Finals Round 2

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Second & First Semi Finals:

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SATURDAY September 7th (2nd Semi-Final)

Football 
− U/18 (10.15am): Sandhurst v Golden Square
− Reserves (12.15pm): Gisborne v Sandhurst
− Seniors (2.20pm): Sandhurst v Gisborne

Netball 
− 17/U (10.00am): Sandhurst v Golden Square
− B Reserve (11.20am): Sandhurst v Gisborne
− B Grade (12.40pm): Gisborne v Sandhurst
− A Reserve (2.00pm): Gisborne v Sandhurst
− A Grade (3.20pm): Gisborne v Sandhurst 

SUNDAY September 8th (1st Semi-Finals) 

Football 
− U/18 (10.15am): Gisborne v Castlemaine
− Reserves (12.15pm): Golden Square v Strathfieldsaye
− Seniors (2.20pm): Strathfieldsaye v Golden Square

Netball 

− 17/U (10.00am): Maryborough v Strathfieldsaye
− B Reserve (11.20am): Strathfieldsaye v Kangaroo Flat
− B Grade (12.40pm): Kangaroo Flat v Strathfieldsaye
− A Reserve (2.00pm): Strathfieldsaye Flat v Maryborough
− A Grade (3.20pm): Kangaroo Flat v Eaglehawk

THE Sandhurst Dragons will turn up the heat when they take on Golden Square in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy second semi-final on Saturday.

It’s one-all in this season’s meetings between the Dragons and Dogs going into a big clash which starts at Queen Elizabeth Oval at 2.20pm.

A great run by the Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow-coached Sandhurst in the regular season was 16 wins, one loss, and a draw.

Sole defeat was on Golden Square’s turf at Fur Life Oval in round 12 when the blue and gold was victorious by four goals.

When these teams met on the QEO in round three it was Sandhurst which retained the Ron Best Memorial trophy in a 94-59 result.

At selection, Sandhurst made two changes to the team which beat Eaglehawk in the 18^th round on the QEO.

Premiership winner Nick Stagg is in, along with young gun Archer Day-Wicks.

There was no change to the Christian Carter-coached Golden Square team which won the qualifying final against Strathfieldsaye by 26 points.

There will be plenty of crucial match-ups in the second semi where the winner advances to the grand final.

A strong on-ball division for Sandhurst is led by ruckman Hamish Hosking and includes James Coghlan and Sam Conforti.

They will be up against Matt Compston, Bulldogs’ captain Jack Geary, and Ryan Hartley.

The Dragons have the marking power of Matt Thornton and Lachlan Wright in attack.

Golden Square will need big games from the likes of Jon Coe, Harrison Burke, Jake Thrum and Zack Shelton in defence.

Two of the competition’s most versatile big men in Bryce Curnow for the Dragons and Jayden Burke for Square will play crucial roles in defence or attack.

Golden Square’s attack is led brilliantly by Joel Brett and includes Braydon Vaz and Jack Stewart.

Big test for Dragons’ defenders Liam Ireland, Tanner Nally and Isaac Ruff.

A great mix for Sandhurst includes the experience of Lee Coghlan, Andy Collins and Alex Wharton teamed with talented youngsters such as Caleb Connick, Cobi Maxted and Noah Walsh.

Highlight of Golden Square’s qualifying final victory was the play of Jack Hickman, Tom Strauch and Jack Threlfall.

There is always plenty of feeling when Sandhurst and Golden Square meet.

A lot of that can be traced back to the early 70s when the Dragons lured Best the legendary goalkicker from Golden Square to be a premiership-winning coach for the maroon and blue.

Later on it was Brian Walsh who had won a Michelsen medal in ’69 with Sandhurst, went on to play VFL with Carlton and Essendon.

On his return to Bendigo, Walsh went on to coach Golden Square to three senior premierships.

It will be Strathfieldsaye and Eaglehawk fighting to stay in the race for the Bendigo Advertiser premiership cup when they meet in Sunday’s first semi-final at 2.20pm.

Although it finished below Storm on the ladder, Eaglehawk won both of this season’s clashes with Strathfieldsaye by 78 and 54 points.

In the 14^th round the Travis Matheson-coached Eaglehawk put together one of its best starts to the season as it led 51-6 at quarter-time of the clash with Storm at Canterbury Park.

Strathfieldsaye is on the rebound from a 26-point loss to Golden Square in the qualifying final.

The Darryl Wilson-coached Strathfieldsaye has added Malik Gordon to its squad.

Eaglehawk’s team is bolstered by the return of the hard-running and skilful Kallen Geary, a triple premiership winner with Strathfieldsaye.

Opponents on Sunday include Kallen’s brother Shannon, also a multiple premiership winner with Storm and now a 200-Club member.

The Hawks also brought in Charlie Hillier.

A key to this contest will be the on-ball duels where Storm has Tim Hosking, Michelsen medallist Jake Moorhead and Callum McCarty up against Connor Dalgleish, Billy Evans and Noah Wheeler.

Storm’s attack is led brilliantly by co-captain Lachlan Sharp who has kicked 93 goals and claimed the Ron Best Medal once again.

Other avenues to goal include James Schischka, Caleb Ernst and Baxter Slater.

Hawks’ defenders Dylan Hanley and Oscar Madden were superb in the elimination final win against South Bendigo.

Darcy Richards marked his return from suspension by kicking four goals last Sunday and is part of an attack that includes Lewin Davis and Cam McGlashan.

Storm’s defence is led by Lachlan Ratcliffe, Ben Lester, Mitch Hallinan and has the run of Luke Webb and Hunter Lawrence.

Other players to watch for the Borough are Marcus Angove, Clayton Holmes, Joel Mullen and Ben Thompson.

In the Harmac Homes-backed reserves competition it will be Eaglehawk against Sandhurst in the second semi-final from 12.15pm.

An unbeaten run by the Hawks was ended in the 18^th round when the Dragons won 44-24 on the QEO.

Sandhurst’s best in that win included Xavier Walsh, Charlie Robinson, Will Moran, Jake Wilkiinson, Brodie Montague and James Venturini.

In round nine, Eaglehawk won a top contest, 57-50.

The Dragons kicked off their finals campaign by scoring an 81-28 victory against Golden Square in the qualifying final.

Sandhurst’s team for week two of the finals includes Martin Leyden, Harrison Monk, Patrick and Sean O’Farrell, and Connor Sexton.

The Hawks’ squad includes Jack Daley, Sam Dean, Liam Drummond, captain Rhys Foster, Jacob Greenwood, Bailey Ilsley, and Jack Lawton.

