Round 10

Huge clash for Dogs and Hawks at Golden Square

GREAT rivals Golden Square and Eaglehawk meet again in this Saturday’s 10^th round of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy action.

It’s fifth against fourth on the Bulldogs’ turf at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.

When these clubs met in round one it was the Travis Matheson-coached Eaglehawk which won by 19 points.

There will be many crucial duels in the return bout.

In the centre, Golden Square has Jordan Rosengren to take on the in-form Joel Mullen.

Talented youngster Macey Eaton was named as ruck-rover where his opponent will be Hawks’ gun Billy Evans.

The Bulldogs attack will again be led by captain Jayden Burke, Jack Stewart and Kai Daniels as they take on Oscar Madden, Charlie Langford and Aydan Hanley.

Key targets in the Hawks forward line are Jonty Neaves and Cameron McGlashan who are well supported by Michell Ronchieri and Thomas Bennett.

Two of the league’s younger ruckmen in Tanner Rayner and Bailey Ilsley are likely to have a great battle.

South Bendigo and Strathfieldsaye clash at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

The Bloods did play well to finish within 28 points of Strathfieldsaye at Triple M Park in round one.

Creating enough chances for dangerous forwards Steven Stroobants and Brock Harvey is a huge challenge for South Bendigo.

The smaller confines of the Kennington ground may make it easier for the Steven Stroobants and Isaiah Milller-coached Bloods to slow the fast-running game Storm brings.

South Bendigo will rely a lot on Anthony Zimmerman, Zac Sims and Brody Haddow to win at stoppages or not allow Storm to dominate clearances.

Big test for Bloods defenders Zac Hare, Matt McNaughton, Isaiah Miller and Alex Smith against James Schischka, Malik Gordon, Zach Charles and Abe Sheahan.

In-form players for the Luke Freeman-coached Storm include Riley Wilson, ruckman Tim Hosking, Lachlan Gill and Caleb Sheahan.

Storm also has talented youngsters Caleb Ernst and Jaidi Jackson-Leahy capable of winning plenty of the footy.

It’s an all-Magpies showdown between Maryborough and Castlemaine at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

These clubs played a great match to kick off the season on Good Friday.

It was Castlemaine which kicked clear in the second half after Maryborough had gained a near five-goal lead in the second quarter at Camp Reserve.

Injuries have significantly tested Maryborough’s depth all season.

Huge plus for Maryborough is the return of experienced on-baller/mid Joel Swatton who has not played since the round three clash with Gisborne.

Co-coach Coby Perry just keeps racking up the possessions and will again play a vitally important role in challenging Castlemaine.

Key defender Kya Lanfranchi keeps proving he is one of the league’s best each week.

The play of co-coach Matt Johnston, Alex Brown, Fraser Russell, Aidan Medlyn and Josh Britten will be important in staying competitive in every quarter.

There’s plenty of class in a Castlemaine team which has been a lot more competitive against the league’s big guns this season.

First-year coach Michael Hartley leads the Castlemaine attack on 38 goals and is sixth in the race for the Ron Best Medal as leading goalkicker.

Captain Bailey Henderson, Matt Filo, Zavier Murley and Ryan Eyre will test the opposition with their hard running and skills.

Other players to watch for Castlemaine include Liam Wilkinson, Ben McConachy, John Watson, Brodie Byrne and Ashton Frankling.

Sandhurst faces Kangaroo Flat at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The unbeaten Dragons have a formidable attack which will again test the Roos.

Fergus Greene starts the game on 47 goals.

Back in the Dragons’ den after stints at AFL clubs Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn, Greene’s been one of the recruits of the year.

Another is midfielder/on-baller Lachlan Tardrew who had an impressive VFL career which included being captain of Collingwood.

There will be no let-up in the intensity by the Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow-coached Dragons as competition for spots in the best 22 is heating up.

In-form players for the maroon and blue include Cobi Maxted, Cooper Smith, James Coghlan, Jake McLean and Isaac Ruff.

Been a tough two-week stretch for Kangaroo Flat which played at Gisborne last Saturday and now takes on the unbeaten ladder leader.

Huge challenge for the Roos midfield and on-ball brigade which includes Ethan Roberts, Jack Lefroy, Luke Ellings, Josh Leersen and Xav Dingfelder-Hope.

The Michael Ellings-coached Kangaroos will also look for big games from the likes of Jake Hywood, key forward Harry Whitty, Lachlan Dalziel, Dion and Kyle Symons.

Gisborne has the bye.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 321 per cent, 32 points; Gisborne 233, 28; Strathfieldsaye 169, 24; Eaglehawk 150, 20; Golden Square 123, 16; Castlemaine 85, 8; South Bendigo 76, 8; Kangaroo Flat 58, 8; Maryborough 12, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

47 Fergus Greene, Sandhurst.

38 James Schischka, Strathfieldsaye.

32 Brock Harvey, South Bendigo.

29 Pat McKenna, Gisborne.

25 Harry Luxmoore, Gisborne.

23 Michael Hartley, Castlemaine.

21 Jayden Burke, Golden Square.

20 Jack Stewart, Golden Square.

18 Steven Stroobants, South Bendigo.

18 Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst.

