Sandhurst

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 10^th 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 13^th rounds, as Bernacki and Evans gained maximum votes in the 14^th round.

When Blake earned three in the 15^th round he was outright leader on 19 votes from Bernacki, 18.

Tardrew picked up two votes in the 17^th 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 18^th 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

With thanks to Barry Plant Bendigo & Premier Data, let's compare the top 5 performers (ranking points) from last weekend's Preliminary Finals

With thanks to Barry Plant Bendigo & Premier Data, let's compare the top 5 performers (ranking points) from last weekend's Second Semi Finals

The Bendigo Football Netball League would like to announce and congratulate the following BFNL netball players who have been selected in the 2023 BFNL Open Netball representative team:

2023 BFNL Open Netball Team:

Goalers:

• Claudia Mawson (Gisborne)
• Abbey Ryan (Kangaroo Flat)
• Rebecca Smith (Sandhurst)

Mid-court:

• Shae Clifford (Sandhurst)
• Kirby Elliot (Gisborne)
• Ashley Ryan (Kangaroo Flat)
• Meg Williams (Sandhurst)

Defenders:

• Heather Oliver (Sandhurst)
• Alicia McGlashan (South Bendigo)
• Charlotte Sexton (Sandhurst)
• Sophie Shoebridge (Sandhurst)

Coach: Jayden Cowling (Kangaroo Flat)

Assistant Coach: Stephanie Freemantle (Strathfieldsaye Storm)

The BFNL Open team will join the recently qualified BFNL 17 & Under netballers at the Netball Victoria Association Championships Finals, to be held at the State Netball Centre, Parkville on Sunday the 18th of June 2023

Motivated BFNL head coach Jayden Cowling is again thrilled at the prospect of leading the Open team, and buoyed by the quantity and quality of local BFNL talent that were able to make themselves available for selection for the representative program

"I am incredibly excited and proud of the talented squad that we have selected to represent the Bendigo Football Netball League”.

“We have such a star-studded league with numerous players having VNL or state level experience, but also have a range of amazing local talent who will be able to showcase their ability at the Association Championships”.

“We are fortunate to have selected a very versatile side who can cover numerous positions across the court, which will be extremely beneficial at a gruelling full-day tournament against quality opposition”.

“The group has a great mix of youth and significant experience that gives us great balance to hopefully go one step further in 2023 from our Runners-Up result in 2022."

BFNL Manager Cameron Tomlins said, “The Bendigo Football Netball League congratulate and thank all players who have been selected in the 2023 BFNL open netball representative team and will proudly represent the BFNL to showcase their ability and the current significant quality of BFNL netball at State representative level”.

“Whilst a small number of quality players were ruled out of selection consideration due to injury, VNL or personal commitments, the overall investment of all players and volunteers that were able to make themselves available for selection for representative duties has allowed Coach Jayden Cowling and the selection panel to gather an extremely strong and versatile team that we are confident will achieve success, whilst positively representing the current high standard and quality of BFNL netball.”