Grand Final

THE agony of grand final defeat is what Sandhurst co-coach Bryce Curnow will use to drive throughout pre-season and in the 2024 Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy action.

As Golden Square players and supporters celebrated a one-goal win, Sandhurst was left to ponder what might have been.

“We did so much right, not just in this match, but the season,” Curnow said in the coaches room under the Queen Elizabeth Oval grandstand.

“I am super proud of the way we fought out the match.

“We had our chances to win.

“It’s a hollow feeling not to have achieved what you wanted to.”

Curnow said they were so many pivotal contests throughout a match which ended in a 71-65 victory for Golden Square.

“There are moments we would all like to have another go at, but that’s not to be.”

A key defender, especially with his intercept marking across half-back, Curnow started the grand final in attack, but later went to defence.

Curnow said it had been a brilliant performance to build from a tally of 10 wins last season to finish this year’s home-and-away series on a tally of 16 wins, one draw, and one defeat.

Sole loss across 18 rounds was for a team jointly coached by Curnow, and Ash Connick, non-playing, was on Golden Square’s turf.

For Curnow and co-coach Ash Connick there are so many positives going into the ’24 campaign.

“In this grand final team we had 10 players who are 21 or under,” Curnow said.

Some of them such as Noah Walsh and Sam Conforti were outstanding.

“We also had five players who had represented Bendigo Pioneers this season,” he said of a team which had a great blend of rising stars teamed with experienced campaigners such as Lee Coghlan, Andy Collins, Nick Stagg and Matt Thornton.

In a season where injuries affected some clubs more than others, Sandhurst would have had 40-plus represented the club at senior level.

“For the seniors to be beaten is incredibly disappointing, but we are also rapt with the effort by the reserves to win the premiership,” Curnow said of the performance by the Jake McLean-coached team.

Turnover of players at Sandhurst FNC will be inevitable, as it is for all clubs.

Grand final day featured seven Sandhurst teams – two football, and all five netball.

“The culture of the club is incredible,” Curnow said of a day in which the Dragons finished with a win-loss tally of 3-4.

“The unity between football and netball is amazing.

“We also have so many incredible volunteers who give so much time and effort to the club.”

Curnow said Sandhurst’s players and fans are hurting after not adding to the senior premiership tally, but the desire to improve and achieve more success will not drop away.

A PREMIERSHIP victory in what was the last game of a brilliant on-field stint was the perfect finale for Sandhurst co-coach Bryce Curnow.

None of his Dragons’ team-mates knew Saturday’s grand final would be the end.

Playing across half-forward, Curnow was still an influential figure in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s senior grand final on Queen Elizabeth Oval.

As he spoke in the coaches room of the Bendigo Aquatic Centre rooms, Curnow said there was so much to be proud about and celebrate.

A year ago he contemplated what might have been and the next challenge after a six-point loss to Golden Square in the grand final.

“Hold The Rope was our theme for today and it worked,” Curnow said of taking on the in-form Gisborne.

“It was a simple message of all 22 players contributing.

“By not allowing the rope to slacken it meant there’s less pressure on your team-mate next to you and down the line.”

Curnow said the Dragons had to work hard across every quarter to beat a talented Gisborne team.

“They are packed with superstars.”

Winning premierships is something Curnow has done many times, but never taken for granted.

He joined the Dragons last season as co-coach with Ash Connick after playing stints with Kerang, Strathfieldsaye, North Ballarat in the VFL, Golden Square at under-18 level, and Calivil United.

“The decision to join Sandhurst was never based on money, it never has been.

“I looked at a club that had been thereabouts (third or fourth) for several years, but had not been able to reach a grand final.”

Across ’23 and ’24 the Dragons have reached both deciders for a one-one record.

Curnow praised Ash Connick for an incredible level of work across his time with the club.

“The system of play he brought on and the consistency the team was able to play at is amazing.”

Curnow said the premiership was not just reward for the players, but the committee, sponsors, volunteers and fans.

Among his greatest supporters are wife Amy, and their daughter, Goldie.

“For Goldie to be on the dais with me to receive the medal is a moment I will never forget.”

Curnow said he will not miss the aches and pains after match-day, or rehab from injury.

