Golden Square

Clubs honour legendary Ron Best

THE Ron Best Memorial Shield is up for grabs as Golden Square tackles Sandhurst in Saturday’s match to complete the split sixth round of senior footy in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

Two of the competition’s greatest rivals meet again at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street.

Sandhurst will be eyeing a hat-trick of Ron Best Memorial Shield victories.

In a brilliant 270-game career, Best kicked 1624 goals in stints with Golden Square, Sandhurst and Northern United.

He kicked 14.9 in his first senior match for Golden Square in 1969.

Best later crossed to Sandhurst and was captain-coach of the ’73 premiership team.

He also starred in the Dragons’ run to grand final glory in ’77.

By ’79 he had returned to the kennel and played in a premiership with the Bulldogs.

After a successful move north to Boort, Best was back in the Bendigo FNL in ’84 and starred in the first of Northern United’s four grand final victories in a row.

A legend in the Bendigo FNL Hall of Fame, Best earned the leading goalkicking award on 10 occasions and booted 10 goals or more in 48 matches.

There have been many outstanding forwards throughout the Bendigo FNL’s history, but it’s Ron Best who was better than all the rest.

As part of the Ron Best Memorial Shield day, Northern United will hold a past players and supporters function in the Golden Square cricket rooms from noon.

On the footy field it will be the Bulldogs striving to end Sandhurst’s unbeaten streak.

Most recent meeting between these clubs was last September’s grand final which Golden Square won by a point.

There have been plenty of changes at the kennel since then.

Brad Eaton is now senior coach

Nine players from the ’23 premiership team will be in action.

They are Jayden and Harrison Burke, Jon Coe, Hugh Freckleton, Brodie James, Ricky Monti, Jack Stewart, Tom Strauch and Jack Threlfall.

Another premiership winner, Zack Shelton is on the sidelines as he starts a seven-game ban for rough conduct against Gisborne defender Jack Reaper.

The Bulldogs were forced to make another change as young ruckman Rory McCrann-Peters starts a four-match suspension for rough conduct.

Inclusions for the blue and gold include ruckman Tanner Rayner, Drew Barrett and Seb Pellegrino.

Sandhurst has more than a dozen players who were in last year’s grand final to play in this contest.

Among them are on-ballers James Coghlan and Noah Walsh, half-forwards Nick Stagg, Lachlan Wright and Joel Wharton; and Cobi Maxted and Zach Pallpratt in the pockets.

There’s also co-coach Bryce Curnow, Caleb Connick, Liam Ireland, Jake McLean, Darcy Mills, Isaac Ruff, Cooper Smith, Alex Wharton and Matt Wilkinson who played on that one day in September.

In attack, Fergus Greene starts the round in second place in the race for the Ron Best Medal.

Greene moved to 26 after a 10-goal haul against South Bendigo in the previous round.

Another key player in the charge by a Sandhurst team jointly coached by Ash Connick, non-playing, is Lachlan Tardrew who is a full-time player with the Dragons after a successful stint in the VFL with Collingwood.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Strathfieldsaye 164 per cent, 20 points; Sandhurst 529 per cent, 16 points; Gisborne 288, 16; Eaglehawk 120, 12; Golden Square 98, 8; South Bendigo 82, 8; Kangaroo Flat 59, 8; Castlemaine 87, 4; Maryborough 17, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

32 Brock Harvey, South Bendigo.

26 Fergus Greene, Sandhurst.

23 Pat McKenna, Gisborne.

20 Harry Luxmoore, Gisborne.

18 Michael Hartley, Castlemaine.

18 James Schischka, Strathfieldsaye.

17 Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst.

16 Steven Stroobants, South Bendigo.

12 Malik Gordon, Strathfieldsaye.

11 Noah Walsh, Sandhurst.

11 Jonty Neaves, Eaglehawk.

10 Zac Denahy, Gisborne.

9 Justin Bateson, Kangaroo Flat.

9 Brad Bernacki, Gisborne.

9 Jayden Burke, Golden Square.

9 Bailey Henderson, Castlemaine.

9 Darcy Richards, Eaglehawk.

9 Jack Stewart, Golden Square.

9 Lachlan Tardrew, Sandhurst.

8 Cobi Maxted, Sandhurst.

8 Abe Sheahan, Strathfieldsaye.

8 Ben Thompson, Eaglehawk.

8 Joel Wharton, Sandhurst.

8 Harry Whitty, Kangaroo Flat.

7 Sam Graham, Gisborne.

7 Matt Merrett, Gisborne.

7 Fraser Russell, Maryborough.

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.

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 

GOLDEN Square will try to halt Strathfieldsaye’s winning surge in Saturday’s 11^th round of senior footy action in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

Teams are back in action after last Saturday’s general bye.

It’s a short-lived rivalry of less than 15 years, but in that time the Bulldogs and Storm have played out many classic contests.

When they met in round two, Golden Square won 101-94 at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.

This Saturday’s showdown at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street  may be another as both are riding on winning streaks of six and five games.

Since consecutive defeats in rounds three and four the Christian Carter-coached Golden Square has struck back brilliantly.

A 13-goal loss at home to Eaglehawk in round five meant Strathfieldsaye had a 2-3 record.

The Darryl Wilson-coached Storm is on a five-game winning streak.

Both teams are stacked with plenty of talent.

A formidable Golden Square attack includes Joel Brett, last season’s Ron Best medallist as the league’s leading goalkicker, along with the marking power of Jayden Burke and Braydon Vaz.

It’s a daunting task for Storm defenders Patrick Blandford, Lachlan Ratcliffe and Ben Lester.

Storm’s forward line is brilliantly led by captain and dual Ron Best medallist Lachlan Sharp.

Other key targets inside forward 50m for Strathfieldsaye are James Schischka and Caleb Ernst.

They will be up against a dogged defence in blue and gold led by Jon Coe, Jack Hickman and Zack Shelton.

Across midfield, Square has Liam Barrett, Ryan Hartley and Zavier Murley to take on Darcy Mulquiny, Callum McCarty and Lachlan Gill.

Square has the running power and skill of Jack Geary, Ryan Hartley, Ricky Monti and Tom Toma.

Bulldogs’ long-time ruckman Matt Compston is up against Tim Hosking.

Key players at ground level for Storm include Riley Wilson, Luke Webb, Lachlan Bonney and Bode Stevens.

South Bendigo takes on Kangaroo Flat at Harry Trott Oval in Neale Street, Kennington.

The Bloods and Roos are both on the rebound from defeat.

It’s been a dramatic time at Kangaroo Flat since the loss to Sandhurst on June 24.

Then-Roos’ coach Nathan Johns was reported for threatening and abusive language toward an umpire, and making contact with an umpire after the match.

Johns was handed a four-match suspension by the BFNL independent tribunal and had his contract terminated by the club.

Assistant coach Jeremy Hayes is Kangaroo Flat’s interim coach.

The Nathan Horbury-coached Bloods are fourth on a 6-4 record.

Key players for South Bendigo include Brody Haddow in the centre, ruckman Mac Cameron, Brock Harvey and Steven Stroobants in attack, Braydan Torpey and Andrew van Heumen in defence.

The Kangaroos will look for big games from the likes of co-captains Mitch Collins and Ethan Roberts, Jordan and Zac Rouse, Harry Whitty, ruckman Toby Roberts, and Ryan O’Keefe.

The Roos did show in a three-point win against Eaglehawk they can be a dangerous opponent.

Unbeaten and on top of the ladder, Sandhurst is back at Queen Elizabeth Oval to play Kyneton.

It’s a crucial contest for the Paul Chapman-coached Tigers as they fight to stay in touch with the top five.

An extremely challenging task for Kyneton against a Sandhurst line-up that has Matt Thornton, Lachlan Wright and Cobi Maxted.