On Sunday it will be Golden Square against Strathfieldsaye in the first semi from 12.15pm.

The Bulldogs are on the rebound from a qualifying final defeat, while Storm marked a 46-point victory against Gisborne in the elimination final.

This season’s meetings between the Bulldogs and Storm went Square’s way by eight and 45 points.

The Bulldogs’ squad for Sunday includes Drew Barrett, Macey Eaton, Alex Jenkyn, Will Lee, Dale Lowry, Will Lee and Mitchell Treacy.

Storm has the experience of captain Wade Kinniburgh and Lachlan Bonney.

Other players to watch for Strathfieldsaye include Ethan and Jai Featherby, Brady Hore, Carson James, Luke Rodda and Abe Sheahan.

In the SportsPower-backed under-18s competition it will be Golden Square against Gisborne in Saturday’s second semi-final from 10.15am.

Both teams had a 16-2 run in the home-and-away series as Golden Square finished on top of the ladder.

In round, Golden Square marked a 75-44 win at home against Gisborne.

Next meeting was in the 15^th round at Gardiner Reserve where Gisborne won by seven points.

Key players for Golden Square include co-captains Nick Sheffiff and Zackery Tickell, along with Ned Jenkyn, Harrison Kelly, Billy Meade, and Noah Warfe.

Gisborne’s best in the qualifying final win against Sandhurst were Jarrod Ainsworth, Ed Williams, Frankie Ellis and Lachlan Evans.

Captain Kane Minns, Lane Grech and Jack Long were best when Gisborne beat Golden Square in the round 15 clash.

On Sunday it will be Sandhurst against Maryborough in the first semi from 10.15am.

This season’s meetings have gone the Dragons’ way by 14 and 45 points.

Best for Sandhurst in the qualifying final were Jack English, Wil Pinniger, Deakin Andrews and Declan Delaney.

The Dragons’ line-up to face the Magpies includes Dayten Uerata, Alex Carr, Logan Kilcullen, Ed McCarthy, and Jack English.

Maryborough won the elimination final against Strathfieldsaye by 25 points as Taj Bond and Kaian Constable kicked three goals each.

This season Constable has played six senior games for the Magpies, and Bond in four.

Both will play key roles in Sunday’s match, along with Aidan Medlyn, Tom Myers, Damon Nitschke, Diesel Palmer and James Woods as they fight to stay in the premiership race.

SANDHURST and Gisborne will be to the fore in Saturday’s netball second semi-finals in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

The Dragons and Bulldogs feature in most of the second semis to be played at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The QEO is the home of Sandhurst FNC and the maroon and blue has all five teams in action on Saturday.

The Dragons take on Gisborne in four of the five matches to be played.

Sole match which is not a Sandhurst and Gisborne showdown will be in B-reserve  where the Dragons take on Kangaroo Flat.

In pursuit of a fifth consecutive A-grade premiership, Sandhurst will face Gisborne in Saturday’s second semi-final at 3.20pm.

It’s been an unbeaten run in 16 matches for the Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst this season.

Defences were on top as Sandhurst won 38-32 at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve in the seventh round.

Next meeting was in round 16 where the maroon and blue beat the Bulldogs, 47-31 on the QEO court.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne tipped off its finals campaign by scoring a 37-31 victory against Kangaroo Flat in last Saturday’s qualifying final.

It’s a daunting test for Gisborne against a Sandhurst team led brilliantly by Bec Smith and Meg Williams.

There’s also the experience of Kelsey Meade and Heather Oliver, and the athleticism of Charlotte and Imogen Sexton, and Sophie Shoebridge in the Sandhurst line-up.

Key players for Gisborne include co-captains Kirby Elliott and Claudia Mawson, Rylee Connell, Emerson Lakey and Tiana Newman.

On Sunday it will be Kangaroo Flat and Castlemaine fighting to stay in the premiership race when they meet in the first semi-final at 3.20pm.

This season’s meetings between the Kangaroos and Magpies stand at one-all.

In round five Castlemaine dominated on its court at Camp Reserve to claim a 55-39 victory.

The Roos bounced back to win the 14^th round contest at Dower Park, 62-39.

The Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroo Flat faced Gisborne in the qualifying final and was beaten by six goals.

Last season’s runner-up, Kangaroo Flat will not want the ’23 campaign to end on Sunday.

Players to watch for the Roos include captain Chelsea Sartori, Ashley Ryan, defender Carly Van Den Heuvel, Abbey Ryan and Milly Wicks.

A Castlemaine team jointly coached by Fiona Fowler, playing, and Gary Cooke netted a 53-34 win against South Bendigo in the elimination final.

The Magpies’ team led by Jane O’Donohue includes Caitlin Richardson, Meg Ginnivan, Montaya Sardi and Kyla Byrne.

In A-reserve, Gisborne takes on Sandhurst in the second semi from 2pm.

The Bulldogs won the round seven match at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve by five goals.

Scores were locked on 50-all at the end of the 16^th round showdown at the QEO.

Sandhurst began its finals series by scoring a 50-27 victory against Kangaroo Flat in the qualifying final.

The Kangaroos will aim to bounce back from the defeat in Sunday’s first semi against South Bendigo at 2pm.

Although the Bloods finished below the Roos on the ladder they won both matches in the home-and-away series by four goals both times.

South Bendigo won 38-34 on the Kangaroos’ court in round two, and 40-36 at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval in the 11^th round.

An exciting elimination final between South Bendigo and Castlemaine ended in a 46-43 win for the red and white.

It’s a clash between the B-grade teams from Sandhurst and Gisborne in the second semi at 12.40pm on Saturday.

The Dragons won 53-38 on Gisborne’s court in the seventh round.

A great contest in the 16^th round ended 54-all at the QEO.

Gisborne scored a 55-41 win against Kangaroo Flat in the qualifying final.

The Kangaroos face Strathfieldsaye Storm in Sunday’s first semi at 12.40pm.

Kangaroo Flat won 41-22 on Storm’s court at Triple M Park in round seven.

Latest meeting between the clubs was in the 16^th round where Strathfieldsaye won 44-31 at Dower Park.

Storm beat South Bendigo, 50-27 in the elimination final.

Kangaroo Flat will feature in the B-reserve second semi against Sandhurst at 11.20am on Saturday.

This season’s meetings between the teams stand at one-all.

Sandhurst won 42-33 at the QEO in round one, and the Roos marked a 45-40 victory at Dower Park in the 10^th round.

The Flat outplayed Gisborne for a 55-41 result in the qualifying final.

On Sunday it will be Gisborne against Strathfieldaye in the B-reserve first semi-final at 11.20am.