From next season he will team up to co-coach with Lachlan Tardrew.

A sign of Sandhurst’s strength was not just premiership wins in seniors, reserves and under-18s, but also in under-16 and under-14 seniors.

“The club’s future looks exciting.

“We are the beneficiaries of a strong junior program in which a lot the players moving into the under-18s or first year of seniors are fit, hungry for success, and want to learn.

“There is so much talent in front of us.

“Sustained success is the goal across all levels of footy,” Curnow said.

There have been many powerful figures across Sandhurst’s history.

One name not far from the thoughts of many was Danny Ellis.

A gun forward in the late 80s and 90s, Ellis was a powerful figure as an administrator.

His service to the club earned Legend status in the club’s Hall of Fame.

Ellis passed away after a lengthy battle with illness in early June.

“We did it for Danny,” was the ending to Ash Connick’s speech to the crowd

GOLDEN Square regained its place as the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s 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 10^th 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 ’23 was capable of a lot more success.

“I believe this group has the hunger and quality to string more premierships together.”

Carter was a key player in the club’s golden era of 2009 to ’13 when it won five consecutive premierships.

The victorious coach said it was a mixture of excitement and relief on capturing the club’s 18^th senior premiership.

“This win means a lot to so many people, not just the 22 who played, but every player, official, volunteer, and supporter,” 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.

Bulldogs’ ruckman Matt Compston had the daunting task against Hamish Hosking and was superb.

“The way Matt changed his game and angles was brilliant,” 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 20^th minute.

From there it was the Dragons who fired up and did plenty of attacking.

Golden Square’s 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).

“There were so many critical moments in that last quarter,” Carter said.

“Our ability to lock the ball in, pressure and tackle is what we work a lot in training.”

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 250^th 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 Sandhurst’s best along with Sam Conforti, Hamish Hosking, Jake McLean, Isaac  Ruff and Nicholas Stagg.

For most of Golden Square’s team it was their first senior premiership victory.

League legend and Bulldogs’ 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.

“The loss to South Bendigo by a point in round four was the wake-up call we needed,” Carter said.

“At the time we realised we were not as good as we thought we may have been.

“To the boys’ credit they worked incredibly hard from there on in every match and training session.”

Golden Square’s 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 O’Farrell 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 O’Farrell.

Goalkickers for the Hawks were Jack Daley, Liam Drummond, Jacob Greenwood, Ethan Hanley and Ryan Wellington.

Best afield honours went to Sandhurst’s 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 O’Farrrell 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 Gisborne’s 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 Square’s 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 Square’s best.

SANDHURST will be aiming for a clean sweep in all five of Saturday’s netball contests on Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL grand final day at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

It’s been a remarkable feat by the Dragons to have all five teams qualify for that one day in September.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached A-grade team from Sandhurst is chasing a fifth consecutive premiership.

Standing in the way of the maroon and blue is the Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne.

The grand finalists will clash from 3pm.

An unbeaten run by Sandhurst includes a 38-32 win on Gisborne’s court at Gardiner Reserve in the seventh round, and 47-31 result on the QEO in the 16^th round.

Day one of the finals series included a 37-31 victory for Gisborne in the qualifying final showdown with Kangaroo Flat.

A week later and Gisborne took on Sandhurst in the second semi.

The Dragons won 44-38 and were first to the grand final.

Gisborne hit back for a 49-36 result in last Saturday’s preliminary final against Castlemaine.

Among the many strengths of the Sandhurst team is the mid-court play of co-captain Meg Williams, Shae Clifford and Paige Ryan.

A formidable attack is led by co-captain Bec Smith and Kelsey Meade.

In defence the experienced Heather Oliver teams up with Ruby Turner and Charlotte Sexton.

There’s plenty of depth of talent and versatility in the Sandhurst team.

Among  the stars on court for Gisborne are Claudia Mawson, the playmaker from mid-court, and Zoe Davies who will soon leave for England to play for Leeds Rhinos.

Both bring exceptional speed, aerial ability and precise passing skills to the court.

In defence, Charlee Kemp’s athleticism and height are major strengths as she teams up with Kirby Elliott.

