 2-46 at quarter-time of last Saturday’s clash with Golden Square at Harry Trott Oval.

The Bloods worked hard from there, but the Dogs ran out 67 point winners.

Key players for South Bendigo include Sam Langley, Isaiah Miller, Tait Poyser, Riley Walsh and Oscar White.

Kyneton tackles a resurgent Gisborne at Kyneton Showgrounds.

Victory is a must for both to have any chance of qualifying for the finals.

The Tigers and Bulldogs were victorious last round.

Just days after he took charge because Paul Chapman stepped down because of increased work commitments, Kyneton’s interim coach Darren Chambers marked a 102-44 win at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

The Tigers won their previous clash at Gisborne by two points, but know they are up against a vastly improved team.

The attack for the yellow and black at Maryborough was led by Ethan Foreman and Thomas Quinn on three goals as Cameron Manuel added two.

Kyneton has key defenders Harrison Huntley and Mason Crozier capable of winning many contests.

Huge test for Kyneton on-ballers Jayden Eales, Hamish Yunghanns and Jordna Iudica up against Gisborne’s premiership-winnnig trio of Braidon Blake, Brad Bernacki and Flynn Lakey.

A tally of 47 hit-outs, 28 disposals, 14 clearances, five tackles and 220 ranking points by Blake in the win against Kangaroo Flat earned the Barry Plant Bendigo Player of the Round award.

The Brad Fox-coached Gisborne has won four of its past five matches.

Latest hit-out for the Bulldogs ended in a 43-point win against Kangaroo Flat at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve.

Players to watch for the Bulldogs include Zac Denahy, captain Jack Reaper and Jake Normington in attack,Matt Weber and Zac Vescovi.

Kangaroo Flat is back home at Dower Park to take on Castlemaine.

Now being coached by Jeremy Hayes, Kangaroo Flat has sights on a fifth win.

The Roos won the round five clash at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve by eight goals.

Targets in Flat’s attack include Luke Foreman and Harry Whitty.

Best at Gisborne last round include Liam and Mitch Collins, Ethan Roberts and Zac Rouse.

The Brendan Shepherd-coached Castlemaine had Matt Filo and John Watson rack up 45 and 43 possessions against Eaglehawk.

They will again play pivotal roles for the Magpies, along with Brodie Byrne, Bailey Henderson, Callum McConachy and Liam Wilkinson.

Golden Square is back at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street to take on Maryborough.

In recent seasons the Christian Carter-coached Bulldogs have shown no mercy for the Magpies.

It may be a big afternoon for Golden Square forwards Joel Brett, Braydon Vaz and Tom Strauch.

The Bulldogs named Tanner Rayner in the ruck to team up with in-form on-ballers Tom Toma and Ricky Monti and centreman Ryan Hartley.

Just as important in the Dogs’ run have been a defence led by Jon Coe, Jack Hickman and Harry Burke.

Likely to be another tough afternoon for a young Maryborough line-up which plays with plenty of spirit, but battles for height and strength in key positions.

Magpies’ coach Coby Perry had 31 possessions in a midfield role against Kyneton last round.

The ability of Maryborough midfielders Joel Swatton, Luke Bucknall, along with on-ballers Mitch McClure and Chris Freeman to win the ball, and also to apply pressure will be crucial.

Other players to watch for the Magpies include Kya Lanfranchi and Jake Postle in defence, captain Ty Stewart and Darcy Bond.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 211 per cent, 46 points; Golden Square 219, 44; Eaglehawk 206, 34; South Bendigo 138, 32; Strathfieldsaye 136, 32; Gisborne 128, 24; Kyneton 81, 24; Kangaroo Flat 60, 16; Castlemaine 39, 8; Maryborough 21, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

57 - (2) - Joel Brett - Golden Square 
55 - (0) - Lachlan Sharp - Strathfieldsaye 
41 - (4) - Steven Stroobants - South Bendigo 
41 - (3) - Brock Harvey - South Bendigo 
33 - (1) - Lachlan Wright - Sandhurst 
30 - (1) - William Keck - South Bendigo 
29 - (2) - Cameron Manuel - Kyneton 
26 - (3) - Lewin Davis - Eaglehawk 
24 - (3) - James Schischka - Strathfieldsaye 
24 - (4) - Braydon Vaz - Golden Square 
21 - (4) - Andrew Collins - Sandhurst 
20 - (0) - Matt Thornton - Sandhurst 
19 - (1) - Harry Whitty - Kangaroo Flat 
18 - (1) - Ryan Hartley - Golden Square 
18 - (3) - Thomas Quinn - Kyneton 
18 - (2) - Darcy Richards - Eaglehawk 
18 - (2) - Hamish Morcom - Golden Square 
17 - (1) - Cameron McGlashan - Eaglehawk 
15 - (0) - Nicholas Stagg - Sandhurst 
15 - (2) - Noah Wheeler - Eaglehawk 
15 - (3) - Matthew Merrett - Gisborne 
14 - (3) - Thomas Toma - Golden Square 
14 - (0) - Callum McCarty - Strathfieldsaye 
13 - (0) - Dylan Hird - Eaglehawk 
13 - (0) - Liam Marciano - Eaglehawk 
13 - (4) - Zac Denahy - Gisborne 
13 - (1) - Jack Stewart - Golden Square 
13 - (3) - Jack O’shannessy - Eaglehawk 
12 - (2) - Jack Hickman - Golden Square 
12 - (3) - Ethan Foreman - Kyneton 
12 - (2) - Sam Barnes - Kangaroo Flat 
12 - (0) - Jed Brereton - Strathfieldsaye 
12 - (0) - Liam Collins - Kangaroo Flat 

Four matches being played in top grade

A FULL complement of four A-grade netball matches will be played this Saturday as the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL marks its 14^th round.

Fourth takes on first as Eaglehawk meets Kangaroo Flat on the Borough’s court at Canterbury Park.

Both teams claimed premiership points in last Saturday’s action.

The Kylie Piercy-coached Eaglehawk capped the trip to Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve by scoring a 58-40 victory.

Massive test for the Hawks in all thirds of the court against the ladder-leading Kangaroos who romped to a 74-27 win at home in Dower Park last round.

The Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroos were in hot form against Golden Square and will start favourite to chalk up win number one.

When the Hawks and Roos met at Dower Park in round six it was Kangaroo Flat which claimed a 76-15 victory.

South Bendigo and Sandhurst meet on Graeme Wright Memorial Cup day as the Bloods take on the Dragons at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval.

