Sandhurst

THE Sandhurst Dragons will turn up the heat when they take on Golden Square in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy second semi-final on Saturday.

It’s one-all in this season’s meetings between the Dragons and Dogs going into a big clash which starts at Queen Elizabeth Oval at 2.20pm.

A great run by the Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow-coached Sandhurst in the regular season was 16 wins, one loss, and a draw.

Sole defeat was on Golden Square’s turf at Fur Life Oval in round 12 when the blue and gold was victorious by four goals.

When these teams met on the QEO in round three it was Sandhurst which retained the Ron Best Memorial trophy in a 94-59 result.

At selection, Sandhurst made two changes to the team which beat Eaglehawk in the 18^th round on the QEO.

Premiership winner Nick Stagg is in, along with young gun Archer Day-Wicks.

There was no change to the Christian Carter-coached Golden Square team which won the qualifying final against Strathfieldsaye by 26 points.

There will be plenty of crucial match-ups in the second semi where the winner advances to the grand final.

A strong on-ball division for Sandhurst is led by ruckman Hamish Hosking and includes James Coghlan and Sam Conforti.

They will be up against Matt Compston, Bulldogs’ captain Jack Geary, and Ryan Hartley.

The Dragons have the marking power of Matt Thornton and Lachlan Wright in attack.

Golden Square will need big games from the likes of Jon Coe, Harrison Burke, Jake Thrum and Zack Shelton in defence.

Two of the competition’s most versatile big men in Bryce Curnow for the Dragons and Jayden Burke for Square will play crucial roles in defence or attack.

Golden Square’s attack is led brilliantly by Joel Brett and includes Braydon Vaz and Jack Stewart.

Big test for Dragons’ defenders Liam Ireland, Tanner Nally and Isaac Ruff.

A great mix for Sandhurst includes the experience of Lee Coghlan, Andy Collins and Alex Wharton teamed with talented youngsters such as Caleb Connick, Cobi Maxted and Noah Walsh.

Highlight of Golden Square’s qualifying final victory was the play of Jack Hickman, Tom Strauch and Jack Threlfall.

There is always plenty of feeling when Sandhurst and Golden Square meet.

A lot of that can be traced back to the early 70s when the Dragons lured Best the legendary goalkicker from Golden Square to be a premiership-winning coach for the maroon and blue.

Later on it was Brian Walsh who had won a Michelsen medal in ’69 with Sandhurst, went on to play VFL with Carlton and Essendon.

On his return to Bendigo, Walsh went on to coach Golden Square to three senior premierships.

It will be Strathfieldsaye and Eaglehawk fighting to stay in the race for the Bendigo Advertiser premiership cup when they meet in Sunday’s first semi-final at 2.20pm.

Although it finished below Storm on the ladder, Eaglehawk won both of this season’s clashes with Strathfieldsaye by 78 and 54 points.

In the 14^th round the Travis Matheson-coached Eaglehawk put together one of its best starts to the season as it led 51-6 at quarter-time of the clash with Storm at Canterbury Park.

Strathfieldsaye is on the rebound from a 26-point loss to Golden Square in the qualifying final.

The Darryl Wilson-coached Strathfieldsaye has added Malik Gordon to its squad.

Eaglehawk’s team is bolstered by the return of the hard-running and skilful Kallen Geary, a triple premiership winner with Strathfieldsaye.

Opponents on Sunday include Kallen’s brother Shannon, also a multiple premiership winner with Storm and now a 200-Club member.

The Hawks also brought in Charlie Hillier.

A key to this contest will be the on-ball duels where Storm has Tim Hosking, Michelsen medallist Jake Moorhead and Callum McCarty up against Connor Dalgleish, Billy Evans and Noah Wheeler.

Storm’s attack is led brilliantly by co-captain Lachlan Sharp who has kicked 93 goals and claimed the Ron Best Medal once again.

Other avenues to goal include James Schischka, Caleb Ernst and Baxter Slater.

Hawks’ defenders Dylan Hanley and Oscar Madden were superb in the elimination final win against South Bendigo.

Darcy Richards marked his return from suspension by kicking four goals last Sunday and is part of an attack that includes Lewin Davis and Cam McGlashan.

Storm’s defence is led by Lachlan Ratcliffe, Ben Lester, Mitch Hallinan and has the run of Luke Webb and Hunter Lawrence.

Other players to watch for the Borough are Marcus Angove, Clayton Holmes, Joel Mullen and Ben Thompson.

In the Harmac Homes-backed reserves competition it will be Eaglehawk against Sandhurst in the second semi-final from 12.15pm.

An unbeaten run by the Hawks was ended in the 18^th round when the Dragons won 44-24 on the QEO.

Sandhurst’s best in that win included Xavier Walsh, Charlie Robinson, Will Moran, Jake Wilkiinson, Brodie Montague and James Venturini.

In round nine, Eaglehawk won a top contest, 57-50.

The Dragons kicked off their finals campaign by scoring an 81-28 victory against Golden Square in the qualifying final.

Sandhurst’s team for week two of the finals includes Martin Leyden, Harrison Monk, Patrick and Sean O’Farrell, and Connor Sexton.

The Hawks’ squad includes Jack Daley, Sam Dean, Liam Drummond, captain Rhys Foster, Jacob Greenwood, Bailey Ilsley, and Jack Lawton.

On Sunday it will be Golden Square against Strathfieldsaye in the first semi from 12.15pm.

The Bulldogs are on the rebound from a qualifying final defeat, while Storm marked a 46-point victory against Gisborne in the elimination final.

This season’s meetings between the Bulldogs and Storm went Square’s way by eight and 45 points.

The Bulldogs’ squad for Sunday includes Drew Barrett, Macey Eaton, Alex Jenkyn, Will Lee, Dale Lowry, Will Lee and Mitchell Treacy.

Storm has the experience of captain Wade Kinniburgh and Lachlan Bonney.

Other players to watch for Strathfieldsaye include Ethan and Jai Featherby, Brady Hore, Carson James, Luke Rodda and Abe Sheahan.

In the SportsPower-backed under-18s competition it will be Golden Square against Gisborne in Saturday’s second semi-final from 10.15am.

Both teams had a 16-2 run in the home-and-away series as Golden Square finished on top of the ladder.

In round, Golden Square marked a 75-44 win at home against Gisborne.

Next meeting was in the 15^th round at Gardiner Reserve where Gisborne won by seven points.

Key players for Golden Square include co-captains Nick Sheffiff and Zackery Tickell, along with Ned Jenkyn, Harrison Kelly, Billy Meade, and Noah Warfe.