The Bulldogs beat Storm, 45-35 in round one at Gardiner Reserve.

Strathfieldsaye won 42-37 in the 10th round at Triple M Park.

Storm advanced to week two of the finals after it eliminated Eaglehawk, 37-29.

First-up in the weekend’s action will be the 17-under teams from Sandhurst and Gisborne at 10am on Saturday.

Record between the second semi-finalists in the home-and-away series was one-all.

Gisborne won 49-43 at home in the seventh round, and the Dragons fired up for a 55-44 victory in the 16^th round.

Gisborne beat Golden Square in the qualifying final by 13 goals.

On Sunday, Golden Square faces Strathfieldsaye in the 17-under first semi at 10am.

The Bulldogs beat Storm in both matches in the run to the finals.

Golden Square won 47-40 at Triple M Park in round two, and 49-39 at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street in the 11^th round.

It was a one-goal thriller in the elimination final between Strathfieldsaye and Maryborough.

Storm led 36-35 at the final siren.

Line-ups for Saturday’s second semi-finals:

Sandhurst.

A-grade. Coach: Tamara Gilchrist:

Bec Smith (captain), Meg Williams (captain), Shae Clifford, Kelsey Meade, Heather Oliver, Kelsey Palpratt, Paige Ryan, Charlotte Sexton, Imogen Sexton, Sophie Shoebridge, Ruby Turner.

A-reserve. Coach: Tamara Gilchrist.

Kelsey Ralph (captain), Katie Dean, Gabriella Greene, Tess Keating, Eliza Oxley, Kesley Palpratt, Paige Ryan, Charlotte Sexton, Lilly Walsh, Darcy Williams.

B-grade. Coach: Jarileey Schultz.

Briona Giddings (captain), Erica Dalrymple-Monro (vice-captain), Aimee Dean, Tahlia Isaac, Maggie Keating, Tarryn Knights, Eliza Oxley, Lucy Sherriff, Lily Trimby, Elli Williams.

B-reserve. Coach: Rose Gallagher.

Ruby Walsh (captain), Isabelle Whiteley (captain), Bec Dine, Lucia Dyer, Teresa Fitzpatrick, Brianna Fletcher, Sophie Giles, Kelsey Hamilton, Chloe Hann, Matilda Lockyer, Ava Perez, Polly Robertson.

17-under. Coach Carol Cathcart.

Reese Gilchrist (captain), Maya Dignan (vice-captain), Isabelle Brennan, Charlie Coghill, Lila Kelly, Claire McGee, Diana Napoleon, Neve Pinner, Jaida Raco, Harriett Whiteacre.

Gisborne.

A-grade. Coach: Tarryn Rymer

Kirby Elliott (captain), Claudia Mawson (captain), Kiralee Collings, Rylee Connell, Zoe Davies, Charlee Kemp, Emerson Lakey, Tiana Newman, Torie Skrijel.

A-reserve. Coach: Tarryn Rymer.

Tazma Morris (captain), Bridget Salter (vice-captain), Jemma Denman, Emily McDonald, Bianca McKay, Eloise Rodda, Olivia Rodda, Alexandra Russ.

B-grade. Coach: Bronwyn Slater.

Taylah Ranieri (captain), Shelley Farrugia, Chelsea Kennett, Georgia Murray, Monty Paton, Tarryn Rymer, Milly Shaw, Lulu Slater, Hannah Weier.

17-under. Coach: Rylee Connell.

Bella Connors (captain), Charlie Busby, Jessie Connors, Charlotte Davies, Olivia Fenn, Emma Joyce, Sapphy McCarthy, Charlotte Taylor, Dasha Taylor.

Kangaroo Flat.

B-reserve. Coach: Kate Newman

Shae Cairns (captain), Sophie Nicholson (captain), Lily Dickson, Madeline Dowling, Ashlye Faulkner, Lydia Lowndes, Gemma McPhee, Macey O’Shea, Gemma Roberts, Alex Rusbridge, Claudia Shelton, Hayley Smith.

Line-ups for Sunday’s first semi-finals:

Kangaroo Flat.

A-grade. Coach: Jayden Cowling.

Chelsea Sartori (captain), Ashley Ryan (vice-captain), Carly Van Den Heuvel (vice-captain), Lou Dupuy, Ingrid Hopkins, Ava Lowndes, Emma Moroney, Ashlee O’Shea, Abbey Ryan, Annie Spear, Ella Wicks, Milly Wicks.

A-reserve. Coach: Nicole Donnellon.

Emma Moroney (captain), Ashlee O’Shea (vice-captain), Lani Burns, Bronte Deary, Molly Drum, Chloe Fletcher, Darcie Fry, Lara Judd, Rose Kennett, Bella Pearse, Isabella Pitto, Amaya Schmidt.

B-grade. Coach: Laura Brooks.

Darcie Fry (captain), Nicola McIvor (captain), Bella Pearse (captain), Laura Brooks, Lani Burns, Molly Drum, Karly Elvey, Lucy Lang, Macey O’Shea, Alex Rusbridge, Claudia Shelton, Rachel Winfield.

Castlemaine.

A-grade. Co-coaches: Fiona Fowler, Gary Cooke.

Jane O’Donohue (captain), Kyla Byrne, Madeline Carter, Tara Ford, Fiona Fowler, Meg Ginnivan, Charlotte McMurray, Caitlin Richardson, Montaya Sardi, MIkaela Vaughan, Megan Wilson, Emma Winfield.

Gisborne.

B-reserve. Coach: Leesa Lord.

Sophia Davies (captain), Brooke Bernacki, Emma Cogger, Ellie Lord, Alex Matthews, Bec Merrett, Lily Prater, Maddison Russ, Brianah Thompson, Caitlyn Walker.

South Bendigo.

A-reserve. Coach: Elizabeth Taylor.

Stephanie Greene (captain), Amanda Walters (captain), Sarah Appleby, Shaina Brook, Paige Campbell, Eden Clifford, Holly Giddings, Hayley Harrington, Amber Hollis, Morgan McClellan, Jeanette Ross.

Strathfieldsaye.

B-grade. Coach: Kirsten Pollock.

Imogen Currie (captain), Chelsea Crapper, Olivia Erwin, Bethany Hromenko, Bridgette Keath, Lana Marsh, Chelsie Martyn, Cate O’Bree,  Tahlee O’Keefe, Ella Raco.

B-reserve. Coach: Belinda Boyd.

Alicia Smalley (captain), Lucinda Sharp (vice-captain), Bridget Abe, Sienna Eddy, Maggie Gilmore, Meg Johns, Renn Minne, Lulu Mullins, Sally Nicholson, Annie Palmer, Claudia Petri, Mackenzie Strawbridge.