The Alicia McGlashan-coached South Bendigo has endured a tough run in recent weeks.

The Bloods were up against a red-hot Gisborne last Saturday.

In tough conditions it was Gisborne which won 54-9.

A week earlier and the Bloods played Kangaroo Flat on the Kennington court.

This Saturday they are up against a well-rested Sandhurst team.

A break for inter-league, bye and then being drawn to play Maryborough last round has meant the Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst has not played since June 29 at Gisborne.

The maroon and blue beat South Bendigo by 50 goals in their previous showdown at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Strathfieldsaye returns to the court at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane to play Castlemaine.

The Steph Freemantle-coached Storm will be confident of marking win number six.

In round six Storm won at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve by 28 goals.

The Chloe Hughes-coached Magpies have played inspired netball at times, but struggled for consistency in quarters and game by game.

Golden Square will be home at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street to face the in-form Gisborne.

Another big challenge for the Teigan Redwood-coached Golden Square after last Saturday’s match at Kangaroo Flat.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne is in ominous form as it chases back-to-back premierships.

Gisborne marked a 27-goal win against Golden Square at Gardiner Reserve in round six.

Maryborough has the bye across the lower grades.

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

Kangaroo Flat 188 per cent, 32 points; Gisborne 152, 32; Sandhurst 170, 28; Eaglehawk 89, 24; Strathfieldsaye 93, 20; Golden Square 69, 12; South Bendigo 70, 8; Castlemaine 57, 4.

KYNETON faces another big fight against Eaglehawk this Saturday in the 16^th round of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy action.

It’s a must-win match for Kyneton against the third-placed Hawks at Kyneton Showgrounds to stay in contention for the finals.

A point separated these clubs when they met in the Indigenous Round feature match at Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park.

Cameron Manuel’s goal after the siren clinched a dramatic victory for the yellow and black.

A hat-trick of wins by Kyneton, now being coached by Darren Chambers, has kept the heat on Strathfieldsaye and South Bendigo in the battle to decide fourth and fifth.

Kyneton won its latest hit-out at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve by 17 points.

Best for the Tigers included Ben Cameron, Jake Summers, Jye Chambers, and skilful forward Ethan Foreman.

Those to play crucial roles for the Tigers include ruckman Jayden Eales, Harrison Huntley and Mason Crozier in defence, ruck-rover Hamish Yunghanns, and rover Jordan Iudica.

The Tigers also have Thomas Quinn roving contests in attack.

Eaglehawk’s line-up is strengthened by the return of former St Kilda captain Jarryn Geary.

Named at full-forward, Geary could switch to half-back or even play through midfield.

A talented line-up from the Borough coached by Travis Matheson includes Billy Evans, Kallen Geary, Lewin Davis, Liam Marciano, Charlie Langford and the Thompson trio of Ben, Jack and Sam.

Sandhurst tackles Gisborne at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

It will be Gisborne’s first hit-out at the iconic ground since last year’s grand final victory.

Huge test for the Bulldogs in trying to upset the ladder-leading Sandhurst which has a win-loss tally of 13-1 and a draw.

Sandhurst must keep winning as it leads Golden Square by just two points.

Jointly coached by Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow, Sandhurst has many players in great form.

Since his return from a VFL stint with Essendon, Sam Conforti has starred for the maroon and blue, especially last Saturday’s clash at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

A tally of 42 possessions, 24 contested, 10 marks, nine clearances, five goals, and 227 points against the Magpies earned Conforti the Barry Plant Player of the Round award.

Conforti was named rover for Saturday’s clash with Gisborne.

The Dragons have ruckman Hamish Hosking and ruck-rover James Coghlan to team with Conforti against Braidon Blake, Matt Weber and Flynn Lakey.

Another key match-up will be in the centre where the Dragons have named Cooper Smith.

His opponent is the brilliant Brad Bernacki.

The Dragons have plenty of goalscoring options which will test the Rob Waters-coached Gisborne all match.

Players to watch in Sandhurst’s attack are Andy Collins, Nick Stagg, Matt Thornton and Lachlan Wright.

In defence the Dragons have Jake Wilkinson, Bryce Curnow and Lachie Hood to take on Zac Denahy, Harry Luxmoore and Adam Brancatisano.

Gisborne has the run of Sam Graham and Matt Merrett which is vital on the wide expanses of the QEO.

South Bendigo plays Maryborough at Harry Trott Oval in Neale Street, Kennington.

After a hat-trick of defeats the Nathan Horbury-coached Bloods must bounce back.

Brock Harvey kicked six goals in the clash at Strathfieldsaye’s Triple M Park and will be a huge threat to the Magpies.

South Bendigo’s attack includes Steven Stroobants, Will Keck and Sam Langley.

The Bloods will be without number one ruckman Mac Cameron, so Riley Walsh steps into the role to team with in-form on-ballers Brody Haddow and Oscar White.

A young Maryborough team will be working hard to not allow the Bloods to slam on goals in quick succession.

Playing key roles on and off-field at Maryborough, Joel Swatton will be keen to perform well against his former club.

Swatton is in the centre where he will flanked by Magpies’ coach Coby Perry and Nic Swan.

Been a  superb season once again by Kya Lanfranchi in Maryborough’s defence.

The Magpies will look to Kaian Constable, Bailey Jacobs, Matt Johnston, Brady Neill and Jake Postle to win plenty of contests.

Kangaroo Flat and Strathfieldsaye clash on the Kangaroos’ ground at Dower Park.

Another big test for the Jeremy Hayes-coached Kangaroos following last week’s clash on Eaglehawk’s turf.

Among the most crucial match-ups for the Roos will be an opponent for Storm co-captain and gun forward Lachlan Sharp who kicked seven goals in the win against South Bendigo.

The Roos have named Noah Furlong at full-back.

Kangaroo Flat defenders in Ryan O’Keefe, Zac Rouse and Jake Hywood face a daunting challenge against James Schischka, Jack Exell and Callum McCarty.

In the centre Liam Collins takes on Michelsen medallist and Storm co-captain Jake Moorhead.

The Roos will look to Mitch Collins, Mitch Trewhella and Kyle Symons to set up scoring chances for the likes of Harry Whitty, Sam Barnes, Nic Keogh and R.J. Watson.

A Darryl Wilson-coached Storm line-up which includes Luke Webb, Ben Lester, Daniel Clohesy, Lachlan Ratcliffe and Tim Hosking should take the points.

