Barry Plant Bendigo Player of the Week is BRAYDON VAZ from the Official Golden Square Football & Netball Club 
The Bendigo FNL, in consultation with the Castlemaine FNC, Kyneton FNC, and with the support of their direct opponents, wish to provide an update with regards to proposed details of the round 7 fixture considering the direct impacts on the playing groups following the recent tragic passing of CFNC Under 18 player, Dallas Keogh-Frankling.
The BFNL can provide an update on the current intended arrangements for round 7 matches scheduled for Saturday 3rd June 2023, with all identified round 7 game details remaining subject to change:
Round 7: Castlemaine v Golden Square @ Camp Reserve:
Round 7: Eaglehawk v Kyneton @ Canterbury Park (Indigenous Round feature match)
Furthermore, there have been some slight amendments to start times of football matches between Maryborough v South Bendigo:
Round 7: Maryborough v South Bendigo @ Princes Park Maryborough:
The BFNL and competing clubs also acknowledge that confirmed participation of all round 7 matches this weekend remains subject to change, as Castlemaine and Kyneton monitor and assess the ongoing health and wellbeing of all participants, team officials, and volunteers, and may make further decisions impacting round 7 scheduling as considered appropriate at any time prior to the match.
Whilst we appreciate this may present some uncertainty this weekend, we sincerely thank all clubs and members of the wider BFNL community for the varied support offered to both the Castlemaine and Kyneton FNCâs during this difficult time who will continue to make all decisions in the best interests of all club members.
The BFNL Board also wish to confirm that all round 6 matches between Kyneton and Castlemaine that were abandoned on Saturday the 27th of May 2023 due to the tragic circumstances, have been officially classified as abandoned within the relevant database in line with the definition of BFNL By-Law 13.4 Non-Completion of Matches:
Given this remains a fluid situation, any further relevant updates will be shared as received.
The Bendigo Football Netball League would like to announce and congratulate the following list of 17 & Under netball players who have been selected in the 2023 BFNL 17 & Under representative squad:
2023 BFNL 17 & UNDER REP SQUAD
The Bendigo FNL again welcome Nicole Donnellon and Sharni McPherson as co-coaches of the 17 & Under BFNL representative netball team to compete in the Netball Victoria Association Championships, after successfully leading the BFNL team to the Association Championships Finals in season 2022.
Nicole and Sharni bring a wealth of netball knowledge and growing levels of experience and success at BFNL, State, and regional Academy levels, and will again mentor and develop the brightest BFNL netball talent.
2023 KEY TOURNAMENT DATES
â Sunday 7th May Golden City Tournament (Bendigo)
â Sunday 14th May Echuca Tournament (Echuca)
â Sunday 21st May Netball Vic Association Championship - qualifying (Bendigo)
â Sunday 18th June Netball Vic Association Championship - finals (Melbourne)
BFNL Manager Cameron Tomlins said âThe Bendigo Football Netball League sincerely thank all players who were able to commit to the 2023 BFNL netball representative program for showing interest and attending the trial process. We congratulate all players who were selected for the initial 17 & Under squad, who may now receive opportunities to represent the BFNL in 2023â.
âWe also thank all players who trialled for season 2023 and were unsuccessful. The overall quality of the recent trials were of an incredibly high standard which is exciting for the future of BFNL netball. The BFNL wish all players the best with their future development and encourage them to trial for representative selection again in the future.â
GOLDEN Square regained its place as the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNLâs top dog as it fought for a one-goal win against Sandhurst in the senior footy grand final.
Thousands of fans packed Queen Elizabeth Oval for what was the 10th showdown between the great rivals for the Bendigo Advertiser premiership cup.
In a match where momentum swung wildly, especially in the final quarter it was the Christian Carter-coached Golden Square which held its nerve to win 71-65.
As he reflected on joining an elite group as a premiership player, captain, and now coach, Christian Carter declared the team of â23 was capable of a lot more success.
âI believe this group has the hunger and quality to string more premierships together.â
Carter was a key player in the clubâs golden era of 2009 to â13 when it won five consecutive premierships.
The victorious coach said it was a mixture of excitement and relief on capturing the clubâs 18th senior premiership.
