Finals Round 1

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Qualifying & Elimination Finals:

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Full week 1 2024 BFNL Finals Fixture:

SATURDAY August 31st (Qualifying Finals 2 v 3)

SUNDAY September 1st (Elimination Finals 4 v 5) 

EAGLEHAWK and Golden Square were victorious in the weekend’s start to the footy finals in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

The Hawks stayed in the premiership race by beating South Bendigo in Sunday’s elimination final at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

In the home-and-away series Eaglehawk had beaten South Bendigo both times.

Despite its wayward kicking at goal, Eaglehawk was too strong as it ended the Bloods’ run in ’23.

The Travis Matheson-coached Eaglehawk led 45-31 at half-time and then scored 4.9 to 2.2 in the third quarter.

Key forward Darcy Richards made a welcome return for the Borough and finished with a match-high four goals in a 14.20 (104) to 10.11 (71) victory.

Other multiple goalkickers for the Hawks were co-captains Billy Evans and Cameron McGlashan on two and Jack O’Shannessy also booted two majors.

The Bloods were kept in check by a tight-knit Borough defence.

The skilful Brock Harvey was South Bendigo’s only multiple goalkicker on two.

Eaglehawk’s best were Billy Evans, Clayton Holmes, Joel Mullen, Dylan Hanley, Oscar Madden and Dillon Williams.

Best for the Bloods were Mac Cameron, Oscar White, Brody Haddow, Braydan Torpey, Will Keck and coach Nathan Horbury.

Eaglehawk will now meet Strathfieldsaye in next Sunday’s first semi-final.

Storm will be desperate to minimise the skill errors following a 26-point loss to Golden Square in Saturday’s qualifying final.

Whether it was real or perceived pressure, Strathfieldsaye made a lot of mistakes on which Golden Square capitalised.

It was a brilliant start to the contest by the Christian Carter-coached Bulldogs as they scored 6.3 to 2.4 in the first term.

Storm worked hard to be within 16 points at the 22-minute of the second term, but a hat-trick of goals gave Golden Square a 35-point by the long break.

With wingman Tom Strauch, Jack Hickman and backman Jon Coe winning plenty of the footy, Golden Square won the third term, 15-14.

Storm did lift to outscore the Dogs in the last, 21-11, but it was Golden Square which marked an 87-61 victory and moved to a second semi-final showdown with Sandhurst.

Joel Brett led the Dogs’ attack on fur goals as Tom Toma kicked two.

Multiple goalkickers for Strathfieldsaye were Jed Brereton and co-captains Jake Moorhead and Lachlan Sharp with two.

The Bulldogs’ best included ruckman Matt Compston, Ryan Hartley and Jack Threlfall.

Mitch Hallinan, Matt Harvey, Callum McCarty, Jake Moorhead, Daniel Clohesy and Tim Hosking were Strathfieldsaye’s best.

In the Harmac Homes reserves competition it was big wins for Sandhurst in the qualifying final, and Strathfieldsaye in the elimination final.

On Saturday, Sandhurst took on Golden Square.

The Dragons dominated the opening half.

Sandhurst led 19-1 at quarter-time and then scored 4.3 to just two behinds in the second for a 46-3 lead by the long break.

The next two quarters were evenly fought, but went Sandhurst’s way, 20-12 and 15-13.

Connor Sexton kicked three goals and nine team-mates chipped in with a goal as Sandhurst won 12.9 (81) to 4.4 (28).

Best for the Dragons were Harrison Monk, Lachlan Zimmer, Brodie Montague, Harrison Free, Martin Leyden and Campbell Rowland.

Dale Lowry, Liam Thomas, Tanner Rayner, Mitch Knox, Mitch Treacy and Jack Vinnicombe were Golden Square’s best.

The Dragons take on Eaglehawk in next Saturday’s second semi-final.

Strathfieldsaye faced Gisborne in Sunday’s elimination final.

Storm led 27-9 at half-time and the pressure did not let up as it won the next two quarters, 21-8 and 27-12.

