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Sandhurst fights for victory against Storm
SANDHURST capped a brilliant final quarter fightback to beat Strathfieldsaye in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s senior footy preliminary final on Sandhurst.
The Dragons were down by 15 points at the start of the final quarter on Queen Elizabeth Oval.
With a place in the grand final against Gisborne to be won it was Sandhurst which lifted its play dramatically in the windy conditions.
Both teams had struggled for accuracy in attack.
The Dragons had scored 4.11 across the opening three terms as Storm had surged to a score of 7.8.
In the last it was Sandhurst which took control at many of the stoppages and centre breaks.
Led by the play of James Coghlan, Lachlan Wright and Noah Walsh, Sandhurst scored 4.5 and kept Storm to a tally of four behinds in the final term.
A 64-54 victory meant the Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow-coached Sandhurst was through to another grand final where it will meet the Rob Waters-coached Gisborne.
The experienced Joel Wharton was Sandhurst’s only multiple goalkicker on two.
Strathfieldsaye key forward Malik Gordon played a superb game to kick a match-high four goals.
The Dragons’ showed it does not always have to be captain and gun on-baller/mid Lachlan Tardrew dominating play.
Tardrew still featured in Sandhurst’s best, but had great support from Cobi Maxted and Isaac Ruff.
Strathfieldsaye’s best were the athletic Caleb Ernst, Patrick Blandford, Daniel Clohesy, and multiple premiership winner Ben Lester.
In the Drummond Golf reserves competition, Gisborne marked a seven-goal win against Strathfieldsaye.
The Bulldogs had kicked off the week with Jacob Murphy winning the Alan McDonald Medal as the competition’s fairest and best player for a second time.
An inaccurate Gisborne scored 1.5 and kept Storm scoreless in the first term of the preliminary final.
A tally of 3.2 in quarter two put the Bulldogs up by 29 points at half-time.
Gisborne scored another four goals in the second half as Storm replied through Jack Lacey and Jye Stephens.
A Bulldogs’ attack led by Hayden Doricic and Tom Wood on two goals apiece proved too strong in a 57-15 victory.
Best for the Bulldogs were Kane Minns, Lachlan Nesbitt, Zach Paterson and Tom Wood.
Strathfieldsaye Storm’s best were Dermott Bell, Charlie Morrison, Luke Marchesi and Jack Lacey.
Gisborne will now take on Sandhurst in the grand final.
It was a two-point thriller in the Sportspower under-18s preliminary final between Gisborne and Golden Square.
The Gisborne line-up charged to a 20-4 lead by quarter-time.
In the second it was Golden Square which hit back to score 2.2 as Gisborne added two behinds.
A closely-fought third quarter went Gisborne’s way, 12-9.
Golden Square did plenty of attacking in the last.
As the blue and gold scored 1.6, Gisborne added 1.1.
The team in red, white and blue led 41-39 at the final siren.
Jack Rutten and Jye Zerafa both kicked two goals for Gisborne.
Golden Square had four individual goalkickers in a match where it led the scoring shots, 19-11.
Best for Gisborne were August Stelma, Jack Rutten, Baden Dickins and Campbell Johns.
Golden Square’s best were Riley Dillon, Jesse Gill, Melvic Pambai and Bailey Warfe.
Grand final day kicks off with the under-18s clash between Sandhurst and Gisborne.
Bendigo FNL footy preliminary finals scoreboard:
Bendigo Bank seniors:
Sandhurst 3.6 3.9 4.11 8.16 (64)
Strathfieldsaye 3.0 6.6 7.8 7.12 (54)
GOALS – Sandhurst: Joel Wharton 2, James Coghlan, Jake McLean, Zach Pallpratt, Cooper Smith, Lachlan Tardrew, Noah Walsh. Strathfieldsaye: Malik Gordon 4, Bode Stevens 2, Zach Charles.
BEST – Sandhurst: James Coghlan, Lachlan Wright, Noah Walsh, Cobi Maxted, Isaac Ruff, Lachlan Tardrew. Strathfieldsaye: Caleb Ernst, Patrick Blandford, Daniel Clohesy, Ben Lester, Matt Harvey, Malik Gordon.
Drummond Golf reserves:
Gisborne 1.5 4.7 6.8 8.9 (57)
Strathfieldsaye 0.0 0.2 1.3 2.3 (15)
GOALS – Gisborne: Hayden Doricic, Tom Wood 2, Matthew Barake, Michael Steinbach, Luke Weber, Ed Williams. Strathfieldsaye: Jack Lacey, Jye Stephens.
BEST – Gisborne: Kane Minns, Lachlan Nesbitt, Zach Paterson, Tom Wood, Luke Weber, Jacob Murphy. Strathfieldsaye: Dermott Bell, Charlie Morrison, Luke Marchesi, Jack Lacey, Ethan Featherby, George Simpson.
Sportspower under-18s:
Gisborne 3.2 3.4 5.4 6.5 (41)
Golden Square 0.4 2.6 3.9 4.15 (39)
GOALS – Gisborne: Jack Rutten, Jye Zerafa 2, Charlie Ozanne, Marcus Trakosas. Golden Square: Archie Eaton, Liam Hanley, Lachlan Ross, James Wilkinson.
BEST – Gisborne: August Stelma, Jack Rutten, Baden Dickins, Campbell Johns, Lachlan Evans, James Bullen. Golden Square: Riley Dillon, Jesse Gill, Melvic Pambai, Bailey Warfe, Lincoln McKern, Oliver Eaton.
Schedule for Saturday’s grand finals at Queen Elizabeth Oval, View Street:
Sportspower under-18s at 9.15am: Sandhurst v Gisborne.