âThis win means a lot to so many people, not just the 22 who played, but every player, official, volunteer, and supporter,â Carter said.
After an inaccurate first quarter in which it scored 2.6, Golden Square went to the break a point behind Sandhurst which had added 3.1.
In term two it was the Bulldogs on-ballers Ricky Monti, Ryan Hartley and Thomas Toma who started to take control around the contests.
Bulldogsâ ruckman Matt Compston had the daunting task against Hamish Hosking and was superb.
âThe way Matt changed his game and angles was brilliant,â said Carter.
A key strength for Square is it work at stoppages and ability to work the ball to a running team-mate.
In the second quarter the blue and gold added 3.2 to 1.2.
By half-time Golden Square was up 38-27 against a Dragons team coached by Ash Connick, non-playing, and Bryce Curnow, playing.
Sandhurst not only charged back into the contest in the third quarter, but to the front.
Young guns Noah Walsh and Sam Conforti were outstanding at the centre ball-ups and their running game started to hurt the opposition.
As the Dragons added 3.4 they kept the Dogs to a score of 1.1.
Sandhurst was up 49-45 going into the final term.
The Bulldogs regain the lead when Liam Barrett kicks the first of what would be three goals in the last quarter.
Sandhurst veteran Andy Collins marks and makes no mistake for Sandhurst to be up 55-52 in the early minutes of the term.
Consecutive goals by Barrett, one from a set-shot and the other a bouncing shot put Golden Square in front by eight points.
Talented teenager Archer Day-Wicks took another brilliant mark and goaled for the Dragons.
When Joel Brett handpassed to Liam Duguid in the clear to goal the Dogs led 71-63 in the 20th minute.
From there it was the Dragons who fired up and did plenty of attacking.
Golden Squareâs defence was under enormous pressure as Sandhurst was relentless in putting the ball back inside the forward 50m arc.
After 30 minutes of superb footy the siren sounded with Square in front, 10.11 (71) to 9.11 (65).
âThere were so many critical moments in that last quarter,â Carter said.
âOur ability to lock the ball in, pressure and tackle is what we work a lot in training.â
In an attack which featured the brilliance of Joel Brett and marking power of Braydon Vaz it was Liam Barrett who kicked a team-high three goals for the Bulldogs.
Brett finished with two goals as Liam Duguid, Hugh Freckleton, Ryan Hartley, Thomas Toma and Braydon Vaz added one each.
Best for the Bulldogs were Jack Geary who earned the Nalder Medal as best afield for the third time in his brilliant career.
The play of Ricky Monti, Tom Strauch, Matt Compston, Ryan Hartley and Thomas Toma was superb in that match which matters most.
In a season where he played his 250th game for Sandhurst, Matt Thornton led the attack on grand final day with three goals.
Andy Collins and Sam Conforti kicked two as Archer Day-Wicks and Jake McLean added one.
Noah Walsh earned the AFL Victoria medal and was Sandhurstâs best along with Sam Conforti, Hamish Hosking, Jake McLean, Isaac Ruff and Nicholas Stagg.
For most of Golden Squareâs team it was their first senior premiership victory.
League legend and Bulldogsâ captain Jack Geary marked his sixth.
It was another grand final win for the athletic Hamish Morcom who will now join Huntly as playing coach in the Heathcote DFNL.
Tom Strauch joined his late grandfather Neville Strauch and dad Dean Strauch as a premiership player for Golden Square.
It was a day to remember for all of the 22 players who took to the field for Golden Square, along with the coaches, support staff, volunteers and fans.
There were also the hard-luck stories of Jack Merrin and Terrence Reeves who had been hit by season-ending injuries.
Golden Square won 17 matches in a row to complete a superb season.
âThe loss to South Bendigo by a point in round four was the wake-up call we needed,â Carter said.
âAt the time we realised we were not as good as we thought we may have been.
âTo the boysâ credit they worked incredibly hard from there on in every match and training session.â
Golden Squareâs premiership-winning team:
B: Jake Thrum, Zack Shelton, Harrison Burke.
Hb: Jon Coe, Jayden Burke, Jack Hickman.
C: Jack Threlfall, Ricky Monti, Thomas Toma.