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

The Bulldogs will want to play well following the passing of multiple premiership-winning coach Brian Walsh.

Golden Square’s winning streak should hit 12.

A talking point may be the goals tally for Joel Brett who leads the race for the Ron Best Medal on 71.

Players to watch for the blue and gold include Tom Toma, Ryan Hartley, Jack Geary, Ricky Monti, Jayden Burke and Jon Coe.

The Bulldogs also have talented youngsters such as Brodie James, Tom Strauch, Jack Threlfall and Macey Eaton playing their role in pursuit of premiership glory.

Castlemaine worked incredibly hard in a 61-78 result against Kyneton at Camp Reserve last round.

Best for the Brendan Shepherd-coached Magpies in that contest were Bailey Henderson, Matt Filo, Brad Keogh, David Wilson, Callum McConachy and Brodie Byrne.

The Magpies have had John Watson winning plenty of the footy in every match.

Castlemaine’s squad includes Ethan Hein, Ethan Maltby, Ben Moran and Liam Wilkinson.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 226 per cent, 54 points; Golden Square 234, 52; Eaglehawk 198, 42; Strathfieldsaye 129, 36; South Bendigo 127, 32; Kyneton 85, 32; Gisborne 119, 24; Kangaroo Flat 62, 20; Castlemaine 43, 8; Maryborough 20, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

71 Joel Brett, Golden Square.

65 Lachlan Sharp, Strathfieldsaye.

47 Brock Harvey, South Bendigo.

44 Steven Stroobants, South Bendigo.

41 Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst.

33 Will Keck, South Bendigo.

30 Cameron Manuel, Kyneton.

29 Lewin Davis, Eaglehawk.

27 James Schischka, Strathfieldsaye.

25 Braydon Vaz, Golden Square.

24 Andy Collins, Sandhurst.

24 Thomas Quinn, Kyneton.

24 Matt Thornton, Sandhurst.

23 Harry Whitty, Kangaroo Flat.

21 Hamish Morcom, Golden Square.

21 Ryan Hartley, Golden Square.

20 Darcy Richards, Eaglehawk.

19 Tom Toma, Golden Square.

18 Jack Stewart, Golden Square.

18 Nick Stagg, Sandhurst.

18 Noah Wheeler, Eaglehawk.

17 Cam McGlashan, Eaglehawk.

16 Jed Brereton, Strathfieldsaye.

16 Sam Conforti, Sandhurst.

16 Matt Merrett, Gisborne.

16 Jack O’Shannessy, Eaglehawk.

15 Zac Denahy, Gisborne.

15 Ethan Foreman, Kyneton.

14 Brad Bernacki, Gisborne.

14 Luke Ellings, Gisborne.

14 Billy Evans, Eaglehawk.

14 Harry Luxmoore, Gisborne.

14 Liam Marciano, Eaglehawk.

14 Cobi Maxted, Sandhurst.

14 Callum McCarty, Strathfieldsaye.

13 Jack Hickman, Golden Square.

13 Dylan Hird, Eaglehawk.

13 Zavier Murley, Golden Square.

13 Jack Reaper, Gisborne.

13 Jake Summers, Kyneton.

12 Sam Barnes, Kangaroo Flat.

12 Liam Collins, Kangaroo Flat.

12 Baxter Slater, Strathfieldsaye.

EAGLEHAWK ended Kyneton’s finals hopes as it scored an 87-point victory in Saturday’s 16^th round of senior footy in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

The Hawks led 32-23 at half-time of the clash at Kyneton Showgrounds and then slammed on 9.2 to 1.1 in the third quarter.

Led by the play of Noah Wheeler, ruckman Connor Dalgleish and Lewin Davis, Eaglehawk outran and outworked the Tigers in the second half.

As the Travis Matheson-coached Hawks scored 14.8 in the final hour, Kyneton added 2.2.

Sam O’Shannessy kicked a match-high five goals as Lewin Davis booted four and Noah Wheeler added three.

The Hawks again showed they have plenty of attacking options as Billy Evans and Jarryn Geary added two goals in a 124-37 victory.

Kyneton’s goalkickers were Cameron Manuel, three, and Ethan Foreman, two.

Best for the Borough included Sam O’Shannessy, Billy Evans and Joel Mullen.

Bailey McGee, Hamish Yunghanns, Cameron Manuel, Harrison Huntley, Harrison Sheahan and James Orr were best for the Darren Chambers-coached Kyneton.

At two rounds to play the sixth-placed Kyneton is a win and 57 per cent behind South Bendigo.

The Tigers play Kangaroo Flat and Strathfieldaye in the next fornight, while the Bloods take on Gisborne and Castlemaine.

A brilliant 14-goal haul by Strathfieldsaye co-captain Lachlan Sharp has put him six clear in the race for the Ron Best Medal.

Sharp was in superb touch as Strathfieldsaye overwhelmed Kangaroo Flat on the Roos’ ground at Dower Park.

The Darryl Wilson-coached Storm led 57-14 at quarter-time and did not let up.

Strathfieldsaye scored five goals in the second, 10 in the third, and eight in the last.

The Kangaroos tried hard, but could not stop Storm’s carry and run through midfield and into attack where Sharp reigned supreme.

As Sharp kicked 14 goals, Storm also had Jack Exell, Baxter Slater and Bode Stevens, three; Caleb Ernst and James Schischka, two; on target.

At the final siren, Strathfieldsaye led 32.17 (209) to 9.9 (63).

Best for Strathfieldsaye were Lachlan Sharp, Jed Brereton, Daniel Clohesy, Callum McCarty, Baxter Slater and co-captain Jake Moorhead.

Zac Rouse, Ryan O’Keefe, Liam Collins, Mitch Trewhella, Ethan and Toby Roberts were best for the Jeremy Hayes-coached Kangaroo Flat.

Sandhurst scored an eight-goal win against Gisborne at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

With premiership-winning coach Rob Waters back in charge, Gisborne started well to lead 13-9 at quarter-time.

The Dragons fired up to win the second term, 23-8, and then added 4.2 to 0.5 in the third term.

Sandhurst’s defensive play was a highlight as it held the Bulldogs to a score of 5.12 (42) across four quarters.

Nick Stagg and Matt Wilkinson kicked three goals and Jake McLean chipped in with two as the Dragons won 91-42.

Gisborne’s attack was led by Matt Merrett on two.

Sandhurst co-coach Bryce Curnow was best afield as Noah Walsh, Nick Stagg, Zach Pallpratt, James Coghlan and Caleb Connick also played well in a team jointly coached by Ash Connick.