Jordan Wilson kicked three goals as Lachlan Bonney, Ethan Featherby and Edward Hayes added two each in an 11.9 (75) to 4.5 (29) result.

Gisborne’s attack was led by Hayden Doricic on two.

Best for Storm were Joseph Mayes, Darcy Mulquiny, Lachlan Bonney, Ed Hayes, Carson James and Charles Dole.

Jarrad Lynch, Leon Thiner, Matthew Jinkins, Boyd Nalder, Sean Merrett and Harry Manders worked hard for Gisborne.

In the SportsPower-backed under-18s competition, Maryborough won the elimination final against Strathfieldsaye by 25 points.

The Magpies led 21-15 at half-time and 35-22 at a quarter to play.

In the last, Maryborough scored 4.1 to 2.1 to complete a 60-35 victory.

Taj Bond and Kaian Constable kicked three goals for the Magpies.

Storm’s attack was led by Jaidi Jackson-Leahy with two goals.

Best for Maryborough were Lachlan Bursill, Kaian Constable, Lucas Hurse, Damon Nitschke, Tom Myers and Tyson Hoban.

Jaidi Jackson-Leahy, Lincoln McKern, Hugh Behrens, Zac Grieve, Declan Lowther and Evan Cole played well for Strathfieldsaye.

The Magpies will now tackle Sandhurst in the first semi.

First-up this finals series were Gisborne and Sandhurst in Saturday’s under-18s qualifying final.

Despite its inaccurate kicking, Gisborne was well in control as it led 3.10 (28) to 1.3 (9) at half-time.

The Bulldogs won the third, 19-7, and then added 3.5 to a goal in the last for a 70-22 victory.

Ed Williams kicked three goals and Jarrod Ainsworth added two majors for Gisborne.

Dragons’ captain Alex Carr kicked two goals.

Best for Gisborne were Jarrod Ainsworth, Ed Williams, Frankie Ellis, Lachlan Evans, Jack Long and Kane Minns.

Jack English, Wil Pinniger, Deakin Andrews, Declan Delaney, Daniel Noden and Declan Stevenson were Sandhurst’s best.

The win put Gisborne into a second semi-final clash with Golden Square.

Schedule for Saturday’s second semi-finals:

Under-18s at 10.15am: Golden Square v Gisborne.

Reserves at 12.15pm: Eaglehawk v Sandhurst.

Seniors at 2.20pm: Sandhurst v Golden Square.

Schedule for Sunday’s first semi-finals:

Under-18s at 10.15am: Sandhurst v Maryborough.

Reserves at 12.15pm: Golden Square v Strathfieldsaye.

Seniors at 2.20pm: Strathfieldsaye v Eaglehawk.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gisborne then won the third term, 12-8.

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

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

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

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

Both teams scored 12 goals in the third quarter.

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

At the final siren South Bendigo led 46-43.

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

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

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

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

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

In B-grade, Storm faced South Bendigo.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Strathfieldsaye now takes on Gisborne in the first semi.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Strathfieldsaye will now play Golden Square in the first semi.

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

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

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

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

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

A-grade at 3.20pm: Sandhurst v Gisborne

A-reserve at 2pm: Gisborne v Sandhurst.

B-grade at 12.40pm: Sandhurst v Gisborne.

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

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

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

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

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

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

B-reserve at 11.20am: Gisborne v Strathfieldsaye.

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

Bulldogs mark impressive start to finals campaigns

THE Bulldogs from Golden Square and Gisborne marked impressive starts to the weekend’s finals action in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy.

On Sunday it was Golden Square which ended Eaglehawk’s season as the Bulldogs won the elimination final by 31 points.

A day earlier and Gisborne outran Strathfieldsaye to mark a 55-point victory in the qualifying final.

There was no second chance as Golden Square tackled Eaglehawk in the elimination final.

It had been one-all in clashes between the Dogs and Hawks in the home-and-away series.

Eaglehawk had plenty of the play and scored 2.4 and held the Bulldogs to a tally of three points in the opening term.

In the second it was the blue and gold which took control and scored 4.4 to lead 31-24 by half-time.