Hf: Hamish Morcom, Tom Strauch, Liam Barrett.
F: Jack Stewart, Braydon Vaz, Joel Brett.
Foll: Matt Compston, Jack Geary, Ryan Hartley.
Inter: Liam Duguid, Hugh Freckleton, Brodie James, Zavier Murley.
Emerg: Macey Eaton.
Coach: Christian Carter.
In the Harmac Homes-backed reserves competition it was Sandhurst which outplayed and outran Eaglehawk to taste premiership glory.
For the second time in four weeks it was the Jake McLean-coached Sandhurst which beat the Borough.
The Darcy Richards-coached Eaglehawk went into the grand final on a win-loss tally of 17-1 in the home and away series and had beaten Sandhurst in the second semi.
In the grand final the Dragons led 14-6 at quarter-time and 21-12 by half-time.
Quarter three was when the Dragons turned up the heat.
As Sandhurst scored 4.1 it held the Hawks to a score of 1.2.
Eaglehawk won the final quarter, 16-7, but it was a Sandhurst team captained by Pat OâFarrell which celebrated a 17-point victory.
Luke Crawford and Joel Wharton kicked two goals apiece in the 8.5 (53) to 5.6 (36) victory for the maroon and blue.
Other goalkickers for Sandhurst were Harrison Free, Jack Keating, Jacob Nihill and Sean OâFarrell.
Goalkickers for the Hawks were Jack Daley, Liam Drummond, Jacob Greenwood, Ethan Hanley and Ryan Wellington.
Best afield honours went to Sandhurstâs Harrison Free who was presented with the R.F. Turner Medal.
Also in the best for the Dragons were Harrison Free, Jack Keating, Martin Leyden, Tom Calvert, Sean OâFarrrell and Luke Crawford.
Jack Daley, Ethan Hanley, Oscar Madden, Harley Bourke, Mitchell Ronchieri and Sam Dean were best for the Two Blues.
It was back-to-back premiership wins for Gisborne in the SportsPower-backed under-18s competition.
A thrilling contest between Gisborne and Golden Square ended in a 53-49 victory for Gisborne.
At the end of a hard-fought opening term it was Golden Square which led 13-7.
The Rob Kerr-coached Gisborne dominated most of the second term and led 25-15 by half-time.
Golden Square won the third term, 15-12, and then took the lead in the final quarter.
Jointly coached by Rowan Warfe and Paul Hamilton, Golden Square had scored 3.1 in the last, but a second and final goal of the match by Gisborne clinched a four-point victory.
A four-goal haul by Gisborneâs James Gray earned the Rod Ashman Medal for best afield.
Other goalkickers for the red, white and blue were Jack Clough with two, Jarrod Ainsworth and Matthew Barake.
Golden Squareâs attack was led by Jack McMahon on three goals and he earned the AFL Victoria medal.
Other goalkickers for the blue and gold were Bailey Cain, Harrison Kelly, Tommi Turner and Noah Warfe.
Best for Gisborne were Kane Minns, James Gray, James Gentles, Ed Williams, Jarrod Ainsworth and Flynn Weber.
Jack McMahon, Nick Sherriff, Zac Wescott, Oliver Eaton, Xavier Carter and Tommi Turner were Golden Squareâs best.
THE Sandhurst Dragons will turn up the heat when they take on Golden Square in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy second semi-final on Saturday.
Itâs one-all in this seasonâs meetings between the Dragons and Dogs going into a big clash which starts at Queen Elizabeth Oval at 2.20pm.
A great run by the Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow-coached Sandhurst in the regular season was 16 wins, one loss, and a draw.
Sole defeat was on Golden Squareâs turf at Fur Life Oval in round 12 when the blue and gold was victorious by four goals.
When these teams met on the QEO in round three it was Sandhurst which retained the Ron Best Memorial trophy in a 94-59 result.
At selection, Sandhurst made two changes to the team which beat Eaglehawk in the 18th round on the QEO.
Premiership winner Nick Stagg is in, along with young gun Archer Day-Wicks.
There was no change to the Christian Carter-coached Golden Square team which won the qualifying final against Strathfieldsaye by 26 points.
There will be plenty of crucial match-ups in the second semi where the winner advances to the grand final.
