Golden Square

Golden Square nets long-awaited victory

GOLDEN Square marked its first A-grade netball victory in more than two seasons in Saturday’s third round of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

The Chris O’Sullivan-coached Golden Square fought from six goals down at half-time of the match on Castlemaine’s court at Camp Reserve to lead by three goals going into the final term.

A match-high tally of 16 goals by the blue and gold in the third was followed by winning the last, 10-9, against the Chloe Hughes-coached Magpies.

At the final whistle Golden Square led 40-36.

It was a stunning performance by the Bulldogs who had endured a run of 39 consecutive defeats.

Strathfieldsaye Storm moved to the top of the ladder following a six-goal win against Eaglehawk.

The Steph Freemantle-coached Storm was down by margins of one, one and two goals across the quarter-time breaks.

In the last it was Strathfieldsaye which took control against the Kylie Piercy-coached Eaglehawk to win the term, 10-2, and the match, 33-27.

Kangaroo Flat jumped away to a 20-goal lead by quarter-time of its match against South Bendigo on the Roos’ court at Dower Park.

The Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroos led 24-4 by the first break.

Quarter two was more evenly fought as the Roos added 11 goals and the Alicia McGlashan-coached Bloods scored eight.

Kangaroo Flat won the next two terms, 14-6 and 11-9  as it ran out 60-27 victors.

It was a rest for Gisborne as Maryborough is not fielding an A-grade team.

The Bulldogs and Magpies contested the lower grades at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve.

Sandhurst had the bye.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

Strathfieldsaye 124 per cent, 8 points; Kangaroo Flat 135, 4; Castlemaine 114, 4; Gisborne 110, 4; Eaglehawk 107, 4; Sandhurst 103, 4; Golden Square 80, 4; South Bendigo 66, 4.

In next Saturday’s fourth round, South Bendigo is home at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington to take on Gisborne.

Eaglehawk and Castlemaine meet in the feature match of Pat Cronin Foundation Round.

Golden Square is home on the Wade Street court to face Kangaroo Flat.

It’s a bye for Sandhurst in A-grade, but the Dragons will make their way to Maryborough’s Princes Park to play the Magpies in all other grades.

Strathfieldsaye has the bye.

Round three scoreboard:

A-reserve:

Castlemaine 55 d Golden Square 37, Strathfieldsaye 59 d Eaglehawk 39, Kangaroo Flat 55 d South Bendigo 40, Gisborne 54 d Maryborough 31, Sandhurst bye.

B-grade:

Castlemaine 33 d Golden Square 29, Strathfieldsaye 51 d Eaglehawk 40, Kangaroo Flat 46 d South Bendigo 33, Gisborne 70 d Maryborough 15, Sandhurst bye.

B-reserve:

Castlemaine 37 lt Golden Square 66, Strathfieldsaye 53 d Eaglehawk 36, Kangaroo Flat 30 lt South Bendigo 37, Gisborne 94 d Maryborough 18, Sandhurst bye.

17-and-under:

Castlemaine 45 lt Golden Square 56, Strathfieldsaye 61 d Eaglehawk 24, Kangaroo Flat 25 lt South Bendigo 38, Gisborne 40 lt Maryborough 46, Sandhurst bye.

League ladders:

A-reserve:

Strathfieldsaye 148 per cent, 12 points; Gisborne 139, 8; Kangaroo Flat 108, 6; Maryborough 96, 6; Castlemaine 98, 4; Sandhurst 97, 4; Eaglehawk 86, 4; South Bendigo 80, 4; Golden Square 72, 0.

B-grade:

Strathfieldsaye 132 per cent, 12 points; Gisborne 200, 8; Kangaroo Flat 136, 8; Castlemaine 102, 8; Sandhurst 101, 4; Eaglehawk 94, 4; South Bendigo 85, 4; Golden Square 80, 8; Maryborough 40, 0.

B-reserve:

Strathfieldsaye 129 per cent, 12 points; South Bendigo 145, 8; Sandhurst 136, 8; Gisborne 201, 4; Kangaroo Flat 150, 4; Eaglehawk 126, 4; Golden Square 89, 4; Castlemaine 60, 4; Maryborough 33, 0.

17-and-under:

Golden Square 172 per cent, 12 points; Maryborough 136, 12; Sandhurst 221, 8; South Bendigo 133, 8; Strathfieldsaye 132, 8; Castlemaine 76, 0; Gisborne 68, 0; Kangaroo Flat 43, 0; Eaglehawk 29, 0.

SOUTH Bendigo won a thrilling clash on Golden Square’s turf in Saturday’s fourth round of senior footy in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

The Bloods had not won at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street for many years.

The team in red and white snapped Square’s streak in a dramatic 76-75 result.

On the rebound from defeat, Golden Square led 28-14 at quarter-time, but the Bloods lifted to win the second, 4.3 to 1.2, and led 41-36 by the main break.

A high-scoring third quarter was marked by both line-ups scoring five goals apiece.

The Christian Carter-coached Bulldogs were back in front, 68-67.

There were plenty of defensive efforts and stoppages in the final quarter.

The Bloods score of 1.3 to 1.1 was enough to take the premiership points.

Bloods’ small forward Brock Harvey kicked four goals against his former club.

The pace and skill of Will Keck and Steven Stroobants was always going to test the Dogs and it did as they booted two goals apiece for the Nathan Horbury-coached Bloods.

Captain Jack Geary led Golden Square’s attack on three goals as Hugh Freckleton and Braydon Vaz added two each.

Bloods’ ruckman Mac Cameron played a crucial role in the victory as did Oscar White, Brock Harvey, Braydan Torpey, Tait Poyser and Isaiah Miller.

Golden Square’s best were Jayden Burke, Matt Compston, Jon Coe, Ricky Monti, Ryan Hartley and Jack Geary.

Sandhurst overcame a slow start to score a five-goal win against Strathfieldsaye on Storm’s turf at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane.

Despite illness and injury testing club depth, Storm started well to lead 14-7 at quarter-time.

Defences were well on top in the second term, but the Dragons score of 2.3 to 0.4  gave them a four-point buffer at the main break.

Both teams scored four goals apiece in the third as Sandhurst led 50-42 at a quarter to play.

Led by James Coghlan, Andy Collins and Isaac Ruff, Sandhurst fired up dominate most of the last term.

The Dragons scored 4.5 to 1.1 to complete a 79-49 victory.

Andy Collins and Lachlan Wright led Sandhurst’s attack on two goals each.

Storm key forward James Schischka kicked a match-high three goals as captain Lachlan Sharp chipped in with two.

Best for a Dragons team jointly coached by Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow included Cooper Smith, Noah Walsh and Matt Wilkinson.

Mitch Hallinan, Jed Brereton, James Schischka, Jake Moorhead, Lachlan Ratcliffe and Luke Webb were best for the Darryl Wilson-coached Storm.

Gisborne kicked away in the second half to score a 94-42 win against Kangaroo Flat on the Roos’ ground at Dower Park.

The Brad Fox-coached Gisborne led 22-15 at quarter-time and 42-27 by the long break.

In the third it was the Bulldogs who did plenty of attacking.

Gisborne scored 5.7 and held the Roos to just three points.

Matthew Merett went on to kick a match-high three goals as Shane Clough, Hayden Doricic and Macklan Lord added two each in a 94-42 win by the reigning premier.

The only multiple goalkicker for the Roos was Connor Evans on two.

Gisborne’s best were on-baller Flynn Lakey, Matt Merrett, Sam Graham, Braidon Blake, Luke Ellings and Macklan Lord.

Connor Evans, Noah Furlong, Liam Collins, Toby Roberts, Sam Barnes and Ryan O’Keefe worked hard for the Nathan Johns-coached Kangaroos.

Kyneton broke a three-match losing streak in a big way.

The Paul Chapman-coached Tigers scored 28 goals in a 156-point win against Maryborough at Kyneton Showgrounds.

It was a memorable 150^th match for key defender Harrison Huntley who also kicked two goals.

The classy Cameron Manuel won plenty of contests and kicked three goals in a best afield performance for the yellow and black.

Jake Summers kicked a match-high five goals.

Gun recruit Thomas Quinn kicked four goals and Ethan Foreman marked his best match in his return to Tigerland from Gisborne by booting four goals.

Other multiple goalkickers for Kyneton were captain James Orr, three; and Bailey McGee, two.

Goalkickers for Maryborough were Chris Freeman, Jai Howell, Matt Johnston, and captain Ty Stewart.

The Tigers’ best included Brady Muir, Jye Chambers, Ethan Foreman, Jake Summers and Dom Bennington.

Chris Freeman, Lucas Hurse, Jake Postle, Jai Howell, Cobie Read and Alex Brown were best for the Coby Perry-coached Magpies.

Eaglehawk’s forwards capitalised on the workrate of the midfield and on-ballers to score 30 goals in the clash with Castlemaine on the Borough’s turf at Canterbury Park.

The Hawks scored 9.2 to a point in the first quarter and kicked away to lead 92-13 by half-time.

It was another nine-goal blitz in the third as Kallen Geary, ruckman Connor Dalgleish, and small forward Lewin Davis dominated.

The unbeaten Two Blues went on to win 199-33 against a young Castleamine team coached by Brendan Shepherd.

Davis kicked a match-high six goals and Darcy Richards added four.

The Geary brothers, Jarryn and Kallen chipped in with three, as did co-captain Billy Evans.

Castlemaine’s leading goalkicker was Callum McConachy on two.

Best for the Travis Matheson-coached Hawks included Marcus Angove, Billy Evans and Ben Thompson.