17 Brad Bernacki, Gisborne.

17 Jonty Neaves, Eaglehawk.

16 Zac Denahy, Gisborne.

16 Malik Gordon, Strathfieldsaye.

15 Bailey Henderson, Castlemaine.

14 Bryce Curnow, Sandhurst.

13 Darcy Richards, Eaglehawk.

13 Harry Whitty, Kangaroo Flat.

12 Zac Greeves, Castlemaine.

12 Cobi Maxted, Sandhurst.

12 Matt Merrett, Gisborne.

11 Lachlan Gill, Strathfieldsaye.

11 Nick Stagg, Sandhurst.

11 Lachlan Tardrew, Sandhurst.

11 Noah Walsh, Sandhurst.

10 Abe Sheahan, Strathfieldsaye.

10 Riley Wilson, Strathfieldsaye.

AFTER three narrow defeats and a draw, Eaglehawk’s senior footy team is desperate to turn fortunes around when it meets South Bendigo in Saturday’s 10^th round in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

The Hawks have home-ground advantage at Canterbury Park as the second half of the home-and-away series kicks off.

A 58-48 victory against South Bendigo at Kennington’s Harry Trott in round one kicked off a five-match unbeaten streak by Eaglehawk.

Defeats by margins of three, one and three points, and then a 64-all draw with Sandhurst last round have put the Hawks in fifth place and just two points clear of Kyneton.

After heavy rain in recent days the ball is likely to be at ground level a lot.

A Hawks’ defence that includes Clayton Holmes, Sam Thompson and Dylan Hanley faces a huge task against Bloods’ small forwards in Steven Stroobants, Brock Harvey and Will Keck.

A highlight will be the ruck contests were the Hawks have Connor Dalgleish up against Mac Cameron.

The Borough named Kallen Geary in the centre against Bloods’ star Brody Haddow.

Other key players for the Hawks include co-captains Billy Evans and Cam McGlashan, Ben Thompson and Darcy Richards.

A 6-3 record has the Nathan Horbury-coached South Bendigo in third place, but locked on points and less than one per cent in front of Strathfieldsaye.

The Bloods’ pressure will be a key to winning in a hostile venue.

A talented line-up in the red and white includes Isaiah Miller, Cameron Taggert, Braydan Torpey and Andrew van Heumen.

It’s the rematch of the 2022 grand finalists when Strathfieldsaye is home at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane to take on Gisborne.

The Darryl Wilson-coached Storm has lifted its play dramatically in recent weeks to now be 6-3.

Gun forward and captain Lachlan Sharp has moved to joint leader in the race for the Ron Best Medal as leading goalkicker on 41.

The play of on-baller Callum McCarty, Riley Wilson in the centre, Tim Hosking in the ruck, Mitch Hallinan in defence has played a big part in Storm’s surge.

Other players to watch for Strathfieldsaye include Shannon Geary, Baxter Slater, James Schischka and Luke Webb.

Gisborne returned to the winners’ list in a big way as it marked a 200-plus point victory against Maryborough at Gardiner Reserve last round.

The Brad Fox-coached Bulldogs know the pressure will be much higher.

Although seventh on a 3-6 record, Gisborne will not have given up on making the finals.

An upset win at Strathfieldsaye would be a massive turning point in the reigning premier’s season.

The Bulldogs’ will test Storm through the play of ruckman Braidon Blake, rover Flynn Lakey, captain Jack Reaper in defence or attack, and Harry Luxmoore at half-forward.

Others capable of winning plenty of the footy include Luke Ellings, Matt Merrett, Liam Spear and Seb Bell-Bartels.

It’s the all-Magpies clash as Castlemaine is home at Camp Reserve to play Maryborough.

It will be win number two for the Brendan Shepherd-coached Castlemaine, or Maryborough breaks its losing streak.

In round one, Castlemaine turned an 11-point deficit at three quarter-time into an 11-point victory at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

The Castlemaine line-up for this match includes Brodie Browne-Kerr, Brodie and Jackson Byrne, Matt Filo, Ashton Frankling, Ben Moran, John Watson and Liam Wilkinson.

Been a tough first year in the coaching caper for Coby Perry who is back on-field for Maryborough.

Players to watch for the Borough include Joel Swatton, Chris Freeman, Jai Howell, Ty Stewart, Matt Johnston and Kya Lanfranchi.

Kyneton is back in Tigerland at Kyneton Showgrounds to take on Golden Square.

The Paul Chapman-coached Tigers need an upset win to keep the heat on Eaglehawk.

A daunting task for the yellow and black against a Golden Square team which has a 7-2 record and is second on the ladder.

In an on-ball role or attack, Cameron Manuel is in outstanding form for Kyneton.

The Tigers will need big games from the likes of Hamish Yunghanns, Thomas Quinn, Harrison Huntley, Ethan Foreman, Ben Xiriha, Jame Summers and Mitch Comben to trouble the Bulldogs.

A Golden Square forward line led by Joel Brett and Braydon Vaz is in awesome form.

Ruck-rover Tom Toma racked up 40 disposals, 11 marks, five goals and 237 points in Golden Square’s win at Kangaroo Flat to earn the Barry Plant Player of the Round award.

The Bulldogs have the running power of Ricky Monti, Liam Barrett, Jake Thrum, Ryan Hartley and captain Jack Geary which is as strong in the last term as the first.

Kangaroo Flat is on its ground at Dower Park to play Sandhurst.