17-under. Coach: Fiona Schubert

Maeve Cass, Sienna Eddy, Lexie Fennell, Maggie Gilmore, Dakota Keanelly, Layla O’Shea, Charlize Pinder, Ella Pitson, Lainey Pollard.

Golden Square.

17-under. Coach: Lauren Swatton.

Charli Crawford, Charli Hamilton, Lilly Hope, Emma Keating, Keira Lawry, Kaylah Moon, Daisy Stringer, Holly Swatton, Abbi Wells.

GOLDEN Square’s winning run has hit 16 after an 88-74 result against Sandhurst in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy second semi-final on Saturday.

The Bulldogs were the only team to beat Sandhurst in the home-and-away series and are now first through to the grand final for the Bendigo Advertiser premiership cup.

In Saturday’s clash it was Sandhurst which had a lot of the play and capitalised to lead by three goals.

Consecutive goals by Golden Square late in the first half meant the Dragons led 40-34 at half-time.

In the third quarter it was the Bulldogs’ run, strong defensive acts and ability to keep putting the ball inside the 50m arc which overwhelmed the maroon and blue.

As Golden Square scored 3.6 it kept the Dragons to a tally of two behinds.

Sandhurst fought back strongly to score 5.2 in the last, but the Christian Carter-coached Golden Square was able kick five straight.

At the final siren the Bulldogs led 13.10 (88) to 11.8 (74).

Joel Brett, Tom Strauch and Braydon Vaz all kicked two goals for the blue and gold.

Other goalkickers for Golden Square were Liam Barrett, Ricky Monti, Hamish Morcom, Zavier Murley, Jack Stewart, Jack Threlfall and Tom Toma.

Cobi Maxted kicked a match-high four goals for Sandhurst as Andy Collins and Sam Conforti chipped in with two.

Other goalkickers for the Dragons were co-coach Bryce Curnow, Alex Wharton and Matt Wilkinson.

Best for Golden Square were Jon Coe, Jayden Burke, Ricky Monti, Ryan Hartley, Tom Toma and Jack Hickman.

Hamish Hosking, Zack Pallpratt, Isaac Ruff, Noah Walsh, Sam Conforti and Alex Wharton were Sandhurst’s best.

The Dragons’ team which has Ash Connick as non-playing coach will now fight to stay in the premiership race when it faces Strathfieldsaye in the preliminary final.

Although it had been beaten convincingly by Eaglehawk in both home-and-away games, Strathfieldsaye was a different team in Sunday’s first semi.

Stung by a 26-point loss to Golden Square in the qualifying final, Strathfieldsaye turned a seven-point deficit at quarter-time of the clash with Eaglehawk into a 26-point lead by the long break.

A tally of 6.5 to 1.2 in the second term meant Storm surged to a 49-23 lead.

The Travis Matheson-coached Eaglehawk hit back to win the third term, 32-19.

Although it was within 13 points going into the final term, Eaglehawk could not halt Strathfieldsaye adding 3.6.

Just as importantly, Storm kept the Hawks to a score of two behinds.

At the final siren the Darryl Wilson-coached Strathfieldsaye led 13.14 (92) to 8.9 (57).

Storm’s attack was led by Matt Harvey and James Schischka on four and three goals as Baxter Slater added two.

Other goalkickers were Jed Brereton, Cooper Jones, co-captain Jake Moorhead, and Riley Wilson.

Co-captain Lachlan Sharp was goalless which has the multiple Ron Best medallist on a season tally of 95 at one, or maybe two matches to play.

The Hawks’ attack was led by Charlie Hillier on two as Lewin Davis, Jack O’Shannessy, Darcy Richards, Noah Wheeler, and co-captains Billy Evans and Cameron McGlashan added one.

Last season’s Michelsen medallist and gun on-baller Jake Moorhead was best afield for Storm.

Others to star for Strathfieldsaye were Malik Gordon, Callum McCarty, Bode Stevens, Caleb Ernst and Jed Brereton.

Eaglehawk’s best were Kallen Geary, Clayton Holmes, Charlie Hillier, Billy Evans, Thomas Bennett and Oscar Madden.

An 18^th victory for the season has earned Eaglehawk a place in the grand final of the Harmac Homes-backed reserves competition.

The Hawks took on Sandhurst in Saturday’s second semi-final.

A 17-game winning streak by the Two Blues was broken in the 18^th round when Sandhurst marked a 20-point victory on the QEO.

The Hawks were back on the iconic turf on Saturday and dominated most of the second half.

Eaglehawk led 16-10 at half-time and then scored 3.1 to 1.6 in the third term.

It was a Borough onslaught in the last quarter as the Two Blues slammed on 6.3 and kept the Dragons scoreless.

At the final siren Eaglehawk led 11.8 (74) to 2.10 (22).

Goalkickers for Eaglehawk were Andrew Bennett, Sam O’Shannessy, Mitchell Ronchieri and Jack Storey, two; Zack Bulger, Jack Daley and Tyler Eliades.

The Dragons’ goals were kicked by Hayden Gillingham and Lachlan Zimmer.

Eaglehawk’s best were Zack Bulger, Aydan Hanley, Jack Daley, Blake McGregor, Sam Dean and Mark Storey.

Jack Keating, Harrison Free, Brodie Montague, Harrison Monk, Martin Leyden and Isaac Carracher worked hard for Sandhurst.

The Dragons will now face Strathfieldsaye in the preliminary final.

Storm surged to an eight-goal win against Golden Square in the first semi.

Strathfieldsaye led 8-7 at quarter-time and then seized control as it added 4.2 to 1.2 in the second term.

Defences controlled a lot of the play in a third term which went Storm’s way, 9-3.

Led by the play of Harry Teasdale, Joseph Mayes and Darcy Mulquiny, Strathfieldsaye kicked away to record a 67-19 victory.

Ethan Featherby kicked two goals for Storm as Lachlan Bonney, Jai Featherby, Rowan Fox, Darcy Mulquiny, Abe Sheahan, Harry Teasdale and Jordan Wilson added one.

The Bulldogs’ goalkickers were Macey Eaton and Jack Vinnicombe.

Best for Strathfieldsaye included Lachlan Bonney, Shannon Murphy and Ryan Duncan.

Tanner Rayner, Bailey Rackstraw, Lachlan Humphrey, Dale Lowry, Macey Eaton and Jack Vinnicombe were Golden Square’s best.

A three-goal victory in the SportsPower under-18s second semi-final has put Golden Square into the September 23 grand final.

Defences were on top for a lot of this contest.