Drummond Golf reserves at 11.50am: Sandhurst v Gisborne.
Bendigo Bank seniors at 2.20pm: Gisborne v Sandhurst
SANDHURST is celebrating winning all three footy premierships in the one season for the first time in its 163-year history.
Founded on the goldfields in 1861, Sandhurst is one of the oldest football clubs in the country.
On Saturday the Dragons roared to premiership glory in all three grades of footy in a grand finale to the Bendigo Bank Bendigo Football Netball League season.
The Dragons tackled Gisborne in all three football contests on Queen Elizabeth Oval.
Strong defensive efforts and the ability to capitalise with the breeze in the third quarter were crucial factors in Sandhurst fighting on for a 68-64 victory.
Although it played into the breeze the Rob Waters-coached Gisborne led 19-12 at quarter-time.
The Bulldogs made a change from their ‘named’ team as the experienced Jarrad Lynch was in for Patrick Trotta.
When Pat McKenna was on target the Bulldogs led by 14 points in the second term.
The Dragons answered through Matt Wilkinson.
Sandhurst also lifted its workrate at stoppages as captain Lachlan Tardrew, Noah Walsh and James Coghlan were to the fore.
A set-shot from Jake McLean on the angle meant the Dragons led 28-26 at half-time.
In the third was when the Ash Connick, non-playing, and Bryce Curnow, playing, coached Dragons fired up.
A shot from Harrison Free from the 50m arc, another by Lachie Hood from distance and a major by the elusive and skilful Joel Wharton put the maroon and blue up by 21 points.
Gisborne had to respond and did so with a goal by the classy Matt Merrett.
From the centre ball-up it was Tardrew who won possession, sprinted clear and goaled from just inside the 50m arc.
A second major by McLean gave the Dragons a 27-point buffer going into the final quarter of the season.
Goals by Flynn Lakey and Matt Merrett had cut the margin to 15 points by the three-minute mark.
Sandhurst’s ability to rack up the stoppages and deny Gisborne a clear run into attack was superb.
The Bulldogs did break through the defence when a long by captain Jack Reaper was marked by Harry Luxmoore to kick his first goal.
After a spectacular leap and mark, Fergus Greene’s shot skewed to the left as the Dragons led by 10 points.
When Greene swooped on the ball from a marking contest and goaled on the run Sandhurst was up 68-52.
McKenna sprinted into space and marked to kick his third goal of the match.
A brilliant tackle by James Gray to earn a free resulted in one of the goals of day from the 50m arc.
The Dragons won the centre clearance, but Liam Spear took possession at half-back and cleared to the Bendigo Aquatic Centre wing.
From the boundary throw-in a high kick went to Gisborne’s half-forward line and another stoppage.
Dragons’ ruckman Connor Sexton was freed in the ensuing ball-up.
A kick to the outer wing led to another pack mark by Greene.
He passed to Curnow who in turn found young gun Dayten Uerata who had the final kick of a remarkable match as the Dragons celebrated a league record 29th premiership.
A brilliant season for Tardrew was capped with the Nalder Medal as best afield.
Grand final week kicked off with Tardrew being joint winner of the Michelsen Medal as league fairest and best with Gisborne’s dynamic on-ball duo of ruckman Braidon Blake and centreman Brad Bernacki.
The intercept marking and spoils by Lachlan Wright across the half-back line for the Dragons earned the Worksafe AFL Victoria Medal.
Others to star for Sandhurst were James Coghlan, Noah Walsh, Bryce Curnow and Cobi Maxted.
Gisborne’s best were captain and key defender Jack Reaper, Liam Spear, Macklan Lord, Zac Vescovi, Frank Schipano, and rising star Jarrod Ainsworth.
Just as the sting of grand final defeat 12 months ago spurred the Dragons on, Gisborne coach Rob Waters said it would be the same for his club.
A great sign for the Bulldogs is the calibre of talent in the under-25 age bracket.
An incredible day for Sandhurst included winning the reserves and under-18s premierships.
The Dragons became just the fourth club to achieve the feat.
A premiership trifecta was first marked by Golden Square in 1964 and followed by South Bendigo in 1990, Gisborne in 2002, and Strathfieldsaye in 2017.
On Saturday it was Sandhurst which dominated the reserves grand final against Gisborne.
The Jake McLean-coached Dragons raced to a 25-3 lead by quarter-time as the skillful Jasper Stewart roved a marking contest to goal and shortly later nailed a snapshot.
The Bulldogs were staring at a sizeable deficit when Jed Zimmer and James Vlaeminck goaled.
Gisborne broke the deadlock in the 13th minute of quarter two through Tom Wood.
A snap by Brodie Montague from the pocket went through and when Stewart booted his third the Dragons led by 34 points.
Gisborne scored 2.4 in the last, but the maroon and blue added three straight goals to seal a 71-35 victory and back-to-back premierships.
The R.F. Turner Medal for best afield was presented to Rory Ellett from Sandhurst.
Best for the Dragons included Tom Calvert, Wil Pinniger, Jasper Stewart and Brodie Montague.
Gisborne’s best were Jacob Murphy, Max Ramsay, Kane Minns and Leon Thiner.
A nine-goal streak by Sandhurst’s under-18s team was one of the season’s best in the biggest game of the season.
The Jarrod Bateson and Isaac Ruff-coached Dragons kicked on for a 69-point victory against Gisborne.
The Bulldogs were eyeing a premiership hat-trick, but a Sandhurst team determined to claim the under-18s cup for the first time in a decade was too strong.
