Round 5

Red-hot Dragons tackle previous QEO co-tenant

SANDHURST takes on previous QEO co-tenant, South Bendigo in this Saturday’s fifth round of senior footy action in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

It’s also Community Umpiring Round in which players and fans recognise the important role all umpires play across all levels of football and netball.

The Sandhurst and South Bendigo match was originally slated as the Graeme Wright Memorial Cup, but that will now be later in the season at South Bendigo’s new home at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval.

Massive challenge for the Steven Stroobants and Isaiah Miller-coached South Bendigo to halt Sandhurst’s run and skilful disposal to a formidable attack in this contest.

The Dragons marked a league record score of 347 points and winning margin of 333 in last Saturday’s match at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

Sandhurst captain Lachlan Tardrew is one of the favourites for the Michelsen Medal awarded to the league’s fairest and best player.

At Maryborough, Tardrew racked up possessions at will in a best afield performance.

A tally of 57 disposals and 283 points was the highest ranking since Premier Data started doing stats for the league.

The Dragons have Connor Sexton in the ruck, James Coghlan and Noah Walsh as on-ballers, and Tardrew in the centre.

South Bendigo will need Alex Smith, Brody Haddow, Zac Sims and Anthony Zimmerman to limit the number of disposals their opponents win, but also rack up disposals.

The work of the Bloods’ on-ball and midfield group is crucial in supporting a defence led by Andrwe van Heumen, Zac Hare, Tait Poyser and Isaiah Miller.

Sandhurst co-coaches Ash Connick, non-playing, and Bryce Curnow, playing, would be rapt with the connection and workrate of forwards Fergus Green, Lachlan Wright, Nick Stagg and Joel Wharton.

At the other end of the field, Brock Harvey has kicked 20 goals and leads the race for the Ron Best Medal.

Premiers of the previous two seasons, Gisborne and Golden Square clash at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve.

Both teams have changed markedly, especially Golden Square, since they raised the Bendigo Advertiser premiership cup.

The Rob Waters-coached Gisborne is in great form.

Gisborne captain Jack Reaper was rewarded for his outstanding play and consistency by being named captain of the Bendigo FNL team to play the Victorian Amateur Football Association in July.

A Gisborne attack led by Pat McKenna, Harry Luxmoore and Zac Denahy has capitalised on the dominance of ruckman Braidon Blake and on-ballers Flynn Lakey and Jackson Cardillo in recent weeks.

Among the many key match-ups will be in the centre where Gisborne star Brad Bernacki takes on the in-form Jordan Rosengren.

The return of Ricky Monti is a massive plus for the Brad Eaton-coached Golden Square.

Whether he is playing on-ball or in attack, Monti is one of the league’s best.

Golden Square will need big games from the likes of captain Jayden Burke, Jon Coe, Kai Daniels, Zack Shelton and Tom Strauch.

After a disappointing result at Golden Square last round, Kangaroo Flat will aim to rebound on its turf at Dower Park against Eaglehawk.

The Roos teamed brilliantly on their turf just two weeks ago to beat South Bendigo.

Kangaroos’ coach Michael Ellings will be keen to see the team play with the dare and defensive intensity it brought against the Bloods.

Key players for the Roos include Jack Lefroy, ruckman Toby Roberts, Justin Bateson against his former club, Luke Ellings on a wing, Kyle Symons, Josh Leersen and Daniel Stagg.

Crucial roles to be played by Campbell Smith against Hawks’ captain Billy Evans, and Lachlan Dalziel in the centre against Joel Mullen.

The Roos will be without Harry Whitty after he accepted a two-match ban for rough conduct against Golden Square.

Goalscoring power of Eaglehawk may be difficult for the Roos to match.

The Hawks’ forward line includes Jonty Neaves, Darcy Richards, Bailey Ilsley and Mitchell Ronchieri.

Hawks’ coach Travis Matheson has ruckman Brayden Frost in hot form, the running power and versatility of Kallen Geary,  Marcus Angove and Ben Thompson.

Castlemaine is back on home turf at Camp Reserve to take on Strathfieldsaye.

The Michael Hartley-coached Castlemaine will be desperate to show it can be a challenger for the top five.

Huge test for the Magpies against an unbeaten Strathfieldsaye team refreshed by the bye.

Castlemaine has the marking power of Hartley, Bailey Henderson and Zach Greeves in attack.

Huge roles to be played through midfield and on-ball by the likes of Zavier Murley, Declan Slingo, Jack Chester, Kalan Huntly and Will Moran.