A strong on-ball division for Sandhurst is led by ruckman Hamish Hosking and includes James Coghlan and Sam Conforti.
They will be up against Matt Compston, Bulldogsâ captain Jack Geary, and Ryan Hartley.
The Dragons have the marking power of Matt Thornton and Lachlan Wright in attack.
Golden Square will need big games from the likes of Jon Coe, Harrison Burke, Jake Thrum and Zack Shelton in defence.
Two of the competitionâs most versatile big men in Bryce Curnow for the Dragons and Jayden Burke for Square will play crucial roles in defence or attack.
Golden Squareâs attack is led brilliantly by Joel Brett and includes Braydon Vaz and Jack Stewart.
Big test for Dragonsâ defenders Liam Ireland, Tanner Nally and Isaac Ruff.
A great mix for Sandhurst includes the experience of Lee Coghlan, Andy Collins and Alex Wharton teamed with talented youngsters such as Caleb Connick, Cobi Maxted and Noah Walsh.
Highlight of Golden Squareâs qualifying final victory was the play of Jack Hickman, Tom Strauch and Jack Threlfall.
There is always plenty of feeling when Sandhurst and Golden Square meet.
A lot of that can be traced back to the early 70s when the Dragons lured Best the legendary goalkicker from Golden Square to be a premiership-winning coach for the maroon and blue.
Later on it was Brian Walsh who had won a Michelsen medal in â69 with Sandhurst, went on to play VFL with Carlton and Essendon.
On his return to Bendigo, Walsh went on to coach Golden Square to three senior premierships.
It will be Strathfieldsaye and Eaglehawk fighting to stay in the race for the Bendigo Advertiser premiership cup when they meet in Sundayâs first semi-final at 2.20pm.
Although it finished below Storm on the ladder, Eaglehawk won both of this seasonâs clashes with Strathfieldsaye by 78 and 54 points.
In the 14th round the Travis Matheson-coached Eaglehawk put together one of its best starts to the season as it led 51-6 at quarter-time of the clash with Storm at Canterbury Park.
Strathfieldsaye is on the rebound from a 26-point loss to Golden Square in the qualifying final.
The Darryl Wilson-coached Strathfieldsaye has added Malik Gordon to its squad.
Eaglehawkâs team is bolstered by the return of the hard-running and skilful Kallen Geary, a triple premiership winner with Strathfieldsaye.
Opponents on Sunday include Kallenâs brother Shannon, also a multiple premiership winner with Storm and now a 200-Club member.
The Hawks also brought in Charlie Hillier.
A key to this contest will be the on-ball duels where Storm has Tim Hosking, Michelsen medallist Jake Moorhead and Callum McCarty up against Connor Dalgleish, Billy Evans and Noah Wheeler.
Stormâs attack is led brilliantly by co-captain Lachlan Sharp who has kicked 93 goals and claimed the Ron Best Medal once again.
Other avenues to goal include James Schischka, Caleb Ernst and Baxter Slater.
Hawksâ defenders Dylan Hanley and Oscar Madden were superb in the elimination final win against South Bendigo.
Darcy Richards marked his return from suspension by kicking four goals last Sunday and is part of an attack that includes Lewin Davis and Cam McGlashan.
Stormâs defence is led by Lachlan Ratcliffe, Ben Lester, Mitch Hallinan and has the run of Luke Webb and Hunter Lawrence.
Other players to watch for the Borough are Marcus Angove, Clayton Holmes, Joel Mullen and Ben Thompson.
In the Harmac Homes-backed reserves competition it will be Eaglehawk against Sandhurst in the second semi-final from 12.15pm.
An unbeaten run by the Hawks was ended in the 18th round when the Dragons won 44-24 on the QEO.
Sandhurstâs best in that win included Xavier Walsh, Charlie Robinson, Will Moran, Jake Wilkiinson, Brodie Montague and James Venturini.
In round nine, Eaglehawk won a top contest, 57-50.
The Dragons kicked off their finals campaign by scoring an 81-28 victory against Golden Square in the qualifying final.
Sandhurstâs team for week two of the finals includes Martin Leyden, Harrison Monk, Patrick and Sean OâFarrell, and Connor Sexton.