Golden Square led 12-1 at quarter-time before both teams added 1.1 in the second.

The Gisborne line-up was within five points going into the last quarter.

Led by the play of Bailey Cain, Darcy Lawler and Jack McMahon, Golden Square added 2.1 and kept Gisborne scoreless in the last term to complete a 34-16 victory.

Goalkickers for Golden Square were Jack McMahon, two; Will Stewart, Tommi Turner and Zac Wescott.

Jarrod Ainsworth and James Gray were on target for Gisborne.

Best for the blue and gold included Xavier Carter, Zac Wescott and Billy Meade.

Gisborne’s best were Kane Minns, Frankie Ellis, Lachlan Evans, Jack Long, James Gentles and Lachie Bianco.

Sandhurst kept its season alive in a 49-point win against Maryborough in the first semi.

After a confident start, Maryborough’s line-up led 19-13 at quarter-time.

The Dragons fired up in the second to score 5.1 and kept the Pies scoreless.

Quarter three went Sandhurst’s way, 21-11.

The Dragons added 2.3 to a point in the last to complete an 80-31 victory.

Sandhurst’s attack was led by Joseph Artavilla, captain Alex Carr and Isaac Tzouroutis on two goals.

Other goalkickers for the maroon and blue were Jacob Austin, Wilson Butler, Callum Craig, Declan Delaney, Henry Edwards and Logan Kilcullen.

The Magpies’ attack was led by Taj Bond on two goals as Kaian Constable and Liam Freeman added one.

Best for Sandhurst were Logan Kilcullen, Henry Edwards, Wil Pinniger, Daniel Noden, Davis McNair and Jack English.

Joe Lovel, Damon Nitschke, Jake Gavriliadis, Tom Myers, Lucas Hurse and Tyson Hoban played well for Maryborough.

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

Seniors at 2.50pm: Sandhurst v Strathfieldsaye.

Reserves at 12.45pm: Sandhurst v Strathfieldsaye.

Under-18s at 10.45am: Gisborne v Sandhurst.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Second semi-final scoreboard:

A-grade: Sandhurst 44 d Gisborne 38.

A-reserve: Gisborne 33 lt Sandhurst 44.

B-grade: Sandhurst 46 lt Gisborne 48.

B-reserve: Sandhurst 45 d Kangaroo Flat 43.

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

First semi-final scoreboard:

A-grade: Kangaroo Flat 41 lt Castlemaine 42.

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

B-grade: Kangaroo Flat 49 d Strathfieldsaye 47.

B-reserve: Gisborne 39 d Strathfieldsaye 34.

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

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

A-grade at 3.20pm: Gisborne v Castlemaine.

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

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

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

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

Dragons raise heat against in-form Gisborne

THE Sandhurst Dragons will turn up the heat in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s senior footy second semi-final against Gisborne on Saturday at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

A showdown between the league’s top two teams across the home-and-away series starts at 2.20pm on the View Street ground.

At stake is being first into the September 21 grand final to play for the Bendigo Advertiser premiership cup.

It’s game 250 for Sandhurst’s Nick Stagg who played in the 2016 grand final.

Whether he’s playing on-ball or in the forward 50m arc, Stagg’s ferocity at the contest and tackling have earned high praise from all coaches and team-mates across his career.

It’s one-all in this season’s meetings between the Dragons and Bulldogs who had identical 14-2 records in the run to the finals.

They first met in round two where the Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow-coached Sandhurst won 88-73 on the QEO.

It was a one-goal thriller at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve in the 11^th round as the Bulldogs held on for a 73-67 victory.

The Rob Waters-coached Gisborne was in control for most of last Saturday’s qualifying final against Strathfieldsaye.

Five-goal hauls by gun forward Pat McKenna and wingman Dylan Johnstone played a big part in a 125-70 win by the red, white and blue.

A highlight of this Saturday’s clash will be the on-ball contests.

Sandhurst has Connor Sexton, Lachlan Tardrew and Lachie Hood to take on Braidon Blake, Flynn Lakey and Jackson Cardillo.

A huge role will be played in the centre by Dragons’ young gun Noah Walsh against the in-form Brad Bernacki.

A tally of 80 goals in 16 matches by Sandhurst’s Fergus Greene meant he was a runaway winner of the Ron Best Medal.

Back in the den after stints at AFL level with Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn, Greene is a key cog in a Sandhurst attack that includes Cobi Maxted, Lachlan Wright and Joel Wharton.

They take on Gisborne captain and full-back Jack Reaper, Jed Denahy, Jake Normington and Zach Vescovi.

At the other end of the big ground, Sandhurst’s defence led by Liam Ireland, Bryce Curnow, Isaac Carracher and James Coghlan has a huge role to play.

They are up against a strong Bulldogs’ attack that includes Zac Denahy, Harry Luxmoore, Pat McKenna and Matt Merrett.

The Dragons also brought in Bendigo Pioneers captain Dayten Uerata for his third senior game of the season.

A big year for Uerata included 13 matches in the Coates Talent with the Pioneers, two games for Victoria Country, and a game with Essendon in the VFL.

On Sunday it’s Strathfieldsaye against Golden Square in the first semi-final.

The Luke Freeman-coached Strathfieldsaye is on the rebound from a qualifying final defeat.

Golden Square marked a 31-point win against Eaglehawk to eliminate the Two Blues from the premiership race.

It’s two-nil in favour of Storm in this season’s showdowns with the Bulldogs.

Strathfieldsaye won 77-49 on Golden Square’s turf at Fur Life Oval in round two.

The round 11 match went Storm’s way, 63-40 at Triple M Park.

On-ball duels will be a highlight of this contest.

Storm ruckman Tim Hosking is up against Tanner Rayner and the athletic Kai Daniels who was best afield in the elimination final.

Strathfieldsaye co-captain Daniel Clohesy is capable of winning plenty of the footy, along with Lachlan Gill, Bode Stevens and Matt Harvey.

Since his return from a VFL stint with Essendon, Tom Toma has played a crucial role in Golden Square’s run.

The skill and workrate of Toma, Ricky Monti, Macey Eaton and Terence Reeves is a massive plus for the Bulldogs.

A Strathfieldsaye forward line which has the marking power of Cooper Jones and Malik Gordon, and skill of Zach Charles and Riley Wilson will test the Bulldogs.

Key players in Golden Square’s defence are Jon Coe, Harrison Burke and Jack Threlfall.

Storm defenders Lachlan Ratcliffe, Mitch Hallinan, Caleb Sheahan and Shannon Geary are up against Kai Daniels, Jayden Burke, Jack Stewart and Tom Strauch.