Quarter three was one of the best this season by the Brad Eaton-coached Golden Square.

Playing into the breeze the Bulldogs added 2.1 as the Hawks missed chances to finish with 1.5.

A nine-point lead for Square going into the final term was 31 by the end as the Bulldogs scored six goals in the last.

Golden Square kicked on for an 82-51 victory and set up a first semi-final showdown with Strathfieldsaye.

The Dogs’ attack was led by Jack Stewart, Tom Strauch and Tom Toma on two.

Ruckman-forward Kai Daniels was one of several players in Golden Square’s team playing in their first senior final.

Daniels’ follow-up work from a ruck duel was a highlight as he was best afield for the Bulldogs as premiership winners Jack Threlfall, Tom Strauch and Tom Toma won plenty of the footy.

A highlight was the play of Terence Reeves who has fought his way back from a knee injury which ended his ’23 season and a run at premiership glory.

Reeves continues to inspire his team-mates.

Best for Eaglehawk were co-captains Billy Evans and Joel Mullen, Ben Thompson, Sam O’Shannessy, Thomas Bennett and Bryce Frost.

Gisborne set up a second semi-final clash with Sandhurst as it won Saturday’s qualifying final against Strathfieldsaye.

The Luke Freeman-coached Strathfieldsaye would rue its inaccuracy in the first quarter.

Storm dominated play, but a score of 2.7 meant it led by just 11 points at quarter-time.

In the second term it was Gisborne which made the most of its chances to score 6.4 and hold a 27-point lead by half-time.

Storm struck back to kick six goals straight in the third as the Bulldogs replied with 4.4.

Talented wingman Dylan Johnstone and gun forward Pat McKenna both went on to kick a match-high five goals as Gisborne surged clear in the final term.

At the siren the Bulldogs led 125-70.

Another multiple goalkicker for Gisborne was Seb Bell-Bartels on three.

Storm’s attack was led by Zach Charles on three.

Best for Gisborne were on-baller Brad Bernacki, Dylan Johnstone, Pat McKenna and Flynn Lakey.

Strathfieldsaye’s best were Bode Stevens, Zach Charles, Darcy Mulquiny and Daniel Clohesy.

In the Drummond Golf reserves competition, Strathfieldsaye marked a 16-point win against Eaglehawk in the elimination final.

The Hawks led 10-3 at quarter-time before Storm added 3.1 to a point in the second.

Just five points separated the teams going into the final quarter.

Storm scored 3.7 as the Hawks added 2.2 in the last.

It was a 56-40 victory for Storm as Siologa Siu and Jye Stephens kicked two goals.

The Hawks’ leading goalkicker was Jordan Ilsley on two.

Best for Strathfieldsaye were Carson James, James Blood, Dermott Bell and Jai Featherby.

Eaglehawk’s best were Aydan Hanley, Jaxon Vroom, Jack Kerr and Corey Webb.

Storm will now take on Golden Square in a first semi-final.

Scores were 17-all at three quarter-time of the qualifying final between Sandhurst and Golden Square.

The Dragons fired up to score 3.3 in the last and kept the Bulldogs scoreless to record a 38-17 victory.

Best afield in Sandhurst’s reserves premiership of six years ago, Brodie Montague keeps on racking up the possessions.

Montague was best on in Saturday’s clash and had great support from Charlie Robinson, Wil Pinniger and Isaac Carracher.

Golden Square’s best were the hard-running Zac Tickell, Lachlan Monti, Tommi Turner and Drew Barrett.

The Castlemaine FNC marked a successful return to footy finals as the under-18s won Sunday’s elimination final against Kangaroo Flat.

It was the Kangaroos who bounced away to a 23-8 lead by quarter-time.

Castlemaine struck back to win the second term, 20-2.

The Kangaroos led 36-30 at the start of the final term.

The Bailey Henderson-coached Magpies lifted their play and scored 3.3.

Just as importantly was Castlemaine’s defensive efforts to hold the Roos to a tally of 1.1.

At the final siren the Magpies led 51-43 to set up a first semi-final clash with Gisborne.