Gisborne’s best in the qualifying final win against Sandhurst were Jarrod Ainsworth, Ed Williams, Frankie Ellis and Lachlan Evans.

Captain Kane Minns, Lane Grech and Jack Long were best when Gisborne beat Golden Square in the round 15 clash.

On Sunday it will be Sandhurst against Maryborough in the first semi from 10.15am.

This season’s meetings have gone the Dragons’ way by 14 and 45 points.

Best for Sandhurst in the qualifying final were Jack English, Wil Pinniger, Deakin Andrews and Declan Delaney.

The Dragons’ line-up to face the Magpies includes Dayten Uerata, Alex Carr, Logan Kilcullen, Ed McCarthy, and Jack English.

Maryborough won the elimination final against Strathfieldsaye by 25 points as Taj Bond and Kaian Constable kicked three goals each.

This season Constable has played six senior games for the Magpies, and Bond in four.

Both will play key roles in Sunday’s match, along with Aidan Medlyn, Tom Myers, Damon Nitschke, Diesel Palmer and James Woods as they fight to stay in the premiership race.

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

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

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

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

The grand finalists will clash from 3pm.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sandhurst:

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

Coach: Tamara Gilchrist.

Gisborne:

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

Coach: Tarryn Rymer.

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

Both teams have had exceptional seasons.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sandhurst:

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

Coach: Tamara Gilchrist.

Gisborne:

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

Coach: Tarryn Rymer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gisborne:

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

Coach: Bronwyn Slater.

Sandhurst:

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

Coach: Jarileey Schultz.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sandhurst:

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

Coach: Rose Gallagher.

Kangaroo Flat:

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

Coach: Kate Newman.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sandhurst:

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

Coach: Carol Cathcart.

Gisborne:

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

Coach: Rylee Connell.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gisborne:

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

Coach: Tarryn Rymer.

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

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

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

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

Talented goaler Bella Connors earned best on court honours.

Gisborne:

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

Coach: Rylee Connell.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sandhurst:

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

Coach: Tamara Gilchrist.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sandhurst:

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

Coach: Jarileey Schultz.

Kangaroo Flat also claimed a premiership victory.

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

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

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

Kangaroo Flat:

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

Coach: Kate Newman.

ANOTHER upset victory is in the sights of Castlemaine’s team as it takes on Gisborne in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL A-grade netball preliminary final on Saturday.

The Magpies are just a win from capping a remarkable rise of no A-grade team a few years ago to now be in the grand final.

Gisborne stands in Castlemaine’s way of doing so on the court at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The clash between the Bulldogs and Magpies starts at 3.20pm.

Whatever the result, Castlemaine or Gisborne will mark a long-awaited return to an A-grade final showdown with Sandhurst on September 23.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne began its finals campaign by scoring a 37-31 win against Kangaroo Flat in the qualifying final.

Next up was the unbeaten Sandhurst in the second semi.

The red, white and blue worked incredibly hard, but could not stop Sandhurst recording a 44-38 victory.

Castlemaine’s on a hot-streak.

Jointly coached by Fiona Fowler and Gary Cooke, Castlemaine won the elimination final against South Bendigo by 17 goals.

The Magpies then stunned Kangaroo Flat to score a 42-41 victory in last Sunday’s first semi-final.

Now the black and white army will be aiming to cheer their team to more glory.

This season’s meetings between Gisborne and Castlemaine stand at two-nil in favour of the Bulldogs.

In round two, Gisborne won 43-35 on Castlemaine’s court at Camp Reserve.

Defences were well on top as Gisborne won 29-28 at Gardiner Reserve in the 11^th round.

A powerful Gisborne line-up includes Victory Fury representative Claudia Mawson, and also Zoe Davies who starred for Collingwood at the Netball Australia nationals and will soon be bound for England to play for Leeds Rhinos.

Other players to watch in the Gisborne team are Kirby Elliott and Tiana Newman.

Castlemaine will need big games from the likes of Jane O’Donohue, Emma Winfield, Charlotte McMurray and Caitlin Richardson.

The Magpies’ squad includes Meg Ginnivan who earned the best-on-ground medal as Castlemaine beat Woorinen in the Champions IGA-backed CVFL senior women’s footy grand final at the QEO.

Gisborne.

Coach: Tarryn Rymer

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

Castlemaine.

Co-coaches: Fiona Fowler, Gary Cooke.

Jane O’Donohue (captain), Kyla Byrne, Madeline Carter, Tara Ford, Fiona Fowler, Meg Ginnivan, Charlotte McMurray, Caitlin Richardson, Montaya Sardi, Mikaela Vaughan, Megan Wilson, Emma Winfield.

In the A-reserve competition it will Gisborne and Kangaroo Flat vying for a grand final berth from 2pm.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne is on the rebound from a 44-33 loss to Sandhurst in the second semi.

Kangaroo Flat started its finals series with a 23-goal loss to Sandhurst in the qualifying final.

The Nicole Donnellon-coached Kangaroos fought back for a 38-37 victory in the first semi againt South Bendigo.

Gisborne took the points against the Roos in both of their matches in the home-and-away series.

The Bulldogs won 51-38 at Kangaroo Flat’s Dower Park in the fourth round, and 43-30 at Gardiner Reserve in the 13^th round.

Gisborne.

Coach: Tarryn Rymer.

Tazma Morris (captain), Bridget Salter (vice-captain), Jemma Denman, Emily McDonald, Bianca McKay, Eloise Rodda, Olivia Rodda, Alexandra Russ.

Kangaroo Flat.

Coach: Nicole Donnellon.

Emma Moroney (captain), Ashlee O’Shea (vice-captain), Lani Burns, Bronte Deary, Molly Drum, Chloe Fletcher, Darcie Fry, Lara Judd, Rose Kennett, Bella Pearse, Isabella Pitto, Amaya Schmidt.

In B-grade it will be Sandhurst against Kangaroo Flat from 12.40pm.

B-grade at 12.40pm – Sandhurst v Kangaroo Flat.

Both were beaten by Gisborne across the opening two weeks of the finals series.

Kangaroo Flat went down, 41-55 in the qualifying final showdown with Gisborne.

Last Saturday it was Sandhurst which could not stop Gisborne’s charge to a 48-46 victory in the second semi.

Kangaroo Flat stayed in the premiership race as it scored a 49-47 win against Strathfieldsaye in the first semi.

In this season’s meetings, Sandhurst beat Kangaroo Flat by 23 goals at the QEO in round one.

The Dragons later won 49-39 on the Roos’ court at Dower Park in the 10^th round.

Sandhurst.

Coach: Jarileey Schultz.

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

Kangaroo Flat.