The Nathan Johns-coached Roos played incredibly well in a 41-49 loss to the Dragons at Queen Elizabeth Oval in round one.

Kangaroo Flat will be determined to bounce back from last week’s big loss to Golden Square.

The Kangaroos have named former Greater Western Sydney Giants and Hawthorn star Jonathon Patton for second match for the club.

Patton’s debut as a Roo was at Kyneton.

The Roos’ attack will rely a lot on quality and ample quanity of supply from an on-ball and midfield brigade that includes Mitch Collins, Mitch Trewhella, Toby Roberts, Campbell Smith, Dion Symons and Jarryd Wiegard.

Sandhurst is still unbeaten, but just after a 64-all draw at Eaglehawk last Saturday.

Jointly coached by Ash Connick, non-playing, and Bryce Curnow, playing, Sandhurst has plenty of atacking options.

Players to watch for the Dragons include Noah Walsh in the centre, Lachlan Wright at centre half-forward, ruckman Hamish Hosking, Matt Thornton and Cobi Maxted in attack, and ruck-rover James Coghlan.

Sandhurst also named Sam Conforti who is playing VFL with Essendon as rover.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 227 per cent, 34 points; Golden Square 213, 28; South Bendigo 157, 24; Strathfieldsaye 156, 24; Eaglehawk 201, 22; Kyneton 88, 18; Gisborne 120, 12; Kangaroo Flat 60, 12; Castlemaine 29, 6; Maryborough 15, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

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

Golden Square’s young guns stand up to Hawks

THE young guns in Golden Square’s line-up played key roles in a hard-fought win against Eaglehawk in Saturday’s 10^th round in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy season.

Playing on home turf at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street, Golden Square led 20-15 at quarter-time.

The Brad Eaton-coached Bulldogs then turned up the heat to score 3.2 as it kept the Hawks to a tally of three behinds in the second quarter.

Eaglehawk hit back strongly in the third term.

The Borough responded with three goals as the Dogs added one.

Golden Square led 47-39 going into the last term.

With key defender Jon Coe in great form the blue and gold held the Hawks to a goal in the last as the Dogs did plenty of attacking.

At the final siren Golden Square led 59-45.

Jack Stewart capped another great match with three goals for the Bulldogs as Tom Strauch kicked two.

The Hawks’ attack was led by Joel Mulleen and Jonty Neaves on two each.

Best for the Bulldogs included Macey Eaton and Kai Daniels who have also excelled on the basketball court.

Lachlan Humphrey, Hugh Freckleton and Tom Strauch were also among Golden Square’s best.

Joel Mullen, Oscar Madden, Billy Evans, Dylan Hanley, Bailey Ilsley and Clayton Holmes were best for the Travis Matheson-coached Eaglehawk.

A nine-goal haul by Castlemaine coach Michael Hartley spearheaded Castlemaine to a 176-29 victory at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

Castlemaine led 28-7 at quarter-time and then slammed on 13 goals in the second.

With Hartley capitalising on the Magpies’ dominance through midfield and at stoppages, Castlemaine kicked away.

Jackson Hood booted four goals as Ryan Eyre and captain Bailey Henderson added three each.

Magpies’ co-coach Matt Johnston kicked four goals.

Best for Castlemaine were Michael Hartley, Ryan Eyre, Zavier Murley, Bailey Henderson, Ben McConachy and Jackson Hood.

Alex Brown, co-coach Coby Perry, key defender Kya Lanfranchi, Joel Swatton, Seb Collins and Beau Trahar were Maryborough’s best.

A nine-goal blitz in the second quarter set up Strathfieldsaye’s big win against South Bendigo at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval.

The Luke Freeman-coached Strathfieldsaye led 34-18 at quarter-time and then slammed on 9.2 to 1.2 in the second term.

A 64-point lead at the break became 84 at a quarter to go.

South Bendigo worked hard to win the final term, 21-19, but it was Storm which took the points in a 138-56 result.

The in-form James Schischka kicked five goals as Abe Sheahan added four.

Other multiple goalkickers were Caleb Ernst, three; Zach Charles and Darcy Mulquiny, two.

South Bendigo co-coach Steven Stroobants booted a match-high six goals.

Storm’s best were Cooper Jones, Darcy Mulquiny, Ethan Featherby, Caleb Ernst, Matt Harvey and James Schischka.

Anthony Zimmerman, Riley Walsh, Brody Haddow, Alex Smith, Steven Stroobants and Cody Brooks were best for a Bloods line-up jointly coached by Isaiah Miller.

Seven goals capped one of Cobi Maxted’s best matches for Sandhurst as the Dragons beat Kangaroo Flat by 114 points at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The Dragons led 46-13 at quarter-time and then scored another seven goals in the second to lead 89-28 at the long break.

An attack led by Maxted and Fergus Greene, five, capitalised on the Dragons’ superb teamwork.

Tanner Nally kicked four goals and Cooper Smith added two as Sandhurst won 152-38.

There were no multiple goalkickers for the Michael Ellings-coached Kangaroo Flat.

Best for Sandhurst were Cobi Maxted, Lachlan Tardrew, Alex Wharton, Liam Ireland, Lachie Hood and Cooper Smith.

Luke Ellings, Lachlan Dalziel, Connor Lee, Jack Lefroy, Kyle Symons and Daniel Stagg played well for the Kangaroos.