Brodie Byrne, Matt Filo, Callum McConachy, Liam Wilkinson, David Wilson and Jack Sutherland were best for the Magpies.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Eaglehawk 355 per cent, 16 points; Sandhurst 172, 16; South Bendigo 141, 12; Strathfieldsaye 126, 8; Gisborne 125, 8; Golden Square 112, 8; Kyneton 94, 4; Kangaroo Flat 67, 4; Castlemaine 28, 4; Maryborough 26, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

12 Will Keck, South Bendigo.

12 James Schischka, Strathfieldsaye.

12 Lachlan Sharp, Strathfieldsaye.

11 Joel Brett, Golden Square.

10 Steven Stroobants, South Bendigo.

10 Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst.

9 Lewin Davis, Eaglehawk.

9 Brock Harvey, South Bendigo.

9 Cameron McGlashan, Eaglehawk.

9 Thomas Quinn, Kyneton.

8 Kallen Geary, Eaglehawk.

8 Matt Thornton, Sandhurst.

7 Zac Denahy, Gisborne.

7 Sam Griffiths, South Bendigo.

7 Ryan Hartley, Golden Square.

7 Noah Wheeler, Eaglehawk.

The Graeme Wright Memorial Cup will be up for grabs when South Bendigo meets Sandhurst in next Saturday’s round five showdown at Harry Trott Oval in Neale Street, Kennington.

Maryborough is on home turf at Princes Park to take on Golden Square.

Castlemaine and Kangaroo Flat clash on the Magpies’ turf at Camp Reserve.

Strathfieldsaye is back at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane to host Eaglehawk.

Gisborne and Kyneton fight for premiership points at Gardiner Reserve.

Square targets back-to-back victories

AFTER breaking its winless run, Golden Square will target back-to-back victories in this Saturday’s fourth round of A-grade netball action in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

Golden Square will be on its court in Wade Street to face Golden Square on a day where the BFNL throws its support behind the Pat Cronin Foundation.

The Chris O’Sullivan-coached Golden Square teamed superbly in the Anzac round match at Catslemaine’s Camp Reserve.

A brilliant effort by the blue and gold was capped with a 40-36 victory against last season’s preliminary finalist.

Another huge challenge for Golden Square this round against a powerful Kangaroo Flat line-up.

The Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroos outplayed South Bendigo to score a 60-27 victory in last Saturday’s play on the Dower Park court.

Feature match of the Pat Cronin Foundation Round will be Eaglehawk against Castlemaine at Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park.

The Hawks and Magpies are both on the rebound from defeat.

The Kylie Piercy-coached Eaglehawk worked hard, but could not the take the points in a 33-27 defeat on Strathfieldsaye’s court at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane.

Castlemaine will be determined to bounce back from a home-court loss to Golden Square.

A win-loss tally of one-one has the Chloe Hughes-coached Castlemaine in third place.

After a rest on Good Friday for the stand-alone match as Maryborough is not fielding an A-grade team, Castlemaine marked a 41-27 win against South Bendigo at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

The Magpies were outpointed by Golden Square in Anzac round.

Another big match will be at Harry Trott Oval in Neale Street, Kennington where South Bendigo takes on Gisborne.

The Alicia McGlashan-coached Bloods are one-two following losses to Castlemaine and Kangaroo Flat.

Big test for the red and white against the reigning premier.

It’s been a disjointed run for the Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne which had a bye in round one, beat Sandhurst by four goals at the QEO in round two.

Gisborne was home at Gardiner Reserve for last Saturday’s play against Maryborough.

There was no play in A-grade, but the Bulldogs and Magpies clashed in the other grades.

It’s consecutive Saturdays where the Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst will not play.

The Dragons had the bye last round and are drawn to play at Maryborough’s Princes Park in the fourth round.

Strathfieldsaye has the bye.

The Steph Freemantle-coached Storm starts the round sitting in top spot.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

Strathfieldsaye 124 per cent, 8 points; Kangaroo Flat 135, 4; Castlemaine 114, 4; Gisborne 110, 4; Eaglehawk 107, 4; Sandhurst 103, 4; Golden Square 80, 4; South Bendigo 66, 4.

Gisborne wins dog-fight with Golden Square

GISBORNE reigned supreme in the battle of the Bulldogs with Golden Square in Saturday’s fifth round of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s senior footy action.

The Rob Waters-coached Gisborne marked a superb start to the match on their turf at Gardiner Reserve.

A tally of seven goals as it kept the visitors to a goal in the opening term meant Gisborne led 46-8 by the first break.

Golden Square fought back to score 3.4 in the second, but the hosts led 74-30 by the long break.

Defences were on top in the third as Gisborne scored 2.3 to a point.

Brilliant forward Pat McKenna went on kick five goals and gun on-baller Brad Bernacki added four as Gisborne won 104-56.

The red, white and blue also had Matt Merrett chip in with two goals.

Leading goalkickers for Golden Square were Jack Stewart and Tom Strauch on two.

Gisborne’s best were Liam Spear, Brad Bernacki, Braidon Blake, Flynn Lakey, Matt Merrett and Jarrad Lynch in his 200^th senior match.

Best for the Brad Eaton-coached Golden Square were Tom Strauch, Ricky Monti, Jon Coe, Jordan Rosengren, Dylan Hird and Zack Shelton.

Strathfieldsaye was too strong for a determined Castlemaine in the Magpies’ home at Camp Reserve.

Storm star Shannon Geary marked his 250^th senior match in the Bendigo FNL.

The Storm led 25-16 at quarter-time and 52-25 by the main break.

Both teams added 2.3 in the third term.

Key forward James Schischka kicked a match-high four goals as Strathfieldsaye won 87-58.

Other multiple goalkickers for the Luke Freeman-coached Storm were Malik Gordon and Riley Wilson, two.

Castlemaine coach Michael Hartley kicked two goals, as did Kalan Huntly.

Storm’s best were Riley Wilson, Malik Gordon, Darcy Mulquiny, James Schischka, Matt Harvey and Ethan Featherby.

Best for Castlemaine were Zavier Murley, Zach Greeves, Curtis McLennan, Bailey Henderson, Brodie Byrne and Nicholas Woodman.

Eaglehawk doubled Kangaroo Flat’s score to record a 102-51 victory on the Roos’ ground at Dower Park.

The Travis Matheson-coached Eaglehawk turned a 15-point lead at quarter-time into a 33-point buffer by the main break after it scored 4.2 to 1.2 in the second term.

A closely-fought third term went the Hawks’ way, 26-21.

Jonty Neaves, Darcy Richards and Ben Thompson led the Two Blues attack on three goals as Mitch Ronchieri added two.

The talented Jack Lefroy booted two goals for the Kangaroos.

Best for Eaglehawk were Joel Mullen, Billy Evans, Ben Thompson, Brayden Frost, Jonty Neaves and Brady Rowles.

Kyle Symons, Jack Lefroy, Corey Ash, Josh Leersen, Ethan Roberts and Luke Ellings were best for the Michael Ellings-coached Kangaroos.

A 10-goal haul in Sandhurst’s big win against South Bendigo has put Fergus Greene in front in the race for the Ron Best Medal goalkicking award.

The Dragons hot form continued against the Bloods at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Sandhurst led 107-19 by half-time after it scored eight goals in the first and matched the feat in the second.

As Greene capped off many moves the former Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn forward also had team-mates Noah Walsh, three;. and Caleb Connick, Lachie Hood, Matt Wilkinson chip in with two goals.

There were no multiple goalkickers for the Bloods.

Best for a Sandhurst team coached by Ash Connick, non-playing, and Bryce Curnow, playing, were Fergus Greene, Lachlan Tardrew, Cobi Maxted, Lachie Hood, Harrison Free and Jake McLean.

Oliver Turnbull, Tait Poyser, Zac Hare, Alex Smith, Zavier Holmes and Brody Haddow worked hard for the Steven Stroobants and Isaiah Miller-coached Bloods.

Maryborough had the bye.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 529 per cent, 16 points; Strathfieldsaye 139, 16; Gisborne 331, 12; Eaglehawk 145, 12; Golden Square 98, 8; Kangaroo Flat 65, 8; Castlemaine 87, 4; South Bendigo 54, 4; Maryborough 19, 0.

The split sixth round kicks off next Saturday.

Match of the day will be Eaglehawk on its turf at Canterbury Park against Gisborne.

Strathfieldsaye will be home at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane to take on Kangaroo Flat.

South Bendigo tackles Maryborough in the Bloods’ home at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington’s Neale Street.

Castlemaine has the bye.

The round will be completed on May 25 when Golden Square and Sandhurst fight for the Ron Best Memorial Shield at Golden Square’s Wade Street ground.

The match honours the legendary goalkicker who was a premiership-winner at the Bulldogs and Dragons in the 1970s.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

26 - (10) - Fergus Greene - Sandhurst 
22 - (5) - Pat McKenna - Gisborne 
21 - (1) - Brock Harvey - South Bendigo 
18 - (2) - Michael Hartley - Castlemaine 
17 - (1) - Lachlan Wright - Sandhurst 
16 - (0) - Harry Luxmoore - Gisborne 
12 - (4) - James Schischka - Strathfieldsaye 
11 - (3) - Noah Walsh - Sandhurst 
10 - (3) - Jonty Neaves - Eaglehawk 
9 - (1) - Jayden Burke - Golden Square 
9 - (2) - Jack Stewart - Golden Square 
9 - (0) - Bailey Henderson - Castlemaine 
9 - (1) - Justin Bateson - Kangaroo Flat 
9 - (0) - Lachlan Tardrew - Sandhurst 
9 - (3) - Darcy Richards - Eaglehawk 
8 - (0) - Steven Stroobants - South Bendigo 
8 - (4) - Bradley Bernacki - Gisborne 
8 - (0) - Harry Whitty - Kangaroo Flat 
8 - (1) - Cobi Maxted - Sandhurst 
8 - (0) - Joel Wharton - Sandhurst 
7 - (1) - Zachary Greeves - Castlemaine 
7 - (2) - Malik Gordon - Strathfieldsaye 
7 - (0) - Zac Denahy - Gisborne 
7 - (0) - Fraser Russell - Maryborough 
7 - (0) - Sam Graham - Gisborne 

IT WILL be Golden Square or Gisborne which carries “top dog” tag after Saturday’s showdown in round six of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s senior footy action.