Coach: Laura Brooks.

Darcie Fry (captain), Nicola McIvor (captain), Bella Pearse (captain), Laura Brooks, Lani Burns, Molly Drum, Karly Elvey, Lucy Lang, Macey O’Shea, Alex Rusbridge, Claudia Shelton, Rachel Winfield.

A big day for Kangaroo Flat includes the B-reserve team in action against Gisborne from 11.20am.

These teams met in the qualifying final which went the Roos’ way, 55-41.

A closely-fought second semi-final ended in a 45-43 win for Sandhurst against Kangaroo Flat.

Gisborne won the first semi against Strathfieldsaye Storm by five goals.

The Roos beat the Bulldogs by 17 goals in round four, and by 13 in the 13^th round.

Kangaroo Flat.

Coach: Kate Newman

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

Gisborne.

Coach: Leesa Lord.

Sophia Davies (captain), Brooke Bernacki, Emma Cogger, Ellie Lord, Alex Matthews, Bec Merrett, Lily Prater, Maddison Russ, Brianah Thompson, Caitlyn Walker.

Preliminary final day begins with the 17-and-under match between Gisborne and Golden Square from 10am.

These teams met in the qualifying final in which Gisborne outplayed the blue and gold for a 53-40 result.

Gisborne is on the rebound from a 46-43 loss to Sandhurst in the second semi.

A 48-41 victory in the first semi against Strathfieldsaye kept Golden Square’s premiership hopes alive.

This season’s meetings between the preliminary finalists stand at one-all.

Gisborne won 58-47 on Square’s court at Fur Life Vet Oval in the sixth round.

Next time it was Golden Square which claimed a 49-44 win on Gisborne’s court.

Gisborne.

Coach: Rylee Connell.

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

Golden Square.

Coach: Lauren Swatton.

Charli Crawford, Charli Hamilton, Lilly Hope, Emma Keating, Keira Lawry, Kaylah Moon, Daisy Stringer, Holly Swatton, Abbi Wells.

SANDHURST and Gisborne will be to the fore in Saturday’s netball second semi-finals in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

The Dragons and Bulldogs feature in most of the second semis to be played at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The QEO is the home of Sandhurst FNC and the maroon and blue has all five teams in action on Saturday.

The Dragons take on Gisborne in four of the five matches to be played.

Sole match which is not a Sandhurst and Gisborne showdown will be in B-reserve  where the Dragons take on Kangaroo Flat.

In pursuit of a fifth consecutive A-grade premiership, Sandhurst will face Gisborne in Saturday’s second semi-final at 3.20pm.

It’s been an unbeaten run in 16 matches for the Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst this season.

Defences were on top as Sandhurst won 38-32 at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve in the seventh round.

Next meeting was in round 16 where the maroon and blue beat the Bulldogs, 47-31 on the QEO court.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne tipped off its finals campaign by scoring a 37-31 victory against Kangaroo Flat in last Saturday’s qualifying final.

It’s a daunting test for Gisborne against a Sandhurst team led brilliantly by Bec Smith and Meg Williams.

There’s also the experience of Kelsey Meade and Heather Oliver, and the athleticism of Charlotte and Imogen Sexton, and Sophie Shoebridge in the Sandhurst line-up.

Key players for Gisborne include co-captains Kirby Elliott and Claudia Mawson, Rylee Connell, Emerson Lakey and Tiana Newman.

On Sunday it will be Kangaroo Flat and Castlemaine fighting to stay in the premiership race when they meet in the first semi-final at 3.20pm.

This season’s meetings between the Kangaroos and Magpies stand at one-all.

In round five Castlemaine dominated on its court at Camp Reserve to claim a 55-39 victory.

The Roos bounced back to win the 14^th round contest at Dower Park, 62-39.

The Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroo Flat faced Gisborne in the qualifying final and was beaten by six goals.

Last season’s runner-up, Kangaroo Flat will not want the ’23 campaign to end on Sunday.

Players to watch for the Roos include captain Chelsea Sartori, Ashley Ryan, defender Carly Van Den Heuvel, Abbey Ryan and Milly Wicks.

A Castlemaine team jointly coached by Fiona Fowler, playing, and Gary Cooke netted a 53-34 win against South Bendigo in the elimination final.

The Magpies’ team led by Jane O’Donohue includes Caitlin Richardson, Meg Ginnivan, Montaya Sardi and Kyla Byrne.

In A-reserve, Gisborne takes on Sandhurst in the second semi from 2pm.

The Bulldogs won the round seven match at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve by five goals.

Scores were locked on 50-all at the end of the 16^th round showdown at the QEO.

Sandhurst began its finals series by scoring a 50-27 victory against Kangaroo Flat in the qualifying final.

The Kangaroos will aim to bounce back from the defeat in Sunday’s first semi against South Bendigo at 2pm.

Although the Bloods finished below the Roos on the ladder they won both matches in the home-and-away series by four goals both times.

South Bendigo won 38-34 on the Kangaroos’ court in round two, and 40-36 at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval in the 11^th round.

An exciting elimination final between South Bendigo and Castlemaine ended in a 46-43 win for the red and white.

It’s a clash between the B-grade teams from Sandhurst and Gisborne in the second semi at 12.40pm on Saturday.

The Dragons won 53-38 on Gisborne’s court in the seventh round.

A great contest in the 16^th round ended 54-all at the QEO.

Gisborne scored a 55-41 win against Kangaroo Flat in the qualifying final.

The Kangaroos face Strathfieldsaye Storm in Sunday’s first semi at 12.40pm.

Kangaroo Flat won 41-22 on Storm’s court at Triple M Park in round seven.

Latest meeting between the clubs was in the 16^th round where Strathfieldsaye won 44-31 at Dower Park.

Storm beat South Bendigo, 50-27 in the elimination final.

Kangaroo Flat will feature in the B-reserve second semi against Sandhurst at 11.20am on Saturday.

This season’s meetings between the teams stand at one-all.

Sandhurst won 42-33 at the QEO in round one, and the Roos marked a 45-40 victory at Dower Park in the 10^th round.

The Flat outplayed Gisborne for a 55-41 result in the qualifying final.

On Sunday it will be Gisborne against Strathfieldaye in the B-reserve first semi-final at 11.20am.

The Bulldogs beat Storm, 45-35 in round one at Gardiner Reserve.

Strathfieldsaye won 42-37 in the 10th round at Triple M Park.

Storm advanced to week two of the finals after it eliminated Eaglehawk, 37-29.

First-up in the weekend’s action will be the 17-under teams from Sandhurst and Gisborne at 10am on Saturday.