The teams were locked on a goal each for a lot of the first quarter.
Inspired by the play of Logan Kilcullen, Sandhurst led 19-9 at quarter-time and then opened up a 41-point lead by half-time.
Sandhurst’s pressure did not ease up as Kilcullen and Oscar Cail went on to kick three goals and Daniel Noden added two.
By the final siren the Dragons led 86-17.
The Rod Ashman Medal for best afield was presented to Logan Kilcullen.
Dragons’ on-baller Billy Bassett earned the Worksafe AFL Victoria Medal.
The Dragons’ best included Darby Whatley, Jaxon Howard and Finlay Lockhart.
Premiership-winning captain Jack English added another medal to the George Symons Medal he claimed as fairest and best in the competition.
Gisborne’s best were Campbell Johns, Diesel Lewis, Jacob Floreani and August Stelma.
Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL footy grand finals scoreboard at Queen Elizabeth Oval:
Bendigo Bank seniors:
Sandhurst 2.0 4.4 9.7 10.8 (68)
Gisborne 3.1 4.2 5.4 10.4 (64)
GOALS – Sandhurst: Jake McLean, Lachlan Tardrew 2, Harrison Free, Fergus Greene, Lachie Hood, Dayten Uerata, Joel Wharton, Matt Wilkinson. Gisborne: Pat McKenna 3, Matt Merrett 2, Brad Bernacki, Ryan Bourke, James Gray, Flynn Lakey, Harry Luxmoore.
BEST – Sandhurst: Lachlan Tardrew, Lachlan Wright, James Coghlan, Noah Walsh, Bryce Curnow, Cobi Maxted. Gisborne: Jack Reaper, Liam Spear, Macklan Lord, Zac Vescovi, Frank Schipano, Jarrod Ainsworth.
Nalder medal: Lachlan Tardrew, Sandhurst.
Worksafe AFL Victoria medal: Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst.
Sandhurst’s team:
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.
Drummond Golf reserves:
Sandhurst 4.1 6.1 8.5 11.5 (71)
Gisborne 0.3 1.6 2.7 4.11 (35)
GOALS – Sandhurst: Jasper Stewart 3, Luke Crawford, James Vlaeminck 2, Hayden Gillingham, Martin Leyden, Brodie Montague, Jed Zimmer. Gisborne: Tom Wood 2, Matthew Barake, Ed Williams.
BEST – Tom Calvert, Wil Pinniger, Jasper Stewart, Brodie Montague, Campbell Rowland, Rory Ellett. Gisborne: Jacob Murphy, Max Ramsay, Kane Minns, Leon Thiner, Zach Paterson, Ed Williams.
R.F. Turner medal: Rory Ellett, Sandhurst.
Sandhurst’s team:
B: Campbell Rowland, Tom Calvert, Conor O’Farrell.
Hb: Martin Leyden, Matt Campbell, Tanner Nally.
C: Jack Keating, Jed Zimmer, Wil Pinniger.
Hf: Patrick O’Farrell, Alex Wharton, Oscar Perez.
F: Jasper Stewart, Luke Crawford, Wilson Butler.
Foll: Rory Ellett, Charlie Robinson, Brodie Montague.
Inter: James Barber, Tom Dunham, Hayden Gillingham, James Vlaeminck.
Coach: Jake McLean.
Sportspower under-18s:
Sandhurst 3.1 7.8 9.10 12.14 (86)
Gisborne 1.3 1.3 1.4 2.5 (17)
GOALS – Sandhurst: Logan Kilcullen, Oscar Cail 3, Daniel Noden 2, Joseph Artavilla, Billy Bassett, Lachlan Borchard, Jack English. Gisborne: Charlie Ozanne, Diesel Lewis.
BEST – Logan Kilculllen, Darby Whatley, Jaxon Howard, Finlay Lockhart, Gus Hay, Billy Bassett. Gisborne: Campbell Johns, Diesel Lewis, Jacob Floreani, August Stelma, Lucas Hannon, Baden Dickins.
Rod Ashman Medal: Logan Kilcullen, Sandhurst.
Worksafe AFL Victoria Medal: Billy Bassett, Sandhurst.
Sandhurst’s team:
B: Henry Edwards, Davis McNair, Zane Connick.
Hb: Harvey White, Deakin Andrews, Jaxon Howard.
C: Declan Stevenson, Jack English, Darby Whatley.
Hf: Charles Duke, Daniel Noden, Finlay Lockhart.
F: Logan Kilcullen, Oscar Cail, Lachlan Borchard.
Foll: Thomas Davie, Billy Bassett, Gus Hay.
Inter: Joseph Artavilla, Shannon Tardrew, Charles Kealy, Jacob Austin.
Coaches: Jarrod Bateson, Isaac Ruff
SANDHURST will be aiming to hold its number one status when it plays Gisborne in the Drummond Golf reserves footy match on Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL grand final day on Queen Elizabeth Oval.
The Dragons are chasing back-to-back premierships against a club which was runner-up two years ago.
It’s an 11.50am start for the reserves contest.
After finishing the home-and-away series on top of the ladder on a 14-2 record, Gisborne could not stop Sandhurst’s charge to a 36-28 victory in the second semi-final.
Best for the Dragons were Wil Pinniger, Darcy Mills, Rory Ellett and Brodie Montague.
Gisborne’s best were Boyd Nalder, Ed Williams, Rohan Nicol and Jacob Murphy.
The Bulldogs bounced back to a score a seven-goal win against Strathfieldsaye in the preliminary final.
Hayden Doricic and Tom Wood kicked two goals as Kane Minns, Lachlan Nesitt and Zach Paterson were best.