It’s another important milestone for Strathfieldsaye star Shannon Geary.

A three-time premiership captain of Storm, Geary will mark his 250^th Bendigo FNL match and 206^th with Storm.

Geary’s senior footy journey began at Eaglehawk and involved stints at Sandhurst and Kangaroo Flat, and at VFL level with Bendigo Bombers.

An incredible run of seven grand finals with Storm includes four victories.

The popular clubman also had a stint as senior co-coach with Darryl Wilson and also coached a reserves team to premiership glory.

Although he is likely to start in defence, Geary may drift forward at one stage in a bid to his 250^th senior goal.

Wearing number 65, Geary continues to play a key role for the Luke Freeman-coached Storm.

A talented Strathfieldsaye team includes Daniel Clohesy, Lachlan Ratcliffe, James Schishcka, Abe and Caleb Sheahan, Carson James and Riley Wilson.

Maryborough has the bye.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 522 per cent, 12 points; Strathfieldsaye 136, 12; Gisborne 392, 8; Eaglehawk 129, 8; Golden Square 116, 8; Kangaroo Flat 69, 8; Castlemaine 92, 4; South Bendigo 66, 4; Maryborough 19, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

20 Brock Harvey, South Bendigo.

17 Pat McKenna, Gisborne.

16 Fergus Greene, Sandhurst.

16 Michael Hartley, Castlemaine.

16 Harry Luxmoore, Gisborne.

16 Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst.

9 Bailey Henderson, Castlemaine.

9 Lachlan Tardrew, Sandhurst.

8 Justin Bateson, Kangaroo Flat.

8 Jayden Burke, Golden Square.

8 James Schischka, Strathfieldsaye.

8 Steven Stroobants, South Bendigo.

8 Noah Walsh, Sandhurst.

8 Joel Wharton, Sandhurst.

8 Harry Whitty, Kangaroo Flat.

7 Sam Graham, Gisborne.

7 Cobi Maxted, Sandhurst.

7 Fraser Russell, Maryborough.

7 Jack Stewart, Golden Square.

SOUTH Bendigo will fight to keep the Graeme Wright Memorial Cup out of Sandhurst’s hands in Saturday’s fifth round of senior footy in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

The match to honour one of the Bloods’ great defenders and clubmen will be at South Bendigo’s new home at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington’s Neale Street from 2.20pm.

Last season’s Cup battle between the-then QEO co-tenants ended in an eight-point win for the red and white.

The Bloods will up the pressure rating against the unbeaten Dragons.

South Bendigo gained plenty of confidence from a one-point win at Golden Square last round.

Among the many key duels in Saturday’s contest will be in the ruck where Bloods’ gun recruit Mac Cameron is up against Hamish Hosking.

Both are superb at centre clearances and boundary throw-ins, but also provide plenty of run and marking power around the ground.

Bloods’ small forwards Brock Harvey, Will Keck and Steven Stroobants will test the Dragons in every quarter.

The quality and quantity of supply will be crucial to South Bendigo’s chances.

Brody Haddow, Cooper Leon, Oscar White and coach Nathan Horbury play crucial on-ball or midfield roles for the Bloods.

The dash and flair of Zac Hare and Braydan Torpey  from defence is a key for the Bloods, as is the run from Wil McCaig and Sam Maher.

Sandhurst made it four wins on the trot when it kicked clear in the final quarter to beat Strathfieldsaye by 30 points.

James Coghlan, Andy Collins, Isaac Ruff and Cooper Smith were the Dragons’ best.

The marking power of Sandhurst forwards Matt Thornton, Cobi Maxted and Lachlan Wright is a huge plus and will test Daniel Johnstone and Andy Van Heumen.

A Dragons’ team coached by Ash Connick, non-playing, and Bryce Curnow, playing, was superb in the clinches as it beat Golden Square to retain the Ron Best Memorial Shield two weeks ago.

Players to watch for the Dragons include Nick Stagg, Will Moran, Alex Wharton and youngsters Archer Day-Wicks, Lachie Hood and Darcy Mills.

Another big match will be at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane where Storm hosts the ladder-leading Eaglehawk.

Illness and injury have hit Storm which has a two-two record and in a tough fight to hold fourth place.

Among the changes for the Darryl Wilson-coached Storm was captain Lachlan Sharp out because of a hamstring injury.

With the Michelsen medallist and dual Ron Best medallist on the sidelines there’s more pressure on James Schischka, Baxter Slater and Malik Gordon in Storm’s forward line.

On-ball duels will be a highlight.