In the Drummond Golf reserves compeititon, Gisborne takes on Sandhurst in the second semi-final from 12.15pm.

The Dragons won the second round clash with the Bulldogs on the QEO by a goal.

Gisborne marked a 74-13 victory in round 11 at Gardiner Reserve.

The Dragons kicked off their finals campaign by scoring a 21-point win against Golden Square in the qualifying final.

On Sunday it will be Golden Square against Strathfieldsaye in the first semi-final.

The Bulldogs beat Storm by 11 points at Fur Life Oval in round two.

Strathfieldsaye won 30-16 in round 11 at Triple M Park.

The Storm line-up beat Eaglehawk by 16 points in the elimination final.

First-up in this weekend’s semi-finals will be Sandhurst and Golden Square in the Sportspower under-18s second semi at 10.15am on Saturday.

Both teams had 15-1 records in the home-and-away series.

The Dragons won 72-52 on Golden Square’s ground when the clubs met on Ron Best Memorial Shield day in the sixth round at Fur Life Oval.

Golden Square charged to a 64-38 win against the ‘Hurst in the 15^th round on the QEO.

An all-Bulldogs showdown in the qualifying final ended in a 75-28 win for Golden Square against Gisborne.

It will be Gisborne against Castlemaine in the first semi-final on Sunday.

The Bulldogs will start favourite following 24 and 32-point wins against the Magpies in rounds eight and 17.

Castlemaine marked a dramatic return to footy finals as it won the elimination final against Kangaroo Flat by eight points

Gisborne, Dragons to fore in second semis

GISBORNE and Sandhurst feature prominently in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s netball second semi-finals to be played on Saturday at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

All five matches will involve Gisborne as Sandhurst has four teams vying to be first into the September 21 grand finals.

It’s a rematch of the ’23 grand final as the Bulldogs and Dragons meet in A-grade at 3.20pm.

This season’s meetings between the teams have been won by the Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne.

The Bulldogs began their campaign in round two at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

A great match ended in a 42-38 victory for the red, white and blue.

The round 11 showdown was at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve where the home team marked a 42-31 win.

A 13-1 record meant Gisborne finished the home-and-away series on top of the ladder and had a rest in week one of the finals.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst began another finals campaign by scoring a 46-42 win against Kangaroo Flat in the qualifying final.

Gisborne and Sandhurst are incredibly strong in all thirds of the court.

The return of dual Betty Thompson medallist Maddy Stewart was a huge plus as Gisborne strives for back-to-back premierships.

A strong line-up for Gisborne includes Zoe Davies and Charlee Kemp in defence, and young gun Kirby Elliott.

A brilliant player in defence or attack, Sandhurst’s Heather Oliver earned the Betty Thompson Medal in 2015 and ’17.

Fairest and best for the Bendigo Strikers 23-and-under team in its debut VNL season, Shae Clifford starred at wing attack for Sandhurst in the qualifying final.

The Dragons have Charlotte Sexton and Ruby Turner as the key pillars in defence, and Meg Williams in mid-court.

On Sunday it will be Kangaroo Flat against Eaglehawk in the first semi-final.

The Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroos are on the rebound from a qualifying final defeat, albeit by just four goals.

Kangaroo Flat will be desperate to avoid a repeat of a year ago when it was beaten in the first semi-final.

Based on this season’s results the Roos will start hot favourite against the Hawks.

In round five the Kangaroos scored a 76-15 win against the Two Blues at Dower Park.

The round 12 match on Eaglehawk’s court in Canterbury Park ended in a 75-26 victory for the Roos.

The Kylie Piercy-coached Eaglehawk faces a massive challenge, but carries the momentum from a five-goal win against Strathfieldsaye in the elimination final.

Key players for the Kangaroos include last season’s Betty Thompson medallist Chelsea Sartori in mid-court, and Abbey Ryan at goal attack.

Another key player in the green and white is Ash Ryan who claimed the Betty Thompson Medal after starring in mid-court as Eaglehawk charged to a preliminary final in the 2019 season.

The Hawks best in the elimination final included Elley Lawton and Morgan Keating in defence.

Eaglehawk will look to Gracie Berryman and Lucy Morcom to finish off the attacks.

It’s a huge day for Sandhurst FNC on Saturday as the club is represented in all five of the second semi-finals.

In A-reserve, Sandhurst takes on the unbeaten Gisborne.

The Bulldogs have their two previous showdowns with the Dragons by six and 12 goals.

Sandhurst won the qualifying final against Strathfieldsaye Storm by 11 goals.

After an 11-goal win against Kangaroo Flat in the B-grade clash last Saturday, Sandhurst takes on Gisborne.

The second semi-finalists had identical 14-2 records across the home-and-away series.

Gisborne scored a 52-46 win on Sandhurst’s court at the QEO in round two.

The round 11 match at Gardiner Reserve ended in a 46-39 win for the maroon and blue.

Sandhurst puts an unbeaten record on the line in B-reserve against Gisborne.

The Bulldogs marked a 37-goal win against Strathfieldsaye in the qualifying final.

This season’s meetings between Gisborne and Sandhurst went the Dragons’ way by 13 and 18 goals.

First-up on second semi-final day will be Sandhurst and Golden Square in the 17-and-under match.

Both had 15-1 records to be one and two on the ladder.

In round six, Sandhurst scored a 61-34 win on Golden Square’s court at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street.

It was a two-goal thriller in round 15 as the Bulldogs won 49-47 on the QEO court.

There will be four clubs represented across first semi-finals on Sunday.

Strathfieldsaye Storm will be fighting to stay in the premiership race in A-reserve, B-grade, B-reserve, and 17-and-under.

Storm takes on Maryborough in A-reserve.

Strathfieldsaye’s finals campaign began with an 11-goal loss to Sandhurst in the qualifying final.

Maryborough netted a 50-45 win against Kangaroo Flat in the elimination final.

It’s two wins for Storm against Maryborough this season.

Strathfieldsaye won 43-39 on the Magpies’ court at Princes Park in round nine.

The finale to the 18-round home-and-away series included a 56-38 victory for Strathfieldsaye against Maryborough at Triple M Park.

It’s Kangaroo Flat against Strathfieldsaye in B-grade.

The Roos will be determined to bounce back after an 11-goal loss to Sandhurst in the qualifying final.

Storm surged to a 50-36 result in the elimination final against South Bendigo.

It was a one-goal thriller when Strathfieldsaye hosted Kangaroo Flat in the sixth round at Triple M Park.

The Roos won 44-43.

Kangaroo Flat outplayed Storm in the 15^th round to mark a 56-39 victory.