It was one-all between the Bulldogs and Dragons in the run to the finals.
Sandhurst won the round two clash on the QEO turf by 14 points.
Gisborne dominated the round 11 match on its ground to mark a 74-13 victory.
A previous winner of the competition’s leading goalkicker award on 43 goals in 2022, Jasper Stewart leads Sandhurst’s attack on 20 goals.
A tally of 39 by Hayden Doricic earned the league’s goalkicking award for this season.
There are plenty of Alan McDonald Medal winners as the competition’s fairest and best in Gisborne’s line-up which is coached by Jeremy Pennefather.
Bulldogs’ on-baller Jacob Murphy won this season’s medal after being joint winner with clubmate and ruckman Boyd Nalder in 2022.
Nalder was league fairest and best last season, and Hayden Doricic claimed the medal in 2019.
Since it was runner-up to Gisborne by 69 points in the reserves grand final of 2011, Sandhurst has won all five grand finals it has played in since then.
The Dragons were victorious in 2012, 14, 16, 18, and last September.
The R.F. Turner medallist as best afield in the grand final win of six years ago, Brodie Montague will again play a key on-ball role for the Jake McLean-coached Dragons on Saturday.
It’s a huge day for McLean who will play half-forward or wing in the seniors grand final.
Key players in the Dragons’ reserves team include ruckman Wilson Butler, Jed Zimmer, Alex Wharton, Conor and Patrick O’Farrell, Martin Leyden, and Oscar Perez.
Gisborne will look to Adam Brancatisano, Matthew Barake, Elijah Brerethon, Rohan Nichol, Michael Steinbach and Leon Thiner to lead the way to victory.
Sandhurst:
B: Campbell Rowland, Tom Calvert, Conor O’Farrell.
Hb: Martin Leyden, Matt Campbell, Tanner Nally.
C: Jack Keating, Jed Zimmer, Wil Pinniger.
Hf: Patrick O’Farrell, Alex Wharton, Oscar Perez.
F: Jasper Stewart, Luke Crawford, Wilson Butler.
Foll: Rory Ellett, Charlie Robinson, Brodie Montague.
Inter: Jameson Barber, Tom Dunham, Hayden Gillingham, James Vlaeminck.
Coach: Jake McLean.
Gisborne:
B: Alonzo Rovere, Elijah Bretherton, Max Ramsay.
Hb: Kane Minns, Rohan Nicol, Harry Manders.
C: Harry Thomas, Patrick Trotta, Zach Paterson.
Hf: Michael Steinbach, Matthew Barake, Darcy Young.
F: Ed Williams, Hayden Doricic, Tom Wood.
Foll: Boyd Nalder, Jacob Murphy, Leon Thiner.
Inter: Adam Brancatisano, Heath Simpson, Luke Weber, Brodie Andrews.
Emerg: Tyer Collings, Lachlan Nesbitt, Jacob Grinter.
Coach: Jeremy Pennefather
KANGAROO Flat’s gun centre Chelsea Sartori has netted consecutive Betty Thompson Medal wins as fairest and best in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s A-grade netball competition.
Sartori won a closely-fought race for the prestigious honour at Sunday night’s vote count and awards presentation at Bendigo Club in Strathdale.
The Kangaroos’ star polled 20 votes to become the eighth multiple winner of the medal and the first to achieve back-to-back wins since Sandhurst’s Kris Greene in 2002-13.
Runner-up was Gisborne’s Maddy Stewart, also a dual winner of the medal, on 18 votes.
The dynamic duo will be opponents next Saturday when Kangaroo Flat and Gisborne meet in the grand final.
In Sunday night’s calling of the vote cards by Kylie Ellis it was Strathfieldsaye’s Brooke Mangan who led on eight votes after six rounds.
By the 12th round it was Sartori who had grabbed the lead on 13 votes from Brooke Mangan, 10; and top defenders Charlee Kemp from Gisborne and Ruby Turner from Sandhurst on nine votes.
Best on court in the 13th round raised Sartori’s tally to 16 as Stewart made her way up the tally board on 12.
The maximum three votes in the 16th round meant Sartori could not be caught.
Stewart was best on court for Gisborne in the 17th and 18th rounds.
The third placegetter was Sandhurst’s young mid-courter Shae Clifford on 15 votes.
A dual premiership player with the Kangaroos, Sartori will be striving for a third victory.
“It’s a massive honour to win the Betty Thompson Medal again. I was not too confident about my chances.
“This is a special award.”
Sartori said the work of all her team-mates and coach Jayden Cowling had put the team in a position to challenge for another premiership.
“We bring the best out in each other.”
The Kangaroos marked their best win of ’24 in Saturday’s preliminary final against Sandhurst.
“We had not beaten Sandhurst in a final for eight years.
“There was a lot of emotion during and after the game.
“There is massive belief within the group that our best is good enough to win the premiership.”
A big year for Sartori included representing Bendigo Strikers in the club’s debut season in the Victorian Netball League’s championship division.
“It was extremely special to be playing for the Strikers.”
Sartori said Kangaroo Flat had a core group which had played many matches together.
“Sandhurst and Gisborne are similar to us.”
The mid-court ace said Jayden Cowling was an outstanding coach.
“He changed the culture at the club in such a positive way.”
Among the many highlights of Sunday’s event were life membership awarded to South Bendigo’s Alicia McGlashan and Kangaroo Flat’s Karly Bingham who joined the league’s “300 Game Club”.