Best in Castlemaine’s latest win were Curtis McLennan, Mitchell McKnight, Bodhi Robinson and Jack Nuttall.

Kangaroo Flat’s best were Lachie Raymond, Darby Brown, Jay Newman and Hudson Bourke.

On Saturday it was Golden Square which marked a 47-point win against Gisborne.

The blue and gold turned an 11-point deficit at quarter-time into a 15-point lead by the long break.

Golden Square dominated most of the second half.

Led by the play of Jack McMahon, Riley Dillon and Bailey Warfe, Golden Square scored four goals in the third term and another three in the last.

Xavier Grant kicked a match-high three goals and McMahon booted two in the 75-28 result.

The Gisborne attack was led by Lucas Hannon with two.

Best for Golden Square included Byron Ritchie, Melvic Pambai and Lachlan Ross.

Gisborne’s best were Lucas Hannon, Lachlan Evans, Jacob Floreani, August Stelma and Wilhem Mackay.

Bendigo FNL footy elimination finals scoreboard:

Seniors:

Golden Square 0.3 4.7 6.8 12.10 (82)

Eaglehawk 2.4 3.6 4.11 6.15 (51)

GOALS – Golden Square: Jack Stewart, Tom Strauch, Tom Toma 2, Dylan Hird, Lachlan Humphrey, Ricky Monti, Tanner Rayner, Jordan Rosengren, Jack Sampson. Eaglehawk: Thomas Bennett, Kyen Burrill-Grinton, Billy Evans, Brayden Frost, Jonty Neaves, Darcy Richards.

BEST – Golden Square: Kai Daniels, Jack Threlfall, Tom Strauch, Tom Toma, Terence Reeves, Jordan Rosengren. Eaglehawk: Billy Evans, Joel Mullen, Ben Thompson, Sam O’Shannessy, Thomas Bennett, Bryce Frost.

Drummond Golf Reserves:

Strathfieldsaye 0.3 3.4 4.7 7.14 (56)

Eaglehawk 1.4 1.5 3.8 5.10 (40)

GOALS – Strathfieldsaye: Siologa Siu, Jye Stephens 2, Charles Dole, Jai Featherby, Declan Lowther. Eaglehawk: Jordan Ilsley 2, Andrew Bennett, Rhys Foster, Mitchell Ronchieri.

BEST – Strathfieldsaye: Carson James, James Blood, Dermott Bell, Jai Featherby, Zachary Grieve, Siologa Siu. Eaglehawk: Aydan Hanley, Jaxon Vroom, Jack Kerr, Corey Webb, Liam Drummond, Izak O’Sullivan.

Sportspower Under-18s:

Castlemaine 1.2 4.4 4.6 7.9 (51)

Kangaroo Flat 3.5 3.7 4.12 5.13 (43)

GOALS – Mitchell McKnight 2, Kyan Martin, Jack Nuttall, Bodhi Robinson, Ben Van egmond, Timon Vellacott. Kangaroo Flat: Max Balcke, Hudson Bourke, Xavier Coghill, Raymond McNamara, Aaron Nevins.

BEST – Castlemaine: Curtis McLennan, Mitchell McKnight, Bodhi Robinson, Jack Nuttall, Robert Muscat, Patrick Leathem. Kangaroo Flat: Lachie Raymond, Darby Brown, Jay Newman, Hudson Bourke, Aaron Nevins, Zach Bird.

Bendigo FNL footy qualifying finals scoreboard:

Seniors:

Gisborne 1.2 7.6 11.10 18.17 (125)

Strathfieldsaye 2.7 2.9 8.9 10.10 (70)

GOALS – Gisborne: Dylan Johnstone, Pat McKenna 5, Seb Bell-Bartels 3, Zac Denahy, Matt Merrett 2, Shane Clough. Strathfieldsaye: Zach Charles 3, Patrick Blandford, Jye Chambers, Daniel Clohesy, Lachlan Gill, Malik Gordon, Cooper Jones, Riley Wilson.