Gisborne will also look for big games from Torie Skrijel, Emerson Lakey, Eloise Rodda and Kiralee Collings.

Sandhurst:

Bec Smith (captain) GS; Meg Williams (captain) C, WA; Shae Clifford WA, C; Kelsey Meade GA, GS; Heather Oliver GD, GK, WD; Paige Ryan WA, C, WD; Kelsey Pallpratt WA, C; Charlotte Sexton GK, GD; Imogen Sexton GK, GD, WD; Sophie Shoebridge WD, GD, GK; Ruby Turner GD, GK, WD.

Coach: Tamara Gilchrist.

Gisborne:

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

Coach: Tarryn Rymer.

In A-reserve it’s another showdown between Sandhurst and Gisborne from 1.30pm.

Both teams have had exceptional seasons.

They first met in round seven at Gisborne where the Tarryn Rymer-coached Bulldogs won 51-46.

Scores were 50-all at the end of the round 16 clash at the QEO.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst began its finals campaign with a 50-27 victory in the qualifying final against Kangaroo Flat.

A week later and the maroon and blue fired up for a 44-33 result in the second semi against Gisborne.

The Bulldogs bounced back for to beat Kangaroo Flat, 48-37 in the preliminary final.

A key player for Sandhurst is Kelsey Ralph who earned the Jenni Holborn Medal as the league’s fairest and best player for her skill at goal attack or goalshooter.

Other players to watch for the Dragons include Erica Dalrymple-Monro, Katie Dean, Gab Greene and Lilly Walsh.

The play of Emily McDonald, Jemma Denman, Bridget Salter, Dasha Taylor and Bianca McKay may have a big say in Gisborne’s chances of claiming the cup.

Sandhurst:

Erica Dalrymple-Monro WA, C; Katie Dean WA, GD, GK; Reese Gilchrist GA, WA; Gab Greene GS, GA; Tess Keating WD, GD; Eliza Oxley GS; Kelsey Pallpratt C, WA, WD; Kelsey Ralph GA, GS; Paige Ryan WA, C, WD; Charlotte Sexton GK, GD; Lilly Walsh GK, GD; Darcey Williams WA, C, WD.

Coach: Tamara Gilchrist.

Gisborne:

Rylee Connell, Bella Connors, Jemma Denman, Emily McDonald, Bianca McKay, Tazma Morris, Eloise Rodda, Olivia Rodda, Alex Russ, Bridget Salter, Milly Shaw, Dasha Taylor.

Coach: Tarryn Rymer.

Gisborne and Sandhurst will contest the B-grade match from 12pm.

In round seven the ‘Hurst won 53-38 on Gisborne’s court.

Next time they met was a 54-all result at the QEO.

The Bronwyn Slater-coached Gisborne scored a 55-41 win against Kangaroo Flat in the qualifying final and then marked a 48-46 win against Sandhurst in the second semi.

Sandhurst stayed in the premiership race by beating Kangaroo Flat in the preliminary final by five goals.

Several of Gisborne’s team played in last season’s 17-and-under premiership.

Among those chasing back-to-back premierships are Monty Paton, Milly Shaw and Lulu Slater.

Gisborne also has the experience of Tarryn Rymer in mid-court, plus the hard-working Shelley Farrugia and Hannah Weier.

The Jarileey Schultz-coached Sandhurst has the experience and leadership of Briona Giddings and Erica Dalrymple-Monro.

In mid-court there’s the pacy Lucy Sherriff and Lily Trimby, while the Dragons have Eliza Oxley and Tarryn Knights to play crucial roles in the circle.

Gisborne:

Shelley Farrugia, Chelsea Kennett, Georgia Murray, Monty Paton, Taylah Raneiri, Tarryn Rymer, Milly Shaw, Lulu Slater, Hannah Weier.

Coach: Bronwyn Slater.

Sandhurst:

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

Coach: Jarileey Schultz.

The other club to feature in the netball play-offs is Kangaroo Flat.

The Kate Newman-coached Kangaroos will take on Sandhurst in the B-reserve match at 10.30am.

In round one, Sandhurst scored a nine-goal win against the Roos on the QEO court.

Kangaroo Flat bounced back for a 45-40 victory against the maroon and blue in the 10^th round at Dower Park.