Leading votes for the Betty Thompson Medal:
20 Chelsea Sartori, Kangaroo Flat.
18 Maddy Stewart, Gisborne.
15 Shae Clifford, Sandhurst.
14 Ashley Ryan, Kangaroo Flat.
14 Ruby Turner, Sandhurst.
13 Brooke Mangan, Strathfieldsaye.
13 Amy Ryan, Eaglehawk.
12 Heather Oliver, Sandhurst.
11 Elley Lawton, Eaglehawk.
11 Bec Smith, Sandhurst.
10 Kirby Elliott, Gisborne.
9 Charlee Kemp, Gisborne.
9 Emerson Lakey, Gisborne.
9 Claudia Mawson, Gisborne.
8 Milly Wicks, Kangaroo Flat.
7 Ingrid Hopkins, Kangaroo Flat.
7 Torie Skrijel, Gisborne.
7 Meg Williams, Sandhurst.
Sunday night’s function included presentations to the winners of all other grades of netball following the vote counts done last Monday night on Radio Fresh FM 101.5 and streamed on Facebook.
The Bendigo FNL’s netball award winners for the 2024 season:
Bart ‘n Print Rising Star: Dasha Taylor, Gisborne.
Best in the netball representative programs were South Bendigo’s Alicia McGlashan, open; and Golden Square’s Holly Swatton, 17-and-under.
Jenni Holborn Medal A-reserve: Emma Moroney, Kangaroo Flat, and Lucy Spalding, Strathfieldsaye. Joint runners-up were South Bendigo’s Ashlee O’Shea and Sandhurst’s Paige Ryan.
Carol Bingham Medal, B-grade: Shae Denahy. Runner-up: Emma Joyce, Gisborne.
B-reserve best and fairest: Taylah Ranieri, Gisborne. Runner-up: Chelsea Crapper, Strathfieldsaye.
Carol Sing Medal, 17-and-under: Winner: Ella Patten, Maryborough, Runner-up: Neve Pinner, Sandhurst.
The Coffee Storm champion netball goalshooting award went to Sandhurst on 4618 goals.
It is hard to believe, however season 2024 netball tryouts are just around the corner. We have compiled a central hub for all BFNL club trials dates, details, and registration links below.
We will continue to updates as all club trial dates are set.
CASTLEMAINE:
Please register via the link or scan the QR code: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScHIDz6jzDxsRL34ZuiKkSFOkDJbE2FsS3dNdimWs_ou4tb8g/viewform?fbclid=IwAR2lSlRJe98sSNjbhEMKMWGtvvJhqtqdogt96Jn-Svy5pf5yqhtdKOxNZGU
IT WILL be Sandhurst or Strathfieldsaye which qualifies for the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy grand final by winning Saturday’s preliminary final at Queen Elizabeth Oval.
A later starting time of 2.50pm applies at the View Street ground to allow for the Bendigo Junior Football League’s under-16 grand final being played on the iconic turf.
Victorious in both home-and-away matches with Storm, the Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow-coached Sandhurst will start favourite against Strathfieldsaye.
At stake is a place against Gisborne to vie for the Bendigo Advertiser premiership cup.
Although it finished on top of the ladder, Sandhurst could not halt Gisborne’s run to 23-point victory in last Saturday’s second semi-final.
The Dragons have added Darcy Mills to their squad of 23.
Strathfieldsaye showed plenty of fighting spirit to overcome injuries and playing into the breeze in the final quarter to score a 78-70 victory against Golden Square in the first semi-final.
Storm’s depth will be tested as Shannon Geary, Charlie King and Darcy Mulquiny are all out because of injury.
Strathfieldsaye coach Luke Freeman and the match committee have promoted Hugh Behrens, Charles Dole and Carson James for the big clash.
A key factor in Saturday’s contest will be the on-ball and midfield duels.
After facing Braidon Blake last week, Sandhurst ruckman Connor Sexton takes on Tim Hosking.
Their tapwork at centre clearances and boundary throw-ins will be crucial.
Hosking racked up 58 hit-outs against Golden Square.
At ground level Sandhurst has captain Lachlan Tardrew, Noah Walsh and Caleb Connick.
It’s been a big week for Tardrew who was cleared of a striking charge at Wednesday night’s tribunal hearing.
The gun on-baller/midfielder has starred in many of the Dragons’ matches and is among the favourites to claim the Michelsen Medal as league fairest and best on Sunday night.
A talented on-ball group for Storm includes Daniel Clohesy, Lachlan Gill and Matt Harvey.
The firepower of Sandhurst’s attack led by Fergus Greene who claimed the Ron Best Medal, along with Lachlan Wright and Cobi Maxted will test Storm.
At ground level there is Joel Wharton who brilliantly swoops and rarely missing goalscoring chances.
Storm defenders Lachlan Ratcliffe, Patrick Blandford, Caleb Ernst, Ben Lester and Mitch Hallinan face a huge challenge.
At the other end of the ground, Dragons’ defenders Liam Ireland, Bryce Curnow, Isaac Ruff and James Coghlan will be opposed to Malik Gordon, Cooper Jones, Zach Charles and Riley Wilson in Storm’s attack.
Sandhurst’s team:
B: Isaac Ruff, Liam Ireland, Isaac Carracher.
Hb: Harrison Free, Bryce Curnow, James Coghlan.
C: Cooper Smith, Noah Walsh, Caleb Connick.
Hf: Matt Wilkinson, Lachlan Wright, Jake McLean.
F: Fergus Greene, Cobi Maxted, Joel Wharton.
Foll: Connor Sexton, Lachlan Tardrew, Lachie Hood.
Inter (from): Nick Stagg, Tanner Nally, Zach Pallpratt, Darcy Mills, Dayten Uerata.