Storm has ruckman Jed Brereton to take on Connor Dalgleish, while Michelsen medallist Jake Moorhead and Daniel Clohesy are damaging players from centre breaks and stoppages.

In defence it will be Mitch Hallinan, Luke Webb and Lachlan Ratcliffe who play crucial roles for Storm.

It’s been a long time since the Hawks have won in Storm territory.

A key player in Storm’s long-time dominance against the Hawks was Kallen Geary.

This time the triple premiership winner with Strathfieldsaye returns to Triple M Park, but to play off a half-back flank for the Hawks.

On the other flank will be Kallen’s older brother, Jarryn who has returned to the Borough after a 207-game AFL career with St Kilda.

A talented Eaglehawk line-up includes Marcus Angove, Billy Evans in the centre, Lewin Davis, Clayton Holmes, Cameron McGlashan, Joel Mullen and Noah Wheeler.

Gisborne is back on home turf at Gardiner Reserve to take on Kyneton.

The Bulldogs surged clear in the second half to win last Saturday’s match at Kangaroo Flat by 52 points.

The Brad Fox-coached Bulldogs will be wary of a Kyneton line-up which hit back from a hat-trick of defeats to score a big win against Maryborough at Tigerland.

Premiership-winning captain and gun forward Pat McKenna marks a timely return for Gisborne.

A Dogs’ attack that includes Matt Merrett, Harry Luxmoore and Adam Brancatisano will test the Paul Chapman-coached team in yellow and black.

Gisborne ruckman Braidon Blake, rover Flynn Lakey and key defender and captain Jack Reaper have been in top form all season.

After racking up 45 disposals and three goals in Kyneton’s win to earn the Barry Plant Player of the Round award, Cameron Manuel was not named in the Tigers’ team to tackle the Dogs.

With Cameron out there will be a greater onus on the likes of Hamish Yunghanns, Bailey McGee, James Orr, Brady Muir and Lucas Iudica to set up attacks.

Harrison Huntley is one of the league’s best key defenders.

A premiership winner with Gisborne last season, classy forward Ethan Foreman returns, but back in the Tigers colours.

A tough run for Maryborough rolls on as the Magpies face a Golden Square team fired up after consecutive defeats.

The Coby Perry-coached Magpies will be on home turf at Princes Park.

Best for the Borough in last week’s match at Kyneton were Chris Freeman, Lucas Hurse, Jake Postle and Jai Howell.

Maryborough’s line-up includes the experienced Matt Johnston and Joel Swatton, captain Ty Stewart, Darcy Bond and Kya Lanfranchi.

The Christian Carter-coached Bulldogs have Ron Best medallist Joel Brett as a key target in attack, along with Braydon Vaz, and possibly Tom Strauch.

A forward in most matches for Square, Jayden Burke was best playing at centre half-back last week.

The Dogs have the running power and skill of captain Jack Geary, Ricky Monti, Jake Thrum and Terence Reeves.

Strong form by Jack Threlfall in the reserves has earned a call-up for his first senior game with the Bulldogs since last season’s round 17 clash with Gisborne on Square’s turf.

Castlemaine and Kangaroo Flat will fight to mark their second win of the season.

The Brendan Shepherd-coached Castlemaine has home-ground advantage at Camp Reserve.

The Pies could not stop Eaglehawk’s run to a big win at Canterbury Park last round.

Best for the ‘Maine in that contest were Brodie Byrne, Matt Filo, Callum McConachy and Liam Wilkinson.

Although the Kangaroos have an identical 1-3 record, they have been competitive for much longer, especially against Sandhurst and Gisborne.

Best for the Nathan Johns-coached Roos last round were Connor Evans, Noah Furlong, Liam Collins and Toby Roberts.

Players to watch for the Flat include Mitch Trewhella, Mitch Collins, Jordan and Zachary Rouse, and Gach Chuol.

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 Thomas Quinn, Kyneton.

8 Kallen Geary, Eaglehawk.

8 Matt Thornton, Sandhurst.

7 Zac Denahy, Gisborne.

7 Ryan Hartley, Golden Square.

7 Noah Wheeler, Eaglehawk.

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 

THE ‘we’ll fight and fight and win’ sung by Kyneton’s players rung true in Saturday’s clash at in the fifth round of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy season.

Kyneton had played brilliant football on Gisborne’s turf at Gardiner Reserve to lead 75-45 at a quarter to play.

In the last it was Gisborne which set up attack after attack.

The Tigers’ defence was under siege as the Bulldogs scored 4.4.

Although Kyneton was scoreless in the final term the yellow and black held on for a 75-73 victory.