The Hawksâ squad includes Jack Daley, Sam Dean, Liam Drummond, captain Rhys Foster, Jacob Greenwood, Bailey Ilsley, and Jack Lawton.
On Sunday it will be Golden Square against Strathfieldsaye in the first semi from 12.15pm.
The Bulldogs are on the rebound from a qualifying final defeat, while Storm marked a 46-point victory against Gisborne in the elimination final.
This seasonâs meetings between the Bulldogs and Storm went Squareâs way by eight and 45 points.
The Bulldogsâ squad for Sunday includes Drew Barrett, Macey Eaton, Alex Jenkyn, Will Lee, Dale Lowry, Will Lee and Mitchell Treacy.
Storm has the experience of captain Wade Kinniburgh and Lachlan Bonney.
Other players to watch for Strathfieldsaye include Ethan and Jai Featherby, Brady Hore, Carson James, Luke Rodda and Abe Sheahan.
In the SportsPower-backed under-18s competition it will be Golden Square against Gisborne in Saturdayâs second semi-final from 10.15am.
Both teams had a 16-2 run in the home-and-away series as Golden Square finished on top of the ladder.
In round, Golden Square marked a 75-44 win at home against Gisborne.
Next meeting was in the 15th round at Gardiner Reserve where Gisborne won by seven points.
Key players for Golden Square include co-captains Nick Sheffiff and Zackery Tickell, along with Ned Jenkyn, Harrison Kelly, Billy Meade, and Noah Warfe.
Gisborneâs best in the qualifying final win against Sandhurst were Jarrod Ainsworth, Ed Williams, Frankie Ellis and Lachlan Evans.
Captain Kane Minns, Lane Grech and Jack Long were best when Gisborne beat Golden Square in the round 15 clash.
On Sunday it will be Sandhurst against Maryborough in the first semi from 10.15am.
This seasonâs meetings have gone the Dragonsâ way by 14 and 45 points.
Best for Sandhurst in the qualifying final were Jack English, Wil Pinniger, Deakin Andrews and Declan Delaney.
The Dragonsâ line-up to face the Magpies includes Dayten Uerata, Alex Carr, Logan Kilcullen, Ed McCarthy, and Jack English.
Maryborough won the elimination final against Strathfieldsaye by 25 points as Taj Bond and Kaian Constable kicked three goals each.
This season Constable has played six senior games for the Magpies, and Bond in four.
Both will play key roles in Sundayâs match, along with Aidan Medlyn, Tom Myers, Damon Nitschke, Diesel Palmer and James Woods as they fight to stay in the premiership race.
ANOTHER upset victory is in the sights of Castlemaineâs team as it takes on Gisborne in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL A-grade netball preliminary final on Saturday.
The Magpies are just a win from capping a remarkable rise of no A-grade team a few years ago to now be in the grand final.
Gisborne stands in Castlemaineâs way of doing so on the court at Queen Elizabeth Oval.
The clash between the Bulldogs and Magpies starts at 3.20pm.
Whatever the result, Castlemaine or Gisborne will mark a long-awaited return to an A-grade final showdown with Sandhurst on September 23.
The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne began its finals campaign by scoring a 37-31 win against Kangaroo Flat in the qualifying final.
Next up was the unbeaten Sandhurst in the second semi.
The red, white and blue worked incredibly hard, but could not stop Sandhurst recording a 44-38 victory.
Castlemaineâs on a hot-streak.
Jointly coached by Fiona Fowler and Gary Cooke, Castlemaine won the elimination final against South Bendigo by 17 goals.
The Magpies then stunned Kangaroo Flat to score a 42-41 victory in last Sundayâs first semi-final.
Now the black and white army will be aiming to cheer their team to more glory.
This seasonâs meetings between Gisborne and Castlemaine stand at two-nil in favour of the Bulldogs.
In round two, Gisborne won 43-35 on Castlemaineâs court at Camp Reserve.
Defences were well on top as Gisborne won 29-28 at Gardiner Reserve in the 11th round.
A powerful Gisborne line-up includes Victory Fury representative Claudia Mawson, and also Zoe Davies who starred for Collingwood at the Netball Australia nationals and will soon be bound for England to play for Leeds Rhinos.