BEST – Gisborne: Brad Bernacki, Dylan Johnstone, Pat McKenna, Flynn Lakey, Liam Spear, Braidon Blake. Strathfieldsaye: Bode Stevens, Zach Charles, Darcy Mulquiny, Daniel Clohesy, Caleb Ernst, Riley Wilson.

Drummond Golf reserves

Sandhurst 0.2 1.5 2.5 5.8 (38)

Golden Square 0.2 0.3 2.5 2.5 (17)

GOALS – Sandhurst: Wilson Butler, Luke Crawford, Patrick O’Farrell, Charlie Robinson, Jasper Stewart. Golden Square: Darcy Edmiston, Lachlan Monti.

BEST – Sandhurst: Brodie Montague, Charlie Robinson, Wil Pinniger, Isaac Carracher, Rory Ellett, Wilson Butler. Golden Square: Zac Tickell, Lachlan Monti, Tommi Turner, Drew Barrett, Xavier Carter, Matt Compson.

Sportspower under-18s:

Golden Square 0.2 4.4 8.4 11.9 (75)

Gisborne 2.1 2.1 4.3 4.4 (28)

GOALS – Golden Square: Xavier Grant 3, Jack McMahon 2, Archie Eaton, Liam Hanley, Lincoln McKern, Lewis Ritchie, Lachlan Ross, James Wilkinson. Gisborne: Lucas Hannon 2, Lachlan Evans, Jacob Floreani.

BEST – Golden Square: Jack McMahon, Riley Dillon, Bailey Warfe, Byron Ritchie, Melvic Pambai, Lachlan Ross. Gisborne: Lucas Hannon, Lachlan Evans, Jacob Floreani, August Stelma, Wilhem Mackay.

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

Under-18s at 10.15am: Sandhurst v Golden Square.

Reserves at 12.15pm: Gisborne v Sandhurst.

Seniors at 2.20pm: Sandhurst v Gisborne.

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

Under-18s at 10.15am: Gisborne v Castlemaine.

Reserves at 12.15pm: Golden Square v Strathfieldsaye.

Seniors at 2.20pm: Strathfieldsaye v Golden Square.

Eight clubs feature as netball finals tip-off

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

Play begins with Saturday’s qualifying finals at the View Street ground.

In A-grade, Sandhurst takes on Kangaroo Flat from 3.20pm.

Both clubs have played out many great matches, especially finals, for many seasons.

This season’s showdowns stand at two-nil in favour of Sandhurst.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Dragons scored a 46-39 victory in the season’s opener on Kangaroo Flat’s court in Dower Park.

Five goals was the margin when the teams met in the 10^th round at the QEO.

Sandhurst won a closely-fought match, 47-42.

Across the home-and-away series, Sandhurst had a win-loss tally of 12-2 as Kangaroo Flat finished the 18-round season on an 11-3 record.

A highlight of the run by the Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroo Flat was the 49-43 win at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve in round nine.

Winner of Saturday’s match will meet reigning premier, Gisborne in the second semi-final on September 7.

Eaglehawk and Strathfieldsaye will be striving to stay in the premiership race when they contest Sunday’s elimination final.

It’s also one-one in this season’s matches between the Hawks and Storm.

Strathfieldsaye marked a 33-27 victory in the third round on its court at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane.

The Hawks dominated most of the match to score a 46-33 win against Storm in round 12 on the Borough’s court in Canterbury Park.

The Kylie Piercy-coached Eaglehawk achieved a win-loss tally of seven-seven in the run to the finals.

It’s a six-eight record for the Steph Freemantle-coached Storm.

Based on their results in the home-and-away series, Strathfieldsaye and Sandhurst are poised for another thriller in the A-reserve qualifying final on Saturday.

Storm and the Dragons will play from 2pm.

In round eight, Sandhurst won 38-35 on Strathfieldsaye’s court.

Next time it was Storm which fought on for a 45-44 victory in the Dragons’ den at the QEO.

Gisborne awaits the winner of this match.

On Sunday it will be Kangaroo Flat against Maryborough in the A-reserve elimination final.

Scores were locked on 41-all when the siren sounded to end their round two match at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

The Magpies won 39-37 at Kangaroo Flat in the 11^th round.