Gisborne had the bye.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 328 per cent, 36 points; Gisborne 233, 28; Strathfieldsaye 176, 28; Eaglehawk 141, 20; Golden Square 124, 20; Castlemaine 105, 12; South Bendigo 71, 8; Kangaroo Flat 53, 8; Maryborough 13, 0.

It’s second against first as Gisborne hosts Sandhurst at Gardiner Reserve in next Saturday’s round 11 clash from 2.20pm.

The rivalry between Strathfieldsaye and Golden Square will be renewed at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.

Kangaroo Flat will be back home at Dower Park to play Maryborough.

Castlemaine clashes with South Bendigo in the Magpies’ nest at Camp Reserve.

Eaglehawk has the bye.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

52 - (5) - Fergus Greene - Sandhurst 
43 - (5) - James Schischka - Strathfieldsaye 
33 - (1) - Brock Harvey - South Bendigo 
32 - (9) - Michael Hartley - Castlemaine 
29 - (0) - Pat McKenna - Gisborne 
28 - (6) - Steven Stroobants - South Bendigo 
25 - (0) - Harry Luxmoore - Gisborne 
23 - (3) - Jack Stewart - Golden Square 
22 - (2) - Jonty Neaves - Eaglehawk 
21 - (0) - Jayden Burke - Golden Square 
19 - (7) - Cobi Maxted - Sandhurst 
18 - (0) - Lachlan Wright - Sandhurst 
18 - (3) - Bailey Henderson - Castlemaine 
17 - (1) - Malik Gordon - Strathfieldsaye 
17 - (0) - Bradley Bernacki - Gisborne 
16 - (0) - Zac Denahy - Gisborne 
14 - (4) - Abe Sheahan - Strathfieldsaye 
14 - (1) - Harry Whitty - Kangaroo Flat 
14 - (0) - Bryce Curnow - Sandhurst 
13 - (1) - Zachary Greeves - Castlemaine 
13 - (0) - Darcy Richards - Eaglehawk 
12 - (1) - Lachlan Tardrew - Sandhurst 
12 - (1) - Lachlan Gill - Strathfieldsaye 
12 - (0) - Matthew Merrett - Gisborne 
11 - (0) - Nicholas Stagg - Sandhurst 
11 - (0) - Noah Walsh - Sandhurst 
10 - (2) - Tom Strauch - Golden Square 
10 - (0) - Riley Wilson - Strathfieldsaye 
10 - (2) - Joel Mullen - Eaglehawk 
10 - (0) - Mitchell Ronchieri - Eaglehawk 
10 - (2) - Zach Charles - Strathfieldsaye 

EAGLEHAWK returned to the winners’ list as it scored a 56-point win against South Bendigo in the 10^th round of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy action on Saturday.

After a run of three defeats by single figure margins and a draw, Eaglehawk was desperate for the points against the Bloods at Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park.

The Bloods led 14-9 at quarter-time before the Hawks scored 5.5 to 3.0 in the second.

A two-goal lead for the Borough at the main break grew to 22 points by the final change.

Led by the play of Noah Wheeler, Kallen Geary and co-captain Billy Evans, Eaglehawk kicked 6.5 to 1.1 in the last to complete a 103-47 victory.

Lewin Davis and Darcy Richards kicked three goals as eight team-mates chipped in with a major.

The only multiple goalkicker for the Bloods was Will Allen on three as the Hawks’ defence worked well to limit the dangerous Brock Harvey and Steven Stroobants to a goal each.

Eaglehawk’s best included Clayton Holmes, Dylan Hird and Charlie Hillier.

Mac Cameron, Sam Langley, Tait Poyser, Andrew van Heumen, Will Allen and Braydan Torpey were best for the Nathan Horbury-coached Bloods.

Castlemaine marked its second win of the season in the all-Magpies clash with Maryborough at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve.

The Brendan Shepherd-coached Castlemaine led 10-7 at quarter-time and 31-22 by the long break.

In the third quarter it was the Coby Perry-coached Maryborough which dominated play to score 3.4 to just four behinds.

It was déjà vu as Castlemaine again made a final quarter fightback.

After being down 35-44 at three quarter-time, Castlemaine lifted to score 5.3 to 0.5 in the last for a 68-49 victory.

Ben Moran led Castlemaine’s attack on three goals.

Chris Freeman kicked two goals for Maryborough.

Best for Castlemaine were Matt Filo, Riley Pedretti, Brodie Byrne, Callum McConachy, Tyson Hickey and Ethan Hein.

Brady Neill, Mitch McClure, Kya Lanfranchi, Jake Postle, Kaian Constable and Chris Freeman played well for Maryborough.

Strathfieldsaye Storm fought from 32-points down at quarter-time to mark a 27-point win against Gisborne at Strathfieldsaye’s Triple M Park.

On a day where Lachlan Bonney marked his 150^th senior game for Storm, Strathfieldsaye was down 6.5 to 1.3 at quarter-time.

Storm surged back to score 4.2 to just two points in the second.

The Brad Fox-coached Gisborne still led 59-55 at a quarter to go.

In the last it was Strathfieldsaye led by the play of Bode Stevens, James Schischka and Mitch Hallinan which scored 6.4 to 1.3 to complete a 95-68 victory.

Captain Lachlan Sharp, James Schischka and Baxter Slater all kicked three goals for the Darryl Wilson-coached Storm.