The classy Cameron Manuel kicked a team-high four goals to be among Kyneton’s best as Jayden Eales and Thomas Quinn added two each.

Gisborne’s premiership-winning captain Pat McKenna marked a welcome return by kicking a match-high five goals as Tom Wood added two.

Best for the Tigers were Jake Summers, Dom Bennington, Cameron Manuel, Harrison Huntley, Mason Crozier and Angus Strawhorn.

Ruckman Braidon Blake, Flynn Lakey, Sam Graham, Matt Merrett, Macklan Lord and Liam Spear played well for the Brad Fox-coached Bulldogs.

After a nil-three start the Paul Chapman-coached Kyneton is now 2-3.

Sandhurst’s unbeaten run kept rolling as it won another memorial match.

The Dragons took on South Bendigo for the Graeme Wright Memorial Cup at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval.

It was the first time the Cup clash which honours one of South Bendigo’s great defenders and clubmen had been played at the ground.

Sandhurst made a hot start to lead 4.3 to 0.4 at the first break.

The Bloods fought back to cut the margin to 17 points by the main break.

Led by the brilliance of ruckman Hamish Hosking and the pace and skill of Noah Walsh and Cooper Smith, Sandhurst’s lead was up to 28 by the last change.

Jointly coached by Ash Connick, non-playing, and Bryce Curnow, non-playing, Sandhurst slammed on five goals in the last to complete a 105-52 victory.

Lachlan Wright led the attack on three goals as Archer Day-Wicks, Cobi Maxted, Brodie Montague and Matt Wilkinson added two each.

Will Keck, Cooper Leon and Brock Harvey all booted two goals for the Bloods.

Sandhurst’s best included Matt Wilkinson, Lachie Hood and Liam Ireland.

Bloods’ coach Nathan Horbury was best along with Riley Walsh, Brody Haddow, Mac Cameron, Cooper Leon and Sam Griffiths.

Eaglehawk’s defence was outstanding as it held Strathfieldsaye to just two goals in the clash on Storm’s turf at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane.

The Hawks led 17-1 at quarter-time and then scored 5.6 to just three points in the second.

Eaglehawk dominated most of the on-ball and midfield duels through the play of Joel Mullen, Billy Evans, and ruckman Connor Dalgleish.

Liam Marciano and Darcy Richards kicked three goals apiece as Joel Mullen and talented youngster Jack O’Shannessy booted two each.

On a day where Cameron McGlashan played his 150^th club game and Sam Thompson his 100^th senior match, Eaglehawk kicked on to a 99-21 victory.

Storm’s goalkickers were Lachlan Bonney and Lachlan Gill.

The Hawks’ best included former St Kilda captain Jarryn Geary in a game that featured his brothers – Kallen for the Hawks, and Shannon for Storm.

Also among the Two Blues best were Thomas Bennett and co-captain Cameron McGlashan.

On a tough afternoon for the Darryl Wilson-coached Storm it was Michelsen medallist Jake Moorhead, Hunter Lawrence, Lachlan Gill, Shannon Geary, Mitch Hallinan and George Simpson who were best.

Kangaroo Flat marked its second win of the season in a 95-47 triumph at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve.

The Roos led 18-15 at quarter-time.

Goalkicking accuracy by the Flat was superb as it scored 9.1 to 4.6 in the first half.

Ryan O’Keefe kicked four goals in a best afield performance as Liam Collins and Sam Barnes played key role in the Kangaroos’ victory.

Multiple goalkickers for Flat were Mitchell Collins, three, and Sam Barnes, two.

Leading goalkicker for the Magpies was Nicholas Woodman on two.

Best for the Nathan Johns-coached Kangaroo Flat included Jordan and Zachary Rouse, and Nicholas Keogh.

Liam Wilkinson, Matt Filo, Nicholas Woodman, Tyson Jackson, John Watson and Ben Moran were best for the Brendan Shepherd-coached Castlemaine.

A 10-goal haul by Joel Brett and eight from Braydon Vaz were highlights in Golden Square’s big win at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

On the rebound from consecutive defeats, Golden Square dominated from the first contest.

The Bulldogs scored 11 goals to one in the opening term and led 125-6 by half-time.

It was a ruthless performance led by Ryan Hartley, Joel Brett, Ricky Monti and Braydon Vaz as the Bulldogs went on to win 39.19 (253) to 2.2 (14).

Other multiple goalkickers for the blue and gold were Jake Thrum, four; Macey Eaton, Hugh Freckleton, Ryan Hartley and Zavier Murley, three; and Drew Barrett, two.