Other players to watch in the Gisborne team are Kirby Elliott and Tiana Newman.
Castlemaine will need big games from the likes of Jane OâDonohue, Emma Winfield, Charlotte McMurray and Caitlin Richardson.
The Magpiesâ squad includes Meg Ginnivan who earned the best-on-ground medal as Castlemaine beat Woorinen in the Champions IGA-backed CVFL senior womenâs footy grand final at the QEO.
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Gisborne.
Coach: Tarryn Rymer
Kirby Elliott (captain), Claudia Mawson (captain), Kiralee Collings, Rylee Connell, Zoe Davies, Charlee Kemp, Emerson Lakey, Tiana Newman, Torie Skrijel.
Castlemaine.
Co-coaches: Fiona Fowler, Gary Cooke.
Jane OâDonohue (captain), Kyla Byrne, Madeline Carter, Tara Ford, Fiona Fowler, Meg Ginnivan, Charlotte McMurray, Caitlin Richardson, Montaya Sardi, Mikaela Vaughan, Megan Wilson, Emma Winfield.
In the A-reserve competition it will Gisborne and Kangaroo Flat vying for a grand final berth from 2pm.
The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne is on the rebound from a 44-33 loss to Sandhurst in the second semi.
Kangaroo Flat started its finals series with a 23-goal loss to Sandhurst in the qualifying final.
The Nicole Donnellon-coached Kangaroos fought back for a 38-37 victory in the first semi againt South Bendigo.
Gisborne took the points against the Roos in both of their matches in the home-and-away series.
The Bulldogs won 51-38 at Kangaroo Flatâs Dower Park in the fourth round, and 43-30 at Gardiner Reserve in the 13th round.
Gisborne.
Coach: Tarryn Rymer.
Tazma Morris (captain), Bridget Salter (vice-captain), Jemma Denman, Emily McDonald, Bianca McKay, Eloise Rodda, Olivia Rodda, Alexandra Russ.
Kangaroo Flat.
Coach: Nicole Donnellon.
Emma Moroney (captain), Ashlee OâShea (vice-captain), Lani Burns, Bronte Deary, Molly Drum, Chloe Fletcher, Darcie Fry, Lara Judd, Rose Kennett, Bella Pearse, Isabella Pitto, Amaya Schmidt.
In B-grade it will be Sandhurst against Kangaroo Flat from 12.40pm.
B-grade at 12.40pm â Sandhurst v Kangaroo Flat.
Both were beaten by Gisborne across the opening two weeks of the finals series.
Kangaroo Flat went down, 41-55 in the qualifying final showdown with Gisborne.
Last Saturday it was Sandhurst which could not stop Gisborneâs charge to a 48-46 victory in the second semi.
Kangaroo Flat stayed in the premiership race as it scored a 49-47 win against Strathfieldsaye in the first semi.
In this seasonâs meetings, Sandhurst beat Kangaroo Flat by 23 goals at the QEO in round one.
The Dragons later won 49-39 on the Roosâ court at Dower Park in the 10th round.
Sandhurst.
Coach: Jarileey Schultz.
Briona Giddings (captain), Erica Dalrymple-Monro (vice-captain), Aimee Dean, Tahlia Isaac, Maggie Keating, Tarryn Knights, Eliza Oxley, Lucy Sherriff, Lily Trimby, Elli Williams.
Kangaroo Flat.
Coach: Laura Brooks.
Darcie Fry (captain), Nicola McIvor (captain), Bella Pearse (captain), Laura Brooks, Lani Burns, Molly Drum, Karly Elvey, Lucy Lang, Macey OâShea, Alex Rusbridge, Claudia Shelton, Rachel Winfield.
A big day for Kangaroo Flat includes the B-reserve team in action against Gisborne from 11.20am.
These teams met in the qualifying final which went the Roosâ way, 55-41.
A closely-fought second semi-final ended in a 45-43 win for Sandhurst against Kangaroo Flat.
Gisborne won the first semi against Strathfieldsaye Storm by five goals.
The Roos beat the Bulldogs by 17 goals in round four, and by 13 in the 13th round.
Kangaroo Flat.