Gisborne’s attack was led by Sam Graham and Jake Normington with two each.

Best for Strathfieldsaye included Luke Webb, Shannon Geary and Tim Hosking.

Gisborne’s best were Matt Merrett, Flynn Lakey, Frank Schipano, Connor Bills, Harry Luxmoore and Jake Normington.

Eight goals to a point in the second term put Golden Square well in control of its showdown with Kyneton at Kyneton Showgrounds.

The Christian Carter-coached Bulldogs led 28-11 at quarter-time and then dominated the second to score 8.4 to a point.

A 68-point lead at half-time was up to 78 by three quarter-time.

A strong midfield and on-ball group led by Tom Toma, Ricky Monti, Jake Thrum and Brodie James kept pumping the ball into the 50m arc where Joel Brett and Jack Stewart capitalised to kick four goals each.

Other multiple goalkickers for the Bulldogs were Liam Barrett, Jack Hickman and Braydon Vaz on two.

There were no multiple goalkickers for Kyneton.

Best for Square included ruckman Matt Compston and Jack Stewart.

Mitch Comben, Jayden Eales, Harrison Sheahan, Harrison Huntley, Dom Bennington and Cameron Manuel were best for the Paul Chapman-coached Tigers.

Sandhurst dominated its match against Kangaroo Flat on the Roos’ ground at Dower Park.

After a draw at Eaglehawk the previous round kept its unbeaten run intact, Sandhurst slammed on 8.1 to 1.1 in the first term against the Kangaroos.

Ruckman Hamish Hosking and rover Sam Conforti were in great form as the Dragons added 3.5 to nil in the second.

The result was in stark contrast to the first round at Queen Elizabeth Oval where the Kangaroos finished within eight points of the maroon and blue.

Jointly coached by Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow, Sandhurst went on to record a 127-22 victory in the return game.

Sam Conforti capped a best afield performance with four goals and Joel Wharton also booted four.

Captain Lee Coghlan and Nick Stagg chipped in with three majors for the Dragons.

Goalkickers for the Roos were Nic Keogh, two, and former Greater Western Sydney Giants and Hawthorn key forward Jonathon Patton with one.

Sandhurst’s best included Jake McLean, Zach Pallpratt, Noah Walsh and Cobi Maxted.

Ryan O’Keefe, Dion Symons, Zac and Jordan Rouse, Campbell Smith and Toby Roberts were best for the Nathan Johns-coached Kangaroo Flat.

It’s a general bye across the league next weekend.

The season resumes on July 8 when Golden Square and Strathfieldsaye meet in the 11^th round at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street at 2.20pm.

Sandhurst takes on Kyneton at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

South Bendigo faces Kangaroo Flat at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

Gisborne and Castlemaine play at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve.

Maryborough and Eaglehawk meet at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

44 Joel Brett, Golden Square.

44 Lachlan Sharp, Strathfieldsaye.

32 Brock Harvey, South Bendigo.

26 Will Keck, South Bendigo.

26 Steven Stroobants, South Bendigo.

26 Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst.

23 Cameron Manuel, Kyneton.

20 James Schischka, Strathfieldsaye.

20 Braydon Vaz, Golden Square.

19 Matt Thornton, Sandhurst.

17 Lewin Davis, Eaglehawk.

16 Andy Collins, Sandhurst.

16 Ryan Hartley, Golden Square.

16 Darcy Richards, Eaglehawk.

14 Callum McCarty, Strathfieldsaye.

14 Cam McGlashan, Eaglehawk.

14 Hamish Morcom, Golden Square.

14 Nick Stagg, Sandhurst.

13 Thomas Quinn, Kyneton.

13 Harry Whitty, Kangaroo Flat.

12 Jed Brereton, Strathfieldsaye.

12 Matt Merrett, Gisborne.

11 Hugh Freckleton, Golden Square.

11 Dylan Hird, Eaglehawk.

11 Harry Luxmoore, Gisborne.

11 Liam Marciano, Eaglehawk.

11 Noah Wheeler, Eaglehawk.

10 Billy Evans, Eaglehawk.

10 Zavier Murley, Golden Square.

10 Jack O’Shannessy, Eaglehawk.

10 Baxter Slater, Strathfieldsaye.

10 Tom Toma, Golden Square.

10 Jordan Wilson, Strathfieldsaye.

KANGAROO Flat’s skill and self-belief will be put to the test when it faces Sandhurst in this Saturday’s 10^th round of A-grade netball in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

Past three meetings between these clubs, which include a second semi and a grand final have all been won by Sandhurst.

Third and first in this season’s premiership race, Kangaroo Flat and Sandhurst are back on the Roos’ court again this Saturday.

Key players in the Roos’ quest to end this season’s unbeaten run by the reigning premier include Abbey and Ashley Ryan, and Milly Wicks who all represented the Bendigo FNL at the Netball Victoria Association Championships last Sunday.

The Roos and Dragons had big wins in the ninth round.

Kangaroo Flat poured in 106 goals and held Golden Square to a tally of 19 at Dower Park.

The Dragons won 70-30 on Eaglehawk’s court at Dower Park.

Kangaroo Flat’s and Sandhurst’s line-ups have changed markedly since the Jayden Cowling-coached Roos beat the maroon and blue on July 16 last year.