The Dragons also welcome back co-coach Bryce Curnow to the field, while Ash Connick coaches from the sidelines.

A talented Sandhurst line-up includes James and Lee Coghlan, Andy Collins, ruckman Hamish Hosking, Nick Stagg, Noah Walsh and Joel Wharton.

Tigers’ plans for a massive upset rest greatly on the play of Cameron Manuel, Thomas Quinn, Harrison Huntley, Hamish Yunghanns, Mitch Comben and Jayden Eales.

A premiership winner at Gisborne last season, Ethan Foreman is back with the yellow and black.

A skilful small forward, Foreman could do some damage, but will rely a lot on quality and quantity of supply.

Gisborne returns to Gardiner Reserve to take on Castlemaine.

The Brad Fox-coached Bulldogs were superb across the opening three quarters in their latest hit-out at Strathfieldsaye, but could not Storm’s run in the final term.

Gisborne’s best in that match were Matt Merrett, Flynn Lakey and Frank Schipano.

Bring the intensity it had at Strathfieldsaye a fortnight ago and Gisborne should mark its fourth win of the season.

The Bulldogs have the premiership-winning on-ball combination of Braidon Blake, Brad Bernacki and Flynn Lakey teaming up again.

Other key players for Gisborne include captain Jack Reaper, Seb Bell-Bartels and Zac Denahy.

The Dogs also have Matthew Barake to play his second senior match.

A tally of 40 disposals, which included 23 contested, earned Castlemaine on-baller Matt Filo the Barry Plant Player of the Round award as the Pies beat Maryborough in the 10^th round.

Filo will again play a key role for the Magpies who also welcome back key position player Bailey Henderson.

Castlemaine’s best in a hard-fought 19-point win against Maryborough included Brodie Byrne, Ethan Hein, Tyson Hickey, Callum McConachy and Riley Pedretti.

Massive test for a Magpies’ defence that includes Brendan Josey, John Watson, Ashton Frankling and Thomas Wilson.

Other players to watch are Brodie Browne-Kerr, Ben Moran and Jackson  Byrne.

Maryborough is on home turf at Princes Park to take on Eaglehawk.

The Coby Perry-coached Magpies played well to hold a nine-point lead at three-quarter time of the match at Castlemaine, but could not stop the home team’s charge in the last.

Best for the Borough in that match were Brady Neill, Mitch McClure and Kya Lanfranchi.

The Magpies face another enormous challenge against a Hawks line-up which regained confidence and form as it beat South Bendigo by 56 points last round.

The Magpies will rely a lot on the pressure applied by Riley Hamilton, Joel Swatton, Coby Perry, ruckman Ty Stewart, Luke Bucknall and Jai Howell at centre ball-ups and stoppages.

They are up against Hawks’ playmakers such as Jack and Ben Thompson, Joel Mullen, Connor Dalgleish, Noah Wheeler and Billy Evans.

Eaglehawk key forward Darcy Richards will be keen to play well against his former club.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 246 per cent, 38 points; Golden Square 227, 32; Strathfieldsaye 154, 28; Eaglehawk 202, 26; South Bendigo 140, 24; Kyneton 87, 20; Gisborne 114, 12; Kangaroo Flat 55, 12; Castlemaine 40, 8; Maryborough 18, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

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

GOLDEN Square thrashed Strathfieldsaye by 13 goals in the 11^th round of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s senior footy action on Saturday.

The Bulldogs and Storm both rode winning streaks of six and five matches into the clash on Golden Square’s ground at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street.

The Christian Carter-coached Golden Square led 20-5 at quarter-time and then seized control as it slammed on 5.2 to 1.5 in the second.

The Bulldogs’ dominance of stoppages was superb and the attack capitalised to score 4.3 in the crucial third term.

Just as important was the Dogs’ defensive play as they kept the Darryl Wilson-coached Storm scoreless in quarter three.

Square’s intensity and run did not ease up as the blue and gold added 5.1 to 2.4 in the last for a 110-32 result.

Joel Brett and Jack Stewart led the attack on four goals each as Tom Strauch added two.

A great sign for the Dogs was having seven other goalkickers.

On a tough afternoon for Storm it was Darcy Mulquiny, Luke Webb and Jordan Wilson who were on target.

Best for Golden Square were Liam Barrett, Matt Compston, Harrison Burke, Jack Hickman, Brodie James and Jack Stewart.

Luke Webb, Caleb Ernst, James Schischke, Bode Stevens, Jordan and Riley Wilson were Strathfieldsaye’s best.

Despite its inaccuracy, Sandhurst was able to claim a 51-point win against Kyneton at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow-coached Sandhurst led 23-3 at quarter-time and then added 1.5 as it kept the Tigers scoreless in the second term.

A 31-point lead at the long break was 32 by the last after the Dragons won the third term, 3.3 to 3.2.

Led by the play of Cooper Smith, Bryce Curnow, and Hamish Hosking in the ruck, Sandhurst added 6.3 to 3.2 in the final term.

Talented youngster Lachlan Wright led the Dragons’ attack on four goals as Matt Thornton chipped in with two.

Multiple goalkickers for Kyneton were Cameron Manuel and Thomas Quinn on two.

The Dragons’ best included Nick Stagg, Isaac Carracher and Darcy Mills.

Harrison Huntly, Thomas Quinn, Mason Crozier, Bailey McGee, James Gaff and Dom Bennington were best for the Paul Chapman-coached Tigers.

A brilliant opening quarter set up South Bendigo’s win against Kangaroo Flat at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

The Nathan Horbury-coached Bloods scored 6.3 to 1.2 in the first term.

From there it was an evenly-fought contest in which the Bloods added 75 points and the Kangaroos scored 70.

After being outplayed in term one the Roos who had Jeremy Hayes in charge as coach for the first time fought back strongly.

Kangaroo Flat scored 4.1 to 1.1 in the second to be within 13 points at the long break.

The Bloods then slammed on 10 goals in the third as it held the Flat to a tally of 1.1.

Despite a 71 point deficit at the last change, Kangaroo Flat never gave up and added 6.2 to just three behinds in the last.

At the final siren, South Bendigo led 17.12 (114) to 12.6 (78).

Steven Stroobants kicked a match-high six goals for the Bloods as Brody Haddow, Brock Harvey and Will Keck added two each.

The Roos’ attack was led by Nic Keogh, four; and Harry Whitty, three.

South Bendigo’s best were Mac Cameron, Tait Poyser, Brody Haddow, Oscar White, Steven Stroobants and Sam Maher.

Kyle Symons, Noah Furlong, Nic Keogh, Connor Evans, Mitchell Collins and Campbell Smith played well for the Kangaroos.

Gisborne won all quarters in a 101-36 victory on its turf at Gardiner Reserve against Castlemaine.

The Brad Fox-coached Bulldogs led 21-10 at quarter-time and then slammed on 7.3 to just two goals in the second.

Defences dominated most of the third quarter as Gisborne added 2.1 and the Magpies scored 1.1.

Jake Normington and Jack Reaper ended the match with three goals apiece as the Bulldogs scored 15.11 (101) to 5.6 (36).

Brad Keogh booted two goals for Castlemaine.

Best for Gisborne were Matt Merrett, Zac Vescovi, Zac Denahy, Liam Spear, Jake Normington and Kane Minns.

John Watson, Bailey Henderson, Matt Filo, Callum McConachy, Liam Wilkinson and Nic Woodman were best for the Brendan Shepherd-coached Magpies.

Eaglehawk held Maryborough to a tally of two points across the last three quarters as it recorded a 104-point victory at Princes Park.

The Coby Perry-coached Magpies started well to score 2.1 in the first term as Eaglehawk was on 2.7.

From there it was the Travis Matheson-coached Eaglehawk which dominated play.