After a general bye, the league’s two breed of Bulldogs take to Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street at 2.20pm.

There’s plenty at stake for both clubs.

Victory for Golden Square, third on a 3-2 record would ensure it stays in the top three.

Gisborne is fifth on a 2-3 tally and in danger of dropping from the five should Strathfieldsaye beat South Bendigo.

The Christian Carter-coached Golden Square has plenty of run through midfield and attacking options.

Those traits were on show in the 239-point win at Maryborough in round five.

On that day key forward Braydon Vaz took 22 marks and racked up 36 disposals and eight goals to earn the Barry Plant Player of the Round award.

Playing at centre half-forward, Vaz is a crucial cog in a Golden Square attack that includes Ron Best medallist Joel Brett.

After playing in defence the past two games the strong-marking Jayden Burke was named at full-forward.

A major strength for Square is midfield and on-ball through the likes of captain Jack Geary, Ryan Hartley, Tom Toma, Ricky Monti and ruckman Matt Compston.

The defence led by Jon Coe, Zack Shelton and Liam Duguid will play crucial roles.

Gisborne’s attack is led by premiership-winning captain Pat McKenna and includes the skilful Matt Merrett and the powerfully-built Zac Denahy.

Ruckman Braidon Blake and rover Flynn Lakey have been outstanding for the Brad Fox-coached Gisborne all season.

The play of captain Jack Reaper at full-back, Luke Ellings and Seb Bell-Bartels in midfield, Sam Graham and Liam Spear will go a long way toward Gisborne marking an important victory.

Another big match will be at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval where South Bendigo takes on Strathfieldsaye.

Both are on the rebound from defeat.

The Nathan Horbury-coached Bloods have a 3-2 record which includes a one-point win at Golden Square in the fifth round.

Defeats for South Bendigo have been to the ladder-leading Eaglehawk and Sandhurst.

A Bloods’ attack led by Steven Stroobants, Brock Harvey and Will Keck will trouble Storm because of their quick leads and work at ground level.

Mac Cameron is in the ruck for South Bendigo and provided many opportunities for on-ballers Cooper Leon, Brody Haddow and coach Nathan Horbury.

In defence it will be Isaiah Miller, Braydan Torpey and captain Zac Hare who provide plenty of rebound.

Illness and injury have tested Strathfieldsaye’s depth all season.

The Darryl Wilson-coached Storm does regain captain Lachlan Sharp, a multiple premiership winner, Michelsen medallist and dual Ron Best medallist in attack.

Strathfieldsaye’s attack that has the marking power of James Schischka and Jed Brereton, and Baxter Slater and Shannon Geary roving will test the Bloods.

Other key players for Storm include ruck-rover and Michelsen medallist Jake Moorhead, Callum McCarty, Tim Hosking, Mitch Hallinan and Lachlan Gill.

The eyes of the Kyneton Tigers are on a third consecutive victory when they are at home to play Castlemaine.

A 75-73 win at Gisborne has injected a lot of positivity at Tigerland.

Key players in the winning run by the yellow and black include Cameron Manuel, Thomas Quinn, Harrison Huntley, Ethan Foreman and Jake Summers.

The Tigers also have captain James Orr, Jordan and Lucas Iudica and Hamish Yunghanns capable of winning many contests.

Castlemaine played well against Kangaroo Flat in round five, but the Magpies could not sustain the defensive intensity in the second half.

The Brendan Shepherd-coached Magpies will look to Matt Filo, Callum McConachy, Liam Wilkinson, Brodie and Jackson Byrne, and Brad Keogh to put the Tigers under pressure.

Kangaroo Flat is back on its ground at Dower Park to take on the ladder-leading Eaglehawk.

Accuracy played a key role in Kangaroo Flat’s win at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve.

The Roos scored 9.1 in the first half on their way to an eight-goal victory.

Pressure on Flat’s forwards will be much higher this round.

The Nathan Johns-coached Roos have worked hard for a win-loss tally of 2-3.

Highs for the Roos include the play of Jordan and Zac Rouse, Ryan O’Keefe, Mitch Trewhella, and co-captains Mitch Collins and Ethan Roberts.

Gach Chuol was named in the ruck to take on Connor Dalgleish.

It will take a determined effort by all 22 in the Roos’ line-up to take this contest right up to the Two Blues.

The defensive play of the Travis Matheson-coached Hawks was outstanding as they held Strathfieldsaye to just two goals in round five.

A talented line-up from the Borough includes Billy Evans, Cameron McGlashan, Clayton Holmes, Liam Marciano and Joel Mullen.

The Geary brothers, Kallen and Shannon were not named.

Sandhurst is back at Queen Elizabeth Oval to take on Maryborough.

Dragons’ co-coaches Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow will want to see the team bring the same intensity to the contest as it has in recent weeks against Golden Square and South Bendigo.

Ruckman Hamish Hosking has starred in all of the Dragons’ wins.

A talented crop of youngsters that includes Noah Walsh, Cooper Smith and Lachie Hood has impressed in Sandhurst’s streak.

The Dragons also have Curnow, Lee Coghlan and Andy Collins back in action.

It’s been a tough start to Coby Perry’s coaching stint with Maryborough.

The Magpies were up against a Golden Square team determined to make a statement last round.

A Maryborough defence that includes Kya Lanfranchi, Jake Postle, Josh Britten and Jack Shay is likely to be in for another busy day.

The Magpies’ back six will rely greatly on the pressure and workrate of the on-ballers and midfielders to not allow the Dragons an easy run to the forward 50m arc.

It’s an incredibly young Maryborough team which relies a lot on Matt Johnston, Chris Freeman and Joel Swatton and the experience they provide.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Eaglehawk 369 per cent, 20 points; Sandhurst 178, 20; Golden Square 190, 12; South Bendigo 112, 12; Gisborne 119, 8; Strathfieldsaye 98, 8; Kyneton 95, 8; Kangaroo Flat 85, 8; Castlemaine 32, 4; Maryborough 19, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

21 Joel Brett, Golden Square.

14 Will Keck, South Bendigo.

13 Braydon Vaz, Golden Square.

13 Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst.

12 James Schischka, Strathfieldsaye.

12 Lachlan Sharp, Strathfieldsaye.

12 Steven Stroobants, South Bendigo.

11 Thomas Quinn, Kyneton.

10 Lewin Davis, Eaglehawk.

10 Ryan Hartley, Golden Square.

10 Cameron Manuel, Kyneton.

10 Cam McGlashan, Eaglehawk.

9 Brock Harvey, South Bendigo.

9 Liam Marciano, Eaglehawk.

9 Darcy Richards, Eaglehawk.

9 Matt Thornton, Sandhurst.

8 Kallen Geary, Eaglehawk.

Big test for Square against Sandhurst

GOLDEN Square faces a huge test against a skilful Sandhurst team in Saturday’s end to the split sixth round of A-grade netball in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

It’s more than premiership points at stake at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street as both clubs compete in the Ron Best Memorial Shield matches.

The Bulldogs and Dragons honour the legendary goalkicker who played at both clubs in a brilliant career which kicked off in the late 60s, charged through the 70s, and early 80s.

On the netball court the Chris O’Sullivan-coached Golden Square will be determined to bring a high level of defensive intensity.

Although it has a one-four record, Golden Square’s been a lot more competitive in this season’s action.

A highlight was a 40-36 victory on Castlemaine’s court at Camp Reserve in round three.

Past two rounds for Golden Square have been against two of the league’s strongest teams, Kangaroo Flat and Gisborne.

The showdown with the Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroos ended in a 35-90 loss for the blue and gold at home.

A week later and Golden Square headed down the Calder Highway to play reigning premier Gisborne at Gardiner Reserve.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne won by 27 goals.

It’s been a disjointed run for Sandhurst.

After a 46-39 win on Kangaroo Flat’s court at Dower Park in round one, Sandhurst met Gisborne in the rematch of the ’23 grand finalists at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Another superb contest ended in a 42-38 win for Gisborne.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst then had an extended break.

A bye for all of the Dragons’ teams in round three was followed by another rest a week later for A-grade because Maryborough is not fielding a line-up in the top division.

Sandhurst marked its return to the court at Queen Elizabeth Oval by scoring a 64-14 victory against South Bendigo in round five.

In last Saturday’s start to round six, Kangaroo Flat scored a 59-31 win against Strathfieldsaye on Storm’s court in Tannery Lane.

Gisborne marked its trek to Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park by winning by 28 goals.

It was a bye for Castlemaine, and also a rest for South Bendigo in A-grade as the Bloods hosted Maryborough at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval.

For Golden Square, Saturday’s match will be just the second it plays in the run to the halfway mark of the season.

The Bulldogs are drawn to play at Maryborough in round seven, will be home to take on South Bendigo a week later on King’s Birthday weekend, and then have the bye.

Sandhurst’s run across the next few weeks is Eaglehawk at the QEO, at Strathfieldsaye’s Triple M Park in round eight, and home against Castlemaine.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

Kangaroo Flat 210 per cent, 16 points; Gisborne 163, 16; Strathfieldsaye 112, 12; Sandhurst 155, 8; Eaglehawk 72, 8; Castlemaine 78, 4; Golden Square 61, 4; South Bendigo 54, 4.

AFTER being perched on top of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder two weeks ago, Eaglehawk is now fighting to avoid a hat-trick of defeats in this Saturday’s eighth round.

The Hawks make their way to Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street to take on the Bulldogs.

A fortnight ago the Hawks were 5-0 and flying.

A three-point loss at Kangaroo Flat was followed by the 76-77 defeat from Kyneton in the feature match of Indigenous Round last Saturday.

Eaglehawk coach Travis Matheson will not hit the panic button just yet, but another loss will put a top-three berth in jeopardy.

The Christian Carter-coached Golden Square has the midfield depth and attacking power to test the Borough all match.