On that day the Roos netted a 66-49 win against Sandhurst at Kangaroo Flat’s Dower Park.

In three meetings since last July, Sandhurst has won all three against the Roos.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst beat the Roos, 65-26 in last year’s second semi-final and then scored a 48-33 victory in the grand final as the club marked a fourth consecutive premiership.

This season began with the grand final rematch in which the Dragons fired up for a 47-37 victory on its court at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Last Sunday the Bendigo FNL was represented by six of Sandhurst’s stars and three from Kangaroo Flat at Netball Victoria’s Association Championships at Parkville.

The BFNL team had 10 wins and a draw in the preliminary rounds, but was beaten by eventual champion, Banyule in the semi-final.

Among those to wear the blue and gold were Sandhurst team-mates Shae Clifford, Heather Oliver, Charlotte Sexton, Sophie Shoebridge, Bec Smith and Meg Williams.

At the halfway mark of the home-and-away series, Sandhurst is number two for goals scored, 563, and second in defence, 267 against.

Kangaroo Flat has the number one attack, 576 for, but is fourth in defence, 321 against.

The Dragons’ winning streak started after a 47-46 loss at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve on August 20 last year.

Another big match this Saturday will be at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye where Storm hosts Gisborne.

A 46-38 win at home against Kyneton last round meant the Steph Freemantle-coached Storm kept the heat on the fifth-placed South Bendigo.

Strathfieldsaye faces a big test against the second-placed Gisborne which won the season opener against Storm at Gardiner Reserve by 25 goals.

A talented Gisborne line-up coached by Tarryn Rymer includes Kirby Elliott and Claudia Mawson who represented the BFNL at the Association Championships.

Defence is a major strength of a Gisborne team which has 262 goals against in nine matches.

Eaglehawk is at home again at Canterbury Park to take on South Bendigo.

In round one it was South Bendigo which dominated in a 70-31 victory at their new home at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval against the Hawks.

The Jannelle Hobbs-coached Bloods are on the rebound from a 44-31 defeat at Castlemaine.

This season’s superb play by Alicia McGlashan for the red and white earned selection in the Bendigo FNL open squad.

Win this and the Bloods will gain a four-point break on Storm.

Kyneton is at home at Kyneton Showgrounds to take on Golden Square.

The Dianne Guest-Oakley coached Tigers won by 31 goals at Golden Square in round one and should take the points again.

Castlemaine and Maryborough meet in the all-Magpies match at Camp Reserve.

The margin was just 10 goals in favour of ‘Maine at Princes Park in round one.

Jointly coached by Fiona Fowler and Gary Cooke, Castlemaine will not want to drop the intensity against the Jordan Macilwain-coached Maryborough.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

Sandhurst 210 per cent, 36 points; Gisborne 185, 28; Kangaroo Flat 179, 28; Castlemaine 124, 26; South Bendigo 112, 18; Strathfieldsaye 96, 18; Kyneton 90, 14; Maryborough 60, 8; Eaglehawk 66, 4; Golden Square 36, 0.

Hurst faces Roos under QEO lights

A FRIDAY night showdown between Sandhurst and Kangaroo Flat tips off the 10^th round of A-grade netball action in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

Two of the league’s powerhouses of many years will play at Queen Elizabeth Oval from 7pm.

Last season’s runner-up, Sandhurst will have home-court advantage as second takes on first.

Since a seven-goal loss to Sandhurst in the opening round at Dower Park, Kangaroo Flat has gone on a six-game winning streak.

Latest victory for the Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroos was at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve where the green and white beat the reigning premier by six goals.

Beat the maroon and blue and the Roos will move a win clear at the top of the ladder.

Sandhurst dominated last Saturday’s home game against Castlemaine to mark an 89-45 victory.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Dragons have plenty of attacking power and are strong in all thirds of the court in what’s likely to be another exciting duel between these clubs.

Bendigo Strikers’ team-mates Ruby Turner and Meg Williams were in superb touch for Sandhurst against Castlemaine.

It’s another big weekend for the Strikers who will play their third and final home of the Victorian Netball League at Red Energy Arena this Sunday.

Action starts at 1pm when the Strikers’ 23-and-under team, coached by Jayden Cowling, takes on Western Warriors.

The championship game starts at 2.40pm.

The Tracey Brereton-coached Strikers won Wednesday night’s championship clash with Casey Demons by six goals at the State Netball Centre in Parkville.

On Saturday, South Bendigo will be back home at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington to take on Strathfieldsaye from 2.30pm.

Latest hit-out for the Alicia McGlashan-coached South Bendigo ended in a 10-goal loss to Eaglehawk.

McGlashan’s coaching debut began with a 36-34 victory on Strathfieldsayes’ court at Triple M Park in the first round.

Fourth in the premiership race, the Steph Freemantle-coached Storm had a rest last weekend as it was drawn to play at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

Another important match will be at Golden Square’s Fur Life Oval in Wade Street where the blue and gold host Eaglehawk.

Now being coached by Teigan Redwood, Golden Square has a chance to draw level with the Hawks on three wins.

When these clubs met in round one at Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park it was the Kylie Piercy-coached Two Blues who claimed a 44-33 victory.

It’s a break for the Chloe Hughes-coached Castlemaine in A-grade, but the Magpies will trek across to Maryborough’s Princes Park to contest the lower grades.