The Roos won the qualifying final against Gisborne by 14 goals.

It was a two-goal thriller as Sandhurst netted a 45-43 win against the Roos in the second semi.

A 42-32 win against Gisborne in the preliminary final kept Kangaroo Flat in the hunt for the premiership cup.

Saturday’s contest features Sandhurst goalshooter Isabelle Whiteley and Kangaroo Flat’s Ashlye Faulkner who were joint winners of the league’s fairest and best award.

Key players for Sandhurst include co-captain Ruby Walsh in defence or mid-court; the speedy Teresa Fitzpatrick, skilful Brianna Fletcher, and Sophie Giles.

Players to watch for the Kangaroos include co-captains Shae Cairns and Sophie Nicholson, goaler Claudia Shelton, goalkeeper Lydia Lowndes, and Gemma Roberts in mid-court.

Sandhurst:

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

Coach: Rose Gallagher.

Kangaroo Flat:

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

Coach: Kate Newman.

Grand final action starts at 9am with the 17-and-under match between Sandhurst and Gisborne.

Record in this season’s meetings stands at two-one in favour of the Carol Cathcart-coached Sandhurst.

In round seven, Gisborne won 49-43 at home.

The Dragons fired up to win a high-scoring round 16 clash, 55-44 at the QEO.

Gisborne’s 13-goal win against Golden Square in the qualifying final was followed by a 46-43 defeat in the second semi against Sandhurst.

The Rylee Connell-coached Gisborne hit back for a 46-37 victory against Golden Square in the preliminary final.

A talented Sandhurst line-up includes Neve Pinner who was runner-up for the Carol Sing Medal as league fairest and best.

The anticipation of captain Reese Gilchrist is a major strength of her game.

Sandhurst also has Maya Dignan and Harriett Whiteacre in defence, the versatile Claire McGee, and Jaida Raco in the centre.

The rising stars from Gisborne have Bella Connors to cap off attacking moves, the dynamic Dasha Taylor in mid-court, skilful Jessie Connors, Charlotte Taylor in defence, and the versatile Charlotte Davies.

Sandhurst:

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

Coach: Carol Cathcart.

Gisborne:

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

Coach: Rylee Connell.

GISBORNE ended Sandhurst’s remarkable reign as A-grade champions of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL netball competition on Saturday.

From five goals down at five minutes to go, Gisborne staged a remarkable fightback to score a 40-39 victory.

The showdown between the Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne and the Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst team chasing a fifth-consecutive premiership lived up to the expectations of the hundreds of fans.

Unbeaten in its run to the finals, Sandhurst had scored a 38-32 victory at Gisborne in the seventh round, and won 47-31 on the QEO in the 16^th round.

The Dragons outpointed Gisborne, 44-38 in the second semi.

Gisborne’s run through the finals included a 37-31 against Kangaroo Flat in the qualifying final.

After being beaten in the second semi, Gisborne hit back for a 49-36 victory against Castlemaine in the preliminary final.

Going into the grand final the Gisborne players knew they would have to play exceptional netball to upstage a powerful and skilful opponent.

The team in red, white and blue did so as Gisborne had plenty of its footballers and netballers cheering on.

Gun goal attack Claudia Mawson capped an outstanding game by being best on court.

Co-captain of the Gisborne team, Mawson teamed brilliantly in the goal circle with rising star Torie Skrijel who had played in the 17-under premiership last September.

Gisborne:

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

Coach: Tarryn Rymer.

A great day for Gisborne began with victory in the 17-and-under match against Gisborne.

Gisborne’s pursuit of back-to-back premierships was slightly derailed when Sandhurst beat it by three goals in the second semi.

The Rylie Connell-coached Gisborne struck back to win the preliminary final against Golden Square to earn a grand final berth against the maroon and blue.

A superb match between Gisborne and the Carol Cathcart-coached Sandhurst ended in a 50-49 victory for the red, white and blue.

Talented goaler Bella Connors earned best on court honours.

Gisborne:

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

Coach: Rylee Connell.

From a remarkable tally of five teams in grand finals, Sandhurst netted two premierships.

It was a 10-goal victory for the Dragons in the A-reserve clash with Gisborne.