Goalkickers for the Coby Perry-coached Maryborough were Lucas Hurse and Matt Johnston.

The Bulldogs’ best included Terence Reeves and Jack Hickman.

Maryborough’s best were Kya Lanfranchi, Jake Postle, Alex Brown, Joel Swatton, Lucas Hurse and Brady Neill.

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 Brayden 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 Ryan Hartley, Golden Square.

10 Lewin Davis, Eaglehawk.

10 Cameron Manuel, Kyneton.

10 Cameron McGlashan, Eaglehawk.

9 Brock Harvey, South Bendigo.

9 Liam Marciano, Eaglehawk.

9 Matt Thornton, Sandhurst.

The Bendigo FNL has a general bye on May 20.

Highs in round six when the season resumes on May 27 include Golden Square up against Gisborne at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street; and South Bendigo versus Strathfieldsaye at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

Sandhurst takes on Maryborough at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Kyneton faces Castlemaine in Tigerland at Kyneton Showgrounds.

Kangaroo Flat plays Eaglehawk on the Roos’ ground at Dower Park.

Sandhurst marks return to netball court

HAVING not played for premiership points since April 20, Sandhurst is back on court for this Saturday’s fifth round of A-grade netball action in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

It’s a clash of previous co-tenants at Queen Elizabeth Oval, Sandhurst and South Bendigo at the iconic venue.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst has win-loss tally of one-one.

After a seven-goal victory at Kangaroo Flat in round one, Sandhurst was beaten a week later by reigning premier, Gisborne.

The match between the ’23 grand finalists on the QEO court went Gisborne’s way, 42-38.

A bye for Sandhurst was followed by another rest for the A-grade team last Saturday because Maryborough is not fielding a team in the top division this season.

The Alicia McGlashan-coached South Bendigo will be desperate to break its winless run.

A first-round match on Strathfieldsaye Storm’s court at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane went the Bloods’ way, 36-34

Since then the Bloods have faced three of last season’s finalists in a row.

A tough run for the red and white started at home against Castlemaine at Harry Trott Oval, and then on Kangaroo Flat’s court at Dower Park.

Latest hit-out for South Bendigo at Harry Trott Oval ended in a 61-37 loss to Gisborne.

Another big match on Saturday will be at Kangaroo Flat where the Roos meet Eaglehawk.

Both teams had comfortable victories in round four.

The Roos took on neighbouring Golden Square at the Wade Street ground.

A superb team performace by the Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroos ended in a 90-35 win againt the blue and gold.

Eaglehawk soared to the third rung on the ladder following a 21-goal win against Castlemaine.

The Hawks and Magpies met in the feature match of Pat Cronin Foundation Round.

Honours went to the Kylie Piercy-coached Eaglehawk, 54-33.

Victorious in both matches it has played, Gisborne will start favourite in its home game at Gardiner Reserve against Golden Square.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne passed the 60-goal mark against South Bendigo last round.

Massive challenge for the Chris O’Sullivan-coached Golden Square in trying to limit Gisborne’s slick moves into the goaling third, and also capitalising on its own scoring chances.

Castlemaine will be back on its court at Camp Reserve to take on Strathfieldsaye.

As the Magpies were beaten at Eaglehawk, Strathfieldsaye had the bye.

Since a 14-goal win on the road against South Bendigo in round two, Castlemaine was outplayed by Golden Square and Eaglehawk in the next two contests.

The Chloe Hughes-coached Magpies will be focused on a stronger start to this showdown with Storm.

Storm takes a two-one record into this round.

Beaten by South Bendigo in round one, Storm struck back to take the points at Golden Square and then in the round three match against Eaglehawk in Strathfieldsaye.

Maryborough’s netball teams have the bye this round.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

Kangaroo Flat 175 per cent, 8 points; Gisborne 137, 8; Eaglehawk 126, 8; Strathfieldsaye 124, 8; Sandhurst 103, 4; Castlemaine 90, 4; South Bendigo 64, 4; Golden Square 63, 4.

THE unbeaten Sandhurst faces the Bloods from South Bendigo in this Saturday’s fifth round of A-grade netball in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

What’s been a long-time showdown at Queen Elizabeth Oval for many years has a change of venue as the Bloods new home is now Harry Trott Oval in Kennington’s Neale Street.

It’s a big day for South Bendigo on Graeme Wright Memorial Cup day.