Record between the second semi-finalists in the home-and-away series was one-all.

Gisborne won 49-43 at home in the seventh round, and the Dragons fired up for a 55-44 victory in the 16^th round.

Gisborne beat Golden Square in the qualifying final by 13 goals.

On Sunday, Golden Square faces Strathfieldsaye in the 17-under first semi at 10am.

The Bulldogs beat Storm in both matches in the run to the finals.

Golden Square won 47-40 at Triple M Park in round two, and 49-39 at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street in the 11^th round.

It was a one-goal thriller in the elimination final between Strathfieldsaye and Maryborough.

Storm led 36-35 at the final siren.

Line-ups for Saturday’s second semi-finals:

Sandhurst.

A-grade. Coach: Tamara Gilchrist:

Bec Smith (captain), Meg Williams (captain), Shae Clifford, Kelsey Meade, Heather Oliver, Kelsey Palpratt, Paige Ryan, Charlotte Sexton, Imogen Sexton, Sophie Shoebridge, Ruby Turner.

A-reserve. Coach: Tamara Gilchrist.

Kelsey Ralph (captain), Katie Dean, Gabriella Greene, Tess Keating, Eliza Oxley, Kesley Palpratt, Paige Ryan, Charlotte Sexton, Lilly Walsh, Darcy Williams.

B-grade. Coach: Jarileey Schultz.

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

B-reserve. Coach: Rose Gallagher.

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

17-under. Coach Carol Cathcart.

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

Gisborne.

A-grade. Coach: Tarryn Rymer

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

A-reserve. Coach: Tarryn Rymer.

Tazma Morris (captain), Bridget Salter (vice-captain), Jemma Denman, Emily McDonald, Bianca McKay, Eloise Rodda, Olivia Rodda, Alexandra Russ.

B-grade. Coach: Bronwyn Slater.

Taylah Ranieri (captain), Shelley Farrugia, Chelsea Kennett, Georgia Murray, Monty Paton, Tarryn Rymer, Milly Shaw, Lulu Slater, Hannah Weier.

17-under. Coach: Rylee Connell.

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

Kangaroo Flat.

B-reserve. Coach: Kate Newman

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

Line-ups for Sunday’s first semi-finals:

Kangaroo Flat.

A-grade. Coach: Jayden Cowling.

Chelsea Sartori (captain), Ashley Ryan (vice-captain), Carly Van Den Heuvel (vice-captain), Lou Dupuy, Ingrid Hopkins, Ava Lowndes, Emma Moroney, Ashlee O’Shea, Abbey Ryan, Annie Spear, Ella Wicks, Milly Wicks.

A-reserve. Coach: Nicole Donnellon.

Emma Moroney (captain), Ashlee O’Shea (vice-captain), Lani Burns, Bronte Deary, Molly Drum, Chloe Fletcher, Darcie Fry, Lara Judd, Rose Kennett, Bella Pearse, Isabella Pitto, Amaya Schmidt.

B-grade. Coach: Laura Brooks.

Darcie Fry (captain), Nicola McIvor (captain), Bella Pearse (captain), Laura Brooks, Lani Burns, Molly Drum, Karly Elvey, Lucy Lang, Macey O’Shea, Alex Rusbridge, Claudia Shelton, Rachel Winfield.

Castlemaine.

A-grade. Co-coaches: Fiona Fowler, Gary Cooke.

Jane O’Donohue (captain), Kyla Byrne, Madeline Carter, Tara Ford, Fiona Fowler, Meg Ginnivan, Charlotte McMurray, Caitlin Richardson, Montaya Sardi, MIkaela Vaughan, Megan Wilson, Emma Winfield.

Gisborne.

B-reserve. Coach: Leesa Lord.

Sophia Davies (captain), Brooke Bernacki, Emma Cogger, Ellie Lord, Alex Matthews, Bec Merrett, Lily Prater, Maddison Russ, Brianah Thompson, Caitlyn Walker.

South Bendigo.

A-reserve. Coach: Elizabeth Taylor.

Stephanie Greene (captain), Amanda Walters (captain), Sarah Appleby, Shaina Brook, Paige Campbell, Eden Clifford, Holly Giddings, Hayley Harrington, Amber Hollis, Morgan McClellan, Jeanette Ross.

Strathfieldsaye.

B-grade. Coach: Kirsten Pollock.

Imogen Currie (captain), Chelsea Crapper, Olivia Erwin, Bethany Hromenko, Bridgette Keath, Lana Marsh, Chelsie Martyn, Cate O’Bree,  Tahlee O’Keefe, Ella Raco.

B-reserve. Coach: Belinda Boyd.

Alicia Smalley (captain), Lucinda Sharp (vice-captain), Bridget Abe, Sienna Eddy, Maggie Gilmore, Meg Johns, Renn Minne, Lulu Mullins, Sally Nicholson, Annie Palmer, Claudia Petri, Mackenzie Strawbridge.

17-under. Coach: Fiona Schubert

Maeve Cass, Sienna Eddy, Lexie Fennell, Maggie Gilmore, Dakota Keanelly, Layla O’Shea, Charlize Pinder, Ella Pitson, Lainey Pollard.

Golden Square.

17-under. Coach: Lauren Swatton.

Charli Crawford, Charli Hamilton, Lilly Hope, Emma Keating, Keira Lawry, Kaylah Moon, Daisy Stringer, Holly Swatton, Abbi Wells.

Clubs honour legendary Ron Best

THE Ron Best Memorial Shield is up for grabs as Golden Square tackles Sandhurst in Saturday’s match to complete the split sixth round of senior footy in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

Two of the competition’s greatest rivals meet again at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street.

Sandhurst will be eyeing a hat-trick of Ron Best Memorial Shield victories.

In a brilliant 270-game career, Best kicked 1624 goals in stints with Golden Square, Sandhurst and Northern United.

He kicked 14.9 in his first senior match for Golden Square in 1969.

Best later crossed to Sandhurst and was captain-coach of the ’73 premiership team.

He also starred in the Dragons’ run to grand final glory in ’77.

By ’79 he had returned to the kennel and played in a premiership with the Bulldogs.

After a successful move north to Boort, Best was back in the Bendigo FNL in ’84 and starred in the first of Northern United’s four grand final victories in a row.

A legend in the Bendigo FNL Hall of Fame, Best earned the leading goalkicking award on 10 occasions and booted 10 goals or more in 48 matches.

There have been many outstanding forwards throughout the Bendigo FNL’s history, but it’s Ron Best who was better than all the rest.

As part of the Ron Best Memorial Shield day, Northern United will hold a past players and supporters function in the Golden Square cricket rooms from noon.