The Two Blues scored 4.2 to a point in the second, 5.2 to a point in the third, and 6.6 to nil in the last.

At the final siren Eaglehawk led 17.17 (119) to 2.3 (15).

Joel Mullen led the Hawks’ attack on four goals as Lewin Davis, Dylan Hird, Liam Marciano, Noah Wheeler and Dillon Williams chipped in with two each.

Chris Freeman kicked both of Maryborough’s goals.

Best for Eaglehawk were Dillon Williams, Noah Wheeler, Billy Evans, Ben Thompson, Joel Mullen and Lewin Davis.

Maryborough’s best were Kya Lanfranchi, Joel Swatton, Mitch McClure, Chris Freeman, Ty Stewart and Brady Neill.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 243 per cent, 42 points; Golden Square 233, 36; Eaglehawk 219, 30; South Bendigo 140, 28; Strathfieldsaye 136, 28; Kyneton 20, 83; Gisborne 122, 16; Kangaroo Flat 56, 12; Castlemaine 40, 8; Maryborough 17, 0.

Match of the day in next Saturday’s round 12 action will be Golden Square against Sandhurst at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.

Eaglehawk takes on Gisborne at Canterbury Park.

Kangaroo Flat tackles Maryborough on the Roos’ ground at Dower Park.

Kyneton faces South Bendigo at Kyneton Showgrounds.

Strathfieldsaye plays Castlemaine at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

49 - (4) - Joel Brett - Golden Square Seniors
44 - (0) - Lachlan Sharp - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
34 - (2) - Brock Harvey - South Bendigo Seniors
32 - (6) - Steven Stroobants - South Bendigo Seniors
30 - (4) - Lachlan Wright - Sandhurst Seniors
28 - (2) - William Keck - South Bendigo Seniors
25 - (2) - Cameron Manuel - Kyneton Seniors
20 - (0) - James Schischka - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
20 - (0) - Braydon Vaz - Golden Square Seniors
20 - (2) - Matt Thornton - Sandhurst Seniors
19 - (2) - Lewin Davis - Eaglehawk Seniors
17 - (1) - Ryan Hartley - Golden Square Seniors
17 - (1) - Andrew Collins - Sandhurst Seniors
16 - (0) - Darcy Richards - Eaglehawk Seniors
16 - (3) - Harry Whitty - Kangaroo Flat Seniors
15 - (1) - Nicholas Stagg - Sandhurst Seniors
15 - (1) - Cameron McGlashan - Eaglehawk Seniors
15 - (2) - Thomas Quinn - Kyneton Seniors

Castlemaine kicks off crucial two week test

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sandhurst has the bye.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

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

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

56 Fergus Greene, Sandhurst.

43 James Schischka, Strathfieldsaye.

34 Michael Hartley, Castlemaine.

34 Brock Harvey, South Bendigo.

34 Pat McKenna, Gisborne.

29 Steven Stroobants, South Bendigo.

27 Harry Luxmoore, Gisborne.

26 Jack Stewart, Golden Square.

22 Jonty Neaves, Eaglehawk.

21 Jayden Burke, Golden Square.

20 Bailey Henderson, Castlemaine.

20 Cobi Maxted, Sandhurst.

19 Harry Whitty, Kangaroo Flat.

18 Malik Gordon, Strathfieldsaye.

18 Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst.

17 Brad Bernacki, Gisborne.

17 Zac Denahy, Gisborne.

15 Abe Sheahan, Strathfieldsaye.

14 Bryce Curnow, Sandhurst.

13 Zac Greeves, Castlemaine.

13 Matt Merrett, Gisborne.

13 Darcy Richards, Eaglehawk.

12 Lachlan Gill, Strathfieldsaye.

12 Lachlan Tardrew, Sandhurst.

11 Zach Charles, Strathfieldsaye.

11 Nick Stagg, Sandhurst.

11 Noah Walsh, Sandhurst.

10 Joel Mullen, Eaglehawk.

10 Mitchell Ronchieri, Eaglehawk.

10 Tom Strauch, Golden Square.

10 Riley Wilson, Strathfieldsaye.

GOLDEN Square ended Sandhurst’s unbeaten streak in Saturday’s 12^th round of senior footy action in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

The Bulldogs and Dragons met in the clash of second and first at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.

It was the Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow-coached Sandhurst which made a hot start as it scored 6.1 to 2.1 in the first quarter.

The Bulldogs fought back brilliantly to score 5.2 to 2.0 in the second and draw within four points by the long break.

Quarter three was marked by plenty of attacking by both teams.

The Christian Carter-coached Bulldogs scored 4.4 as Sandhurst added 3.5.

In front 73-72 at the start of the final term, Golden Square then dominated most of the last 30 minutes of the match.

The blue and gold scored 3.5 and kept the Dragons scoreless to complete a 96-72 victory.

Joel Brett kicked six goals for the Bulldogs as Liam Barrett, Hamish Morcom and Jack Stewart added two each.

Now back at Sandhurst full-time after a stint with Essendon in the VFL, Sam Conforti led the Dragons’ attack on four goals as Jake McLean and Lachlan Wright chipped in with two.

Best for the Bulldogs were ruckman Matt Compston, Jon Coe, Tom Toma, Jack Geary, Joel Brett and Ricky Monti.

Sam Conforti, Bryce Curnow, Lachlan Tardrew, James Coghlan, Hamish Hosking and Lachie Hood were Sandhurst’s best.

Gisborne stunned Eaglehawk on the Borough’s turf at Canterbury Park.

The Brad Fox-coached Bulldogs won every quarter on their way to a seven-goal win against the Hawks.

Gisborne led 21-7 at quarter-time and 44-26 by the main break.

The Travis Matheson-coached Hawks did lift to score 3.3 in the third, but the Dogs had the answers as they added 5.3.

A 28-point lead for Gisborne at the start of the last was 42 by the end after it scored 4.2 to 2.0.

A 101-59 result in Gisborne’s favour was in stark contrast to round three when Eaglehawk won by 49 points at Gardiner Reserve.

Back at Gisborne after playing most of the VFL season with Essendon, Brad Bernacki kicked four goals in a best afield performance on Saturday.

Captain Jack Reaper kicked three goals for the Bulldogs.

The Hawks’ attack was led by Lewin Davis on four.

Gisborne’s best were Brad Bernacki, Macklan Lord, Braidon Blake, Matt Weber, Ben Eales and Seb Bell-Bartels.

Dylan Hanley, Cam McGlashan, Lewin Davis, Kallen Geary, Billy Evans and Noah Wheeler were Eaglehawk’s best.

It was a case of almost for Maryborough in its clash with Kangaroo Flat at Dower Park.

The Coby Perry-coached Maryborough played brilliant football to lead at each of the quarter breaks by margins of nine, six and seven points.

As had happened a couple of times previously, Maryborough could not stop the opposition’s charge in the final term.

On Saturday it was the Jeremy Hayes-coached Kangaroos who scored 3.10 to a goal in the final term to mark a 75-60 victory.

Multiple goalkickers for the Kangaroos were Liam Collins, three; Nic Keogh and Harry Whitty, two.

The Magpies’ attack was led by Taj Bond on four.

Kangaroo Flat’s best were Liam Collins, Jordan and Zac Rouse, Ethan Roberts, Ryan O’Keefe and Nic Keogh.

Kya Lanfranchi, Taj Bond, Tom Myers, Joel Swatton, Lucas Hurse and Darcy Bond played well for the Magpies.

South Bendigo marked the trek to Kyneton Showgrounds by scoring a 107-point win against the Tigers.

The Nathan Horbury-coached Bloods scored 7.4 to just three behinds in the first term.

By half-time South Bendigo held an eight-goal lead.