In pursuit of a fifth consecutive premiership, Sandhurst has answered all challenges.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst beat Kangaroo Flat by 10 goals in the rematch of the ’22 grand finalists to tip-off the season at the QEO.

Other wins for the maroon and blue have been at Kyneton by 11 goals; at home against Golden Square by 78; and at Strathfieldsaye’s Triple M Park by 30.

The Jannelle Hobbs-coached South Bendigo played brilliant netball at Golden Square’s Fur Life Oval in Wade Street last round to win by 53 goals.

The Bloods’ attack capitalised on the mid-court dominance to pour in 81 goals against the blue and gold.

Another crucial match will be at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve where the Magpies take on Kangaroo Flat.

The Fiona Fowler and Gary Cooke-coached Castlemaine felt the heat at Eaglehawk last round as it led by just two goals going into the final term.

It was 18-7 in Castlemaine’s favour in the last to clinch a 50-37 victory.

The Magpies are up against a much stronger opponent this round.

Kangaroo Flat showed plenty of fight last Saturday to score a 44-42 win against Gisborne on the Roos’ court at Dower Park.

The Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroos were down 19-22 at half-time, but lifted to win the third, 14-10, and the fourth, 11-10.

Maryborough is back on its court at Princes Park to take on Golden Square.

The Jordan Macilwain-coached Maryborough will be determined to hit back after a 21-goal loss at Kyneton.

The Magpies are likely to have too much attacking power for the Benita Swatton-coached Golden Square to hold across four quarters.

Gisborne is at home at Gardiner Reserve to take on Kyneton.

It’s the clash of the Calder rivals.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne will start favourite on a court where it has beaten Strathfieldsaye and Eaglehawk by margins of 25 and 23 goals.

Kyneton played exceptional netball last Saturday.

The Dianne Guest-Oakley coached Tigers led 17-9 at quarter-time and went on to win the next three terms by five, three and five in a 64-43 result.

Kyneton has experience and height in attack to trouble Gisborne, but the Bulldogs’ slick ball movement through the court will be difficult to stop.

Strathfieldsaye and Eaglehawk meet in Storm territory at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane.

The Steph Freemantle-coached Strathfieldsaye will be wary of an opponent which pushed Castlemaine at Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park last round.

It’s consecutive hit-outs at home for Storm.

Both teams have endured a tough start to the season.

Storm has faced three of last season’s finalists in Gisborne, Castlemaine and Sandhurst.

It’s been the same for the Kylie Piercy-coached Hawks who have taken on South Bendigo, Gisborne and Castlemaine across the first month.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

Sandhurst 205 per cent, 16 points; South Bendigo 156, 12; Gisborne 141, 12; Kangaroo Flat 136, 12; Castlemaine 121, 12; Kyneton 122, 8; Strathfieldsaye 87, 4; Maryborough 73, 4; Eaglehawk 59, 0; Golden Square 32, 0.

Storm surges to big win on Castlemaine’s court

STRATHFIELDSAYE marked an impressive victory on Castlemaine’s court at Camp Reserve in Saturday’s fifth round of A-grade netball action in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

The Steph Freemantle-coached Storm surged to a 64-36 victory against the Magpies.

Now on a three-one record, Strathfieldsaye is third on the ladder.

It was a disappointing result for the Chloe Hughes-coached Castlemaine which now has a two-week break in the split sixth round.

Next hit-out for the Magpies will be on June 1 on Kangaroo Flat’s court at Dower Park.

Results in all other A-grade matches went as expected in round five.

Back on court after an extended break, Sandhurst dominated against South Bendigo at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst raced to a 29-7 lead by half-time.

Pressure from the maroon and blue did not ease up as it won the third term, 18-2.

By the final siren Sandhurst led 64-14 against the Alicia McGlashan-coached South Bendigo.

At Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park it was Kangaroo Flat which outplayed the Two Blues.

Kangaroo Flat jumped away to a 17-4 lead by quarter-time and was up, 32-7 by the main break.

The Jayden Cowling-coached Roos slammed on 22 goals in the third as the defence held the Hawks to a tally of two.

By the final siren Kangaroo Flat led 76-15.

The Roos make their way to Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane to face Storm next Saturday.

An Eaglehawk team coached by Kylie Piercy faces another tough hit-out against at Gisborne in the sixth round.

Reigning premier Gisborne was on its court at Gardiner Reserve against Golden Square.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne led 16-6 at quarter-time and 31-16 by the main break.

Best quarter for the Chris O’Sullivan-coached Golden Square was third where it poured in 10 goals and held the red, white and blue to a tally of 13.