Throghout the home-and-away series the Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne won the home clash with Sandhurst at Gardiner Reserve by five goals.

Scores were 50-all at the end of the round 16 clash at the QEO.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst began its finals campaign with a 50-27 victory in the qualifying final against Kangaroo Flat.

A week later and the maroon and blue fired up for a 44-33 result in the second semi against Gisborne.

The Bulldogs bounced back for to beat Kangaroo Flat, 48-37 in the preliminary final.

A talented Sandhurst line-up included Kelsey Ralph who earned the Jenni Holborn Medal as the league’s fairest and best player for her skill at goal attack or goalshooter.

In defence Charlotte Sexton was in superb form to claim the best on court medal as the maroon and blue charged to a 43-33 victory.

Sandhurst:

Erica Dalrymple-Monro, Katie Dean, Reese Gilchrist, Gab Greene, Tess Keating, Eliza Oxley, Kelsey Pallpratt, Kelsey Ralph, Paige Ryan, Charlotte Sexton, Lilly Walsh, Darcey Williams.

Coach: Tamara Gilchrist.

The B-grade match between Gisborne and Sandhurst also went the way of the Dragons by 11 goals.

In round seven the ‘Hurst won 53-38 on Gisborne’s court.

Next time they met was a 54-all result at the QEO.

Stung by 46-48 loss to Gisborne in the second semi, Sandhurst fought back to win the preliminary final against Kangaroo Flat by five goals.

On grand final day it was the Jarileey Schultz-coached Sandhurst line-up which had Elli Williams leading the way which claimed a 56-45 victory.

The Jarileey Schultz-coached Sandhurst has the experience and leadership of Briona Giddings and Erica Dalrymple-Monro.

Sandhurst:

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

Coach: Jarileey Schultz.

Kangaroo Flat also claimed a premiership victory.

The Kate Newman-coached Kangaroos capitalised on Sandhurst errors in what was clearly the team’s best performance of the year to win 48-41.

The contest feature Kangaroo Flat’s Ashlye Faulkner and Sandhurst’s Isabelle Whiteley who were joint winners of the league’s fairest and best award.

In the grand final it was Roos’ goalkeeper who was the stand-out to claim the best on court medal.

Kangaroo Flat:

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

Coach: Kate Newman.

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.

IT’S not often a footy club claims a premiership trifecta.

This Saturday both Gisborne and Sandhurst will be vying to do so in the grand final to the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

The Bulldogs and Dragons will fight for glory on the Queen Elizabeth Oval turf in View Street from 2.20pm.

Premiers of two seasons ago, Gisborne can cap a remarkable fightback after falling to the seventh rung in ’23.

It’s two-one in Gisborne’s favour against the Dragons this season.

Most recent showdown was the second semi-final where the Rob Waters-coached Bulldogs marked a 23-point victory.

The Ash Connick, non-playing, and Bryce Curnow, playing, coached Dragons launched a final quarter fightback to overrun Strathfieldsaye Storm in the preliminary final.

Grand final week kicked off with a dramatic finish to last Sunday night’s calling of votes in the Michelsen Medal for league fairest and best.

Gisborne centreman Brad Bernacki and ruckman Braidon Blake, and Sandhurst on-baller/mid Lachlan Tardrew all tied on 20 votes.

Bernacki and Blake became the fifth and sixth Gisborne players to claim the league’s highest individual honour.

Tardrew is the 13^th from the Dragons den to be added to the Michelsen Medal honour board.

All three now have sights set on capturing a premiership medal.

Blake has two – one at Sandhurst in 2016, Gisborne in ’22; Bernacki in ’22; and Tardrew with the Dragons of 2016.

There are many great match-ups for fans to watch in this grand final.

Gisborne’s on-ball brigade of Blake, Bernacki, Flynn Lakey and Jackson Cardillo played a key role in the team finishing the home-and-away series on top of the ladder.

It will be a huge challenge for Sandhurst ruckman Connor Sexton, Lachlan Tardrew, Cooper Smith and Nick Stagg in limiting the impact their opponents have.

The Bulldogs have the marking power of Pat McKenna, Harry Luxmoore, Zac Denahy and Jack Scanlon in attack and the skillful Matt Merrett and Seb Bell-Bartels at ground level.