Gisborne has the bye.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

Kangaroo Flat 199.5 per cent, 24 points; Sandhurst 199.1, 24; Gisborne 138, 24; Strathfieldsaye 90, 12; Eaglehawk 72, 12; Golden Square 60, 8; Castlemaine 64, 4; South Bendigo 61, 4.

Dragons take points against Roos under QEO lights

SANDHURST claimed the premiership points once again when it met Kangaroo Flat in Friday night’s start to the 10^th round of A-grade netball in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s season.

The Dragons and Kangaroos played under the lights at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst led 16-11 at quarter-time and 24-21 by the main break.

It was goal-for-goal throughout, but the Dragons had the answers as they won the third term, 12-10.

Sandhurst sustained a major blow early in the last term when gun mid-courter Meg Williams hurt her ankle and took no further part in the contest.

Despite the setback, Sandhurst’s team steadied and was able to record a 47-42 victory against the Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroos.

The win has put Sandhurst on top spot leading into next Saturday’s match on Gisborne’s court at Gardiner Reserve.

It was closely-fought contest between South  Bendigo and Strathfieldsaye at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

The Alicia McGlashan-coached South Bendigo tipped off the season by scoring a two-goal win on Strathfieldsaye’s court at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane.

This time it was Storm which charged to a 10-6 lead by quarter-time.

South Bendigo hit back to win the second term, 13-10.

Just two goals separated the teams going into the final quarter.

The Steph Freemantle-coached Storm capitalised on moves into the goaling circle.

A tally of nine goals as the Bloods added eight was enough for Strathfieldsaye to claim a 43-40 victory.

Golden Square was on its court at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street to take on Eaglehawk.

Determined to strengthen its position in the five, Eaglehawk won a great battle by 15 goals.

The Teigan Redwood-coached Golden Square worked hard to be level at quarter-time and within three and five goals at the next two breaks.

In the last it was the Kylie Piercy-coached Eaglehawk which broke clear.

The Two Blues slotted 13 goals and held the blue and gold to a tally of three.

At the final siren, Eaglehawk led 43-30.

It was a rest for Castlemaine’s A-grade team, but the Maine did play at Maryborough’s Princes Park in the lower grades.

Gisborne had the bye.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

Sandhurst 185 per cent, 28 points; Kangaroo Flat 180, 24; Gisborne 138, 24; Strathfieldsaye 92, 16; Eaglehawk 78, 16; Golden Square 61, 8; South Bendigo 65, 4; Castlemaine 64, 4.

Highlight of next Saturday’s 11^th round will be the Gisborne and Sandhurst showdown at Gardiner Reserve from 2.30pm.

Strathfieldsaye will face Golden Square at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane.

Castlemaine returns to its court at Camp Reserve to take on South Bendigo.

It’s a rest for Kangaroo Flat in A-grade, but the Roos will host Maryborough in the lower grades at Dower Park.

Eaglehawk has the bye.

Round 10 scoreboard:

A-reserve:

Sandhurst 42 lt Kangaroo Flat 45, South Bendigo 41 lt Strathfieldsaye 51, Golden Square 43 lt Eaglehawk 46, Maryborough 48 d Castlemaine 41, Gisborne bye.

B-grade:

Sandhurst 40 lt Kangaroo Flat 51, South Bendigo 49 lt Strathfieldsaye 59, Golden Square 53 d Eaglehawk 52, Maryborough 20 lt Castlemaine 50, Gisborne bye.

B-reserve:

Sandhurst 73 d Kangaroo Flat 30, South Bendigo 44 lt Strathfieldsaye 47, Golden Square 22 lt Eaglehawk 31, Maryborough 29 lt Castlemaine 53, Gisborne bye.

17-and-under:

Sandhurst 78 d Kangaroo Flat 13, South Bendigo 35 d Strathfieldsaye 30, Golden Square 60 d Eaglehawk  16, Maryborough 44 d Castlemaine 42, Gisborne bye.

League ladders after 10 rounds:

A-reserve:

Gisborne 210 per cent, 32 points; Strathfieldsaye 127, 28; Maryborough 109, 26; Sandhurst 130, 24; Kangaroo Flat 111, 22; South Bendigo 80, 12; Eaglehawk 70, 8; Castlemaine 66, 8; Golden Square 66, 0.

B-grade:

Gisborne 196 per cent, 32 points; Sandhurst 152, 28; Kangaroo Flat 133, 28; Strathfieldsaye 118, 24; South Bendigo 89, 14; Eaglehawk 85, 14; Castlemaine 76, 12; Golden Square 73, 8; Maryborough 47, 0.

B-reserve:

Sandhurst 229 per cent, 36 points; Gisborne 195, 28; Strathfieldsaye 130, 28; South Bendigo 116, 20; Kangaroo Flat 107.5, 16; Eaglehawk 107.0, 16; Golden Square 68, 8; Castlemaine 58, 8; Maryborough 34, 0.

17-and-under:

Sandhurst 256 per cent, 36 points; Golden Square 170, 32; Maryborough 108, 28; Gisborne 103, 16; Castlemaine 101, 16; Strathfieldsaye 96, 12; South Bendigo 88, 12; Eaglehawk 45, 8; Kangaroo Flat 37, 0.