Best for Gisborne were ruckman Braidon Blake, captain Jack Reaper, Matt Weber, Macklan Lord, Flynn Lakey and Liam Spear.

South Bendigo forwards Brock Harvey and Steven Stroobants dominated the clash with Maryborough at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

Harvey kicked a match-high 10 goals and Stroobants booted seven as the Bloods won 27.17 (179) to 8.6 (54).

The Coby Perry-coached Maryborough started well to score 2.3 to 3.3 in the first term.

By half-time the Bloods led 61-39.

After the main break it was South Bendigo which seized control.

The Bloods slammed on 10 goals in the third term and eight in the last as the Magpies added just two goals in the second half.

Other multiple goalkickers for the Nathan Horbury-coached South Bendigo were Sam Langley, three; Dujon Fuzzard and Sam Griffiths, two.

Kaian Constable, Bailey Jacobs and Jacob Lohmann kicked two goals each for the Magpies.

South Bendigo’s best were Brock Harvey, Sam Griffiths, captain Zac Hare, Sam Langley, Will Keck and Steven Stroobants.

Joel Swatton, Jacob Lohmann, Brady Neill, Kaian Constable, Nic Swan and Alex Brown played well for Maryborough.

A 10-goal blitz in the opening term set up Golden Square’s big win against Castlemaine at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.

The Bulldogs slammed on 10.2 to nil in the first quarter.

Castlemaine worked hard to limit the Dogs to goal tallies of three and two in the next two terms as it added three goals.

In the last the Christian Carter-coached Golden Square scored 8.3 to complete a 150-25 victory.

Braydon Vaz led the Dogs’ attack on five goals as Jack Stewart booted four.

Other multiple goalkickers for the blue and gold were Joel Brett, Ryan Hartley and Tom Strauch on two.

Goalkickers for the Magpies were Daniel Lawson, Ben McConachy and Ben Moran.

The hard-running Jake Thrum was best on ground for Golden Square as Jack Hickman, Ricky Monti, Braydon Vaz, Tom Strauch and Jack Threlfall won many contests.

Castlemaine’s best were Riley Pedretti, Brodie Byrne, Lloyd Butcher, Ben McConachy, Brendan Josey and Liam Wilkinson.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 226 per cent, 58 points; Golden Square 245, 56; Eaglehawk 205, 46; Strathfieldsaye 140, 40; South Bendigo 137, 36; Kyneton 80, 32; Gisborne 113, 24; Kangaroo Flat 58, 20; Castlemaine 40, 8; Maryborough 21, 0.

Highlight of next Saturday’s round 17 action will be Eaglehawk against Golden Square in the showdown of third and second at Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park.

Kangaroo Flat will aim to bank on home-ground advantage at Dower Park to beat Kyneton.

Castlemaine is home at Camp Reserve to play Sandhurst.

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

Gisborne versus South Bendigo at Gardiner Reserve.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

79 - (14) - Lachlan Sharp - Strathfieldsaye 
73 - (2) - Joel Brett - Golden Square 
57 - (10) - Brock Harvey - South Bendigo 
51 - (7) - Steven Stroobants - South Bendigo 
42 - (1) - Lachlan Wright - Sandhurst 
33 - (4) - Lewin Davis - Eaglehawk 
33 - (0) - William Keck - South Bendigo 
33 - (3) - Cameron Manuel - Kyneton 
30 - (5) - Braydon Vaz - Golden Square 
29 - (2) - James Schischka - Strathfieldsaye 
26 - (2) - Andrew Collins - Sandhurst 
25 - (1) - Matt Thornton - Sandhurst 
25 - (4) - Jack Stewart - Golden Square 
24 - (1) - Harry Whitty - Kangaroo Flat 
24 - (0) - Thomas Quinn - Kyneton 
23 - (2) - Ryan Hartley - Golden Square 
21 - (3) - Noah Wheeler - Eaglehawk 
21 - (0) - Hamish Morcom - Golden Square 
20 - (2) - Nicholas Stagg - Sandhurst 
20 - (1) - Thomas Toma - Golden Square 
20 - (0) - Darcy Richards - Eaglehawk 
18 - (2) - Matthew Merrett - Gisborne 
17 - (2) - Ethan Foreman - Kyneton 
17 - (1) - Jed Brereton - Strathfieldsaye 
17 - (0) - Cameron McGlashan - Eaglehawk 
16 - (2) - Billy Evans - Eaglehawk 
16 - (1) - Zac Denahy - Gisborne 
16 - (0) - Jack O’shannessy - Eaglehawk 
16 - (0) - Sam Conforti - Sandhurst 
15 - (3) - Baxter Slater - Strathfieldsaye 
15 - (1) - Liam Marciano - Eaglehawk 
14 - (0) - Luke Ellings - Gisborne 
14 - (1) - Jack Hickman - Golden Square 
14 - (1) - Zavier Murley - Golden Square 
14 - (3) - Nicholas Keogh - Kangaroo Flat 
14 - (0) - Harry Luxmoore - Gisborne 
14 - (0) - Cobi Maxted - Sandhurst 
14 - (0) - Callum McCarty - Strathfieldsaye 
14 - (0) - Bradley Bernacki - Gisborne 
13 - (0) - Jack Reaper - Gisborne 
13 - (0) - Dylan Hird - Eaglehawk 
13 - (3) - Samuel Langley - South Bendigo 
13 - (0) - Jake Summers - Kyneton 
13 - (1) - Liam Collins - Kangaroo Flat 
12 - (0) - Kallen Geary - Eaglehawk 
12 - (1) - Braidon Blake - Gisborne 
12 - (2) - Tom Strauch - Golden Square 
12 - (0) - Sam Barnes - Kangaroo Flat 
12 - (0) - Bradley Keogh - Castlemaine 

EAGLEHAWK will be eyeing a chance to end Golden Square’s winning streak in Saturday’s 17^th round of senior footy in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

There’s plenty at stake as third takes on second at Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park.

It’s the start of a tough two-week stretch for the Travis Matheson-coached Borough in the lead-up to the finals as it tackles Golden Square and then Sandhurst.

Victory would be a massive lift for the Hawks’ confidence and also break a 12-match winning streak by the Bulldogs.

When these clubs met in round eight it was the Christian Carter-coached Golden Square which fought for a 70-67 victory on its turf at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street.

There are plenty of key match-ups for Saturday’s contest.