Gisborne went on to mark a 58-31 victory against the blue and gold which is a lot more competitive this season.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

Kangaroo Flat 215 per cent, 12 points; Gisborne 151, 12; Strathfieldsaye 138, 12; Sandhurst 155, 8; Eaglehawk 80, 8; Castlemaine 78, 4; Golden Square 61, 4; South Bendigo 54, 4.

The split sixth round starts next Saturday.

Eaglehawk is home at Canterbury Park to face Gisborne.

Strathfieldsaye plays Kangaroo Flat on Storm’s court at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane.

It’s a rest for South Bendigo in A-grade, but the Bloods will play Maryborough in the lower grades at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval in Neale Street.

Castlemaine has the bye.

The round will be completed on May 25 when Golden Square and Sandhurst clash for the Ron Best Memorial Cup at the Bulldogs’ kennel in Wade Street.

Round five scoreboard:

A-reserve:

Sandhurst 60 d South Bendigo 39, Kangaroo Flat 62 d Eaglehawk 38, Gisborne 70 d Golden Square 22, Castlemaine 38 lt Strathfieldsaye 61, Maryborough bye.

B-grade:

Sandhurst 60 d South Bendigo 38, Kangaroo Flat 51 d Eaglehawk 34, Gisborne 75 d Golden Square 27, Castlemaine 29 lt Strathfieldsaye 56, Maryborough bye.

B-reserve:

Sandhurst 66 d South Bendigo 36, Kangaroo Flat 42 d Eaglehawk 36, Gisborne 65 d Golden Square 29, Castlemaine 42 lt Strathfieldsaye 72, Maryborough bye.

17-and-under:

Sandhurst 47 d South Bendigo 21, Kangaroo Flat 32 lt Eaglehawk 34, Gisborne 37 lt Golden Square 56, Castlemaine 54 d Strathfieldsaye 47, Maryborough bye.

League ladders:

A-reserve:

Gisborne 197 per cent, 16 points; Strathfieldsaye 151, 16; Kangaroo Flat 121, 14; Maryborough 100, 10; Castlemaine 90, 8; Sandhurst 107, 6; South Bendigo 67, 6; Eaglehawk 81, 4; Golden Square 63, 0.

B-grade:

Gisborne 218 per cent, 16 points; Strathfieldsaye 144, 16; Kangaroo Flat 140, 16; Sandhurst 146, 12; Eaglehawk 93, 8; Castlemaine 83, 8; South Bendigo 71, 4; Golden Square 65, 0; Maryborough 38, 0.

B-reserve:

Sandhurst 213 per cent, 16 points; Strathfieldsaye 140, 16; Gisborne 205, 12; Kangaroo Flat 157, 12; Eaglehawk 128, 8; South Bendigo 94, 8; Golden Square 67, 4; Castlemaine 59, 4; Maryborough 28, 0.

17-and-under:

Golden Square 201 per cent, 20 points; Sandhurst 240, 16; Maryborough 95, 12; Strathfieldsaye 116, 8; South Bendigo 99, 8; Castlemaine 97, 8; Gisborne 76, 4; Eaglehawk 45, 4; Kangaroo Flat 42, 0.

CASTLEMAINE outpointed Kangaroo Flat across the final three quarters to mark a 16-goal victory in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s A-grade netball match on Saturday.

A full-strength Castlemaine was down by three goals at quarter-time after the Kangaroos made a strong start on the Magpies’ court at Camp Reserve.

After the first break it was the Magpies who lifted their defensive intensity and run through the mid-court.

Castlemaine went from 8-11 at the first break to hold a 24-20 lead by half-time.

A high-scoring third term also went in the Magpies’ favour, 14-10.

In the last it was the team in black and white which kept peppering the attacking third.

The Magpies scored 17 goals and held the Flat to just nine in the final quarter to seal a 55-39 victory.

Castlemaine co-coach Fiona Fowler teamed with Shaid Sasalu to shut down many of the Kangaroos’ attacking moves.

A Magpies’ line-up jointly coached by Fiona Fowler and Gary Cooke surged clear to claim a 55-39 victory against last season’s runner-up.

Castlemaine moved to the second rung of the ladder going into next weekend’s general bye as the Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroos slipped to fifth place.

In other A-grade matches, South Bendigo met Sandhurst on Graeme Wright Memorial Cup day at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst made a brilliant start to lead 17-5 at quarter-time.

Although the Bloods tried they could not match the hot Dragons in terms of pressure and ability to force or capitalise on turnovers.