Steven Stroobants went on to kick a match-high five goals and Brock Harvey added four as the Bloods won 21.14 (140) to 4.9 (33).

Other multiple goalkickers for South Bendigo were Sam Langley, three, and Daniel Johnstone, two.

Cameron Manuel kicked two goals for the Tigers.

Best for the Bloods were ruckman Mac Cameron, Oscar White, Riley Walsh, Sam Langley, Brock Harvey and Andrew van Heumen.

Jye Chambers, Cameron Manuel, Harrison Sheahan, Brady Muir, Jordan Iudica and Charlie Thompson were best for the Paul Chapman-coached Tigers.

An 11-goal haul by Strathfieldsaye captain Lachlan Sharp highlighted Storm’s big win at home against Castlemaine at Triple M Park.

Storm led 32-7 at quarter-time and 76-28 by the long break.

It was an 80-point lead for Strathfieldsaye at a quarter to go.

The final term was to be one of the best of the season for the Brendan Shepherd-coached Magpies as they scored 5.4 to 4.0.

The other multiple goalkicker for Storm in the 139-69 victory was Bode Stevens on a day where the team had 11 goalkickers.

Castlemaine’s attack was led by Riley Pedretti, three; Brad Keogh and John Watson, two.

Best for the Darryl Wilson-coached Storm were Lachlan Sharp, Riley Wilson, Daniel Clohesy, Lachlan Gill, Luke Webb and Malik Gordon.

Nic Woodman, Bailey Henderson, John Watson, Callum McConachy, Matt Filo and Riley Pedretti played well for the Magpies.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 214 per cent, 42 points; Golden Square 222, 40; South Bendigo 152, 32; Strathfieldsaye 142, 32; Eaglehawk 193, 30; Gisborne 125, 20; Kyneton 75, 20; Kangaroo Flat 60, 16; Castlemaine 41, 8; Maryborough 20, 0.

Highlight of next Saturday’s round 13 action will be South Bendigo against Golden Square at Harry Trott Oval in Neale Street, Kennington.

On the rebound from its first defeat, Sandhurst faces Strathfieldsaye at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Maryborough tackles Kyneton at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

A resurgent Gisborne and Kangaroo Flat clash at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve.

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

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

55 - (6) - Joel Brett - Golden Square 
55 - (11) - Lachlan Sharp - Strathfieldsaye 
38 - (4) - Brock Harvey - South Bendigo 
37 - (5) - Steven Stroobants - South Bendigo 
32 - (2) - Lachlan Wright - Sandhurst 
29 - (1) - William Keck - South Bendigo 
27 - (2) - Cameron Manuel - Kyneton 
23 - (4) - Lewin Davis - Eaglehawk 
21 - (1) - James Schischka - Strathfieldsaye 
20 - (0) - Braydon Vaz - Golden Square 
20 - (0) - Matt Thornton - Sandhurst 
18 - (2) - Harry Whitty - Kangaroo Flat 
17 - (0) - Ryan Hartley - Golden Square 
17 - (0) - Andrew Collins - Sandhurst 
16 - (1) - Cameron McGlashan - Eaglehawk 
16 - (0) - Darcy Richards - Eaglehawk 
16 - (2) - Hamish Morcom - Golden Square 
15 - (0) - Nicholas Stagg - Sandhurst 
15 - (0) - Thomas Quinn - Kyneton 
14 - (0) - Callum McCarty - Strathfieldsaye 
13 - (0) - Dylan Hird - Eaglehawk 
13 - (0) - Noah Wheeler - Eaglehawk 
13 - (0) - Liam Marciano - Eaglehawk 
12 - (0) - Matthew Merrett - Gisborne 
12 - (0) - Jed Brereton - Strathfieldsaye 
12 - (3) - Liam Collins - Kangaroo Flat 
12 - (2) - Jack Stewart - Golden Square 

DEFEATING Golden Square twice in a season is a feat South Bendigo has not achieved for a long time.

The Bloods have a chance to do so in Saturday’s 13^th round of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy action.

South Bendigo is at its new home at Harry Trott Oval in Neale Street, Kennington to tackle the Bulldogs.

The Nathan Horbury-coached Bloods go into the match in third place, but could drop to the fifth rung if they are beaten and Strathfieldsaye and Eaglehawk win.

Back in round four, South Bendigo celebrated a 76-75 win on Golden Square’s turf at Fur Life Oval.

The Bloods will need strong contributions from a lot of players to beat the Christian Carter-coached Bulldogs.

Brody Haddow is in brilliant form in the centre for the Bloods and will play a huge role against Ryan Hartley.

A Bloods’ attack led by Steven Stroobants, Brock Harvey and Will Keck is up against Harry Burke, Jon Coe and Jack Hickman.

A highlight will be in the ruck where Bloods’ gun recruit Mac Cameron takes on Matt Compston.

Other key players for South Bendigo are Sam Langley, Isaiah Miller, Braydan Torpey, Andrew van Heumen, and Oscar White.

A powerful Golden Square attack includes Joel Brett, Jayden Burke, Tom Strauch  and Braydon Vaz.

The run and skill of Jack Geary, Jake Thrum, Tom Toma and Ricky Monti sets up so many of the Bulldogs’ attacks.

Sandhurst is on the rebound from its first defeat of ’23 when it takes on Strathfieldsaye at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The Dragons could not stop Golden Square’s final quarter charge of 23-nil to complete a 96-72 victory.

A Sandhurst squad co-coached by Ash Connick, non-playing, and Bryce Curnow, playing, includes Lee Coghlan, Andy Collins, Sam Conforti, Hamish Hosking, Cooper Smith, Nick Stagg and Lachlan Tardrew.

In round four, Sandhurst won at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye by five goals.

The Darryl Wilson-coached Storm beat Castlemaine by 70 points last round as captain Lachlan Sharp kicked 11 goals.

Players to watch for Storm include Daniel Clohesy, Lachlan Gill, Malik Gordon, Luke Webb and Riley Wilson.

Strathfieldsaye also has Baxter Slater, Mitch Hallinan, Shannon Geary, Lachlan Bonney and Lachlan Ratcliffe.

A resurgent Gisborne is back at Gardiner Reserve to take on Kangaroo Flat.

The Brad Fox-coached Gisborne outgunned Eaglehawk by seven goals in last Saturday’s clash on the Borough’s turf at Canterbury Park.

Bulldogs’ ruck-rover Brad Bernacki kicked four goals and was best afield against the Hawks.

A talented Gisborne line-up includes captain Jack Reaper who has switched from defence to attack, ruckman Braidon Blake, rover Flynn Lakey, and Matt Merrett on a wing.

The Bulldogs also have the marking power of Jed and Zac Denahy.

Kangaroo Flat marked a 15-point win at home against Maryborough last round.

The Jeremy Hayes-coached Roos face a huge task at Gisborne.

Harry Whitty and Nic Keogh are key targets in a Roos’ attack that includes Sam Barnes and Ethan Roberts.

A key to Flat’s chances will be the on-ball and midfield duels where Toby Roberts, Mitch Collins, Campbell Smith and Liam Collins are up against some of the league’s best.

Maryborough is back at Princes Park to take on Kyneton.

It’s been a big week off-field at Tigerland as Paul Chapman has stepped down as senior coach because of increased working commitments.

It was a mutual agreement for Chapman and the club to part ways in his third season with the yellow and back.

Assistant coach Darren Chambers will be in charge for the rest of the season.

Maryborough went so close to break its winless run last round.

The Coby Perry-coached Magpies did a lot right on Kangaroo Flat’s ground.

The play of Magpies’ key defender Kya Lanfranchi who racked up 25 disposals, 19 intercepts, 13 intercept marks and 214 ranking points earned the Barry Plant Player of the Round award.