Last round the Bulldogs won 130-27 on Castleamine’s turf at Camp Reserve.

Last season’s Ron Best medallist for leading goalkicker, Joel Brett kicked seven goals at Castlemaine and looms as a huge threat.

The Bulldogs also have the marking power of Jayden Burke and Brayon Vaz, and the athletic Hamish Morcom capable of taking a speccy or two.

Eaglehawk’s back six includes Dylan Hanley, Charlie Laangford, Sam Thompson and Kallen Geary.

A triple premiership winner in his time at Strathfieldsaye, Kallen Geary has made a welcome return to the Hawks.

The Borough also regained Jarryn Geary after he called time on a 207-game career with St Kilda.

Jarryn has played six matches in his return to the Two Blues, but was not named in the 23 on Thursday night.

The Hawks’ attack includes co-captain Cam McGlashan, Darcy Richards, Lewin Davis and Dillon Williams.

Back at the Borough after a stint with Nightcliff in the NTFL last summer, Sam Harper will be up against his former club.

Another former Bulldog in Liam Marciano will also be in the Hawks’ forward line.

In the midfield it’s Golden Square’s Liam Barrett, Ryan Hartley and Zavier Murley taking on Dylan Hird, Ben Thompson and Joel Mullen.

Other players to watch for the Dogs are Matt Compston, captain Jack Geary, Ricky Monti and Tom Toma.

The Hawks’ on-ball division of ruckman Connor Dalgleish, Noah Wheeler and co-captain Billy Evans will play crucial roles.

South Bendigo is back at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington’s Neale Street to take on Gisborne.

The Nathan Horbury-coached South Bendigo has a 4-3 record and plenty to play for.

Win and the Bloods stay in touch with the top three, a loss and it’s place in the five is under threat.

In-form players for South Bendigo include wingman Oscar White, Will Keck and Brock Harvey in attack, Brody Haddow in the centre, and ruck-rover Cooper Leon.

A vital match-up will be in the ruck where the Bloods have Mac Cameron to take on Braidon Blake.

It’s been a tough run for Gisborne following last year’s premiership victory.

There have been plenty of changes to the team which is 2-5 and in eighth place.

Bulldogs’ coach Brad Fox has declared the team’s disposal to the forwards and inside 50m has to improve markedly.

Gisborne had plenty of the ball in a 17-point loss at home to Sandhurst last round.

The Bulldogs have Jed Denahy, Harry Luxmoore and Matt Merrett among the key targets in attack.

Other players to watch for Gisborne include rover Flynn Lakey, Liam Spear in the centre, captain Jack Reaper and Mack Lord in defence, and James Fox in midfield.

A hat-trick of wins has put the Paul Chapman-coached Kyneton in sixth place on a win-loss tally of 3-3 and a draw.

Kyneton is back at Tigerland to play Kangaroo Flat this Saturday.

The Tigers marked their best win of ’23 in last Saturday’s one-point thriller at Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park.

The Tigers will be without gun on-baller Cameron Manuel who was best afield against the Hawks.

Kyneton will look to wingman Mitch Comben, Lucas Iudica and Jake Summers to continue their great form.

The yellow and black also have the classy Thomas Quinn in midfield or closer to goal, Harrison Huntley in defence, James Orr in the ruck, Hamish Yunghanns as ruck-rover, and the experienced Ethan Foreman in attack.

Kangaroo Flat will aim to rebound from a disappointing hit-out last round.

After the high of beating Eaglehawk the Roos were beaten by 104 points at Strathfieldsaye.

Playing at Kyneton is always a tough test.

The Nathan Johns-coached Kangaroos will rely a lot on the play of Mitch Trewhella in the centre, key positon players Jordan and Zac Rouse, Ryan O’Keefe and Angus Grant.

The Roos will be without Harry Whitty who had kicked consecutive hauls of four goals.

Liam and Mitch Collins, Sam Barnes and Ethan Roberts are capable of winning plenty of disposals.

Footy and netball will be at Queen Elizabeth Oval on the King’s Birthday holiday weekend as Sandhurst faces Castlemaine.

Unbeaten and on top of the ladder, Sandhurst will be determined not to let standards slip.

Coached by Ash Connick, non-playing, and Bryce Curnow, playing, Sandhurst has many players fighting to hold or force their way into the best 22.

Key players for the Dragons include ruckman Hamish Hosking, Cooper Smith, James Coghlan and Lachlan Wright.

There’s also the experience and skill of Lee Coghlan, Andy Collins, Zach Pallpratt and Nick Stagg.

It will also be a big day for Dragons’ recruit Will Moran as he takes on his former club for the first time.

For the Brendan Shepherd-coached Castlemaine a major emphasis will be on pressure and workrate which it did well in last Saturday’s match against Golden Square.

Key players for the Magpies include Liam Wilkinson, Matt Filo, Callum McConachy, Riley Pedretti and Brodie Browne-Kerr.

It will be another emotional day for Ashton Frankling a day after the funeral service for his younger brother Dallas Keogh-Frankling who died suddenly after Castlemaine’s under-18s match at Kyneton.

Ashton was among the team’s best from a wing against Golden Square last round and will again wear number eight as a special tribute to his brother.

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

A daunting run for the Coby Perry-coached Maryborough rolls on as Storm has struck form in recent weeks.

Storm was 2-3 after five rounds, but hit back to win its past two matches.

A Michelsen medallist, dual Ron Best medallist and multiple premiership winner, Storm captain Lachlan Sharp has kicked plenty of goals against Maryborough.

Sharp will be eyeing another day out.

A tally of 45 disposals which included 25 contested earned Strathfieldsaye on-baller Callum McCarty the Barry Plant Player of the Round award for round seven.

A strong on-ball division for Storm includes Bode Stevens and Daniel Clohesy.

Nearing the 200-game mark with Strathfieldsaye, Shannon Geary shows no sign of slowing down.

Storm also has the experience of Lachlan Bonney and Luke Webb.

A Maryborough defence that includes Kya Lanfranchi, Jake Postle and Josh Britten has had plenty to do this season.

The Magpies’ work in and around stoppages will be vital and rely a lot on the play of Joel Swatton, ruckman Ty Stewart, Jai Howell and Oscar Tatchell.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 241 per cent, 28 points; Eaglehawk 243, 20; Golden Square 211, 20; South Bendigo 135, 16; Strathfieldsaye 121, 16; Kyneton 96, 14; Kangaroo Flat 73, 12; Gisborne 99, 8; Castlemaine 29, 6; Maryborough 16, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

30 Joel Brett, Golden Square.

23 Lachlan Sharp, Strathfieldsaye.

20 Will Keck, South Bendigo.

20 Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst.

18 Brock Harvey, South Bendigo.

18 Steven Stroobants, South Bendigo.

17 Cameron Manuel, Kyneton.

17 Braydon Vaz, Golden Square.

16 Matt Thornton, Sandhurst.

13 Ryan Hartley, Golden Square.

13 James Schischka, Strathfieldsaye.

12 Lewin Davis, Eaglehawk.

12 Thomas Quinn, Kyneton.

12 Darcy Richards, Eaglehawk.

11 Cam McGlashan, Eaglehawk.

11 Harry Whitty, Kangaroo Flat.

10 Dylan Hird, Eaglehawk.

10 Liam Marciano, Eaglehawk.

GOLDEN Square overcame a 17-point deficit in the final term to win a thrilling contest with Eaglehawk in Saturday’s eighth round of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy season.

A hat-trick of goals by gun forward Joel Brett, which included a match-winning set-shot from more than 40m out clinched a 70-67 win at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.

The Bulldogs made a brilliant start to what was ruckman Matt Compston’s 200^th match by scoring 3.3 to 0.3 in the opening term.

Eaglehawk fought back to win the second term, 3.4 to 2.3.

On the rebound from defeats of three and one point in the previous two rounds, Eaglehawk led 54-49 at a quarter to go in the kennel.

Consecutive goals gave the Travis Matheson-coached Hawks a 17-point lead before the Bulldogs came charging back to win 70-67.

Brett finished with a match-high five in Square’s tally of 10.

The Hawks’ attack was led by Lewin Davis, co-captain Cam McGlashan, Jack O’Shannessy and Noah Wheeler on two each.

Best for the Christian Carter-coached Golden Square were Joel Brett, Tom Toma, Jack Geary, Ryan Hartley, Jack Hickman and Jake Thrum.

The Hawks’ best were Kallen Geary, Charlie Langford, Connor Dalgleish, Lewin Davis, Noah Wheeler and Ben Thompson.

Goals flowed freely for the Bloods from South Bendigo in the first quarter of their clash with Gisborne at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval.

The Bloods slammed on 8.3 to 2.2 in the opening term before Gisborne hit back to score 5.5 to 2.3 in the second.

A 17-point buffer for the Nathan Horbury-coached South Bendigo at half-time was up to 39 by the last change after a 6.3 to 0.2 return in the crucial third quarter.

Classy small forward and assistant coach Steven Stroobants went on to slot a match-high six goals as the Bloods marked a 131-63 victory.

Other multiple goalkickers for South Bendigo were Brock Harvey and Will Keck, four; and Nathan Horbury, two.

Gisborne’s attack was led by Braidon Blake, Matt Merrett and captain Jack Reaper on two each.

Best for the Bloods were Brody Haddow, Mac Cameron, Riley Walsh, Steven Stroobants, Brock Harvey and Braydan Torpey.

Matt Merrett, Macklan Lord, Liam Spear, Jed Denahy, James Fox and Flynn Lakey were best for the Brad Fox-coached Gisborne.

Seven goals by skipper Lachlan Sharp and six by Callum McCarty were highlights in Strathfieldsaye’s win at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

After a slow start to the season, Storm is building.

In Saturday’s clash, Storm surged to a 54-1 lead by quarter-time and had scored 13 goals by the long break.