Hawks’ ruckman Connor Dalgleish takes on the experienced Matt Compston.

The on-ball duels in which Noah Wheeler, Billy Evans and Joel Mullen take on Bulldogs’ stars Tom Toma, Ricky Monti and Ryan Hartley will be a highlight.

Although it may be without some key targets in attack, Eaglehawk has shown it has plenty of options.

Last round it was Sam O’Shannessy who kicked five goals in the win at Kyneton.

The Hawks have former St Kilda captain Jarryn Geary, Lewin Davis and Ben Thompson in the forward 50m arc.

Sam Harper and Dylan Hird will also be keen to have an impact for the Two Blues against their former club.

In defence, Eaglehawk has Marcus Angove, Clayton Holmes and Charlie Langford to take on Joel Brett, Jack Hickman and Braydon Vaz.

Massive test for the Hawks in trying to stop the running power of Golden Square captain Jack Geary and Jake Thrum.

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

In round eight the Bloods beat Gisborne by 68 points at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

Huge challenge for the Bulldogs defence in trying to stop Brock Harvey and Steven Stroobants who kicked 10 and seven goals in last Saturday’s home win against Maryborough.

Gisborne has premiership-winning coach Rob Waters back in charge and appointed to lead the club in ’24.

A key to the Bulldogs’ chances will be the on-ball contests where Braidon Blake, Matt Weber and Flynn Lakey take on Mac Cameron, Oscar White and Bloods’ coach Nathan Horbury.

The battle between Brad Bernacki and Brody Haddow in the centre will be a highlight.

Targets in Gisborne’s attack are Harry Luxmoore, Matt Merrett and Adam Brancatisano.

Gisborne named captain Jack Reaper who has spent a fair amount of time up forward at full-back.

Players to watch for the Bloods include Sam Langley, Isaiah Miller, Tait Poyser and captain Zac Hare.

Strathfieldsaye Storm is back at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane to take on Maryborough.

A 14-goal haul by Storm captain Lachlan Sharp in the big win at Kangaroo Flat earned the Barry Plant Player of Round 16 award.

Not only was Storm’s sharpshooter on target, but also racked up 12 marks, six  tackles and 218 ranking points.

Sharp has a superb record against Maryborough and could increase his lead in the race for the Ron Best Medal as this season’s leading goalkicker.

Strathfieldsaye has put together a strong attack that includes the marking power of James Schischka, Caleb Ernst  and Jack Exell, and includes Baxter Slater and Jordan Wilson at ground level.

The Darryl Wilson-coached Storm has plenty of dare and run provided from half-back by Luke Webb and Mitch Hallinan.

Players to watch include ruckman Jed Brereton, on-baller Daniel Clohesy, and Shannon Geary on his return from injury.

Been an incredibly tough season for a young Maryborough team and first-year coach Coby Perry.

The Magpies’ workrate at clearances and ability to try and shut down Storm’s run will be crucial.

A premiership winner with Strathfieldsaye, Matt Johnston returns to Triple M Park playing a key role for Maryborough.

The play of Joel Swatton in the centre, Kya Lanfranchi, Darcy Bond and Jake Postle in defence will be incredibly important for the Magpies.

Captain Ty Stewart is in the ruck and Brad Wootton as rover.

Castlemaine is on home turf at Camp Reserve to take on Sandhurst.

Been a tough run for the Brendan Shepherd-coached Magpies who played at Golden Square last Saturday.

The Magpies played well in quarters two and three, but the Dogs dominated by scoring 10 and eight goals in the other terms.

Best in Castlemaine’s latest hit-out were Riley Pedretti, Brodie Byrne, Lloyd Butcher, Ben McConachy, Brendan Josey and Liam Wilkinson.

For Sandhurst there will be no let-up in its ferocity at the contest and its defensive pressure.

The Dragons have a strong attack, but defence is a hallmark of its run which has netted 14 wins, a draw, and just one defeat.

Co-coach of the Dragons line-up with Ash Connick, Bryce Curnow was in outstanding form against Gisborne last round.

A formidable Dragons’ line-up includes the experience of Andy Collins, Nick Stagg, Matt Thornton and Alex Wharton.

Younger players such as Sam Conforti, Noah Walsh and Lachlan Wright have played significant roles in the team’s success.

Kangaroo Flat and Kyneton clash on the Roos’ turf at Dower Park.

The Jeremy Hayes-coached Kangaroos will be determined to mark their sixth win of the season.

Another big test for Roos’ on-ballers Toby Roberts, Mitch Collins and Mitch Trewhella against Jayden Eales, Hamish Yunghanns and Jordan Iudica.

In attack, Flat will look to Harry Whitty, Sam Barnes and Nic Keogh to cap off the work of Liam Collins, Ryan O’Keefe, Zac Rouse and more.

The Darren Chambers-coached Kyneton will be fired up after a big loss at home to Eaglehawk last round.

The Tigers’ attack includes Cameron Manuel, Ethan Foreman and Thomas Quinn.

Kyneton will look to Jake Safstrom, Caleb Fisher and Bailey McGee to do plenty of atacking, and for Harrison Huntley, Mason Crozier and Lucas Iduica to defend well.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 226 per cent, 58 points; Golden Square 245, 56; Eaglehawk 205, 46; Strathfieldsaye 140, 40; South Bendigo 137, 36; Kyneton 80, 32; Gisborne 113, 24; Kangaroo Flat 58, 20; Castlemaine 40, 8; Maryborough 21, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

79 Lachlan Sharp, Strathfieldsaye.

73 Joel Brett, Golden Square.

57 Brock Harvey, South Bendigo.

51 Steven Stroobants, South Bendigo.

42 Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst.