On the footy field it will be the Bulldogs striving to end Sandhurst’s unbeaten streak.

Most recent meeting between these clubs was last September’s grand final which Golden Square won by a point.

There have been plenty of changes at the kennel since then.

Brad Eaton is now senior coach

Nine players from the ’23 premiership team will be in action.

They are Jayden and Harrison Burke, Jon Coe, Hugh Freckleton, Brodie James, Ricky Monti, Jack Stewart, Tom Strauch and Jack Threlfall.

Another premiership winner, Zack Shelton is on the sidelines as he starts a seven-game ban for rough conduct against Gisborne defender Jack Reaper.

The Bulldogs were forced to make another change as young ruckman Rory McCrann-Peters starts a four-match suspension for rough conduct.

Inclusions for the blue and gold include ruckman Tanner Rayner, Drew Barrett and Seb Pellegrino.

Sandhurst has more than a dozen players who were in last year’s grand final to play in this contest.

Among them are on-ballers James Coghlan and Noah Walsh, half-forwards Nick Stagg, Lachlan Wright and Joel Wharton; and Cobi Maxted and Zach Pallpratt in the pockets.

There’s also co-coach Bryce Curnow, Caleb Connick, Liam Ireland, Jake McLean, Darcy Mills, Isaac Ruff, Cooper Smith, Alex Wharton and Matt Wilkinson who played on that one day in September.

In attack, Fergus Greene starts the round in second place in the race for the Ron Best Medal.

Greene moved to 26 after a 10-goal haul against South Bendigo in the previous round.

Another key player in the charge by a Sandhurst team jointly coached by Ash Connick, non-playing, is Lachlan Tardrew who is a full-time player with the Dragons after a successful stint in the VFL with Collingwood.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Strathfieldsaye 164 per cent, 20 points; Sandhurst 529 per cent, 16 points; Gisborne 288, 16; Eaglehawk 120, 12; Golden Square 98, 8; South Bendigo 82, 8; Kangaroo Flat 59, 8; Castlemaine 87, 4; Maryborough 17, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

32 Brock Harvey, South Bendigo.

26 Fergus Greene, Sandhurst.

23 Pat McKenna, Gisborne.

20 Harry Luxmoore, Gisborne.

18 Michael Hartley, Castlemaine.

18 James Schischka, Strathfieldsaye.

17 Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst.

16 Steven Stroobants, South Bendigo.

12 Malik Gordon, Strathfieldsaye.

11 Noah Walsh, Sandhurst.

11 Jonty Neaves, Eaglehawk.

10 Zac Denahy, Gisborne.

9 Justin Bateson, Kangaroo Flat.

9 Brad Bernacki, Gisborne.

9 Jayden Burke, Golden Square.

9 Bailey Henderson, Castlemaine.

9 Darcy Richards, Eaglehawk.

9 Jack Stewart, Golden Square.

9 Lachlan Tardrew, Sandhurst.

8 Cobi Maxted, Sandhurst.

8 Abe Sheahan, Strathfieldsaye.

8 Ben Thompson, Eaglehawk.

8 Joel Wharton, Sandhurst.

8 Harry Whitty, Kangaroo Flat.

7 Sam Graham, Gisborne.

7 Matt Merrett, Gisborne.

7 Fraser Russell, Maryborough.

A GREAT of Golden Square FNC, Jack Geary will mark his 200^th senior footy match when he leads the Bulldogs in Saturday’s start to the Bendigo Bank Football Netball League season.

The Bulldogs will be determined to cap Geary’s step into an elite club with victory against the Kyneton Tigers on home turf at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street.

A five-time premiership player for the Bulldogs, Geary and his team-mates will tackle the Tigers from 2.20pm.

It’s a big test for the Christian Carter-coached Golden Square against Kyneton.

The Bulldogs have kept the majority of the team which reached last season’s preliminary final and will start favourite to take the points against the Paul Chapman-coached Tigers.

A gun midfielder or on-baller for most of his career, Geary was named on a half-back flank.

An attack which has Joel Brett, Jayden Burke and Braydon Vaz as main targets will be tough for Kyneton to hold across four quarters.

Other key players for the Bulldogs include Jon Coe and Will Lee in defence, Ryan Hartley and Liam Barrett in midfield, ruckman Matt Compston, and ruck-rover Ricky Monti.

The blue and gold also welcomes back tough on-baller Tom Toma from Cohuna Kangas.

Plenty of changes have been made at Tigerland.

A huge plus for Kyneton is the return of classy small forward Ethan Foreman after premiership success with Gisborne last season.

Foreman is a previous leading goalkicker for the yellow and black.

The Tigers have also recruited another small forward in Tom Quinn from University Blues.

A defence led by Harrison Huntley, C Fisher and J Safstrom faces a huge challenge.

Other newcomers for Kyneton include ruckman Jayden Eales from Sunbury, and Jordan and Lucas Iudica.

A rematch of last season’s grand finalists, Gisborne at Strathfieldsaye should draw a big crowd to Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve.

It’s the start of a new era as Brad Fox takes charge as senior coach after the successful run of Rob Waters.

The Bulldogs are without several of their premiership stars, including gun forward Pat McKenna.

This season it’s Jack Reaper who takes the captaincy after McKenna stepped aside from the role because of work commitments.

A formidable Gisborne line-up still has ruckman Braidon Blake, onballer Flynn Lakey, the skilful Sam Graham and Matt Merrett.

The Dogs have plenty of running power through the likes of Mack Lord, Matt Weber and Liam Spear.

Newcomers for the Bulldogs include Jed and Zac Denahy from Castlemaine.

The Darryl Wilson and Shannon Geary-coached Strathfieldsaye will be determined to start well.

There have also been quite a lot of changes to the Storm line-up.

A strong attack will again be led by Michelsen medallist and dual Ron Best medallist, Lachlan Sharp.

The marking power of James Schischka was a highlight in many of Storm’s matches last season.

Storm also named two of the prized recruits, Jack Exell and Alex Powell on a ‘from’ interchange.

Michelsen medallist Jake Moorhead will play a key role in and around the packs, as will Riley Wilson, Callum McCarty and Lachlan Gill.

Storm’s defence led by Ben Lester, Lachie Ratcliffe and Mitchell Hallinan will rely a lot on pressure further up the ground.

South Bendigo marks the start of a new era when it tackles Eaglehawk at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

The Bloods have played for premiership points at the Neale Street ground in previous years, but the venue is now the Bloods new permanent home for all football and netball teams.

On-field the Nathan Horbury-coached South Bendigo welcomes back gun small forward Steven Stroobants.