A STUNNING three-goal win by Eaglehawk against South Bendigo has shaken up the A-grade netball competition after 10 rounds in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

The Hawks’ 44-41 victory on their Canterbury Park court against the Bloods has meant top-five hopes for Kyneton and Strathfieldsaye are far from gone.

The Kylie Piercy-coached Eaglehawk teamed superbly to beat a Bloods’ line-up which went into the match on a win-loss record of 4-4 and a draw.

South Bendigo was determined to take the points and stay clear of the Tigers and Storm.

It was not to be as the Two Blues celebrated win number two.

Match of the round was at Kangaroo Flat’s Dower Park where the Roos took on the unbeaten Sandhurst.

In the rematch of last season’s grand finalists it was Sandhurst which dominated the opening term, 18-10.

The Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroos worked hard to score 10 goals in the second, but the ‘Hurst added 13 to lead 31-20 at half-time.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst showed it will be tough to stop in its pursuit of a fifth consecutive premiership was it won the second half, 25-17, and the match, 56-37.

Kyneton kept the pressure on the fifth-placed South Bendigo by scoring a 49-goal win against Golden Square at Kyneton Showgrounds.

The Dianne Guest-Oakley coached Tigers led 16-7 at quarter-time and then dominated the second to pour in 18 goals as Square added four.

The yellow and black won the next two terms, 20-3 and 15-6 to complete a 69-20 victory.

Strathfieldsaye was on its court at Triple M Park to take on the powerful Gisborne line-up.

The Steph Freemantle-coached Storm worked hard to be down by just four goals, 10-14 at quarter-time.

In the second it was Gisborne which took control through mid-court and scored 13 goals for a 27-17 lead by the main break.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Bulldogs did not let up the pressure as it won the third term, 15-5.

Storm fought back strongly in the last to score 12 goals and held Gisborne to 14.

At the final siren Gisborne led 56-34.

It was an all-Magpies contest at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve.

The Fiona Fowler and Gary Cooke-coached Castlemaine kept its hot form rolling in a 66-30 victory against Maryborough.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL’s A-grade netball competition:

Sandhurst 203 per cent, 40 points; Gisborne 183, 32; Castlemaine 132, 30; Kangaroo Flat 162, 28; South Bendigo 110, 18; Kyneton 103, 18; Strathfieldsaye 91, 18; Eaglehawk 69, 8; Maryborough 59, 8; Golden Square 36, 0.

Teams take a break for the general bye next weekend.

A highlight of the 11^th round on July 8 will be Gisborne on its court at Gardiner Reserve to meet Castlemaine in a match between second and third.

South Bendigo and Kangaroo Flat are both on the rebound from defeat as they take to the court at Harry Trott Oval in Neale Street, Kennington.

Sandhurst is back at Queen Elizabeth Oval to play Kyneton.

Maryborough hosts Eaglehawk at Princes Park.

Golden Square and Strathfieldsaye will play at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.

Round 10 scoreboard:

A-reserve:

Eaglehawk 35 lt South Bendigo 37, Kangaroo Flat 37 lt Sandhurst 44, Strathfieldsaye 35 lt Gisborne 55, Kyneton 39 dr Golden Square 39, Castlemaine bye.

B-grade:

Eaglehawk 37 dr South Bendigo 37, Kangaroo Flat 39 lt Sandhurst 49, Strathfieldsaye 43 lt Gisborne 53, Kyneton 31 lt Golden Square 35, Castlemaine 46 d Maryborough 29.

B-reserve:

Eaglehawk 24 lt South Bendigo 30, Kangaroo Flat 45 lt Sandhurst 48, Strathfieldsaye 42 d Gisborne 37, Kyneton 25 lt Golden Square 48, Castlemaine 48 d Maryborough 31.

17-and-under:

Kangaroo Flat 35 lt Sandhurst 62, Eaglehawk 43 d South Bendigo 34, Strathfieldsaye 30 lt Gisborne 43, Kyneton 9 lt Golden Square 54, Castlemaine 48 d Maryborough 31.

Ladders after 10 rounds:

A-reserve:

Gisborne 214 per cent, 40 points; Sandhurst 170, 36; Kangaroo Flat 120, 24; Castlemaine 96, 24; South Bendigo 95, 24; Strathfieldsaye 78, 20; Eaglehawk 76, 16; Kyneton 64, 10; Golden Square 62, 6.

B-grade:

Sandhurst 191 per cent, 40 points; Gisborne 167, 32; Kangaroo Flat 131, 32; South Bendigo 103, 24; Strathfieldsaye 97, 22; Eaglehawk 83, 18; Golden Square 93, 16; Kyneton 80, 8; Castlemaine 63, 6; Maryborough 49, 2.

B-reserve:

Sandhurst 213 per cent, 40 points; Kangaroo Flat 179, 32; Gisborne 138, 28; Strathfieldsaye 130, 24; Eaglehawk 112, 24; South Bendigo 110, 20; Castlemaine 66, 16; Golden Square 71, 12; Kyneton 44, 4; Maryborough 46, 0.

17-and-under:

Gisborne 188 per cent, 40 points; Sandhurst 179, 36; Golden Square 166, 32; Maryborough 113, 22; Strathfieldsaye 110, 22; Castlemaine 105, 18; Kangaroo Flat 106, 14; Eaglehawk 74, 12; South Bendigo 49, 4; Kyneton 20, 0.