It will be Sandhurst against Kangaroo Flat in the B-grade qualifying final which starts at 12.40pm.

The Dragons won 48-41 on the Roos’ court in round one, but Kangaroo Flat bounced back for a 51-40 result in round 10 at the QEO.

Gisborne will face the Dragons or Roos in the second semi-final.

On Sunday it’s Strathfieldsaye against South Bendigo in the elimination final.

Storm won both of this season’s meetings with the Bloods.

Strathfieldsaye won 56-42 in the first round at Triple M Park, and 59-49 in the 10^th round at Harry Trott Oval.

In B-reserve, Gisborne will play Strathfieldsaye in the qualifying final from 11.20am.

The Bulldogs defeated Storm, 55-34 at Gardiner Reserve in round seven.

It was a one-goal thriller in the 16^th round as Gisborne took the points, 46-45 at Triple M Park.

Sandhurst qualified for the second semi-final.

Kangaroo Flat faces South Bendigo in Sunday’s elimination final.

In round three the Bloods won 37-30 on the Kangaroo’s court in Dower Park.

The return match was dominated by the Roos as they bound their way to a 49-30 victory at Kennnington.

First-up in this year’s finals series will be the 17-and-under teams from Golden Square and Maryborough in Saturday’s qualifying final at 10am.

The Bulldogs have won both matches against the Magpies this season.

Golden Square won the round seven match at Maryborough’s Princes Park by 11 goals.

The blue and gold charged to a 55-31 victory in the 16^th round at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.

Winner of the qualifying final will take on Sandhurst in the second semi-final.

Sunday’s elimination final features Strathfieldsaye against Gisborne.

It’s one-all between these teams.

Gisborne won 48-31 at Gardiner Reserve in the seventh round.

The round 16 clash ended in a 50-42 victory for Storm in Strathfieldsaye.

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

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

B-reserve at 11.20am: Gisborne v Strathfieldsaye.

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

A-reserve at 2pm: Strathfieldsaye v Sandhurst.

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

Schedule for Sunday’s elimination finals at Queen Elizabeth Oval:

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

B-reserve at 11.20am: Kangaroo Flat v South Bendigo.

B-grade at 12.40pm: Strathfieldsaye v South Bendigo.

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

A-grade at 3.20pm: Eaglehawk v Strathfieldsaye.

Hawks put Storm out of race

EAGLEHAWK put Strathfieldsaye out of the A-grade netball premiership race as it won the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s elimination final on Sunday.

It was a closely-fought contest between the Hawks and Storm at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The Kylie Piercy-coached Eaglehawk led 10-6 at quarter-time, but Storm surged back as it won the second term, 11-9.

Quarter three went the way of the Two Blues, 10-8.

The Hawks won the final term, 11-10, and the match, 40-35.

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

The Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroos will be keen to bounce back after a four-goal loss to Sandhurst in the qualifying final.

Sandhurst led 11-8 at quarter-time, but it was the Roos who bounced to a 21-19 lead by half-time.

In the third the Tamara Gilchrist-coached Dragons raised the pressure.

Sandhurst’s ability to force and capitalise on turnovers is a major strength of its game.

The Dragons won the third quarter, 16-8.

Although Flat hit back to outscore the maroon and blue in the last, 13-11, it was Sandhurst which marked a 46-42 victory.

Sandhurst will take on reigning premier, Gisborne in Saturday’s second semi-final.

In the A-reserve competition, Maryborough won Sunday’s elimination final against Kangaroo Flat.

The Roos led 25-24 at half-time, but the Magpies swooped to win the third term, 17-12.

A four-goal buffer at the start of the final quarter was five by the end as the Magpies won 50-45.

Maryborough will take on Strathfieldsaye in the first semi-final.

The Strathfieldsaye line-up could not halt Sandhurst’s run to a 45-34 victory in the qualifying final.

Just two goals separated the teams at half-time.

Sandhurst led 30-29 at three quarter-time and then dominated the final term, 15-5.

The Dragons will take on Gisborne in the second semi-final on Saturday.