Lanfranchi will again play a key role against the Tigers, along with Jake Postle and Lucas Hurse in defence, Joel Swatton in the centre, Chris Freeman and Taj Bond in attack.

Tom Myers will start in the ruck with Matt Johnston as ruck-rover for the Coby Perry-coached Maryborough.

The Tigers will be snarling after a big loss to South Bendigo at home.

Best in Kyneton’s latest hit-out included Jye Chambers, Jordan Iudica, Cameron Manuel, Brady Muir and Harrison Sheahan.

The Tigers also have Ethan Foreman and Thomas Quinn in attack.

Castlemaine is at home at Camp Reserve to face an Eaglehawk team on the rebound from defeat.

The Brendan Shepherd-coached Magpies will be aiming to carry the momentum of a five-goal final term at Strathfieldsaye into this contest.

Leading goalkickers for Castlemaine last round were Riley Pedretti, three; Brad Keogh and John Watson, two.

Players to watch for the black and white include Brodie Byrne, Matt Filo, Bailey Henderson, Callum McConachy, John Watson and Liam Wilkinson.

The Travis Matheson-coached Hawks will be fired up.

Eaglehawk’s line-up includes Lewin Davis, Billy Evans, Kallen Geary, Dylan Hanley and Sam Harper.

Key defender Oscar Madden is in for his first senior game of the year.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 214 per cent, 42 points; Golden Square 222, 40; South Bendigo 152, 32; Strathfieldsaye 142, 32; Eaglehawk 193, 30; Gisborne 125, 20; Kyneton 75, 20; Kangaroo Flat 60, 16; Castlemaine 41, 8; Maryborough 20, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

55 Joel Brett, Golden Square.

55 Lachlan Sharp, Strathfieldsaye.

38 Brock Harvey, South Bendigo.

37 Steven Stroobants, South Bendigo.

32 Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst.

29 William Keck, South Bendigo.

27 Cameron Manuel, Kyneton.

23 Lewin Davis, Eaglehawk.

21 James Schischka, Strathfieldsaye.

20 Matt Thornton, Sandhurst.

20 Braydon Vaz, Golden Square.

18 Harry Whitty, Kangaroo Flat.

17 Andy Collins, Sandhurst.

17 Ryan Hartley, Golden Square.

16 Cam McGlashan, Eaglehawk.

16 Hamish Morcom, Golden Square.

16 Darcy Richards, Eaglehawk.

15 Thomas Quinn, Kyneton.

15 Nick Stagg, Sandhurst.

14 Callum McCarty, Strathfieldsaye.

13 Dylan Hird, Eaglehawk.

13 Liam Marciano, Eaglehawk.

13 Noah Wheeler, Eaglehawk.

A FIRST-QUARTER blitz of seven goals set up Golden Square’s big win against South Bendigo in Saturday’s 13^th round of senior footy in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

When these clubs met in round four it was the Bloods who claimed a one-point victory on Golden Square’s turf.

This time it was the Christian Carter-coached Bulldogs who were fired up from the first contest at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

The Dogs charged to a 46-2 lead by the first break and then scored 5.1 to 5.2 in the second.

Across the final hour the blue and gold added 9.6 to 5.6 to complete a 137-70 victory.

Braydon Vaz led the Dogs’ attack on four goals as onballer Tom Toma added three.

Other multiple goalkickers for the winners were Joel Brett, Lachlan Humphrey, Hamish Morcom and Ricky Monto with two.

The Bloods’ attack was led by Steven Stroobants, four, and Brock Harvey, three.

Golden Square’s best were Jon Coe, Tom Toma, Jack Hickman, Jake Thrum, Braydon Vaz and Liam Barrett.

Sam Langley, Josh Connolly, Riley Walsh, Tait Poyser, Mac Cameron and Alex Smith were best for the Nathan Horbury-coached Bloods.

Sandhurst’s defence was superb in the clash with Strathfieldsaye at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The Dragons had worked superbly to keep Storm to just two goals for most of the match until a late surge by the visitors cut the winning margin to 27 points.

Former Richmond and Carlton mid/forward Andy Collins kicked a match-high four goals in a 67-40 victory for Sandhurst.

Storm captain Lachlan Sharp became the first in club history to play 200 senior games, but it was one of the few matches of a brilliant career where he was held goalless.

The play of James Coghlan against Sharp earned best afield honours for the Dragons.

Storm’s attack was led by James Schischka on three.

Best for the Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow-coached Sandhurst were James Coghlan, Andy Collins, Hamish Hosking, Sam Conforti, Zach Pallpratt and Noah Walsh.

Riley Wilson, Patrick Blandford, Ben Lester, Mitch Hallinan, Hunter Lawrence and Bode Stevens were best for the Darryl Wilson-coached Storm.

Gisborne’s winning run kept rolling.

The Brad Fox-coached Bulldogs were home at Gardiner Reserve to take on Kangaroo Flat.

Gisborne led 18-16 at quarter-time and blew the contest wide open as it added 6.4 to 2.1 in the seond term.

Zac Denahy went on to kick four goals and Matt Merrett added three as Gisborne won 14.19 (103) to 8.12 (60).

Tom Cassidy and Luke Ellings both kicked two goals for the Bulldogs.

Kangaroo Flat’s leading goalkickers were Sam Barnes, Connor Evans and Luke Foreman on two each.

Best for Gisborne were Zac Denahy, on-ballers Braidon Blake, Flynn Lakey and Brad Bernacki, along with Matt Merrett and Zac Vescovi.

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

It was a first-up victory for Kyneton’s interim coach Darren Chambers as the Tigers played at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

Chambers stepped up from being assistant after Paul Chapman stepped aside as senior coach earlier in the week because of increased work commitments.

The Tigers turned a one-goal lead at half-time into a 28-point buffer by the last after they scored 4.4 to a goal in the third quarter.

Ethan Foreman and Thomas Quinn went on to kick a team-high three goals apiece and Cameron Manuel added two as the Tigers claimed a 102-44 victory.

There were no multiple goalkickers for Maryborough.

Best for the Tigers were Lucas Iudica, Bailey McGee, Hamish Yunghanns, Caleb Fisher, Jake Summers and James Gaff.

Joel Swatton, Tom Myers, Jake Postle, Kya Lanfranchi, Aidan Medlyn and Kalan Constable played well for the Coby Perry-coached Maryborough.

Stung by defeat to Gisborne the previous round, Eaglehawk bounced back for a 100-point win at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve.

The Travis Matheson-coached Hawks led 32-13 at quarter-time and then scored 5.2 to a behind in the second.

Lewin Davis and Jack O'Shannessy kicked three goals each as Darcy Richards, Noah Wheeler and Dillon Williams added two in a 121-21 victory.

The Hawks defence worked well to hold the Magpies to a tally of three goals.

Eaglehawk’s best were Joel Mullen, Dylan Hird, Jack Thompson, Connor Dalgleish, Dillon Williams and Blake McGregor.

Matt Filo, Callum McConachy, Bailey Henderson, Brodie Byrne, Curtis McLennan and John Watson were best for the Brendan Shepherd-coached Magpies.

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.

There are several big games in next Saturday’s round 14 action.

Sandhurst takes on past co-tenant South Bendigo at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Eaglehawk is on home turf at Canterbury Park to play Strathfieldsaye.

Kyneton and Gisborne clash at Kyneton Showgrounds.

Kangaroo Flat  meets Castlemaine on the Kangaroos’ ground at Dower Park.

Golden Square tackles Maryborough at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

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

Golden Square readies for test against Gisborne

IT’S an all-Bulldogs showdown as Golden Square takes on Gisborne in Saturday’s 14^th round of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy season.

Golden Square has home-ground advantage at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street.

Match of the day will start at 2.20pm.