In recent years Stroobants has starred for Rochester in the Goulburn Valley and coached the Tigers last season.

Another key signing for the red and white was ruckman Macgregor Cameron from Monash Blues.

Players to watch for the Bloods include Brock Harvey at full-forward, rover Cooper Leon, Oscar White and Brody Haddow in midfield.

The defensive work of captain Zac Hare, Isaiah Miller, Cameron Taggert and Braydan Torpey will be important.

Biggest recruiting coup in the lead-up to 2023 was former St Kilda captain Jarryn Geary deciding to return to Eaglehawk.

The Geary brothers, Jarryn and Kallen both mark their return to the Two Blues.

Jarryn brings 207 games of AFL experience to the league, and Kallen is a triple premiership winner with Strathfieldsaye.

After finishing on the seventh rung last season the Travis Matheson-coached Eaglehawk could soar back to the top five.

A talented line-up from the Borough includes Darcy Richards, new captain Cam McGlashan and Liam Marciano in attack, new ruckman Connor Dalgleish from Montmorency, and a centreline of Joel Mullen, Fraser Verhey and Billy Evans.

The Thompsons – Ben, Jack and Sam are all in the Hawks line-up.

Maryborough is on home turf at Princes Park for its clash with Castlemaine.

Both of the Magpies will be keen to mark a victory, especially Maryborough after a winless ’22 campaign.

The Borough has appointed gun on-baller Coby Perry as playing coach.

A wrist injury will keep Perry on the sidelines for a few more weeks.

Massive plus for Maryborough is the return of Bailey Edwards who spent the summer playing for Nightcliff in the Northern Territory.

Edwards is a previous club champion at Maryborough who played for Carisbrook last season.

Key players for the Borough include Joel Swatton from South Bendigo; Brady Neill; Chris Freeeman in the centre or attack; Darcy Bond, Kya Lanfranchi and Luke Bucknall in defence.

Matt Johnston was also named in the Maryborough attack.

A premiership winner with Castlemaine, Brendan Shepherd marks his return to the club as senior coach.

On the recruiting front, Castlemaine has regained previous club champion Matt Filo.

The Magpies will look for big games from the likes of Jackson Hood, David Wilson, Ben Moran, Brodie and Jackson Byrne, and Callum McConachy.

Sandhurst takes on Kangaroo Flat at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Beaten in last season’s elimination final, Sandhurst could mark a dramatic rise.

Ash Connick has stayed on as coach and is joined by Bryce Curnow as playing assistant coach.

A premiership winner and Nalder medallist as best on ground in a Strathfieldsaye grand final victory, Curnow played in Kerang’s premiership team in ’22.

The Dragons have also welcomed back favourite son Nick Stagg after last season’ stint with the Kerang Blues.

Former coach Andy Collins bolsters the Dragons’ attack or midfield on his return from Bridgewater.

Other key players for Sandhurst include Michelsen medallist and on-baller Lee Coghlan, ruckman Hamish Hosking, Matt Thornton and Joel Wharton in attack, Zach Pallpratt in the centre, Liam Ireland and Tanner Nally in defence.

It’s a tough initation for Nathan Johns to his coaching stint with Kangaroo Flat.

Johns brings plenty of coaching experience to lead a young Roos’ line-up.

Key recruits for the Flat include the Rouse twins, Jordan and Zac in defence.

Rover Mitch Trewhella, Liam Collins, Kyle Symons, Tim Brooks, Ryan O’Keefe, and co-captains Mitch Collins and Ethan Roberts will all play key roles as the Roos strive to maintain a high level of pressure in all quarters.

Two of the best clash on Kangaroos’ court

TWO of the league’s best of recent A-grade netball seasons, Kangaroo Flat and Sandhurst clash in Saturday’s start to the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

It’s a twilight showdown between the Kangaroos and Dragons on Kangaroo Flat’s court at Dower Park.

Play starts at 4pm.

Stung by consecutive defeats in last September’s finals action, Kangaroo Flat will be determined to bounce back.

The Roos are again coached by Jayden Cowling who was in the centre as Victoria won gold at last weekend’s Australian Men’s and Mixed Netball Association championships.

Plenty of Bendigo Strikers who have been playing in the Victorian Netball League midweek will be in action for both teams.

The Kangaroos’ line-up includes Strikers’ stars Chelsea Sartori, Ash Ryan and Milly Wicks.

Sandhurst has five Strikers – Heather Oliver, Charlotte and Imogen Sexton, Ruby Turner and Meg Williams – in the A-grade squad.

A major strength of the Kangaroos’ line-up is the goaling circle where Abbey Ryan and Annie Spear have excelled.

The Roos also recruited Chloe Langley, a multiple winner of South Bendigo’s A-grade best and fairest award, and key player in the Bendigo Strikers 23-and-under team.

In defence, Steph Greene from South Bendigo slots in following the departure of Carly Van Den Heuvel to Bridgewater.

Beaten by a goal in last September’s grand final, Sandhurst is likely to be at or near the top rung all season.

The Dragons had won four premierships in a row before Gisborne’s stunning upset in the ’23 decider.

A Sandhurst team coached by Tamara Gilchrist has plenty of experience and skill in all thirds of the court.

There’s at least one change to the starting line-up as Heather Oliver moves from defence to replace brilliant goal attack Kelsey Meade.

A formidable squad includes Shae Clifford and Sophie Shoebridge.

A new-look Strathfieldsaye is on its court at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane to take on South Bendigo.

Key inclusions for Storm are the Mangan sisters – Brooke, Jess and Rachelle – from Kyneton which has joined the Riddell District FNL.

Storm coach Steph Freemantle believes the defensive duo of captain Emmie Banfield and Jess Mangan will be a major strength of the team.

Claire Gibbs is back in the goaling circle and Paynton Jolliffe has crossed from Golden Square.

Another player to watch is Brylee Wilson in mid-court.

At South Bendigo, Alicia McGlashan steps up to be playing coach of A-grade.

A multiple premiership winner at Kangaroo Flat, McGlashan is likely to play at goal defence.

The Bloods have worked incredibly hard to be in the league’s top five for several years, but fallen at the elimination final hurdle.

Newcomers for the red and white include Izzy Coutts from Boort, tall defender Kira Baldwin from Lancefield, and the return of goal attack Ella Flavell from Strathfieldsaye.

Goalshooter Chloe Langley has crossed to Kangaroo Flat, so the starting goaling combination is likely to be Olivia Mason and Ella Flavell.

Players to watch in the red and white include Chloe Gray in mid-court, and Steph Goode in defence.