Strathfieldsaye stayed in the B-grade premiership chase as it scored a 50-36 win against South Bendigo in the elimination final.

Storm charged to a 29-16 lead by half-time.

A closely-fought second half went Strathfieldsaye’s way, 21-20.

Next Sunday’s first semi-final will feature Strathfieldsaye against Kangaroo Flat.

The Roos will be aiming to rebound from a 45-34 loss to Sandhurst in the qualifying final.

The Dragons won every quarter by margins of two, five, two and two goals.

In the second semi-final it will be Gisborne against Sandhurst.

Kangaroo Flat made a flying start to the B-reserve elimination final against South Bendigo.

The Roos hopped to a 17-3 lead by quarter-time.

South Bendigo hit back to win the second term, 10-7, and was within seven goals at a quarter to play.

It was Kangaroo Flat which regained its mojo to win the last term, 12-8.

At the final siren the Roos led 40-29 to set up a first semi-final showdown with Strathfieldsaye.

The Storm was overrun by a slick Gisborne in the qualifying final.

Gisborne charged to an 18-8 lead by quarter-time and then won term two, 15-6.

There were 97 goals score in the match as the Bulldogs capped excellent work through mid-court in a 67-30 victory.

Gisborne will now take on Sandhurst in the second semi-final.

Sunday’s elimination finals began with a thrilling 17-and-under match between Strathfieldsaye and Gisborne.

Storm led 18-13 at half-time and gained a 10-goal lead by the main break after it outscored the Bulldogs, 18-13 in the second term.

Gisborne fought back to win the third, 14-11.

Although the red, white and blue won the last, 16-12, it was Strathfieldsaye which led 59-56 at the final siren.

Storm will play Maryborough in the first semi-final.

The Magpies from Maryborough took on Golden Square in the qualifying final.

The Bulldogs led 14-8 at quarter-time and held a six-goal buffer by the long break after both teams poured in 17 goals in an entertaining second term.

Golden Square won the next two quarters, 12-11 and 13-10 on the way to a 56-46 victory.

Saturday’s second semi-finals will begin with the 17-and-under match between Sandhurst and Golden Square.

Bendigo FNL netball elimination finals scoreboard:

A-grade: Eaglehawk 40 d Strathfieldsaye 35.

A-reserve: Maryborough 50 d Kangaroo Flat 45.

B-grade: Strathfieldsaye 50 d South Bendigo 36.

B-reserve: Kangaroo Flat 40 d South Bendigo 29.

17-and-under: Strathfieldsaye 59 d Gisborne 56.

Bendigo FNL netball qualifying finals scoreboard:

A-grade: Sandhurst 46 d Kangaroo Flat 42.

A-reserve: Sandhurst 45 d Strathfieldsaye 34.

B-grade: Sandhurst 45 d Kangaroo Flat 34.

B-reserve: Gisborne 67 d Strathfieldsaye 30.

17-and-under: Golden Square 56 d Maryborough 46.

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

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

B-reserve at 11.20am: Sandhurst v Gisborne.

B-grade at 12.40pm: Gisborne v Sandhurst.

A-reserve at 1pm: Gisborne v Sandhurst.

A-grade at 3.20pm: Gisborne v Sandhurst.

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

17-and-under at 10am: Maryborough v  Strathfieldsaye.

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

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

A-reserve at 1pm: Strathfieldsaye v Maryborough.

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

INTENSITY in every contest rises as the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy finals action kicks off this weekend at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Qualifying finals will be played on Saturday, and elimination finals on Sunday.

It’s Gisborne against Strathfieldsaye in the seniors qualifying final to be played from 2.20pm.

After missing last season’s finals following the ’22 premiership victory the Rob Waters-coached Gisborne is again a strong challenger for the Bendigo Advertiser cup.

This season’s meetings between the Bulldogs and Storm stand at one-all.

In round four Gisborne marked a 110-82 win against Storm at Gardiner Reserve.

Latest showdown was the 16^th round where the Luke Freeman-coached Storm surged to an impressive 92-69 victory on its turf at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane.