Led by the play of on-ballers Daniel Clohesy, Callum McCarty and Riley Wilson, Strathfieldsaye went on to record a 170-36 victory.

Other multiple goalkickers for Storm were James Schischka, three; Jordan Wilson, two.

Maryborough’s attack was led by Chris Freeman and Alex Gavriliadis on two.

Best for Strathfieldsaye included Lachlan Sharp, Darcy Mulquiny and James Schischka.

Matt Johnston played well against a club he won a premiership with to be Maryborough’s best, along with Jacob Lohmann and Rhys Egan.

The Coby Perry-coached Magpies also had Luke Dunne, Joel Swatton and Luke Guelen play well.

It took until the final quarter for Sandhurst to break clear of a determined Castlemaine at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Sandhurst faced a strongly-united club a day after the funeral service for under-18s player Dallas Keogh-Frankling who passed away after the match at Kyneton.

On Saturday the Brendan Shepherd-coached Magpies started well to score 2.2 in the first and held a red-hot Dragons’ team to a tally of 3.2.

In the second it was Sandhurst which controlled play and scored 3.5 to a point.

A 28-point buffer at half-time was increased by just a goal in the third as the Pies scored 3.1 to 4.1.

Jointly coached by Ash Connick, non-playing, and Bryce Curnow, playing, Sandhurst seized control in the final quarter.

The Dragons slammed on 8.3 to nil to complete a 119-34 victory.

Former Richmond and Carlton forward/mid Andy Collins kicked a match-high five goals as James Coghlan and young gun Lachlan Wright added four.

Dragons’ captain and Michelsen medallist Lee Coghlan chipped in with two goals.

The Magpies’ attack was led by Brad Keogh, two, as Brodie Byrne, Jackson Hood and David Wilson added one each.

Sandhurst’s best were James Coghlan, Zach Pallpratt, Nick Stagg, Andy Collins, Matt Wilkinson and Jacob Nihill.

Riley Pedretti, Brodie Browne-Kerr, Matt Filo, Kyan Martin, David Wilson and Ethan Maltby played well for the Magpies.

Kyneton was too strong for Kangaroo Flat in Tigerland at Kyneton Showgrounds.

The Kangaroos were bolstered by the inclusion of former Greater Western Giants and Hawthorn forward Jonathon Patton for the clash.

Kyneton’s sights were on a fourth consecutive victory and it started brilliantly to score four goals to four behinds in the opening term.

In the second the Nathan Johns-coached Kangaroos fought back to score 2.2 as the wayward Tigers added seven behinds.

Led by the play of Harrison Huntley, Hamish Yunghanns and Bailey McGee, Kyneton dominated most of the second half.

The yellow and black won the third, 21-4, and scored 3.5 to 2.3 in the last for a 75-37 victory.

The in-form Cameron Manuel kicked three goals for Kyneton as the classy Ethan Foreman and Hamish Yunghanns added two each.

There were no multiple goalkickers for the Kangaroos in a contest where Patton was goalless.

Mitch Comben, Mason Crozier and Jake Safstrom were among the best for the Paul Chapman-coached Tigers.

Kangaroo Flat’s best were Mitch Trewhella, Jordan and Zac Rouse, Ryan O’Keefe, Kyle Symons and Xavier Dingfelder-Hope.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 252 per cent, 32 points; Golden Square 195, 24; Eaglehawk 217, 20; Strathfieldsaye 145, 20; South Bendigo 143, 20; Kyneton 104, 18; Kangaroo Flat 70, 12; Gisborne 89, 8; Castlemaine 29, 6; Maryborough 17, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

35 Joel Brett, Golden Square.

30 Lachlan Sharp, Strathfieldsaye.

24 Will Keck, South Bendigo.

24 Steven Stroobants, South Bendigo.

24 Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst.

22 Brock Harvey, South Bendigo.

20 Cameron Manuel, Kyneton.

18 Braydon Vaz, Golden Square.

16 Andy Collins, Sandhurst.

16 Matt Thornton, Sandhurst.

16 James Schischka, Strathfieldsaye.

14 Lewin Davis, Eaglehawk.

13 Ryan Hartley, Golden Square.

13 Cam McGlashan, Eaglehawk.

13 Thomas Quinn, Kyneton.

12 Darcy Richards, Eaglehawk.

11 Harry Whitty, Kangaroo Flat.

10 Jed Brereton, Strathfieldsaye.

10 Dylan Hird, Eaglehawk.

10 Billy Evans, Eaglehawk.

10 Liam Marciano, Eaglehawk.

10 Callum McCarty, Strathfieldsaye.

10 Nick Stagg, Sandhurst.

10 Noah Wheeler, Eaglehawk.

The halfway mark of the home and away series will be reached next Saturday.

Eaglehawk takes on Sandhurst at Canterbury Park in the clash between third and first.

Strathfieldsaye meets Kyneton at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane in a match crucial to the Tigers’ top-five aspirations.

Castlemaine and South Bendigo meet at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve.

Gisborne is home at Gardiner Reserve to play Maryborough.

Kangaroo Flat is on home turf at Dower Park to play Golden Square.

Big match on Golden Square’s court

GOLDEN Square and South Bendigo will eye a great chance to mark victory number two when they meet in Saturday’s eighth round of A-grade netball in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

A Golden Square team now being coached by Teigan Redwood will have home-court advantage at Wade Street’s Fur Life Oval against the Bloods.

The blue and gold lead the red and white by two percentage points.

Both teams had a rest last Saturday.

Golden Square’s lower grade teams played at Maryborough’s Princes Park, but the Magpies are not fielding an A-grade team.

It was a bye for South Bendigo which endured a daunting three match stretch against top teams Kangaroo Flat, Gisborne and Sandhurst.

Although it has just the one victory, 40-36 at Castlemaine in round three, Golden Square’s been a lot more competitive this season.

Increased work commitments meant Chris O’Sullivan stepped down as A-grade coach leading into the Ron Best Memorial Shield match against Sandhurst in the split sixth round.

The blue and gold worked hard against a slick Sandhurst team which claimed a 72-26 victory.

A multiple premiership winner in her time at Kangaroo Flat, Alicia McGlashan’s coaching debut with South Bendigo began with a 36-34 victory on Strathfieldsaye Storm’s Triple M Park court.

Since then the Bloods have been beaten by Castlemaine, 41-27 at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval, and went down to the Roos, Bulldogs and Dragons by margins of 33, 27 and 50 goals.

The Bloods’ goalers are likely to have more scoring opportunities against Golden Square.

Strathfieldsaye is back home at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane to take on Sandhurst.

The Steph Freemantle-coached Storm had a tough hit-out on Gisborne’s court at Gardiner Reserve last Saturday.

Defences were on top for a lot of the contest which went 40-29 in favour of Gisborne.

A three-three record has Storm in fourth place in the premiership race.

After a two-goal loss to South Bendigo in round one, Storm hit back to win its next three games against Golden Square, Eaglehawk and Castlemaine.

A tough run for Strathfieldsaye nearing the halfway mark of the season has involved facing Kangaroo Flat, 31-59 loss at home, away to Gisborne, and now Sandhurst.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst won last Saturday’s clash with Eaglehawk at Queen Elizabeth Oval by 39 goals.

A win-loss tally of 4-1 has the Dragons in third place.

Sandhurst started the season by winning on Kangaroo Flat’s court by seven goals.

A 38-42 loss to Gisborne at Queen Elizabeth Oval in round two was then followed by a two-week break.

The maroon and blue have won their past three matches by margins of 50, 46 and 39 goals.

It’s a challenging task for Castlemaine on its court at Camp Reserve against Gisborne.

These clubs met in last September’s preliminary final.

It was the Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne which won 46-39 and a week later captured the premiership cup.

This Saturday it will be the Chloe Hughes-coached Castlemaine determined to keep the heat on the Bulldogs line-up for as long as possible.

Last Saturday the Magpies played at Kangaroo Flat in the feature match of Indigenous Round.

The Roos won 86-33.

Gisborne is unbeaten in its quest for back-to-back premierships.

It’s a break for Eaglehawk in A-grade, but the Hawks will be on their courts at Canterbury Park to play Maryborough in the lower grades.

The ladder-leading Kangaroo Flat, which is coached by Jayden Cowling, has the bye.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

Kangaroo Flat 219 per cent, 20 points; Gisborne 158, 20; Sandhurst 187, 16; Strathfieldsaye 105, 12; Eaglehawk 66, 8; Castlemaine 66, 4; Golden Square 56, 4; South Bendigo 54, 4.

Golden Square unleashes final term blitz

A FINAL quarter blitz of 15 goals as it kept the opposition to a tally of eight helped Golden Square clinch victory against South Bendigo in Saturday’s eighth round of A-grade netball in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

In her second match in charge, Teigan Redwood was rapt with Golden Square’s fighting spirit on its court at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street.

The blue and gold was down 5-9 at quarter-time and 13-19 by the long break of the clash with the Alicia McGlashan-coached South Bendigo.

Although the home team won the third term, 10-9, it was the Bloods who led 28-23 going into the last quarter.

Determined to mark its first victory since the round three triumph on Castlemaine’s court, Golden Square unleashed a brilliant final term.

The Bulldogs won the quarter, 15-8, and the match, 38-36.

Strathfieldsaye was outplayed by the skilful Sandhurst on the Triple M court in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.

An 18-3 opening term put the Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst well in control.

By half-time the maroon and blue led 34-13.

The Steph Freemantle-coached Storm kept working hard, but the Dragons’ slick passes in all thirds of the court were superb.

Sandhurst won the third term, 18-7, and the last, 16-5.

At the final siren Sandhurst led 68-25.

Reigning premier Gisborne moved to the top of the ladder following a hard-fought 67-53 victory on Castlemaine’s court at Gardiner Reserve.

Although beaten it was a much-improved effort by the Chloe Hughes-coached Castlemaine.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne has won all six matches.