33 Lewin Davis, Eaglehawk.

33 Will Keck, South Bendigo.

33 Cameron Manuel, Kyneton.

30 Braydon Vaz, Golden Square.

29 James Schischka, Strathfieldsaye.

25 Jack Stewart, Golden Square.

25 Matt Thornton, Sandhurst.

24 Andy Collins, Sandhurst.

24 Thomas Quinn, Kyneton.

24 Harry Whitty, Kangaroo Flat.

23 Ryan Hartley, Golden Square.

21 Hamish Morcom, Golden Square.

21 Nick Stagg, Sandhurst.

21 Noah Wheeler, Eaglehawk.

20 Darcy Richards, Eaglehawk.

20 Tom Toma, Golden Square.

18 Matt Merrett, Gisborne.

17 Jed Brereton, Strathfieldsaye.

17 Ethan Foreman, Kyneton.

17 Cam McGlashan, Eaglehawk.

16 Sam Conforti, Sandhurst.

16 Zac Denahy, Gisborne.

16 Billy Evans, Eaglehawk.

16 Jack O’Shannessy, Eaglehawk.

15 Liam Marciano, Eaglehawk.

15 Baxter Slater, Strathfieldsaye.

14 Brad Bernacki, Gisborne.

14 Luke Ellings, Gisborne.

14 Jack Hickman, Golden Square.

14 Nic Keogh, Kangaroo Flat.

14 Harry Luxmoore, Gisborne.

14 Cobi Maxted, Sandhurst.

14 Callum McCarty, Strathfieldsaye.

14 Zavier Murley, Golden Square.

13 Liam Collins, Kangaroo Flat.

13 Dylan Hird, Eaglehawk.

13 Sam Langley, South Bendigo.

13 Jack Reaper, Gisborne.

13 Jake Summers, Kyneton.

12 Sam Barnes, Kangaroo Flat.

12 Braidon Blake, Gisborne.

12 Kallen Geary, Eaglehawk.

12 Brad Keogh, Castlemaine.

12 Tom Strauch, Golden Square.

GOLDEN Square and Eaglehawk played out another thrilling finish in Saturday’s 17^th round of senior footy in the Bendigo Bank Bendidgo FNL season.

The Bulldogs and Hawks clashed on Eaglehawk’s turf at Canterbury Park.

There was plenty at stake as Golden Square needed to keep the heat on the ladder-leading Sandhurst, and Eaglehawk strived to strengthen its grip on the third rung.

Defensive pressure from both teams was outstanding.

The Travis Matheson-coached Eaglehawk led 15-8 at quarter-time and 28-23 by the long break.

In the third term the Two Blues added 1.4, but worked incredibly hard to limit the Bulldogs to a tally of 1.1.

Just as it had done against the Hawks in the eighth round, Golden Square overcame a three quarter-time deficit.

The Bulldogs scored 3.3 to 1.3 in the final term to complete a 51-47 victory.

Joel Brett led Square’s attack on three goals.

Leading goalkickers for the Hawks were Sam O’Shannessy and Ben Thompson with two.

Golden Square’s best were Jack Hickman, Tom Toma, Zack Shelton, Jack Threlfall, Jayden Burke and Harrison Burke.

Clayton Holmes, Dillon Williams, Billy Evans, Connor Dalgleish, Ben Thompson and Dylan Hanley played well for Eaglehawk.

It was a stunning turnaround by Gisborne as it took on South Bendigo at Gardiner Reserve.

When these clubs met in round eight, South Bendigo scored a 68-point victory.

This time it was the Bulldogs who have premiership-winning coach Rob Waters back in charge who dominated play.

Gisborne led 27-26 at quarter-time and then scored 18 goals across the next three quarters and held the Bloods to tally of seven.

The Bulldogs opened up a 25-point lead by half-time as it work in the stoppages and linking up with runners proved too much for the Bloods to stop.

Gisborne scored 5.5 to 1.5 in the second term and then added 13.8 to 6.2 in the second half for a 148-75 result.

Brilliant on-baller Brad Bernacki, James Gray and Harry Luxmoore kicked a team-high four goals.

Other multiple goalkickers were Ben Eales, Harry Thomas, Tom Wood, two.

The Bloods’ attack was led by Will Keck on five goals as Brock Harvey added three.

Gisborne’s best were Matt Weber, Zac Vescovi, Brad Bernacki, Macklan Lord, Flynn Lakey and Ben Eales.

On a disappointing day for the Nathan Horbury-coached South Bendigo it was Will Keck, Mac Cameron, Sam Griffiths, Andrew van Heumen, Brody Haddow and Sam Langley who were best.

Kyneton won a great contest with Kangaroo Flat on the Roos’ ground at Dower Park.

The Tigers led 44-35 at half-time and then took control in the third as they scored 5.1 to 1.4.

Although the Jeremy Hayes-coached Roos faced a five-goal deficit at the start of the final quarter they never gave up.

Kangaroo Flat won the last term, 26-9, but it was the Darren Chambers-coached Kyneton which took the points in an 84-71 victory.

The Tigers’ attack was led by Steven Georgiou, Bailey McGee and Jake Summers on two goals.

Luke Foreman kicked a match-high four goals for the Roos as Mitch Collins added two.

Best for Kyneton were Thomas Quinn, Harrison Huntley, Ben Cameron, Hamish Yunghanns, Bailey McGee and Ethan Foreman.

Ryan O’Keefe, Mitch Trewhella, Darcy McClure, Liam and Mitch Collins, and Zac Rouse were the Kangaroos’ best.

Sandhurst marked a 99-35 victory at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve.

It was in quarters two and four where the Dragons fired up.

Sandhurst led 15-10 at quarter-time and then scored 5.6 to a point in the second.

The Brendan Shepherd-coached Castlemaine fought back to win the third term, 16-3.

The last went Sandhurst’s way, 45-8, for a 99-35 result.

Matt Wilkinson kicked five goals for the Dragons as Nick Stagg and Lachlan Wright added two each.

Best for a Dragons team jointly coached by Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow were Hamish Hosking, Matt Wilkinson, Sam Conforti, Noah Walsh, James Coghlan and Tanner Nally.

Riley Pedretti, Lloyd Butcher, Liam Wilkinson, Bailey Henderson, Brad Keogh and Brendan Josey were Castlemaine’s best.

It was another brilliant performance by Strathfieldsaye’s attack against Maryborough at Strathfieldsaye’s Triple M Park.

The Darryl Wilson-coached Storm led 96-nil at half-time.

Storm captain Lachlan Sharp was in hot form again as he kicked eight goals in a team tally of 32.

Other multiple goalkickers in the 226-8 victory were Baxter Slater and Jordan Wilson, five; Caleb Ernst, four; Lachlan Monti, three; and Lachlan Gill, two.

Jai Howell goaled for Maryborough.

Storm’s best were Lachlan Gill, Daniel Clohesy, Cooper Jones, Matt Harvey, James Schischka and Luke Webb.

Brady Neill, Kya Lanfranchi, Josh Britten, Dylan Reece, Nic Swan and Darcy Bond worked hard for the Coby Perry-coached Maryborough.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 228 per cent, 62 points; Golden Square 237, 60; Eaglehawk 198, 46; Strathfieldsaye 159, 44; South Bendigo 127, 36; Kyneton 82, 36; Gisborne 118, 28; Kangaroo Flat 59, 20; Castlemaine 40, 8; Maryborough 19, 0.