Strathfieldsaye’s team:
B: Patrick Blandford, Caleb Ernst, Charles Dole.
Hb: Mitch Hallinan, Lachlan Ratcliffe, Daniel Clohesy.
C: Lachlan Gill, Caleb Sheahan, Jye Chambers.
Hf: Zach Charles, Cooper Jones, Carson James.
F: Riley Mulquiny, Malik Gordon, Riley Wilson.
Foll: Tim Hosking, Matt Harvey, Bode Stevens.
Inter: Ben Lester, Shannon Murphy, Hugh Behrens, Jaidi Jackson-Leahy.
In the Drummond Golf reserves competition, Gisborne takes on Strathfieldsaye from 12.45pm.
The Bulldogs are on the rebound from an eight-point loss to Sandhurst in the second semi-final.
A big week for Gisborne kicked off with Jacob Murphy claiming the Alan McDonald Medal as league fairest and best for a second time.
Murphy and his team-mates will be desperate to gain a chance to play for a premiership medal.
They take on a Strathfieldsaye line-up which won the elimination final against Eaglehawk by 16 points and then beat Golden Square in the first semi-final by 25 points.
In this season’s meetings, Gisborne beat Storm by 22 and 73 points.
Key players for the Bulldogs include ruckman Boyd Nalder, Elijah Brereton at full-back, Adam Brancastisano in the centre, Jarrad Lynch on a wing, Matthew Barake at full-forward.
Storm’s line-up includes Declan Lowther at centre half-back, James Blood in the centre, Jai Featherby at half-forward, Abe Sheahan, Siologa Siu, and ruckman Ned Hayes.
It’s the battle of the Bulldogs as Golden Square tackles Gisborne in the Sportspower under-18 from 10.45am.
Most recent meeting was the qualifying final which Golden Square won by 47 points.
The blue and gold went down in a 33-31 thriller against Sandhurst in the second semi-final.
Gisborne won last Sunday’s first semi-final against Castlemaine by 15 points.
Runner-up for the George Symons Medal as league fairest and best, Melvic Pambai will play a crucial role for Golden Square.
Best for the blue and gold in the second semi-final were Oliver Eaton, Lincoln McKern, Riley Dillon and Jack McMahon.
Golden Square’s squad includes Archie Eaton, Lachlan Ross and Bailey Warfe.
Gisborne’s line-up includes captain Lachlan Evans, Brodie Clarke, Campbell Johns, Jye Zerafa, Jacob Floreani and Charlie Ozanne.
Action kicks off with the Bendigo JFL’s under-16 grand final at 8.45am between Sandhurst and Strathfieldsaye
Strathfieldsaye fights on to end Golden Square’s run
STRATHFIELDSAYE Storm showed plenty of fighting spirit to win the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s senior footy first semi-final against Golden Square on Sunday.
Storm and the Bulldogs were in a clash to keep their premiership dream alive on Queen Elizabeth Oval.
After Storm surged to a 25-9 lead by quarter-time it was the Bulldogs who capitalised on the breeze in the second to score 4.3 as Strathfieldsaye added just two behinds.
Storm looked to be in all sorts after injuries put Charlie King and Darcy Mulquiny out of the game in the second quarter.
Despite injuring his hamstring, Shannon Geary switched from defence to play deep in the forward 50m arc to ensure Storm had some rotations off the bench in the second quarter.
Talented youngster Jaidi Jackson-Leahy also played on through injury.
Their efforts inspired team-mates as the Luke Freeman-coached Strathfieldsaye won the third quarter, 42-12.
Playing into the breeze and limited by just 18 fully-fit players raised concerns for some in the Storm camp.
Led by the play of Bode Stevens, Daniel Clohesy and Riley Wilson, Strathfieldsaye scored 1.3 in the last and more importantly kept the Brad Eaton-coached Bulldogs to a score of 3.4.
At the final siren Strathfieldsaye celebrated a 78-70 victory in one of the club’s most memorable finals matches.
Best for Golden Square were Jordan Rosengren, Tom Toma, Terence Reeves and Jack Threlfall.
Strathfieldsaye’s next target is Sandhurst in Saturday’s preliminary final.
The Dragons were outplayed for a lot of the second semi-final showdown with Gisborne.
At one stage the Rob Waters-coached Bulldogs had gained a 38-point lead against the Dragons.
Although Sandhurst won the last term, 28-13, it was Gisborne which was first to qualify for the September 21 grand final as it claimed an 89-66 victory.
The Bulldogs are in the box seat to claim the Bendigo Advertiser premiership cup.
Zac Denany led the Bulldogs’ attack on three goals as Brad Bernacki and Matt Merrett added two each.
Sandhurst’s leading goalkickers were Fergus Greene and Cobi Maxted on two.
Gun on-baller Flynn Lakey was best afield for Gisborne as Zach Vescovi, Brad Bernacki and Macklan Lord won plenty of contests.
Best for Sandhurst were Lachlan Tardrew, Cooper Smith, Harrison Free and Noah Walsh.
After finishing the home-and-away series on top of the ladder the Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow-coached Dragons now have plenty of work to do to gain another crack at Gisborne.
There will be at least one change to Gisborne’s team for the grand final after Shane Clough sustained a season-ending broken jaw.
In the reserves competition, Strathfieldsaye won the first semi-final against Golden Square by 25 points to set up a preliminary final showdown with Gisborne.
The Sandhurst Dragons fired up for an eight-point win against the Bulldogs in the second semi-final as Wil Pinniger, Darcy Mills, Rory Ellett and Brodie Montague were best.