It was a rest for Eaglehawk in A-grade, but the Hawks faced Maryborough in the lower grades at Canterbury Park.

Kangaroo Flat had the bye.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

Gisborne 150 per cent, 24 points; Kangaroo Flat 219, 20; Sandhurst 199, 20; Strathfieldsaye 90, 12; Eaglehawk 66, 8; Golden Square 60, 8; Castlemaine 68, 4; South Bendigo 59, 4.

Highlight of next Saturday’s ninth round will be Gisborne on its court at Gardiner Reserve against Kangaroo Flat.

South Bendigo takes on Eaglehawk at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington’s Neale Street.

Sandhurst faces Castlemaine at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

It’s a rest for Strathfieldsaye in A-grade, but Storm’s other teams will trek to Maryborough’s Princes Park to play the Magpies.

Golden Square has the bye.

Round eight scoreboard:

A-reserve:

Golden Square 38 lt South Bendigo 42, Strathfieldsaye 35 lt Sandhurst 38, Castlemaine 17 lt Gisborne 79, Eaglehawk 25 lt Maryborough 44, Kangaroo Flat bye.

B-grade:

Golden Square 41 lt South Bendigo 42, Strathfieldsaye 38 lt Sandhurst 52, Castlemaine 29 lt Gisborne 53, Eaglehawk 48 d Maryborough 36, Kangaroo Flat bye.

B-reserve:

Golden Square 34 lt South Bendigo 39, Strathfieldsaye 34 lt Sandhurst 56, Castlemaine 19 lt Gisborne 75, Eaglehawk 65 d Maryborough 22, Kangaroo Flat bye.

17-and-under:

Golden Square 60 d South Bendigo 33, Strathfieldsaye 26 lt Sandhurst 75, Castlemaine 62 d Gisborne 51, Eaglehawk 25 lt Maryborough 44, Kangaroo Flat bye.

League ladders:

A-reserve:

Gisborne 223 per cent, 28 points; Maryborough 111, 22; Strathfieldsaye 130, 20; Sandhurst 127, 20; Kangaroo Flat 119, 18; South Bendigo 75, 8; Castlemaine 67, 8; Eaglehawk 65, 4; Golden Square 63, 0.

B-grade:

Gisborne 202 per cent, 28 points; Sandhurst 168, 24; Kangaroo Flat 149, 24; Strathfieldsaye 108, 16; South Bendigo 89, 12; Eaglehawk 81, 12; Castlemaine 68, 8; Golden Square 69, 4; Maryborough 47, 0.

B-reserve:

Sandhurst 219 per cent, 28 points; Gisborne 205, 24; Strathfieldsaye 114, 20; Kangaroo Flat 134, 16; South Bendigo 114, 16; Eaglehawk 111, 12; Golden Square 68, 8; Castlemaine 54, 4; Maryborough 34, 0.

17-and-under:

Sandhurst 251 per cent, 28 points; Golden Square 159, 28; Maryborough 106, 20; Castlemaine 111, 16; Strathfieldsaye 100, 12; Gisborne 95, 12; South Bendigo 85, 8; Eaglehawk 44, 4; Kangaroo Flat 41, 0.

THERE are some old faces among the new as Bendigo Bank Bendigo Football Netball League clubs build up for the start of the ’23 footy season.

It’s been a busy time on the recruiting front, especially at Sandhurst and Eaglehawk as they strive to improve on last year’s fifth and seventh placings.

Grand finalists Gisborne and Strathfieldsaye have made changes in a bid to stay at the top.

Brad Fox takes charge as Gisborne chases back-to-back premiership victories, while the Darryl Wilson coached Storm eyes a fifth consecutive grand final appearance.

A top contender for the past few years, Golden Square again looks strong as it strives to hit back from a two-point loss to Gisborne in last September’s preliminary final.

It’s a new era for South Bendigo which has made the move from Queen Elizabeth Oval to now be based at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval.

Sandhurst has welcomed back several premiership winners and also recruited versatile big man Bryce Curnow to be co-coach with Ash Connick.

Stung by missing the finals by percentage after a 10-8 run to be sixth, the Paul Chapman-coached Kyneton looms as a big threat to climb into the top five.

Kangaroo Flat, Maryborough and Castlemaine all have new coaches in charge.

The Roos have appointed Nathan Johns who brings a wealth of coaching experience to Dower Park.

Coby Perry steps up to be playing coach at Maryborough.

Premiership player Brendan Shepherd will be determined to mark a successful return at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve.

As reigning premier, Gisborne will be prepared for the heat.

It’s the third time in the club’s stint in the Bendigo FNL it starts a season chasing back-to-back premierships.

The Gardiner Reserve-based Bulldogs did so in 2002-03 and 2005-06.

A line-up that includes captain Pat McKenna, Braidon Blake, Flynn Lakey, Jack Reaper, Matt Merrett and Sam Graham will be tough to beat.

Those to have left Gisborne include Ethan Foreman, Kyneton; Josh Kemp, Aberfeldie; Ethan Minns, Woodend-Heskett; Matt Panuccio, Riddell;

Strathfieldsaye’s remarkable run since 2013 includes being in seven of eight grand finals and a win-loss tally of 4-3.

Key inclusions for Storm include running half-back Luke Webb as playing assistant coach.

Webb was on Geelong’s list in the VFL and also played for St Joseph’s.

A powerful attack is bolstered by the inclusion of Jack Exell who kicked 100 goals for Violet Town last season.

Storm also regains Alex Powell after stints at Tooleybuc and Bridgewater.

A triple premiership player and Nalder medallist for best afield in the 2017 grand final win, Kallen Geary has left Storm to play for Eaglehawk where his superb career kicked off.

Fergus Payne has gone to Inglewood as an assistant coach.

A formidable Storm line-up includes Michelsen medallists Lachlan Sharp at full-forward, and ruck-rover Jake Moorhead.

Golden Square has kept most of last year’s line-up which reached the preliminary final.

Christian Carter kicks off a third season in charge and has 2001 premiership winner Matt Dillon back at the club as assistant coach.

Most recent coaching stint for Dillon was in 2019 when North Bendigo won the Heathcote DFNL grand final.

Back in the blue and gold is Tom Toma from Cohuna Kangas.

A hard-at-it mid/onballer, Toma’s signing is a huge plus for the Bulldogs.

A multiple premiership winner, dual Nalder medallist for best afield in a grand final, and the 2018 Michelsen medallist, Jack Geary will again lead Golden Square.

The Dogs’ attack was brilliantly led by Joel Brett and Jayden Burke last season.

Those to have transferred from Square include Jarrod Fitzpatrick to Boort; Liam Jacques to Heathcote, and Will Thrum to Cohuna Kangas.

After marking a long-awaited finals appearance by winning the elimination, South Bendigo will be determined to keep rising.

The Nathan Horbury-coached Bloods welcome back classy small forward Steven Stroobants from Rochester.

The return of Stroobants off-sets the departure of Ron Best medallist Kaiden Antonowicz to White Hills.

Another key signing for the Bloods was ruckman Mac Cameron from Monash Blues.

The play of Brock Harvey in attack, Zac Hare, Cooper Leon, Will Allen, Braydan Torpey and Andrew van Heumen will have a major bearing on South’s run in ’23.

After a productive recruiting spree, Sandhurst could mark a rise from fifth to premier this season.

The Dragons gained Bryce Curnow who was the Nalder medallist in Strathfieldsaye’s grand final win in 2019 and played in Kerang’s premiership victory last season.

Also back at Sandhurst are Nick Stagg and Andy Collins from Kerang and Bridgewater respectively.

Another key recruit is Harrison Monk.

Gun midfielder Lachlan Tardrew is still on Collingwood’s list in the VFL, but has re-aligned with the Dragons.

The Paul Chapman-coached Kyneton again shapes as a tough opponent, especially at Tigerland.

A previous winner of the club’s goalkicking award, the classy Ethan Foreman is back in the yellow and black after premiership success at Gisborne.

Although he battled hamstring issues last season, Foreman’s skill and experience is a massive plus for the Tigers.

Kyneton has also gained another talented small forward in Thomas Quinn from the VAFA, but will be without Rhys Magin, Sunbury Kangaroos; and Guy Dickson, Leongatha.

The return of the Geary brothers, Jarryn and Kallen has generated plenty of excitement as Eaglehawk strives to fly from seventh position.

After a 207-game career with St Kilda, Jarryn Geary’s play across half-back or any other role decided by coach Travis Matheson is a massive plus for the Two Blues and the league.

Another key signing for the Borough was ruckman Connor Dalgleish from Montmorency.

Other players listed on the transfer list to Eaglehawk included Ryan Wellington from Mitiamo; Jack Daley and Jacob Greenwood from Calivil United.

Departures from Eaglehawk include Shaun Knott to Westmeadows, and Sean Williams to Rochester.

A 14^th year in coaching for Nathan Johns is likely to be one of his most challenging as he takes charge at Kangaroo Flat.

Key signings for the Roos were tall defenders Jordan and Zac Rouse to join what will be an extremely young team.

Long-time number one ruckman and captain Nick Lang has made the move from the Roos to Kerang.

Others to have left Dower Park include Brodie and Jackson Fry and Lachlan Wilson to Huntly; Max Johnson to Lockington-Bamawm; and Mitch Rovers to Mount Pleasant.

For the Roos’ coaching team, players and supporters it’s not focus on what we don’t have, but we do have.

A premiership winner as a teenager with Castlemaine in 2000, Brendan Shepherd returns to Camp Reserve as senior coach.

The Magpies re-appointed Brodie Martin as senior assistant coach, while Jackson Hood tackles a new role as playing assistant coach.

Signings for the Pies included Lloyd Butcher from Waverley Blues; Tom Wilson from Marong; and David Wilson after stints at Harcourt and Maldon.

Key players for Castlemaine include Bailey Henderson, Liam Wilkinson, David Stephens, Brad Keogh, and Brodie and Jackson Byrne.