Sandhurst led 34-9 at half-time and won the next two terms, 14-4 and 14-9, against the Jannelle Hobbs-coached Bloods.

At the final whistle the Dragons led 62-22.

Gisborne won every quarter on its way to a 54-26 win against Kyneton at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne led 17-6 at quarter-time and 28-15 by the main break.

It was a tough afternoon for the Dianne Guest-Oakley coached Tigers as Gisborne won this contest by 28 goals.

Closest result of the afternoon was at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane where the Steph Freemantle-coached Storm faced Eaglehawk.

Strathfieldsaye led 11-8 at quarter-time and won the second term, 11-8.

In the crucial third quarter, Storm added 15 goals and kept the Hawks to a tally of 10.

The Kylie Piercy-coached Hawks matched Storm’s tally of nine goals in the final term as Strathfieldsaye marked a 46-35 victory.

It was a high-scoring contest at Maryborough’s Princes Park where the Magpies took on Golden Square.

The Jordan Macilwain-coached Maryborough led 18-15 at quarter-time and 35-29 by the long break.

The Magpies scored 18 goals in the third and 20 in the last to the 73-goal mark.

A return of 53 goals by the Benita Swatton-coached Golden Square was well above its best this season.

Previous scores for the blue and gold had been 23, 29, 21, and 28.

Bendigo FNL’s A-grade netball ladder:

Sandhurst 217 per cent, 20 points; Gisborne 152, 16; Castlemaine 125, 16; South Bendigo 119, 12; Kangaroo Flat 118, 12; Kyneton 104, 8; Strathfieldsaye 94, 8; Maryborough 85, 8; Eaglehawk 62, 0; Golden Square 40, 0.

The Bendigo FNL has a general bye on May 20.

The season resumes on May 27.

Golden Square is at home at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street to face Gisborne in the round six contest.

South Bendigo versus Strathfieldsaye at Harry Trott Oval in Neale Street, Kennington.

Kangaroo Flat plays Eaglehawk on the Roos’ court at Dower Park.

Kyneton faces Castlemaine at Kyneton Showgrounds.

Sandhurst takes on Maryborough at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Round five scoreboard:

A-reserve:

Castlemaine 37 lt Kangaroo Flat 40, South Bendigo 26 lt Sandhurst 45, Gisborne 82 d Kyneton 22, Strathfieldsaye 51 d Eaglehawk 33, Golden Square bye.

B-grade:

Castlemaine 20 lt Kangaroo Flat 64, South Bendigo 32 lt Sandhurst 46, Gisborne 71 d Kyneton 37, Strathfieldsaye 33 d Eaglehawk 21, Maryborough 22 lt Golden Square 52.

B-reserve:

Castlemaine 20 lt Kangaroo Flat 61, South Bendigo 29 lt Sandhurst 62, Gisborne 63 d Kyneton 18, Maryborough 32 lt Golden Square 43, Strathfieldsaye 33 dr Eaglehawk 33.

17-and-under:

Castlemaine 35 dr Kangaroo Flat 35, South Bendigo 18 lt Sandhurst 63, Gisborne 92 d Kyneton 9, Strathfieldsaye 42 d Eaglehawk 33, Maryborough 37 lt Golden Square 50.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL netball competitions after five rounds:

A-reserve:

Gisborne 238 per cent, 20 points; Sandhurst 198, 20; South Bendigo 117, 16; Castlemaine 86, 8; Kangaroo Flat 81, 8; Strathfieldsaye 79, 8; Eaglehawk 66, 8; Kyneton 57, 8; Golden Square 64, 4.

B-grade:

Sandhurst 181 per cent, 20 points; Gisborne 163, 16; Kangaroo Flat 139, 16; Strathfieldsaye 101, 12; South Bendigo 100, 12; Golden Square 97, 8; Eaglehawk 78, 8; Kyneton 74, 4; Castlemaine 63, 2; Maryborough 57, 2.

B-reserve:

Sandhurst 221 per cent, 20 points; Kangaroo Flat 185, 16; Gisborne 153, 16; Eaglehawk 119, 14; Strathfieldsaye 134, 10; South Bendigo 101, 8; Golden Square 72, 8; Castlemaine 52, 4; Kyneton 41, 4; Maryborough 48, 0.

17-and-under:

Gisborne 230 per cent, 20 points; Sandhurst 207, 20; Golden Square 188, 16; Maryborough 145, 16; Strathfieldsaye 84, 8; Kangaroo Flat 100, 6; Castlemaine 82, 6; Eaglehawk 72, 4; South Bendigo 50, 4; Kyneton 19, 0.