Despite many players leaving after last September’s premiership victory, Golden Square has racked up a win-loss tally of seven-five and sits fourth on the ladder.

When Square played at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve in round five it was the hosts which won by eight goals.

The Brad Eaton-coached Golden Square will be striving to snap Gisborne’s unbeaten streak of 10 matches.

Huge roles will be played by Tanner Rayner and Kai Daniels against Gisborne ruckman Braidon Blake.

The blue and gold has Jordan Rosengren, Ricky Monti, Terence Reeves and Macey Eaton to take on a Gisborne on-ball and midfield group led by Brad Bernacki, Flynn Lakey, Jackson Cardillo and Macklan Lord.

Golden Square co-captain Tom Toma starred last week, but was not named for this contest.

In defence, Square has Jon Coe, Zack Shelton and Hugh Freckleton up against Gisborne stars Pat McKenna, Harry Luxmoore and Zac Denahy.

At the other end of the ground, Bulldogs’ co-captain Jayden Burke, Jack Stewart and Tom Strauch lead an attack which will be opposed by Gisborne captain Jack Reaper, Jed Denahy and Zach Vescovi.

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

The match honours one of South Bendigo’s finest defenders who was later a senior coach and did so much for the development of the Bloods’ juniors.

For South Bendigo this match carries the most significance in the home-and-away series.

A Bloods line-up jointly coached by Steven Stroobants and Isaiah Miller will be primed to play well.

It’s been a tough season for South Bendigo, but it has already had the likes of captain Zac Hare, co-coach Isaiah Miller, gun forward Brock Harvey commit for next season.

Other re-signings for the red and white include Cody Brooks, Zavier Holmes, Will Keck, Zaydyn Lockwood, Wil McCaig, Tait Poyser and Brayden Torpey.

It’s another massive test for the Bloods who played at Gisborne last round and now take on the ladder-leading Sandhurst.

A key for the Bloods will the play of Anthony Zimmerman in the centre, Riley Walsh in the ruck, ruck-rover Brady Haddow, and Jasper Langley on a wing.

A powerful attack for Sandhurst is led by Fergus Greene and Cobi Maxted and has plenty of pace and skill at ground level.

Dragons’ captain Lachlan Tardrew just keeps on racking up possessions with his work-rate and skill level at an elite level.

Co-coaches Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow will not want to see a drop in intensity as the fight to be in the best 22 for finals starts to heat up.

Players to watch for the maroon and blue include Nick Stagg, Jake McLean, Alex and Joel Wharton, Lachlan Wright, and James Coghlan.

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

Storm had the bye after a 10-goal loss at Eaglehawk in the 12^th round.

The Luke Freeman-coached Strathfieldsaye now takes on a line-up fighting to stay in the race for a top-five finish and finals berth.

Castlemaine kept season hopes flickering by scoring a two-point win against Eaglehawk last Saturday.

An eight-three record has Storm in third place and playing on a ground where it is not beaten too often.

Storm’s line-up includes under-18s captain Hugh Behrens to play his first senior match.

Strathfieldsaye on-ballers Lachlan Gill, Daniel Clohesy and Bode Stevens set up plenty of scoring chances for the likes of James Schischka, Caleb Ernst, Abe Sheahan  and Zach Charles.

A strong defence is led by Lachlan Ratcliffe, Patrick Blandford and Cooper Jones.

The Michael Hartley-coached Castlemaine will be keen to bring the momentum of the hard-fought win against Eaglehawk to Storm territory.

Players to watch for Castlemaine include captain Bailey Henderson, Kalan Huntly, Zavier Murley, Ryan Eyre, Liam Wilkinson and Zac Greeves.

The two-way running by the likes of Callum McConachy, Brodie Byrne, Ashton Frankling, John Watson and Jack Chester will be crucial to the Magpies’ bid for another upset victory.

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

The Travis Matheson-coached Hawks will be keen to bounce back after a two-point loss at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve.

The classy Kallen Geary is back for the Borough this round to play across half-back, midfield or possibly half-forward.

Co-captains Billy Evans and Joel Mullen have been in superb form all season for the Two Blues.

Other players to watch for Eaglehawk include ruckman Brayden Frost, Bailey Isley, Thomas Bennett, Jonty Neaves and Marcus Angove.

The Michael Ellings-coached Kangaroos were beaten by 51 points in the round five clash with Eaglehawk.

In wet conditions it will be the Roos’ ability to compete strongly at clearances that will be crucial.

Key players for Kangaroo Flat include Ethan Roberts, Jack Lefroy, Luke Ellings on a wing, Jack Leersen, ruckman Toby Balcke, Lachlan Dalziel and Harry Whitty.

Maryborough has the bye.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

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

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

61 Fergus Greene, Sandhurst.

47 James Schischka, Strathfieldsaye.

44 Harry Luxmoore, Gisborne.

38 Brock Harvey, South Bendigo.

36 Pat McKenna, Gisborne.

35 Michael Hartley, Castlemaine.

34 Steven Stroobants, South Bendigo.

33 Jack Stewart, Golden Square.

27 Jayden Burke, Golden Square.

24 Jonty Neaves, Eaglehawk.

22 Bailey Henderson, Castlemaine.

22 Cobi Maxted, Sandhurst.

22 Harry Whitty, Kangaroo Flat.

21 Brad Bernacki, Gisborne.

20 Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst.

19 Zac Denahy, Gisborne.

18 Malik Gordon, Strathfieldsaye.

16 Abe Sheahan, Strathfieldsaye.

14 Bryce Curnow, Sandhurst.

14 Matt Merrett, Gisborne.

14 Lachlan Tardrew, Sandhurst.

13 Lachlan Gill, Strathfieldsaye.

13 Zac Greeves, Castlemaine.

13 Darcy Richards, Eaglehawk.

13 Jordan Rosengren, Golden Square.

12 Dylan Johnstone, Gisborne.

12 Jack Lefroy, Kangaroo Flat.

12 Joel Mullen, Eaglehawk.

12 Tom Strauch, Golden Square.

11 Zach Charles, Strathfieldsaye.

11 Luke Ellings, Kangaroo Flat.

11 Bailey Ilsley, Eaglehawk.

11 Matt Johnston, Maryborough.

11 Ricky Monti, Golden Square.

11 Nick Stagg, Sandhurst.

11 Noah Walsh, Sandhurst.

10 Jake McLean, Sandhurst.

10 Jack O’Shannessy, Eaglehawk.

10 Mitch Ronchieri, Eaglehawk.

10 Ben Thompson, Eaglehawk.

10 Joel Wharton, Sandhurst.

10 Riley Wilson, Strathfieldsaye

Dragons renew rivalry with Golden Square

PRESSURE will be high as Sandhurst takes on fierce rival Golden Square in Saturday’s 15^th round in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s senior footy action.

The showdown between the Dragons and Bulldogs starts at 2.20pm on the iconic Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Beaten just once this season, Sandhurst sits atop the ladder.

A seven-six record has Golden Square in fifth place.

When these clubs met in the split sixth round it was Sandhurst which marked a nine-goal win on Golden Square’s turf at Fur Life Oval to retain the Ron Best Memorial Shield.

Taking on the Dragons completes a tough two weeks for the Brad Eaton-coached Golden Square which played Gisborne last round.

Among the many crucial match-ups in Saturday’s contest will be the on-ball roles.

Sandhurst has ruckman Connor Sexton to team with captain Lachlan Tardrew, Lachie Hood and Alex Wharton at the centre ball-ups.

A huge plus for Golden Square is the return of co-captain and gun on-baller Tom Toma.

The Bulldogs’ centre square set-up will include Tanner Rayner in the ruck, talented youngster Macey Eaton and the hard-at-it Jordan Rosengren.