Leading goalkickers for the Bulldogs are McKenna, 60; Luxmoore, 58; Bernacki, Dylan Johnstone and Matt Merrett, 29; and Zac Denahy, 25.

Sandhurst’s defence is led by Bryce Curnow, Liam Ireland and Isaac Ruff, and also has the running power of Isaac Carracher from a pocket, and James Coghlan and Noah Walsh off half-back.

Midfield duels are always crucial on the big ground.

The brilliant Bernacki is flanked by Ryan Bourke and talented teen Dylan Johnstone who kicked five goals in the qualifying final victory.

Sandhurst’s midfield is Smith in the centre and Caleb Connick and Lachie Hood on the wings.

Bulldogs’ captain Jack Reaper leads a tight-knit defence.

A highlight will be the duel between Jed Denahy and Sandhurst’s gun forward and Ron Best medallist Fergus Greene.

The Bulldogs also have the versatility of Liam Spear, Zac Vescovi, Frank Schipano and Jake Normington to play on small or tall in defence.

Greene has brought experience from AFL level with Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn in this return to the den and kicked 82 goals.

Wearing number six which his father Chris wore in many matches for the Dragons, Fergus Greene will play a crucial role in Sandhurst’s bid to win its first senior premiership in eight years.

The Dragons also have the marking power of Lachlan Wright and Cobi Maxted, high workrate of Jake McLean and Matt Wilkinson, and creativity of flair Joel Wharton in his 200^th senior match for the club.

Maxted has kicked 33 goals, while Wright has booted 26 in a season where he has played as a key defender and forward.

The classy Wharton has booted 23 goals.

There was one change to Gisborne’s team as Patrick Trotta is in for the injured Shane Clough.

Gisborne:

B: Jack Reaper, Zac Vescovi, Frank Schipano.

Hb: Jake Normington, Jed Denahy, Liam Spear.

C: Ryan Bourke, Brad Bernacki, Dylan Johnstone.

Hf: Matt Merrett, Harry Luxmoore, Jack Scanlon.

F: Pat McKenna, Zac Denahy, Seb Bell-Bartels.

Foll: Braidon Blake, Flynn Lakey, Jackson Cardillo.

Inter: Patrick Trotta, Macklan Lord, Jarrod Ainsworth, James Gray.

In: Patrick Trotta.

Out: Shane Clough (injured).

Coach: Rob Waters.

Sandhurst:

B: Isaac Carracher, Liam Ireland, Isaac Ruff.

Hb: James Coghlan, Bryce Curnow, Noah Walsh.

C: Caleb Connick, Cooper Smith, Lachie Hood.

Hf: Jake McLean, Lachlan Wright, Matt Wilkinson.

F: Joel Wharton, Cobi Maxted, Fergus Greene.

Foll: Connor Sexton, Lachlan Tardrew, Nick Stagg.

Inter: Harrison Free, Zach Pallpratt, Darcy Mills, Dayten Uerata.

Coaches: Ash Connick, non-playing; Bryce Curnow, playing.

Gisborne’s journey:

Rd 1: bye.

Rd 2: lt Sandhurst, 73-88 at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Rd 3: d Maryborough, 273-15 at Gardiner Reserve.

Rd 4: d South Bendigo, 180-31 at Harry Trott Oval.

Rd 5: d Golden Square, 104-56 at Gardiner Reserve.

Rd 6: d Eaglehawk, 97-63 at Canterbury Park.

Rd 7: d Strathfieldsaye, 110-82 at Gardiner Reserve.

Rd 8: d Castlemaine, 99-58 at Camp Reserve.

Rd 9: d Kangaroo Flat, 99-51 at Gardiner Reserve.

Rd 10: bye.

Rd 11: d Sandhurst, 73-67 at Gardiner Reserve.

Rd 12: d Maryborough, 169-51 at Princes Park.

Rd 13: d South Bendigo, 153-26 at Gardiner Reserve.

Rd 14: d Golden Square, 94-75 at Fur Life Oval.

Rd 15: d Eaglehawk, 126-74 at Gardiner Reserve.