In B-reserve it will be Strathfieldsaye against Kangaroo Flat.

Storm was outplayed on day one of the finals series as Gisborne charged to a 67-30 victory.

The Roos won the elimination final against South Bendigo by 11 goals.

Strathfieldsaye won the round six clash with the Roos at Triple M Park by 22 goals.

In the 15^th round Kangaroo Flat fought on for a 42-40 victory on the Roos’ court in Dower Park.

Maryborough takes on Strathfieldsaye in the first semi-final of the 17-and-under competition.

The Magpies are on the rebound from a 10-goal loss to Golden Square in the qualifying final.

Strathfieldsaye won an elimination final thriller against Gisborne, 59-56.

The first semi-finalists first met at the halfway mark of the season where Maryborough won 49-38 in the round nine clash at Princes Park.

A goal was the margin when they clashed in the 18^th round.

On that day Storm led 45-44 when the siren sounded at Triple M Park.

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 2pm: 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 2pm: Strathfieldsaye v Maryborough.

A-grade at 3.20pm: Kangaroo Flat v Eaglehawk

Kangaroos bound into another showdown with Dragons

KANGAROO Flat bounced its way into another showdown with Sandhurst in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL A-grade netball series.

The Kangaroos stayed in the premiership race as it dominated Sunday’s first semi-final with Eaglehawk at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The Jayden Cowling-coached Roos bounced back from a four-goal loss to Sandhurst in the first semi-final to end the Hawks’ season.

In a strong four-quarter performance, Kangaroo Flat poured in 66 goals and kept the Two Blues to a tally of 33.

The Kylie Piercy-coached Eaglehawk had played well to win the elimination final against Strathfieldsaye by five goals, but had few answers to combat the skill and finals experience of the Kangaroo Flat line-up.

The Roos now take on Sandhurst in Saturday’s preliminary final.

At stake is the chance to meet Gisborne in the September 21 grand final.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne is on track to claim consecutive premierships after a 51-38 win against Sandhurst in the second semi-final.

The Bulldogs have beaten the Tamara Gilchrist-coached Dragons in all three matches this season.

It’s three-nil in favour of the Dragons against Kangaroo Flat so far in ’24.

Sandhurst has won its matches with the Roos by margins of seven, five and four goals.

It was a memorable Sunday for Strathfieldsaye on first semi-final day.

The Storm kept premiership hopes alive in A-reserve, B-reserve, and 17-and-under.

Strathfieldsaye ended Maryborough’s run as it charged to a 51-41 victory in A-reserve.

It was a three-goal thriller in B-reserve as Storm held on for a 54-51 win against Kangaroo Flat.

The day’s play began with a two-goal win for Strathfieldsaye in the 17-and-under clash with Maryborough.

Storm led 61-59 at the final siren.

Four goals was the difference in B-grade as Kangaroo Flat bounced its way to a 52-48 win against Strathfieldsaye.

On Saturday it was Gisborne against Sandhurst in four of the five matches played on second semi-final day.

First on court were Sandhurst and Golden Square in the 17-and-under match.

Both had identical 15-1 records in the home-and-away series.

Game three between the Dragons and Bulldogs ended in a 60-39 win for Sandhurst.

It was three-one in favour of Gisborne against Sandhurst in other grades.

The teams in red, white and blue advanced to the September 21 grand finals in A-grade, A-reserve and B-reserve.

The B-grade and B-reserve second semi-finals were closely-fought.

The Dragons fired their way to a 50-46 win in B-grade.

In B-reserve it was Gisborne which led 50-45 after the final play.

Gisborne’s unbeaten run in A-reserve kept rolling as it scored a 43-36 win against the maroon and blue.

A 51-38 result for Gisborne in A-grade was the Bulldogs’ 14^th victory of the season.

Bendigo FNL netball first semi-finals scoreboard:

A-grade: Kangaroo Flat 66 d Eaglehawk 33.

A-reserve: Strathfieldsaye 51 d Maryborough 41.

B-grade: Kangaroo Flat 52 d Strathfieldsaye 48.

B-reserve: Strathfieldsaye 54 d Kangaroo Flat 51.

17-and-under: Strathfieldsaye 61 d Maryborough 59.

Bendigo FNL netball second semi-finals scoreboard:

A-grade: Gisborne 51 d Sandhurst 38.

A-reserve: Gisborne 43 d Sandhurst 36.

B-grade: Sandhurst 50 d Gisborne 46.

B-reserve: Gisborne 50 d Sandhurst 45.

17-and-under: Sandhurst 60 d Golden Square 39.

There will be five clubs which feature in the Bendigo FNL’s netball preliminary finals on Saturday at the QEO in View Street.

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

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

B-reserve at 11.20am: Sandhurst v Strathfieldsaye.

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

A-reserve at 2pm: Sandhurst v Strathfieldsaye.

A-grade at 3.20pm: Sandhurst v Kangaroo Flat

Strathfieldsaye fights on to end Golden Square’s run

STRATHFIELDSAYE Storm showed plenty of fighting spirit to win the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s senior footy first semi-final against Golden Square on Sunday.

Storm and the Bulldogs were in a clash to keep their premiership dream alive on Queen Elizabeth Oval.

After Storm surged to a 25-9 lead by quarter-time it was the Bulldogs who capitalised on the breeze in the second to score 4.3 as Strathfieldsaye added just two behinds.

Storm looked to be in all sorts after injuries put Charlie King and Darcy Mulquiny out of the game in the second quarter.

Despite injuring his hamstring, Shannon Geary switched from defence to play deep in the forward 50m arc to ensure Storm had some rotations off the bench in the second quarter.

Talented youngster Jaidi Jackson-Leahy also played on through injury.

Their efforts inspired team-mates as the Luke Freeman-coached Strathfieldsaye won the third quarter, 42-12.

Playing into the breeze and limited by just 18 fully-fit players raised concerns for some in the Storm camp.

Led by the play of Bode Stevens, Daniel Clohesy and Riley Wilson, Strathfieldsaye scored 1.3 in the last and more importantly kept the Brad Eaton-coached Bulldogs to a score of 3.4.

At the final siren Strathfieldsaye celebrated a 78-70 victory in one of the club’s most memorable finals matches.

Best for Golden Square were Jordan Rosengren, Tom Toma, Terence Reeves and Jack Threlfall.

Strathfieldsaye’s next target is Sandhurst in Saturday’s preliminary final.

The Dragons were outplayed for a lot of the second semi-final showdown with Gisborne.

At one stage the Rob Waters-coached Bulldogs had gained a 38-point lead against the Dragons.