A coup for Maryborough was the signing of Joel Swatton from South Bendigo to play in the midfield and also be strength and conditioning coach.

The Magpies also regain gun onballer and previous best and fairest winner in Bailey Edwards.

Based in Darwin, Edwards played the latest Northern Territory FL season with Nightcliff.

The Tigers were beaten in the first semi by St Mary’s in a season where Edwards played 16 games and kicked 11 goals.

Edwards was among Carisbrook’s best as it finished runner-up to Harcourt in last year’s Maryborough Castlemaine District FNL senior grand final.

Players on the transfer list to the Magpies included Darcy Bond, Sam Flynn, Brodie Quinlan, and James Woods.

The Pies will be without talented on-baller Aidan Hare who has headed west from Princes Park to Peel Thunder.

Maryborough will be desperate to hit back from a winless season.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Dragons will now face Strathfieldsaye in the preliminary final.

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

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

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

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

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

The Bulldogs’ goalkickers were Macey Eaton and Jack Vinnicombe.

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

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

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

Defences were on top for a lot of this contest.

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

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

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

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

Jarrod Ainsworth and James Gray were on target for Gisborne.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seniors at 2.50pm: Sandhurst v Strathfieldsaye.

Reserves at 12.45pm: Sandhurst v Strathfieldsaye.

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

FOR the 10^th time, Golden Square and Sandhurst will fight for the Bendigo Advertiser premiership cup in Saturday’s grand finale to the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy season.

Another clash between two of the league’s greatest rivals will be played out at Queen Elizabeth Oval in View Street from 2.20pm.

The record of season deciders between the Bulldogs and Dragons stands at 7-3 in favour of Sandhurst.

Seven years ago it was Sandhurst which beat the Bulldogs to claim its 27^th senior flag.

Neither club has featured in a senior grand final since then.

The Bulldogs and Dragons were the dominant teams across the home-and-away series.

The Christian Carter-coached Golden Square was on a 14-game winning streak going into the finals series and has since beaten Strathfieldsaye in the qualifying final, and Sandhurst in the second semi.

Sandhurst’s record across 18 rounds was 16 wins, a draw, a loss.

Sole defeat for a team coached by Ash Connick, playing, and Bryce Curnow, non-playing, was on Golden Square’s turf at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street in the 12^th round.

The Bulldogs won that clash by four goals.

When these clubs met in round three on the QEO it Sandhurst which retained the Ron Best Memorial Shield after a 94-59 victory.

In the second semi it was Golden Square which overturned a three-goal deficit in the second term into a 14-point win to be first to the grand final and earn a week’s rest.

Sandhurst’s fighting spirit was to the fore as it hit back from three goals down going into the last quarter to win the preliminary final against Strathfieldsaye by eight points.

There will be many key match-ups in Saturday’s grand final.

One of the most pivotal will be in the ruck where Golden Square veteran Matt Compston takes on Hamish Hosking.

At ground level the Bulldogs have Thomas Toma, Ryan Hartley, captain Jack Geary and Ricky Monti who are superb at centre ball-ups and stoppages.

A five-time premiership winner in the Bulldogs’ golden era of 2019 to ’13, Jack Geary is a dual Nalder medallist from best on ground performances in the grand finals of 2010 and ’13.

Key target in attack is Joel Brett who followed up winning the Ron Best Medal as leading goalkicker in ’22 by going into Saturday’s match with a season tally of 90.

The Bulldogs also have the marking power of Braydon Vaz and Tom Strauch, the high-leaping Hamish Morcom and skilful Jack Stewart to trouble the Dragons’ defence.

A tight-knit back six for Golden Square includes Jon Coe, Jayden Burke, Harrison Burke and Jake Thrum who could be switched to a midfield role if needed.

It’s the young guns of Sandhurst such as Sam Conforti and Noah Walsh who have played big roles in the team’s success.

They work brilliantly with experienced campaigners such as captain Lee Coghlan, Zach Pallpratt, James Coghlan and Nick Stagg.

Marking strength of Matt Thornton, Lachlan Wright and Cobi Maxted will trouble the Dogs especially if Sandhurst can move the ball quickly into the forward 50m arc.

In terms of “big game players” the Dragons have Bryce Curnow and Andy Collins.

A Nalder medallist as best afield in Strathfieldsaye’s grand final win of 2019, Curnow’s intercept marking across half-back and on-field leadership as co-coach is a huge plus.

In 2014, Curnow claimed the Rod Ashman Medal as best on ground as Golden Square won the under-18s premiership.

The experience Collins brings from an AFL stint with Richmond and Carlton is invaluable, especially in a grand final.

Young guns such as Cooper Smith and Archer Day-Wicks will be fired up for the match which matters most.

Golden Square:

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.

Sandhurst:

B: Tanner Nally, Liam Ireland, Darcy Mills.

Hb: Alex Wharton, Bryce Curnow, Noah Walsh.

C: Jake McLean, Zach Pallpratt, Cooper Smith.

Hf: Lee Coghlan, Lachlan Wright, Archer Day-Wicks.

F: Matt Thornton, Cobi Maxted, Sam Conforti.

Foll: Hamish Hosking, Nick Stagg, James Coghlan.

Inter: Andy Collins, Caleb Connick, Isaac Ruff, Matthew Wilkinson.

Coaches: Ash Connick, Bryce Curnow.

In the flashbacks of the Bendigo FNL grand finals the 1983 grand final between Sandhurst and Golden Square rates as one of the best.

The Dragons beat the Bulldogs by seven points 40 years ago.

This year marks the 50^th anniversary of when the Ron Best-coached Sandhurst beat Golden Square for the cup.

In a move akin to Ron Barassi crossing from Melbourne to Carlton, goalkicking legend Best was lured from Golden Square to the Dragons.

He was captain-coach as Sandhurst beat the blue and gold by 46 points to be the premiers of ’73.

Half-a-century later and another team of Dragons and Bulldogs are striving for glory once more.

PHOTO: Darren Howe, Bendigo Advertiser

IT’S an all-Bulldogs showdown on Saturday as Golden Square and Gisborne clash in the SportsPower-backed under-18s footy competition on Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL grand final day.

The rising stars from the respective kennels will be in action from 9.15am at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

A Golden Square team jointly coached by Rowan Warfe and Paul Hamilton is aiming for the club’s first under-18s premiership since 2010.

The Rob Kerr-coached Gisborne is chasing back-to-back premierships after last September’s two-point thriller against Sandhurst.

A three-goal win by Golden Square against Gisborne in the second semi two Saturdays ago meant the blue and gold was first to the grand final.

Gisborne hit back to score a 61-24 victory against Sandhurst in last Saturday’s preliminary final.

This season’s meetings between Golden Square and Gisborne stand at two-one in favour of the blue and gold.

A hard-fought second semi went Golden Square’s way as it led 21-16 at three quarter-time and surged clear for a 34-16 victory.

Jack McMahon kicked two goals as William Stewart, Tommi Turner and Zac Wescott were on target.

Best for Golden Square were Bailey Cain, Darcy Lawler, Jack McMahon, Xavier Carter, Zac Wescott and Billy Meade.

Gisborne’s goalkickers were Jarrod Ainsworth and James Gray.

Best for the red, white and blue were Kane Minns, Frankie Ellis, Lachlan Evans, Jack Long, James Gentles and Lachie Bianco.

In round 15, Gisborne scored 3.0 to 1.4 in the last term of the clash with Square for a 44-37 victory at Gardiner Reserve.

Goalkicking accuracy was a highlight of Golden Square’s win against Gisborne in the sixth round at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street.

Golden Square scored 8.0 to 3.1 in the first half and went on for a 75-44 victory.

Well-known names in the Golden Square line-up for this grand final include McConville, Jenkyn, Warfe and Wilkinson.

The blue and gold will be represented by Flynn McConville, Ned Jenkyn, Noah Warfe and James Wilkinson.

A Golden Square team led by Nick Sherriff and Zackery Tickell also has the running power and skill of Billy Meade, Harrison Kelly and Tommi Turner.

Runner-up for the George Symons Medal as league fairest and best, Zac Wescott is one of Golden Square’s most valuable players.

Last September it was Jarrod Ainsworth who earned the Rod Ashman Medal as best afield in Gisborne’s grand final victory.

Ainsworth will again play a crucial role from the centre.

Other players to watch for Gisborne are captain Kane Minns, Frankie Ellis, Indy Williamson, Matthew Barake, Jacob Grinter, Flynn Weber, Max Whitefield, Lachlan Evans and Darcy Young.

In the preliminary final it was Zach Paterson who capped off plenty of Gisborne’s moves by kicking three goals and Jack Long was best afield.

Lachie Bianco, Jack Clough, James Gray and Hamish Thomas were named in Gisborne’s attack.

Golden Square:

B: Oliver Eaton, Nick Sherriff, Nicholas Roberts.

Hb: Billy Meade, Xavier Carter, Patrick Docherty.

C: Ned Jenkyn, Jack McMahon, Noah Warfe.

Hf: Bailey Cain, James Wilkinson, Darcy Edmiston.

F: Zac Wescott, Flynn McConville, Darcy Lawler.

Foll: Rory McCrann-Peters, Zackery Tickell, Tommi Turner.

Inter: Lachlan Ross, William Stewart, Harrison Kelly, William Hamilton.

Coaches: Rowan Warfe, Paul Hamilton.

Gisborne:

B: Flynn Weber, Jack Long, Alonzo Rovere.

Hb: Kane Minns, Lachlan Evans, Harrison Bryant.

C: Jacob Grinter, Jarrod Ainsworth, Max Whitefield.

Hf: Matthew Barake, Jack Clough, Lachie Bianco.

F: Edward Williams, Hamish Thomas, James Gray.

Foll: Indy Williamson, Darcy Young, Frankie Ellis.

Inter (from): Zach Paterson, Luca Volpi, Campbell Johns, Lane Grech, James Gentles, Nicholas Lamplugh.