A Sandhurst attack which has the marking power of Fergus Greene, Cobi Maxted and Lachlan Wright will test a Bulldogs’ defence led by Jon Coe, Zack Shelton and Hugh Freckleton.

Dragons’ co-coach Bryce Curnow will be back in action and able to play at centre half-back or centre half-forward.

Sandhurst’s defence includes Liam Ireland, Isaac Ruff and James Coghlan up against Kai Daniels, Tom Strauch and the skilful Ricky Monti.

Another crucial match will be further south at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve where the Bulldogs take on Eaglehawk.

The Rob Waters-coached Gisborne is on an 11-game winning streak.

The firepower in the Bulldogs’ forward line will be tough for the Hawks to hold across four quarters.

Key targets in Gisborne’s attack include Harry Luxmoore, Pat McKenna and Jack Scanlon, while Dylan Johnstone kicked five goals in last Saturday’s win at Golden Square.

Gisborne’s on-ball team of Braidon Blake, Flynn Lakey, Jackson Cardillo and Brad Bernacki is arguably the best in the league.

Will be a massive test for Hawks’ ruckman Brayden Frost and on-ballers Billy Evans, Joel Mullen and possibly Kallen Geary in this contest.

Players to watch for the Travis Matheson-coached Hawks include Bailey Ilsley, Jack O’Shannessy and Jonty Neaves in attack, Thomas Bennett on a wing, and Clayton Holmes and Charlie Langford in defence.

Kangaroo Flat is up against a Strathfieldsaye Storm line-up stung by consecutive defeats.

The Michael Ellings-coached Kangaroos will have home-ground advantage at Dower Park for this match.

It’s another big test and crucial learning for Kangaroo Flat’s young team.

A high level of pressure and working hard to limit the space Storm has to work in will be crucial for Flat’s chances.

Key players for the Roos include captain Ethan Roberts, Luke Ellings, Toby Balcke, Harry Whitty, Jake Hywood, Xav Dingfelder-Hope and Angus Grant.

There is plenty of running power and skill in a Storm line-up coached by Luke Freeman.

Among the inclusions for Storm is Siologa Siu who has not played since the round six clash with Kangaroo Flat at Triple M Park.

Malik Gordon is also back after being on the sidelines since the round 11 win against Golden Square.

Talented youngster Jackson Jaidi-Leahy has played three matches for Bendigo Pioneers in Coates Talent League and returns to the Storm line-up.

Storm’s line-up bound for the Kangaroos ground includes Caleb Ernst, Shannon Geary, Tim Hosking and Riley Wilson.

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

The Magpies had the bye last round as South Bendigo was well-beaten by Sandhurst in the match for the Graeme Wright Memorial Cup.

Big test for a Maryborough defence led by Kya Lanfranchi, Aidan Medlyn, Alex Brown and Jack Shay against Bloods’ co-coaches Steven Stroobants and Isaiah Miller, the classy Brock Harvey and rising star Zavier Holmes.

A highlight will be in the centre where Maryborough co-coach Coby Perry takes on Anthony Zimmerman.

In attack the Magpies have co-coach Matt Johnston, Tom Myers and Kaian Constable.

Maryborough has Seb Collins, Josh Britten, Joel Swatton to take on Riley Walsh, Brody Haddow and Thomas Starr in the on-ball duels.

In round six South Bendigo beat the Pies by 184 points at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

Maryborough will be determined to show it has improved markedly since its previous hit-out with the Bloods.

Castlemaine has the bye.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

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

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

67 Fergus Greene, Sandhurst.

47 James Schischka, Strathfieldsaye.

46 Harry Luxmoore, Gisborne.

38 Brock Harvey, South Bendigo.

37 Pat McKenna, Gisborne.

36 Steven Stroobants, South Bendigo.

35 Michael Hartley, Castlemaine.

35 Jack Stewart, Golden Square.

27 Jayden Burke, Golden Square.

25 Cobi Maxted, Sandhurst.

25 Jonty Neaves, Eaglehawk.

23 Brad Bernacki, Gisborne.

23 Bailey Henderson, Castlemaine.

23 Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst.

22 Harry Whitty, Kangaroo Flat.

20 Zac Denahy, Gisborne.

18 Malik Gordon, Strathfieldsaye.

17 Dylan Johnstone, Gisborne.

16 Bailey Isley, Eaglehawk.

16 Jack O’Shannessy, Eaglehawk.

16 Abe Sheahan, Strathfieldsaye.

16 Lachlan Tardrew, Sandhurst.

15 Matt Merrett, Gisborne.

15 Jordan Rosengren, Golden Square.

15 Nick Stagg, Sandhurst.

15 Tom Strauch, Golden Square.

14 Bryce Curnow, Sandhurst.

14 Zac Greeves, Castlemaine.

14 Darcy Richards, Eaglehawk.

13 Luke Ellings, Kangaroo Flat.

13 Lachlan Gill, Strathfieldsaye.

13 Kalan Huntly, Castlemaine.

13 Ricky Monti, Golden Square.

13 Joel Wharton, Sandhurst.

12 Jack Lefroy, Kangaroo Flat.

12 Joel Mullen, Eaglehawk.

11 Zach Charles, Strathfieldsaye.

11 Matt Johnston, Maryborough.

11 Jake McLean, Sandhurst.

11 Noah Walsh, Sandhurst.

10 Matt Harvey, Strathfieldsaye.

10 Tanner Nally, Sandhurst.

10 Mitch Ronchieri, Eaglehawk.

10 Ben Thompson, Eaglehawk.

10 Riley Wilson, Strathfieldsaye.

Golden Square marks best victory of season

GOLDEN Square showed it will be a danger at senior footy finals time as it upset Sandhurst in Saturday’s 15^th round in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

It was a completely different looking Golden Square team which returned to Queen Elizabeth Oval for the first time since last September’s grand final win against Sandhurst.

The Brad Eaton-coached Bulldogs started well to lead 27-25 at quarter-time.

In the second it was the Dragons who took control and scored 4.2 as it kept the blue and gold to a tally of 1.3.

Quarter three was dominated by Golden Square.

Square’s dominance at stoppages was a highlight and the attack capitalised on many scoring chances.

As the Dogs slammed on six goals the Dragons added just one.

It was a remarkable turnaround as the Bulldogs turned a 15-point deficit at half-time into a 13-point lead going into the final term.

As the Bulldogs added 2.4 in the last the defence worked hard to hold the Dragons to a goal.

After playing a midfield or on-ball role for most of the season, Jordan Rosengren led Golden Square’s attack on four goals in an 89-68 victory.

Other multiple goalkickers for the Bulldogs were co-captain Tom Toma on three and Zac Wescott with two.

The Dragons’ attack was led by Cobi Maxted and Nick Stagg on two.

High-leaping and athletic ruckman/forward Kai Daniels continued his great form to be best on ground for Golden Square.

Others to star for the Bulldogs were Harrison Burke in defence, Tom Toma, Tom Strauch, Hugh Freckleton and Jordan Rosengren.

Best for the Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow-coached Sandhurst were Caleb Connick, Lachlan Tardrew, Jack Keating, Darcy Mills, Matt Wilkinson and Jake McLean.

A seven-goal blitz in the first quarter set up Gisborne’s victory against Eaglehawk at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve.

The Rob Waters-coached Gisborne charged to a 47-14 lead by quarter-time.

The Bulldogs won the next two terms, 21-9 and 33-19.

Eaglehawk fought on to outscore Gisborne in the last, 32-25.

At the final siren Gisborne led 126-74 and in the process jumped to top of the ladder following Sandhurst’s defeat to Golden Square.

In-form forward Harry Luxmoore kicked four goals for Gisborne as Pat McKenna added three.

Other multiple goalkickers for the red, white and blue were Braidon Blake, James Gray and Matt Merrett on two.