It’s first against third as Sandhurst takes on Eaglehawk in next Saturday’s 18^th and final round of the home and away series.

Kyneton tackles Strathfieldsaye in Tigerland at Kyneton Showgrounds.

South Bendigo and Castlemaine meet in the Bloods’ home at Harry Trott Oval in Neale Street, Kennington.

Golden Square hosts Kangaroo Flat in the battle of the neighbours at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.

Maryborough and Gisborne clash at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

87 - (8) - Lachlan Sharp - Strathfieldsaye 
76 - (3) - Joel Brett - Golden Square 
60 - (3) - Brock Harvey - South Bendigo 
52 - (1) - Steven Stroobants - South Bendigo 
44 - (2) - Lachlan Wright - Sandhurst 
38 - (5) - William Keck - South Bendigo 
34 - (1) - Lewin Davis - Eaglehawk 
34 - (1) - Cameron Manuel - Kyneton 
31 - (1) - Braydon Vaz - Golden Square 
29 - (0) - James Schischka - Strathfieldsaye 
26 - (1) - Jack Stewart - Golden Square 
26 - (0) - Andrew Collins - Sandhurst 
25 - (0) - Matt Thornton - Sandhurst 
24 - (0) - Thomas Quinn - Kyneton 
24 - (0) - Harry Whitty - Kangaroo Flat 
23 - (0) - Ryan Hartley - Golden Square 
22 - (2) - Nicholas Stagg - Sandhurst 
21 - (0) - Noah Wheeler - Eaglehawk 
21 - (0) - Hamish Morcom - Golden Square 
20 - (5) - Baxter Slater - Strathfieldsaye 
20 - (0) - Thomas Toma - Golden Square 
20 - (0) - Darcy Richards - Eaglehawk 
18 - (1) - Ethan Foreman - Kyneton 
18 - (0) - Matthew Merrett - Gisborne 
18 - (1) - Jed Brereton - Strathfieldsaye 
18 - (4) - Harry Luxmoore - Gisborne 
18 - (4) - Bradley Bernacki - Gisborne 
17 - (0) - Cameron McGlashan - Eaglehawk 
16 - (0) - Billy Evans - Eaglehawk 
16 - (5) - Jordan Wilson - Strathfieldsaye 
16 - (0) - Zac Denahy - Gisborne 
16 - (0) - Jack O’shannessy - Eaglehawk 
16 - (0) - Sam Conforti - Sandhurst 
15 - (1) - Luke Ellings - Gisborne 
15 - (2) - Jake Summers - Kyneton 
15 - (0) - Liam Marciano - Eaglehawk 
14 - (0) - Jack Hickman - Golden Square 
14 - (0) - Zavier Murley - Golden Square 
14 - (0) - Nicholas Keogh - Kangaroo Flat 
14 - (0) - Cobi Maxted - Sandhurst 
14 - (0) - Callum McCarty - Strathfieldsaye 
13 - (0) - Jack Reaper - Gisborne 
13 - (0) - Dylan Hird - Eaglehawk 
13 - (0) - Samuel Langley - South Bendigo 
13 - (5) - Matthew Wilkinson - Sandhurst 
13 - (0) - Liam Collins - Kangaroo Flat 
13 - (1) - Bradley Keogh - Castlemaine 
12 - (1) - Liam Barrett - Golden Square 
12 - (0) - Braidon Blake - Gisborne 
12 - (0) - Tom Strauch - Golden Square 
12 - (0) - Kallen Geary - Eaglehawk 
12 - (0) - Sam Barnes - Kangaroo Flat 
12 - (1) - Bailey Henderson - Castlemaine 
12 - (4) - Luke Foreman - Kangaroo Flat 

IT WILL be a finals-type intensity as Sandhurst and Eaglehawk meet in Saturday’s 18^th round of senior footy in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

There’s plenty at stake for both clubs in the last round of the home and away series.

Win and Sandhurst retains top spot and a rest for next weekend’s start to the finals action.

Defeat is likely to put the Dragons in a qualifying final as the second-placed Golden Square rounds out the run to September by taking on Kangaroo Flat this Saturday.

Eaglehawk has plenty to play for.

Win and the Two Blues are in a qualifying final.

A loss and the Hawks are in the elimination final.

Fans can expect a fierce contest between these teams who were locked on 64-all at the end of the round nine showdown at Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park.

A formidable Sandhurst team co-coached by Ash Connick, non-playing, and Bryce Curnow, playing, has a record of 15 wins, one draw, one defeat.

Key players for the Dragons include gun ruckman Hamish Hosking, Bryce Curnow at centre half-back, Lachlan Wright and Matt Thornton in attack.

The Dragons defence is led brilliantly by Liam Ireland, Noah Walsh and Tanner Nally.

They will be up against Clayton Holmes, Sam Harper and Lewin Davis.

In the on-ball and midfield duels, Sandhurst has Sam Conforti, James and Lee Coghlan, Andy Collins and Jake McLean to take on Noah Wheeler, Billy Evans, Thomas Bennett, Joel Mullen and Ben Thompson.

Big test for Hawks’ defenders Dylan Hanley, Charlie Langford and Oscar Madden.

Another big match will be at Kyneton Showgrounds where the Tigers take on Strathfieldsaye.

Sixth on the ladder, Kyneton starts the day locked on 36 points with the fifth-placed South Bendigo.

Should the Tigers upset Storm and South Bendigo be beaten by Castlemaine then its Kyneton which progresses to an elimination final.

Massive task for the Darren Chambers-coached Kyneton to beat a Storm line-up which can finish third and hold the double chance by taking the points at Tigerland and also relying on the Hawks to be defeated.

Kyneton has named Harrison Huntley at full-back where he will be opposed by Storm co-captain Lachlan Sharp who has kicked 22 goals the past two rounds and a runaway leader for the Ron Best Medal once again.

Other key players for the Tigers include Cameron Manuel, Thomas Quinn, Jordan Iudica, Hamish  Yunghanns, Ethan Foreman and Mason Crozier.

The Darryl Wilson-coached Storm has scored 64 goals in its past two hit-outs.

Strathfieldsaye has named co-captain and last season’s Michelsen medallist Jake Moorhead in the centre.

Other players to watch for Storm are Luke Webb at half-back, ruck-rover Daniel Clohesy, James Schischka, ruckman Tim Hosking, Baxter Slater and Callum McCarty.