Sandhurst is first to the SporstPower under-18s grand final after a two-point victory against Golden Square in the second semi-final.
The Jarrod Bateson-coached Dragons led 25-13 at half-time, but the Bulldogs bit back to win the third term, 16-7.
The final quarter went Square’s way, 2-1, but the Dragons led 33-31 at the final siren.
Oscar Cail kicked three goals for Sandhurst as Jaxon Howard, Will Bassett and Charles Duke were best.
The Bulldogs’ attack was led by James Wilkinson with two goals as Oliver Eaton, Lincoln McKern, Riley Dillon and Jack McMahon.
It’s an all-Bulldogs clash in the preliminary final after Gisborne won Sunday’s first semi-final against Castlemaine by 15 points.
Bendigo FNL footy first semi-finals scoreboard:
Seniors:
Strathfieldsaye 3.7 3.9 9.15 10.18 (78)
Golden Square 1.3 5.6 7.6 10.10 (70)
GOALS – Strathfieldsaye: Lachlan Gill, Matt Harvey 2, Zach Charles, Daniel Clohesy, Shannon Geary, Malik Gordon, Shannon Murphy, Riley Wilson. Golden Square: Jordan Rosengren 4, Jack Stewart, Tom Toma 2, Jayden Burke, Hugh Freckleton.
BEST – Strathfieldsaye: Bode Stevens, Daniel Clohesy, Riley Wilson, Matt Harvey, Malik Gordon, Lachlan Ratcliffe. Golden Square: Jordan Rosengren, Tom Toma, Terence Reeves, Jack Threlfall, Jon Coe, Dylan Hird.
Drummond Golf Reserves:
Strathfieldsaye 0.2 2.5 3.7 7.12 (54)
Golden Square 0.0 1.1 3.4 4.5 (29)
GOALS – Strathfieldsaye: Siologa Siu, Jye Stephens 2, Hugh Behrens, Ned Hayes, Carson James. Golden Square: Paul Symons 3, Lachlan Monti.
BEST – Strathfieldsaye: Ned Hayes, Carson James, Dermott Bell, Hugh Behrens, Charles Dole, Charlie Morrison. Golden Square: Lachlan Monti, Rory McCrann-Peters, Zac Tickell, Bailey Rackstraw, Dean Norris, Noah Warfe.
Sportspower under-18s:
Gisborne 2.5 4.5 8.9 9.10 (64)
Castlemaine 2.2 4.5 4.5 7.7 (49)
GOALS – Gisborne: Harrison Bryant, Wilhem Mackay 2, James Bullen, Lucas Hannon, Campbell Johns, Diesel Lewis, Jack Rutten. Castlemaine: Chaz Holman 3, Jackson Balcombe, Kyan Martin, Mitchell McKnight, Jack Nuttall.
BEST – Gisborne: Campbell Johns, Jacob Floreani, Baden Dickins, Thomas Dawson, Diesel Lewis. Castlemaine: Thomas Ford, Archie Rixon, Chaz Holman, Mitchell McKnight, Alton Bracken, Jackson Balcombe.
Bendigo FNL footy second semi-finals scoreboard:
Seniors:
Gisborne 4.3 6.5 11.10 13.11 (89)
Sandhurst 3.1 4.5 5.8 9.12 (66)
GOALS – Gisborne: Zac Denahy 3, Brad Bernacki, Matt Merrett 2, Braidon Blake, Shane Clough, James Gray, Dylan Johnstone, Harry Luxmoore, Pat McKenna. Sandhurst: Fergus Greene, Cobi Maxted 2, Bryce Curnow, Cooper Smith, Lachlan Tardrew, Dayten Uerata, Lachlan Wright.
BEST – Gisborne: Flynn Lakey, Zach Vescovi, Brad Bernacki, Macklan Lord, Frank Schipano, Liam Spear. Sandhurst: Lachlan Tardrew, Cooper Smith, Harrison Free, Noah Walsh, Cobi Maxted, James Coghlan.
Drummond Golf reserves:
Sandhurst 3.0 3.2 4.6 5.6 (36)
Gisborne 0.1 1.6 2.7 3.10 (28)
GOALS – Sandhurst: Luke Crawford, Jack Keating, Brodie Montague, Oscar Perez, Alex Wharton. Gisborne: Hayden Doricic, Luke Weber, Tom Wood.
BEST – Sandhurst: Wil Pinniger, Darcy Mills, Rory Ellett, Brodie Montague, Oscar Perez, Jack Keating. Gisborne: Boyd Nalder, Ed Williams, Rohan Nicol, Jacob Murphy, Tom Wood, Kane Minns.
Sportspower under-18s:
Sandhurst 2.1 4.1 5.2 5.3 (33)
Golden Square 1.0 2.1 4.5 4.7 (31)
GOALS – Sandhurst: Oscar Cail 3, Joseph Artavilla, Finlay Lockhart. Golden Square: James Wilkinson 2, Archie Eaton, Jack McMahon.
BEST – Sandhurst: Jaxon Howard, Will Bassett, Charles Duke, Oscar Cail, Deakin Andrews, Shannon Tardrew. Golden Square: Oliver Eaton, Lincoln McKern, Riley Dillon, Jack McMahon, Melvic Pambai.
Schedule for Saturday’s preliminary finals at Queen Elizabeth Oval:
Under-18s at 10.45am: Golden Square v Gisborne.
Reserves at 12.45: Gisborne v Strathfieldsaye.
Seniors at 2.20pm: Sandhurst v Strathfieldsaye.