Eaglehawk’s attack was led by Kyen Burrill-Grinton, Joel Mullen, Jack O’Shannessy and Darcy Richards with two each.

Best for Gisborne were Flynn Lakey, Harry Luxmoore, Jackson Cardillo, Zac Vescovi, Pat McKenna and Brad Bernacki.

Billy Evans, Joel Mullen, Kyen Burrill-Grinton, Jack O’Shannessy, Cam McGlashan and Brayden Frost were best for the Travis Matheson-coached Hawks.

Strathfieldsaye scored a 15-goal win on Kangaroo Flat’s ground at Dower Park.

After consecutive defeats the Luke Freeman-coached Storm made a flying start to this contest.

Storm surged to a 44-9 lead by quarter-time.

Strathfieldsaye’s run did not let up as it scored 5.4 to 1.3 in the second.

Storm won the next quarter, 31-16.

The classy Copper Jones finished with a match-high five goals as Storm kicked away for a 141-50 victory.

Other multiple goalkickers for Strathfieldsaye were Riley Mulquiny and Riley Wilson, three; Hugh Behrens and Tim Hosking, two.

The Roos’ attack was led by Harry Whitty on four.

Best for Strathfieldsaye were Lachlan Gill, Daniel Clohesy, Cooper Jones, Shannon Geary, Tim Hosking and Ethan Featherby.

Lachlan Dalziel, Campbell Smith, Luke Ellings, Dion Symons, Jake Hywood and Corey Ash played well for the Michael Ellings-coached Kangaroos.

Just as they had done earlier in the season, Brock Harvey and Steven Stroobants dominated in South Bendigo’s attack against Maryborough.

Harvey kicked 12 goals and Stroobants booted 10 as the Bloods surged to a 203-48 victory on Maryborough’s turf at Princes Park.

The Bloods led 38-8 at quarter-time and then scored 9.3 to 2.2 in the second.

Nine goals in the third were followed by eight goals in the last.

Although it was Harvey and Stroobants who capped off most moves, South Bendigo also had Aidan Avery chip in with three goals as Matt McNaughton kicked two.

Austin Long booted two goals for Maryborough.

Best for the Bloods were Brody Haddow, Cody Brooks, Darcy Backway, Anthony Zimmerman, Steven Stroobants and Brock Harvey.

Joel Swatton, co-coach Coby Perry, Seb Collins, Alex Brown, Beau Trahar and Kya Lanfranchi were best for a Maryborough team which has Matt Johnston as co-coach.

Castlemaine had the bye.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

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

In next Saturday’s round 16 action, Strathfieldsaye takes on Gisborne at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.

Castlemaine’s line-up will be bolstered by the inclusion of St Kilda great Leigh ‘Joey’ Montagna through the Carlton Draft as the Magpies take on Kangaroo Flat at Camp Reserve.

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

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

South Bendigo has the bye.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

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

Leaders aim to build momentum

THE top three in the A-grade netball premiership race will aim to build on their winning momentum in Saturday’s 15^th round in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

The ladder-leading Kangaroo Flat will be on its court at Dower Park to take on Strathfieldsaye Storm from 2.30pm.

Since a 42-47 loss to Sandhurst at Queen Elizabeth Oval in round 10 the Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroos have won their past three matches.

Latest hit-out for the Roos was at Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park which it won 75-26.

It’s a huge challenge for the fourth-placed Strathfieldsaye.

A 42-goal win against Castlemaine at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye last Saturday lifted the Steph Freemantle-coached Storm to fourth on the ladder.

In the split sixth round it was the Kangaroos who netted a 59-31 victory at Strathfieldsaye.

A lot of Storm’s focus in the next three rounds will be fine-tuning its play for an elimination final showdown with Eaglehawk on September 1.

Gisborne returns to its court at Gardiner Reserve to take on Eaglehawk.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne is on a hat-trick of wins.

The reigning premier has struck brilliantly since a 43-49 loss at home to Kangaroo Flat in round nine.

Gisborne won last Saturday’s match on Golden Square’s court at Fur Life Oval by 62 goals.

Massive task for the Kylie Piercy-coached Eaglehawk in trying to halt Gisborne’s slick movement from defence through mid-court and into attack.

The Hawks have played well to win six matches so far.

Sandhurst takes on Golden Square at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

After an extended break because of inter-league, a bye and then scheduled to play Maryborough, Sandhurst finally return to the court last Saturday.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst dominated play at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington to score a 69-30 victory.

It was the first match for Sandhurst since a 42-31 defeat on June 29 at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve.

When the maroon and blue took on Golden Square on Ron Best Memorial Shield day it was Sandhurst which won by 46 goals on the Wade Street court.

It’s a tough run for the Teigan Redwood-coached Golden Square which played the reigning premier last Saturday and now takes on the runners-up of ’23 this round.

It’s a rest for South Bendigo in A-grade, but the Bloods will make their way to Maryborough’s Princes Park to play the Magpies in the other four grades.

Castlemaine has the bye.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

Kangaroo Flat 195 per cent, 36 points; Gisborne 169, 36; Sandhurst 175, 32; Strathfieldsaye 103, 24; Eaglehawk 81, 24; Golden Square 63, 12; South Bendigo 66, 8; Castlemaine 55, 4

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 

Bloods eye chance to pass Bulldogs in 'Bendigo Bank' round

SOUTH Bendigo will aim to climb above Golden Square on the A-grade netball ladder in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s 17^th round on Saturday.

It’s Bendigo Bank Round with matches being played in Kennington, Gisborne, Maryborough, and at Bendigo’s iconic Queen Elizabeth Oval.

South Bendigo and Golden Square will meet at Harry Trott Oval in Neale Street, Kennington.

Just four points separate sixth and seventh.

Although South Bendigo is a win behind the blue and gold, it is more than three per cent in front of its opponent.

It was a great clash when these teams met in round eight on Golden Square’s court at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street.

On that occasion the Teigan Redwood-coached Golden Square fought on to score a 38-36 victory.

This Saturday will be Golden Square’s final match of the home-and-away series as it has the bye in the 18^th round.

The Alicia McGlashan-coached Bloods round out their season by playing Golden Square and then head to Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park.

Reigning premier Gisborne is a strong chance to regain top spot on the ladder when it hosts Castlemaine at Gardiner Reserve.

A record of 11 wins and one defeat has the Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne in second place going into this round.

The red, white and blue is in great form approaching its showdown with the Magpies and then on Kangaroo Flat’s Dower Park court in the last hit-out before finals.

Massive challenge for a Castlemaine team aiming to rebound from last Saturday’s big loss on its court at Camp Reserve against Kangaroo Flat.

In round eight, Gisborne was under pressure for a long time before it broke away to record a 10-goal win against the Chloe Hughes-coached Castlemaine.

Sandhurst will be back on the court at Queen Elizabeth Oval to take on Strathfieldsaye.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst has a 10-2 record and will start favourite to take the points.

The Dragons always bring a high level of defensive heat to every match.

Latest hit-out for the maroon and blue ended in a 45-goal win on Eaglehawk’s court in Canterbury Park.

Facing Sandhurst follows Strathfieldsaye’s game against Gisborne last round.

The Steph Freemantle-coached Storm will be keen to perform well in the lead-up to the elimination final on September 1 against Eaglehawk.

It’s a rest for the Kylie Piercy-coached Eaglehawk as the Two Blues are drawn to play Marborough.

The Hawks will take on the Magpies in all other grades of netball at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

Kangaroo Flat has the bye.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

Kangaroo Flat 218 per cent, 44 points; Gisborne 187, 44; Sandhurst 180, 40; Strathfieldsaye 88, 24; Eaglehawk 70, 24; Golden Square 63, 12; South Bendigo 66, 8; Castlemaine 49, 4