Coach: Kate Newman
Shae Cairns (captain), Sophie Nicholson (captain), Lily Dickson, Madeline Dowling, Ashlye Faulkner, Lydia Lowndes, Gemma McPhee, Macey OâShea, Gemma Roberts, Alex Rusbridge, Claudia Shelton, Hayley Smith.
Gisborne.
Coach: Leesa Lord.
Sophia Davies (captain), Brooke Bernacki, Emma Cogger, Ellie Lord, Alex Matthews, Bec Merrett, Lily Prater, Maddison Russ, Brianah Thompson, Caitlyn Walker.
Preliminary final day begins with the 17-and-under match between Gisborne and Golden Square from 10am.
These teams met in the qualifying final in which Gisborne outplayed the blue and gold for a 53-40 result.
Gisborne is on the rebound from a 46-43 loss to Sandhurst in the second semi.
A 48-41 victory in the first semi against Strathfieldsaye kept Golden Squareâs premiership hopes alive.
This seasonâs meetings between the preliminary finalists stand at one-all.
Gisborne won 58-47 on Squareâs court at Fur Life Vet Oval in the sixth round.
Next time it was Golden Square which claimed a 49-44 win on Gisborneâs court.
Gisborne.
Coach: Rylee Connell.
Bella Connors (captain), Charlie Busby, Jessie Connors, Charlotte Davies, Olivia Fenn, Emma Joyce, Sapphy McCarthy, Charlotte Taylor, Dasha Taylor.
Golden Square.
Coach: Lauren Swatton.
Charli Crawford, Charli Hamilton, Lilly Hope, Emma Keating, Keira Lawry, Kaylah Moon, Daisy Stringer, Holly Swatton, Abbi Wells.
Clubs honour legendary Ron Best
THE Ron Best Memorial Shield is up for grabs as Golden Square tackles Sandhurst in Saturdayâs match to complete the split sixth round of senior footy in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.
Two of the competitionâs 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 â73 premiership team.
He also starred in the Dragonsâ run to grand final glory in â77.
By â79 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 â84 and starred in the first of Northern Unitedâs 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 FNLâs history, but itâs 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 Sandhurstâs unbeaten streak.
Most recent meeting between these clubs was last Septemberâs 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 â23 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 yearâs 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.
Thereâs 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 Saturdayâs 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 Septemberâs grand final victory.
Just eight of the premiership-winning team of â23 are in the Bulldogs line-up for Saturdayâs clash which starts at 2.20pm on the Simpsons Road ground.
In his debut as Squareâs 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.
Itâs 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 Hawksâ 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 Stormâs turf at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsayeâs 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 itâs Steven Stroobants and Isaiah Miller who team up playing co-coaches.
For Storm itâs 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 Southâs attack is Zavier Holmes who had kicked 80 goals in 11 matches for North Bendigoâs 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 dayâs play will be completed with the twilight clash between Kangaroo Flat and Sandhurst on the Roosâ 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 Roosâ 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 â23, 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 Castlemaineâs 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 Kenningtonâs 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 200th senior footy match when he leads the Bulldogs in Saturdayâs start to the Bendigo Bank Football Netball League season.
The Bulldogs will be determined to cap Gearyâs 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.
Itâs a big test for the Christian Carter-coached Golden Square against Kyneton.
The Bulldogs have kept the majority of the team which reached last seasonâs 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 seasonâs grand finalists, Gisborne at Strathfieldsaye should draw a big crowd to Gisborneâs Gardiner Reserve.
Itâs 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 itâs 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 Stormâs matches last season.
Storm also named two of the prized recruits, Jack Exell and Alex Powell on a âfromâ interchange.
Michelsen medallist Jake Moorhead will play a key role in and around the packs, as will Riley Wilson, Callum McCarty and Lachlan Gill.
Stormâs 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 â 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 â22 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 seasonâs 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 Kerangâs premiership team in â22.
The Dragons have also welcomed back favourite son Nick Stagg after last seasonâ stint with the Kerang Blues.
Former coach Andy Collins bolsters the Dragonsâ 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.
Itâs a tough initation for Nathan Johns to his coaching stint with Kangaroo Flat.
Johns brings plenty of coaching experience to lead a young Roosâ 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 OâKeefe, 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.