Rd 16: lt Strathfieldsaye, 69-92 at Triple M Park.

Rd 17: d Castlemaine, 92-39 at Gardiner Reserve.

Rd 18: d Kangaroo Flat, 236-39 at Dower Park.

Sandhurst’s run:

Rd 1: d Kangaroo Flat, 171-29 at Dower Park.

Rd 2: d Gisborne, 88-73 at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Rd 3: bye.

Rd 4: d Maryborough, 347-14 at Princes Park.

Rd 5: d South Bendigo, 167-30 at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Rd 6: d Golden Square, 102-48 at Fur Life Oval.

Rd 7: d Eaglehawk, 112-40 at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Rd 8: d Strathfieldsaye, 116-91 at Triple M Park.

Rd 9: d Castlemaine, 100-49 at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Rd 10: d Kangaroo Flat, 152-38 at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Rd 11: lt Gisborne, 67-73 at Gardiner Reserve.

Rd 12: bye.

Rd 13: d Maryborough, 201-8 at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Rd 14: d South Bendigo, 150-18 at Harry Trott Oval.

Rd 15: lt Golden Square, 68-89 at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Rd 16: d Eaglehawk, 114-48 at Canterbury Park.

Rd 17: d Strathfieldsaye, 62-32 at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Rd 18: d Castlemaine, 115-64 at Camp Reserve.

Schedule for Saturday’s footy grand finals at Queen Elizabeth Oval:

Under-18s at 9.15am: Sandhurst v Gisborne.

Reserves at 11.50am: Sandhurst v Gisborne.

Seniors at 2.20pm: Gisborne v Sandhurst

SANDHURST captain Lee Coghlan will be aiming to square his premiership tally at two-two this Saturday when the Dragons tackle Golden Square in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy grand final.

After consecutive grand final defeats in 2014 and ’15, Coghlan and his team-mates beat Golden Square in the 2016 grand final by 32 points.

There’s been plenty happen since then, particularly a Covid pandemic which meant no play in 2020 and abrupt end at the halfway mark of the ’21 campaign.

After missing last year’s finals Sandhurst is now a win from capturing the Bendigo Advertiser premiership cup.

“For the whole club it’s great to be back playing on grand final day.

“It’s what every player wants to achieve, no matter what level they are at.”

It was an incredibly consistent run by Sandhurst as it ended the 18-round home-and-away series on top spot after chalking up 16 wins, a draw, and just one loss to grand final opponent, Golden Square.

“A lot of credit has to go to Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow. They are brilliant coaches,” said Coghlan.

The Dragons will be fired up after a 14-point loss to Golden Square in the second semi.

“They outplayed us that day. We took a lot from that match.

“Golden Square is incredibly strong at stoppages and set up well in defence,” said Coghlan.

Among the many keys for the Dragons will be pressure and workrate at stoppages and the ability to move the ball quickly into attack.

Coghlan said the Bulldogs have plenty of attacking options to try and stop.

“They are not overly tall, but quick on the lead, and just as dangerous at ground level.”

Equally as important is Sandhurst’s forward line which has Matt Thornton, Andy Collins, Lachlan Wright and Cobi Maxted to test the Dogs’ back six.

Since his senior debut in 2007, Coghlan has racked up plenty of accolades.

One of his greatest highs was the Michelsen Medal as league fairest in 2009.

A teacher at Catherine McAuley College, Coghlan teams up on the footy field with some of the students he coached in the college’s footy team.

“Sam Conforti, Cooper Smith and Noah Walsh were in the year eight footy team that I was coaching.

“Now they are playing in the same team with me.

“I am incredibly proud of what they have done so far.

“They are super players in their own right and will be for a long time,” Coghlan said.

There’s also long-time team-mates such as Nick Stagg and Matt Thornton who continue to play crucial roles for the maroon and blue.

“Having Nick Stagg and Andy Collins back at the club is great.

“Their leadership and ability to step up the big moments is inspirational.

“They did it in the last quarter of the preliminary final, and both are capable of just about anything on the footy field.”

Although his role has changed markedly in recent years, Coghlan said he looks forward to the challenge of every match, no matter the opponent.

PHOTO: Darren Howe, Bendigo Advertiser