Victorious in just one of its past five matches, South Bendigo faces a must-win clash with Castlemaine at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval.

Math is easy for the Bloods.

A win ensures finishing the home and away series in fifth place.

Lose and it could be curtains on their ’23 campaign.

The Nathan Horbury-coached South Bendigo was thrashed after quarter-time of last Saturday’s match at Gisborne.

There were few highlights for the Bloods.

Ruckman Mac Cameron racked up 29 disposals, 61 hit out, 17 clearances, and 237 ranking points to earn the Barry Plant Bendigo Player of the Round award.

The classy Will Keck kicked five goals at Gisborne and will play a crucial role against Castlemaine, along with Brock Harvey and Steven Stroobants.

South Bendigo also welcomes back on-baller Cooper Leon for his first senior match since being injured in the round eight win against Gisborne.

There’s too much for the Bloods to play for, so expect the likes of Brody Haddow, Oscar White, Zac Hare, Braydan Torpey and Andrew van Heumen to step up to the challenge.

It’s the final match Brendan Shepherd is Castlemaine’s coach as the Magpies have appointed Michael Hartley for next season.

The Magpies will be desperate to mark their third win of the season and possibly derail South’s run to the finals.

Castlemaine put in a great effort against Sandhurst last round, especially to win the third quarter, 16-3.

Bring that level of commitment and intensity and the Magpies can  put plenty of pressure on the Bloods.

Key players for Castlemaine include Bailey Henderson, Matt Filo, Ashton Frankling, Callum McConachy, Riley Pedretti, John Watson, and Liam Wilkinson.

After such an emphatic victory last round, Gisborne makes its way to Maryborough’s Princes Park.

The reigning premier cannot make finals, but will be keen to finish the season on a high and build momentum toward regaining its place as the league’s number one.

Gisborne has one of the competition’s best on-ball divisions in ruckman Braidon Blake, Brad Bernacki and Flynn Lakey.

The return of Jarrad Lynch is a huge plus for premiership-winning coach Rob Waters who has taken charge the past two rounds and been appointed coach for the ’24 campaign.

A talented Gisborne team includes captain Jack Reaper, Matt Merrett, Sam Graham, Harry Luxmoore and Liam Spear.

Been another tough run for Maryborough.

A young Magpies’ team coached by Coby Perry will again give its all.

Players to watch for the Borough include Joel Swatton, Matt Johnston, Kya Lanfranchi, Darcy Bond, Brady Neill and Jake Postle.

It’s been 22 years since Kangaroo Flat beat Golden Square.

One of the longest winning streaks in Bendigo FNL history is likely to roll on as the Bulldogs tackle the Roos at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.

Regardless of what happens at the QEO, Golden Square coach Christian Carter will want to see a ruthless approach from his team.

The Bulldogs marked a hard-fought 51-47 at Eaglehawk last round.

Captain Jack Geary, Ryan Hartley, Ricky Monti and Tom Toma are likely to create plenty of scoring chances for the likes of Joel Brett, Jack Stewart and Braydon Vaz.

The Dogs also have the run and skill of Jake Thrum, Jack Threlfall, Brodie James and Hamish Morcom.

Massive test for the Jeremy Hayes-coached Kangaroos.

There have been plenty of positive signs for the Roos throughout the season.

A high was the three-point win against Eaglehawk in the sixth round.

Players to watch for the Roos on Square’s turf include Liam and Mitch Collins, rover Mitch Trewhella, Nic Keogh, Luke Foreman and Ethan Roberts in attack.

Huge challenge for Zac Rouse, Liam and Ryan O’Keefe in Kangaroo Flat’s defence.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 228 per cent, 62 points; Golden Square 237, 60; Eaglehawk 198, 46; Strathfieldsaye 159, 44; South Bendigo 127, 36; Kyneton 82, 36; Gisborne 118, 28; Kangaroo Flat 59, 20; Castlemaine 40, 8; Maryborough 19, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

87 Lachlan Sharp, Strathfieldsaye.

76 Joel Brett, Golden Square.

60 Brock Harvey, South Bendigo.

52 Steven Stroobants, South Bendigo.

44 Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst.

38 Will Keck, South Bendigo.

34 Lewin Davis, Eaglehawk.

34 Cameron Manuel, Kyneton.

30 Braydon Vaz, Golden Square.

29 James Schischka, Strathfieldsaye.

26 Andy Collins, Sandhurst.

26 Jack Stewart, Golden Square.

25 Matt Thornton, Sandhurst.

24 Thomas Quinn, Kyneton.

24 Harry Whitty, Kangaroo Flat.

23 Ryan Hartley, Golden Square.

22 Nick Stagg, Sandhurst.

21 Hamish Morcom, Golden Square.

21 Noah Wheeler, Eaglehawk.

20 Darcy Richards, Eaglehawk.

20 Baxter Slater, Strathfieldsaye.

20 Tom Toma, Golden Square.

18 Brad Bernacki, Gisborne.

18 Jed Brereton, Strathfieldsaye.

18 Ethan Foreman, Kyneton.

18 Harry Luxmoore, Gisborne.

18 Matt Merrett, Gisborne.

17 Cam McGlashan, Eaglehawk.

16 Sam Conforti, Sandhurst.

16 Zac Denahy, Gisborne.

16 Billy Evans, Eaglehawk.

16 Jack O’Shannessy, Eaglehawk.

16 Jordan Wilson, Strathfieldsaye.

15 Luke Ellings, Gisborne.

15 Liam Marciano, Eaglehawk.

15 Jake Summers, Kyneton.

14 Jack Hickman, Golden Square.

14 Nic Keogh, Kangaroo Flat.

14 Cobi Maxted, Sandhurst.

14 Callum McCarty, Strathfieldsaye.

14 Zavier Murley, Golden Square.

13 Liam Collins, Kangaroo Flat.

13 Dylan Hird, Eaglehawk.

13 Brad Keogh, Castlemaine.

13 Sam Langley, South Bendigo.

13 Jack Reaper, Gisborne.

13 Matt Wilkinson, Sandhurst.

12 Sam Barnes, Kangaroo Flat.

12 Liam Barrett, Golden Square.

12 Braidon Blake, Gisborne.

12 Luke Foreman, Kangaroo Flat.

12 Kallen Geary, Eaglehawk.

12 Bailey Henderson, Castlemaine.

12 Tom Strauch, Golden Square.