The Kylie Piercy-coached Eaglehawk will be determined to mark a first-up victory when it’s home at Canterbury Park to play Golden Square.

Morgan Keating and Gabe Marlow team up again to be joint co-captains of a team bolstered by the recruitment of goaler Lucy Morcom from Golden Square.

The Hawks squad includes Tiarni Baxter, Elley Lawton and Amy Ryan.

Key off-court changes at Golden Square include the appointment of Chris O’Sullivan as A-grade coach and Teigan Redwood as director of coaching.

The blue and gold will be determined to break their winless run.

A talented group from the 17-and-under team of last season includes Keira Lawry and Daisy Stringer.

Gisborne has the bye.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Bulldogs will play Sandhurst in the grand final rematch at the Queen Elizabeth Oval in the second round on April 20.

Because Maryborough is not fielding an A-grade team, Castlemaine did not play Good Friday.

The Castlemaine line-up will start its season on April 20 against South Bendigo at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington’s Neale Street.

Sandhurst nets points on Kangaroos’ court

SANDHURST scored a first-up victory on Kangaroo Flat’s court to complete the first round of A-grade netball in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season on Saturday night.

The Roos and Dragons have been two of the most dominant clubs in A-grade across recent seasons.

A Kangaroo Flat line-up again coached by Jayden Cowling was determined to take the points against last season’s runner-up.

A long-time coach of the Roos, Cowling is also a star on the court.

The previous weekend he won gold representing Victoria in the men’s open final at the Australian Men’s and Mixed Netball Association national titles in Brisbane.

Cowling was on the sidelines as the Roos took on the powerful Dragons in Saturday’s match.

A Sandhurst line-up coached by four-time premiership coach Tamara Gilchrist  won another top contest, 46-39.

It was a thrilling showdown between Strathfieldsaye and South Bendigo at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.

A multiple premiership winner in her time at Kangaroo Flat, Alicia McGlashan marked her A-grade coaching debut with the Bloods in style.

Defences were on top for a lot of the match which went South Bendigo’s way, 36-33 against the Steph Freemantle-coached Strathfieldsaye Storm.

Eaglehawk scored an 11-goal win against Golden Square on the Borough’s court at Canterbury Park.

The Kylie Piercy-coached Eaglehawk did not have it easy against the blue and gold.

At the final whistle the Hawks led 44-33 against the Chris O’Sullivan-coached Golden Square.

Although disappointed by a final margin of 13 goals it was a far more competitive showing by the young Golden Square team across four quarters.

Gisborne had the bye.

The season start was on Good Friday at Castlemaine, but because Maryborough is not fielding an A-grade team the Castlemaine team had a rest.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

Eaglehawk 133 per cent, 4 points; Sandhurst 117, 4; South Bendigo 109, 4; Strathfieldsaye 91, 0; Kangaroo Flat 84, 0; Golden Square 75, 0; Castlemaine 0, 0; Gisborne 0, 0.

Highlight of Saturday’s second round will be the grand final rematch between Sandhurst and Gisborne at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

When these clubs last met it was Gisborne which beat Sandhurst in the grand final by a goal.

The win by Gisborne denied Sandhurst a fifth consecutive A-grade premiership.

South Bendigo faces Castlemaine in what will be the Magpies first game of the season.

The Bloods and Magpies meet at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington’s Neale Street.

Golden Square takes on Strathfieldsaye on the Bulldogs’ court in Wade Street.

Kangaroo Flat has the bye in A-grade, but the Roos other teams will play on Maryborough’s court at Princes Park.

Eaglehawk has the bye.

Round one scoreboard:

A-reserve:

Kangaroo Flat 40 lt Sandhurst 44, Strathfieldsaye 57 d South Bendigo 40, Eaglehawk 46 d Golden Square 39, Castlemaine 38  lt Maryborough 56, Gisborne bye.

B-grade:

Kangaroo Flat 41 lt Sandhurst 48, Strathfieldsaye 56 d South Bendigo 42, Eaglehawk 41 d Golden Square 35, Castlemaine 34 d Maryborough 29, Gisborne bye.

B-reserve:

Kangaroo Flat 32 lt Sandhurst 42, Strathfieldsaye 49 d South Bendigo 40, Eaglehawk 54 d Golden Square 18, Castlemaine 48 d Maryborough 41, Gisborne bye.

17-and-under:

Kangaroo Flat 14 lt Sandhurst 46, Strathfieldsaye 35 d South Bendigo 32, Eaglehawk 15 lt Golden Square 73, Castlemaine 53 lt Maryborough 61, Gisborne bye.

Standings after round one:

A-reserve:

Maryborough 147 per cent, 4 points; Strathfieldsaye 142, 4; Eaglehawk 117, 4; Sandhurst 110, 4; Kangaroo Flat 90, 0; Golden Square 84, 0; South Bendigo 70, 0; Castlemaine 67, 0; Gisborne 0, 0.

B-grade:

Strathfieldsaye 133 per cent, 4 points; Castlemaine 117.2, 4; Eaglehawk 117.1, 4; Sandhurst 117.0, 4; Kangaroo Flat 85.4, 0; Golden Square 85.3, 0; Maryborough 85.2, 0; South Bendigo 75, 0; Gisborne 0, 0.

B-reserve:

Eaglehawk 300 per cent, 4 points; Sandhurst 131, 0; Strathfieldsaye 122, 4; Castlemaine 117, 4; Maryborough 85, 0; South Bendigo 81, 0; Kangaroo Flat 76, 0; Golden Square 33, 0; Gisborne 0, 0.

17-and-under:

Golden Square 486 per cent, 4 points; Sandhurst 328, 0; Maryborough 115, 4; Strathfieldsaye 109, 4; South Bendigo 91, 0; Castlemaine 86, 0; Kangaroo Flat 30, 0; Eaglehawk 20, 0; Gisborne 0, 0.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

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

Hurst faces Roos under QEO lights

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The championship game starts at 2.40pm.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gisborne has the bye.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

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

Dragons take points against Roos under QEO lights

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

At the final siren, Eaglehawk led 43-30.

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

Gisborne had the bye.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

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

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

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

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

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

Eaglehawk has the bye.

Round 10 scoreboard:

A-reserve:

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

B-grade:

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

B-reserve:

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

17-and-under:

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

League ladders after 10 rounds:

A-reserve:

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

B-grade:

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

B-reserve:

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

17-and-under:

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

Gisborne aims to end Dragons streak

GISBORNE will be striving to break Sandhurst’s unbeaten run in this Saturday’s 11^th round of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

It’s second against first as Gisborne hosts Sandhurst at Gardiner Reserve from 2.20pm.