There are so many match-ups that fans can look forward to.

Gisborne’s on-ball division of ruckman Braidon Blake, Brad Bernacki and Flynn Lakey has played a crucial part in the team’s success.

They are up against Tim Hosking, Daniel Clohesy and Lachlan Gill.

The Bulldogs will be without Jackson Cardillo for this match.

A powerful Gisborne attack led by Pat McKenna, Harry Luxmoore and Zac Denany will be opposed by Patrick Blandford, Lachlan Ratcliffe and Ben Lester.

A big season for Gisborne captain and key defender Jack Reaper included leading the Bendigo FNL in the inter-league clash with the Victorian Amateurs.

A tight-knit Bulldogs defence which includes Jed Denahy, Zach Vescovi and Liam Spear has to contend with the marking power of Caleb Ernst, Cooper Jones and Malik Gordon, and skillful Jaidi Jackson-Leahy and Riley Wilson at ground level.

On Sunday it will be Golden Square and Eaglehawk who fight to stay in the cup race when they contest the elimination final.

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

The Travis Matheson-coached Eaglehawk kicked off ’24 by scoring a 19-point win against Golden Square in round one on the Borough’s turf in Canterbury Park.

Next time around it was the Brad Eaton-coached Bulldogs who beat the Two Blues, 59-45 at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street.

Among the key inclusions for Golden Square is on-baller/mid Ricky Monti who did not play in the 17^th round before a bye in the final round.

Monti was named on a half-forward flank in an attack that includes Jack Stewart, Jayden Burke and Kai Daniels.

At Eaglehawk, ruckman Brayden Frost after a two-week stint on the sidelines because of a hamstring injury.

The Hawks will be without young ruckman/forward Bailey Ilsley who accepted a one-match ban for rough conduct in last Saturday’s win against South Bendigo.

Key factors in Golden Square’s run have been the play of Tom Toma, Jordan Rosengren, Harrison Burke and Tom Strauch.

Bulldogs’ on-ballers Toma, Rosengren and Macey Eaton are up against Hawks’ stars Billy Evans, Ben Thompson and Billy Evans.

A Golden Square defence led by Jon Coe, Harrison Burke and Zack Shelton takes on Darcy Richards, Jonty Neaves and Cameron McGlashan.

The Hawks also have Jack O’Shannessy and Kallen Geary capable of kicking or setting up many goals.

In the Drummond Golf reserves, Sandhurst tackles Golden Square in the qualifying final from 12.15pm.

Their first showdown was in round six where Sandhurst marked a 52-13 victory on Golden Square’s turf on the Ron Best Memorial Shield day.

Golden Square hit back for a 57-37 win against the Dragons on the QEO in the 15^th round.

It will be the Dogs or Dragons who meet Gisborne in the second semi-final.

On Sunday it’s Eaglehawk against Strathfieldsaye in the elimination final.

The Hawks soared to a 67-24 win at Strathfieldsaye in round three.

Storm surged to a 63-33 victory at Canterbury Park in the 12^th round.

Two breed of Bulldogs will meet in the Sportspower under-18s qualifying final as Golden Square tackles Gisborne from 10.15am.

Golden Square beat Gisborne by 10 and 34 points in the home-and-away series.

The winner meets Sandhurst in the second semi-final.

Castlemaine and Kangaroo Flat will contest the elimination final.

The Kangaroos won the round seven clash by 14 points, but the Bailey Henderson-coached Magpies fought on for a seven-point victory in the 16^th round at Camp Reserve

With thanks to Barry Plant Bendigo & Premier Data, let's compare the top 5 performers (ranking points) from last weekend's Elimination Finals

With thanks to Barry Plant Bendigo & Premier Data, let's compare the top 5 performers (ranking points) from last weekend's Qualifying Finals

With thanks to Premier Data & Bendigo Addy Sport, compare the top 5 ranked players on the ground from the first week of the 2024 Finals Series

With thanks to Premier Data & Bendigo Addy Sport, compare the top 5 ranked players on the ground from the first week of the 2024 Finals Series