Although Sandhurst won the last term, 28-13, it was Gisborne which was first to qualify for the September 21 grand final as it claimed an 89-66 victory.

The Bulldogs are in the box seat to claim the Bendigo Advertiser premiership cup.

Zac Denany led the Bulldogs’ attack on three goals as Brad Bernacki and Matt Merrett added two each.

Sandhurst’s leading goalkickers were Fergus Greene and Cobi Maxted on two.

Gun on-baller Flynn Lakey was best afield for Gisborne as Zach Vescovi, Brad Bernacki and Macklan Lord won plenty of contests.

Best for Sandhurst were Lachlan Tardrew, Cooper Smith, Harrison Free and Noah Walsh.

After finishing the home-and-away series on top of the ladder the Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow-coached Dragons now have plenty of work to do to gain another crack at Gisborne.

There will be at least one change to Gisborne’s team for the grand final after Shane Clough sustained a season-ending broken jaw.

In the reserves competition, Strathfieldsaye won the first semi-final against Golden Square by 25 points to set up a preliminary final showdown with Gisborne.

The Sandhurst Dragons fired up for an eight-point win against the Bulldogs in the second semi-final as Wil Pinniger, Darcy Mills, Rory Ellett and Brodie Montague were best.

Sandhurst is first to the SporstPower under-18s grand final after a two-point victory against Golden Square in the second semi-final.

The Jarrod Bateson-coached Dragons led 25-13 at half-time, but the Bulldogs bit back to win the third term, 16-7.

The final quarter went Square’s way, 2-1, but the Dragons led 33-31 at the final siren.

Oscar Cail kicked three goals for Sandhurst as Jaxon Howard, Will Bassett and Charles Duke were best.

The Bulldogs’ attack was led by James Wilkinson with two goals as Oliver Eaton, Lincoln McKern, Riley Dillon and Jack McMahon.

It’s an all-Bulldogs clash in the preliminary final after Gisborne won Sunday’s first semi-final against Castlemaine by 15 points.

Bendigo FNL footy first semi-finals scoreboard:

Seniors:

Strathfieldsaye 3.7 3.9 9.15 10.18 (78)

Golden Square 1.3 5.6 7.6 10.10 (70)

GOALS – Strathfieldsaye: Lachlan Gill, Matt Harvey 2, Zach Charles, Daniel Clohesy, Shannon Geary, Malik Gordon, Shannon Murphy, Riley Wilson. Golden Square: Jordan Rosengren 4, Jack Stewart, Tom Toma 2, Jayden Burke, Hugh Freckleton.

BEST – Strathfieldsaye: Bode Stevens, Daniel Clohesy, Riley Wilson, Matt Harvey, Malik Gordon, Lachlan Ratcliffe. Golden Square: Jordan Rosengren, Tom Toma, Terence Reeves, Jack Threlfall, Jon Coe, Dylan Hird.

Drummond Golf Reserves:

Strathfieldsaye 0.2 2.5 3.7 7.12 (54)

Golden Square 0.0 1.1 3.4 4.5 (29)

GOALS – Strathfieldsaye: Siologa Siu, Jye Stephens 2, Hugh Behrens, Ned Hayes, Carson James. Golden Square: Paul Symons 3, Lachlan Monti.

BEST – Strathfieldsaye: Ned Hayes, Carson James, Dermott Bell, Hugh Behrens, Charles Dole, Charlie Morrison. Golden Square: Lachlan Monti, Rory McCrann-Peters, Zac Tickell, Bailey Rackstraw, Dean Norris, Noah Warfe.

Sportspower under-18s:

Gisborne 2.5 4.5 8.9 9.10 (64)

Castlemaine 2.2 4.5 4.5 7.7 (49)

GOALS – Gisborne: Harrison Bryant, Wilhem Mackay 2, James Bullen, Lucas Hannon, Campbell Johns, Diesel Lewis, Jack Rutten. Castlemaine: Chaz Holman 3, Jackson Balcombe, Kyan Martin, Mitchell McKnight, Jack Nuttall.

BEST – Gisborne: Campbell Johns, Jacob Floreani, Baden Dickins, Thomas Dawson, Diesel Lewis. Castlemaine: Thomas Ford, Archie Rixon, Chaz Holman, Mitchell McKnight, Alton Bracken, Jackson Balcombe.

Bendigo FNL footy second semi-finals scoreboard:

Seniors:

Gisborne 4.3 6.5 11.10 13.11 (89)

Sandhurst 3.1 4.5 5.8 9.12 (66)

GOALS – Gisborne: Zac Denahy 3, Brad Bernacki, Matt Merrett 2, Braidon Blake, Shane Clough, James Gray, Dylan Johnstone, Harry Luxmoore, Pat McKenna. Sandhurst: Fergus Greene, Cobi Maxted 2, Bryce Curnow, Cooper Smith, Lachlan Tardrew, Dayten Uerata, Lachlan Wright.

BEST – Gisborne: Flynn Lakey, Zach Vescovi, Brad Bernacki, Macklan Lord, Frank Schipano, Liam Spear. Sandhurst: Lachlan Tardrew, Cooper Smith, Harrison Free, Noah Walsh, Cobi Maxted, James Coghlan.

Drummond Golf reserves:

Sandhurst 3.0 3.2 4.6 5.6 (36)

Gisborne 0.1 1.6 2.7 3.10 (28)

GOALS – Sandhurst: Luke Crawford, Jack Keating, Brodie Montague, Oscar Perez, Alex Wharton. Gisborne: Hayden Doricic, Luke Weber, Tom Wood.

BEST – Sandhurst: Wil Pinniger, Darcy Mills, Rory Ellett, Brodie Montague, Oscar Perez, Jack Keating. Gisborne: Boyd Nalder, Ed Williams, Rohan Nicol, Jacob Murphy, Tom Wood, Kane Minns.

Sportspower under-18s:

Sandhurst 2.1 4.1 5.2 5.3 (33)

Golden Square 1.0 2.1 4.5 4.7 (31)

GOALS – Sandhurst: Oscar Cail 3, Joseph Artavilla, Finlay Lockhart. Golden Square: James Wilkinson 2, Archie Eaton, Jack McMahon.

BEST – Sandhurst: Jaxon Howard, Will Bassett, Charles Duke, Oscar Cail, Deakin Andrews, Shannon Tardrew. Golden Square: Oliver Eaton, Lincoln McKern, Riley Dillon, Jack McMahon, Melvic Pambai.

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

Under-18s at 10.45am: Golden Square v Gisborne.

Reserves at 12.45: Gisborne v Strathfieldsaye.

Seniors at 2.20pm: Sandhurst v Strathfieldsaye.

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

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