Coach: Rob Kerr.

FIERCE rivals Golden Square and Strathfieldsaye clash in Saturday’s start to the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy finals action.

The Bulldogs and Storm meet again in a qualifying final at the iconic Queen Elizabeth Oval from 2.20pm.

This season’s meetings between the teams stand at two-nil in favour of Golden Square.

In round two, Golden Square won 101-94 on Strathfieldsaye’s turf at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane.

The Bulldogs defensive efforts held Storm to a tally of 3.14 (32) in a 78 victory for the blue and gold at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street in the 11^th round.

Both qualifying finalists have plenty of goalscoring power.

The Bulldogs attack is led by Joel Brett, 84 goals.

There’s strong support from the likes of Braydon Vaz, 33; Jack Stewart, 28; Ryan Hartley, 23; Hamish Morcom and Tom Toma on 21.

Storm has had co-captain Lachlan Sharp kick 93 goals to win the Ron Best Medal as the league’s leading goalkicker for a third time.

Other targets in the forward 50m arc for Storm include James Schischka, 29; Baxter Slater, 20; and Jed Brereton, 18.

On-ball and midfield duels are vital on the big ground.

Golden Square has experienced ruckman Matt Compston to team with captain Jack Geary, Ryan Hartley and Ricky Monti.

They will be up against Tim Hosking, co-captain Jake Moorhead, Callum McCarty and Lachlan Gill.

An outstanding game by Gill in the final round of the home and away series earned the Barry Plant Player of the Round award.

Gill racked up 43 disposals, 8 marks, 10 clearances, and 190 ranking points in Storm’s victory at Kyneton.

With so much firepower there will be plenty of pressure on the defences of both teams.

The back six for Golden Square includes Harrison Burke, Jon Coe, Jack Hickman and Jake Thrum.

Storm’s defence is led by Lachlan Ratcliffe, Luke Webb, Mitch Hallinan and Ben Lester.

Winner of the qualifying final meets Sandhurst in the second semi on September 9.

On Sunday it’s Eaglehawk against South Bendigo in the seniors elimination final from 2.20pm.

The Travis Matheson-coached Hawks mark a return to finals action.

A year ago, South Bendigo beat Sandhurst in the elimination final.

The Nathan Horbury-coached Bloods team has changed a lot, but there’s still many who were part of that triumph.

In this season’s meetings Eaglehawk has beaten the Bloods both times.

They met in round one where the Hawks claimed a 58-48 victory at the Bloods’ new home of Harry Trott Oval in Kennington’s Neale Street.

In the 10^th round the Hawks dominated in a 103-47 result on their turf at Canterbury Park.

A huge test for Eaglehawk’s defence on Sunday will be restricting the impact of Bloods’ forwards Brock Harvey, Steven Stroobants and Will Keck.

The talented trio racked up goal tallies of 65, 55 and 39 across the home and away series.

Massive challenge for Hawks’ defenders Dylan Hanley, Oscar Madden, Marcus Angove and Sam Thompson who will rely a lot on pressure up the ground.

The Borough did name versatile big man Clayton Holmes in defence.

At the other end of the ground the Hawks’ attack is led by Lewin Davis, 34 goals; Noah Wheeler, 21; and Darcy Richards, 20.

The Hawks also regain co-captain Cameron McGlashan from injury.

Key players in South Bendigo’s defence include captain Zac Hare, Braydan Torpey, Cameron Taggert and Andrew van Heumen.

A highlight of this match will be the ruck duels where Hawks have Connor Dalgleish to take on Mac Cameron.

At ground level it’s Hawks’ co-captain Billy Evans, Ben Thompson and Noah Wheeler who set up plenty of attacks.

The Bloods will look to Brody Haddow, Cooper Leon and Zac Sims to win their share of contests at centre ball-ups and stoppages.

In the reserves competition, Golden Square takes on Sandhurst in Saturday’s qualifying final from 12.15pm.

This season’s meetings stand at one-all.

Sandhurst won the third round clash at the QEO by 16 points.

In the 12^th round, Golden Square fought for a 39-33 victory at home.

The Bulldogs’ line-up includes Macey Eaton, Alex Jenkyn, Will Lee, Dale Lowry, co-captains Sheldon Burke and Dean Norris, Tanner Rayner and Shaun Young.

Sandhurst’s squad includes Harrison Monk, Brodie Montague, Will Moran, Sean O’Farrell, Xavier Walsh and Lachlan Zimmer.

The ladder-leading Eaglehawk won through to the second semi.

On Sunday it will be Strathfieldsaye against Gisborne in the Harmac Homes-backed reserves elimination final from 12.15pm.

A round one thriller between Gisborne and Strathfieldsaye at Gardiner Reserve ended in a 64-59 victory for the red, white and blue.

Next time it was Storm which took the points in a 52-30 result at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.

Storm’s line-up includes Lachlan Bonney, Ethan and Jai Featherby, Carson James, captain Wade Kinniburgh and Jordan Wilson.

Key players for Gisborne include Jarrad Lynch, Michael Steinbach, Hayden Doricic, Harry Manders, Anthony Belcher and Boyd Nalder.

Last season’s grand finalists, Gisborne and Sandhurst meet in the qualifying final of the SportsPower-sponsored under-18s competition at 10.15am on Saturday.

The Bulldogs belted the Dragons by 11 goals in the seventh round at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve.

In the 16^th round it was the Dragons who fired up to win 69-51 on the QEO turf.

Gisborne’s team includes ruckman Lewis Gordon, captain Alex Carr,  Frankie Ellis, Jacob Grinter, Jack Clough, Jarrod Ainsworth, Lachie Bianco and Kane Minns.

The Dragons’ line-up includes Jacob Austin, Thaine Bake, Louis Banfield, Henry Edwards, Logan Kilcullen, Daniel Noden and Wil Pinniger.

Maryborough and Strathfieldsaye will fight to stay in the premiership race when they contest the elimination final from 10.15am on Sunday.

In round nine, Maryborugh won 96-42 at its Princes Park home.

Storm won 60-50 at Triple M Park in the 17^th round.

A  Magpies’ team captain by Aidan Medlyn includes Taj Bond, Kaian Constable, Liam Freeman, Jake Gavriliadis, Damon Nitschke and Diesel Palmer.

Ruckman Tate Lowther, captain Evan Cole, Daan Lodewijks, Jesse Gill, Declan Lowther, Lincoln McKern and Siologa Siu are among the key players in Storm’s line-up.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On Saturday, Sandhurst took on Golden Square.

The Dragons dominated the opening half.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Strathfieldsaye faced Gisborne in Sunday’s elimination final.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Magpies will now tackle Sandhurst in the first semi.

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

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

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

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

Dragons’ captain Alex Carr kicked two goals.

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

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

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

Schedule for Saturday’s second semi-finals:

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

Reserves at 12.15pm: Eaglehawk v Sandhurst.

Seniors at 2.20pm: Sandhurst v Golden Square.

Schedule for Sunday’s first semi-finals:

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

Reserves at 12.15pm: Golden Square v Strathfieldsaye.

Seniors at 2.20pm: Strathfieldsaye v Eaglehawk.

Tomorrow, we unite to celebrate a true “Legend” of the Bendigo Football Netball League, Ron Best – a name that will be forever synonymous with the BFNL. 

The surname of ‘Best’, serves as a fitting and accurate description of the greatest goalkicker the BFL has witnessed. 

Golden Square host Sandhurst in a Round 6 stand-alone match paying tribute to one of the inaugural members elevated to ‘Legend’ status of the Bendigo Football Netball League Hall of Fame, and arguably the greatest player to take to the field in the history of our League – Ron Best. 

In October 2020, Ron Best passed away only a few days after his 71st birthday. A charismatic and wonderful person, Ron’s contribution to our league and the game in general was significant. Possessing a playing record that is truly unrivalled and at times unbelievable, and purely on statistics alone a record that may never be matched or surpassed.  

Such was the impact and greatness of Ron’s forward line dominance and ability to win a match off his own boot, the league senior goalkicking award is named in his honour. Ron made a sensational debut in Round 4 of 1968 as an 18-year-old, booting an incredible 14 goals and 9 behinds for Golden Square in one of the greatest debuts ever witnessed in the League.  

Best became the youngest premiership/coach in BFNL history at only 23 years of age, leading Sandhurst to the 1973 premiership. 

Just take a moment to let these numbers sink in –  

• He nailed a total of 1624 majors across 270 games, including bags of 10 goals or more no less than 48 times, during his stellar career. 
• He bagged 10-plus majors 29 times at Golden Square, 12 at Sandhurst and then seven more times at Northern United. 
• His biggest individual haul was 16 majors (against Kyneton in round 20 of 1969), but he also nailed 15 twice, 14 goals six times and 13 twice also. 
• His 48-game tally in which he kicked double figures comes to 556. 
• Ron’s most prolific season was 1980 when he drove home 161 goals for Golden Square, including eight games of 10-plus. 
• He was a 5-time premiership player, including being the youngest ever BFNL premiership coach at 23 years of age.
• BFL leading goalkicker on 10 occasions
• Reached the 100 goals in a season mark on 13 occasions (12 in the BFL).
• Slotted 14.9 on senior debut in 1968 at age 18.
• Kicked 11 goals in his last match in 1984, in a grand final victory for Northern United. 
• Was an 18-time BFL Interleague representative (10 as captain and 8 as coach)
• Inducted into the BFNL Hall of Fame in 1986
• Elevated to ‘Legend’ status of the BFNL in 2019.
• BFNL senior goalkicking award named the “Ron Best Medal”. 

The sad passing of Ron in 2020 has instigated traditional BFNL rivals of whom Ron played for both - Golden Square and Sandhurst, to annually unite and recognise his contribution to not only the clubs he played with, but the BFNL and local football in general, with the coveted prize being the Ron Best Memorial Shield.