THE race for the Michelsen Medal as fairest and best in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s senior footy action in 2024 ended in a dramatic three-way tie.
Gisborne team-mates Brad Bernacki and Braidon Blake, and Sandhurst’s Lachlan Tardrew were all locked on 20 votes after the final card was called at Sunday night’s vote count at Bendigo Club in Strathdale.
The gun trio were all considered among the top fancies leading into the night.
It was the first time since 1979 when three players tied for the prestigious honour which began in 1952.
In ’79 it was Golden Square’s Eric Pascoe, Sandhurst’s Peter Tyack, and South Bendigo’s Gary Cowling who all earned 14 votes.
After the sixth round of votes had been called by Kylie Ellis it was Bernacki and Blake who led on 10 votes as clubmate and another on-ball star Flynn Lakey was on eight.
The maximum three votes for best on field went Blake’s way in rounds seven and eight.
Bernacki polled five votes across rounds eight, nine and 11.
Another big mover was Tardrew after best afield feats in the seventh and 10th rounds.
After 12 rounds it was Blake, 16; Bernacki, 15; Lakey, 13; Eaglehawk’s Billy Evans, and Sandhurst’s Lachlan Tardrew, 12, who led the way.
Tardrew was best on for the Dragons in the 13th rounds, as Bernacki and Evans gained maximum votes in the 14th round.
When Blake earned three in the 15th round he was outright leader on 19 votes from Bernacki, 18.
Tardrew picked up two votes in the 17th round while Lakey surged up the board after gained three votes in the same round.
Best on in Sandhurst’s win at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve in the 18th and final round put Tardrew in front on 20 votes.
The final card to be called was from the Kangaroo Flat and Gisborne clash in Dower Park.
The run was Blake, one; Bernacki, two; and Pat McKenna, three.
It was the first time since 1947 when Golden Square’s Ron McHardy and Doug Wilson tied with Sandhurst’s Bill White and Rochester’s Herb Zegelin that team-mates had tied for the senior fairest and best award.
A gun ruckman who earned the Nalder Medal as best on ground in Gisborne’s grand final win in 2022, Blake said to have three players in the top four of the medal race showed what type of season the Bulldogs have had.
“We are a really tight-knit group,” he said of Gisborne’s on-ball brigade.
“I tap the ball and they do the rest,” said the unassuming ruckman who is incredibly humble about his footballing prowess.
After a tough run across the ’23 season, Blake and his team-mates are again back to challenge for the Bendigo Advertiser premiership cup against Sandhurst.
He has earned grand final wins at both clubs.
A runner-up on two previous occasions, Bernacki was rapt to join his team-mate as a Michelsen medallist.
“To be standing next to one of my best mates as a medallist means a lot,” Bernacki said from the presentation dais.
Bernacki fully committed to the Bulldogs this season after a stint at VFL level with Essendon.
Now the goal is to “play his role” for the Rob Waters-coached team in the match which matters most.
Bernacki joined Gisborne from Sunbury in 2019.
“As a club it’s one of the best seasons we have had,” Bernacki said of three footy and four netball teams to play on grand final day.
“We cherish the moments we have together.”
Sandhurst co-coach Ash Connick accepted the Michelsen Medal on Tardrew’s behalf.
“He trains so hard and prepares so well,” Connick said of the Dragons’ captain who joined the club full-time after a successful stint with Collingwood in the VFL.
Tardrew’s journey includes the 2016 premiership win with the Dragons.
“Lachy sets a great example at training and in matches.
“I would be kidding myself if I say I coach him too much.
“He is such a positive role medal.
“Lachy is incredibly talented, but works hard than anyone I’ve seen in my time in footy,” Connick said.
Leading votes for the Michelsen Medal:
20 Brad Bernacki, Gisborne.
20 Braidon Blake, Gisborne.
20 Lachlan Tardrew, Sandhurst.
18 Flynn Lakey, Gisborne.
17 Billy Evans, Eaglehawk.
14 Bailey Henderson, Castlemaine.
13 Kalan Huntly, Castlemaine.
12 Fergus Greene, Sandhurst.
12 Jordan Rosengren, Golden Square.
11 Ricky Monti, Golden Square.
10 Lachlan Gill, Strathfieldsaye.
9 Luke Ellings, Kangaroo Flat.
9 Brayden Frost, Eaglehawk.
9 Ben Thompson, Eaglehawk.
9 Tom Toma, Golden Square.
9 Anthony Zimmerman, South Bendigo.
8 Daniel Clohesy, Strathfieldsaye.
8 Kai Daniels, Golden Square.
8 Cobi Maxted, Sandhurst.
7 Brody Haddow, South Bendigo.
7 Riley Wilson, Strathfieldsaye.
Sunday’s function included presentation of all other footy awards which had been announced last Monday night on Radio Fresh fm 101.5 and via the Facebook stream.
Ron Best Medal, senior goalkicking: Fergus Greene, Sandhurst, 80.
David McCann Champion Club award went to Sandhurst on 111 points.
Bart ‘n’ Print Rising Star: Ryan Eyre, Castlemaine.
Derrick Filo Medal best in inter-league match against Victorian Amateurs: Ricky Monti, Golden Square.
Alan McDonald Medal, reserves fairest and best: Jacob Murphy, Gisborne. Runner-up: Jed Zimmer, Sandhurst
Drummond Golf reserves goalkicking: Hayden Doricic, Gisborne, 36.
George Symons Medal, under-18 fairest and best: Jack English, Sandhurst. Runner-up: Melvic Pambai, Golden Square.
Sportspower under-18s goalkicking: Oscar Cail, Sandhurst, 48