When these clubs met in round two it was the Dragons who claimed a 15-point victory at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The Sandhurst team coached by Ash Connick, non-playing, and Bryce Curnow, playing, will be fighting to mark a 10^th consecutive victory.

That task will not be easy on Gisborne’s turf.

Although it will be without gun ruckman Braidon Blake because of concussion protocols, Gisborne on-ballers Brad Bernacki, Flynn Lakey and Jackson Cardillo are capable of winning plenty of the footy.

The Rob Waters-coached Bulldogs have moved Jack Scanlon from attack to the ruck.

On-ball duels will be a highlight, especially the play of Sandhurst captain Lachlan Tardrew who is likely to have polled plenty of votes in the Michelsen medal race.

There’s plenty of goalkicking power in both line-ups.

A talented Gisborne attack includes premiership-winning captain Pat McKenna, Zac Denany and Harry Luxmoore.

Back at Sandhurst after a stint with AFL clubs Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn, Fergus Greene has kicked 52 goals to be leading the charge for the Ron Best Medal as leading goalkicker.

The Dragons also have Cobi Maxted and Tanner Nally to test a Gisborne defence led by Jack Reaper, Zach Vescovi and Jed Denany.

At selection, Sandhurst recalled premiership player Nick Stagg.

The Dragons also brought in hard-at-it mid/forward Brodie Montague for his first senior game of the season.

Big roles for the maroon and blue will be played by James Coghlan, Zach Pallpratt, Lachlan Wright and Connor Sexton.

Strathfieldsaye’s fierce rivalry with Golden Square will be renewed at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.

In his first year as Storm’s senior coach, Luke Freeman has chalked up a seven-two record.

The run by Strathfieldsaye includes a 77-49 victory at Golden Square’s Fur Life Oval in round two.

Storm has the marking power of James Schischka, Caleb Ernst and Malik Gordon to test the Bulldogs defence.

They have often capitalised on the hard work of an on-ball and midfield group that includes Lachlan Gill, Matt Harvey, ruckman Tim Hosking, Daniel Clohesy and Bode Stevens.

Big roles for the Brad Eaton-coached Golden Square will be played by ruckman Tanner Rayner, Jon Coe in defence, Jordan Rosengren in the centre, and captain Jayden Burke at full-forward.

Premiership player Ricky Monti brings plenty of run and skill to the Golden Square line-up.

Monti has played five games with the Dogs this season and six with Essendon in the VFL.

One of many talented youngsters in Square’s squad, Harrison Kelly is back for his first senior game since the round four win against Kangaroo Flat.

The Bulldogs have also brought in Melvic Pambai who previously played for White Hills under-18s and for Seymour Lions in for his first senior game with the club.

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

The Michael Ellings-coached Kangaroos have not won since round three against South Bendigo.

Roos’ midfielder Luke Ellings and the classy Jack Lefroy were the Roos’ best in last Saturday’s coash with Sandhurst at the QEO.

Kangaroo Flat’s team to take on Maryborough includes Ethan Roberts, Harry Whitty, Daniel and Luke Stagg, Toby Roberts, and Toby Balcke.

Been a daunting run for Maryborough, but the play of co-coach Coby Perry to keep winning contest after contest is outstanding.

The Magpies have Kya Lanfranchi in great touch in defence.

Joel Swatton will be up against one of his former clubs and determined to play well.

Maryborough’s team to tackle the Roos includes Fraser Russell, Aidan Medlyn, co-coach Matt Johnston, Josh Britten and Alex Brown.

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

The Magpies have already surpassed last season’s tally of two wins.

First-year coach Michael Hartley and his team will be doing all they can to achieve some more.

It starts with a showdown with the Bloods who beat Castlemaine by seven goals in round two at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval.

Will be another big challenge for the Magpies to limit the quality and quantity of supply to Bloods forwards Brock Harvey and Steven Stroobants.

A talented Castlemaine attack includes Michael Hartley, Zac Greeves and captain Bailey Henderson.

Ryan Eyre, Matt Filo, Zavier Murley and Jack Chester will be driving forces in the Magpies’ moves.

Crucial roles for the Steven Stroobants and Isaiah Miller-coached South Bendigo will be played by ruck-rover Brody Haddow, Anthony Zimmerman, captain Zac Hare and William Marks.

Young Bloods such as Zaydn Lockwood and Zavier Holmes have the athleticism and marking strength to test their opponents.

Eaglehawk has the bye.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

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

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

52 Fergus Greene, Sandhurst.

43 James Schischka, Strathfieldsaye.

33 Brock Harvey, South Bendigo.

32 Michael Hartley, Castlemaine.

29 Pat McKenna, Gisborne.

28 Steven Stroobants, South Bendigo.

25 Harry Luxmoore, Gisborne.

23 Jack Stewart, Golden Square.

22 Jonty Neaves, Eaglehawk.

21 Jayden Burke, Golden Square.

19 Cobi Maxted, Sandhurst.

18 Bailey Henderson, Castlemaine.

18 Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst.

17 Brad Bernacki, Gisborne.

17 Malik Gordon, Strathfieldsaye.

16 Zac Denahy, Gisborne.

14 Bryce Curnow, Sandhurst.

14 Abe Sheahan, Strathfieldsaye.

14 Harry Whitty, Kangaroo Flat.

13 Zac Greeves, Castlemaine.

13 Darcy Richards, Eaglehawk.

12 Lachlan Gill, Strathfieldsaye.

12 Matt Merrett, Gisborne.

12 Lachlan Tardrew, Sandhurst.

11 Nick Stagg, Sandhurst.

11 Noah Walsh, Sandhurst.

10 Zach Charles, Strathfieldsaye.

10 Joel Mullen, Eaglehawk.

10 Mitchell Ronchieri, Eaglehawk.

10 Tom Strauch, Golden Square.

10 Riley Wilson, Strathfieldsaye.

Gisborne wins dramatic clash with Sandhurst

GISBORNE withstood a late-quarter charge to end Sandhurst’s unbeaten run in Saturday’s 11^th round of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy action.

The Bulldogs and Dragons played out a match worthy of the top-two billing at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve.

Four goals as it kept the visitors to just one in the second term put Gisborne up by 13 points of half-time in a hard-fought contest.

The Rob Waters-coached Bulldogs then scored 3.5 to 1.3 in the third.

Sandhurst’s play lifted dramatically in the final term.

The Dragons faced a 27-point deficit, but teamed brilliantly to score five goals.

At that point Gisborne had booted the one major as scores were on 61-all.

The Dogs steadied to score consecutive goals before Sandhurst booted the final goal.

At the siren Gisborne led 73-67.

Premiership-winning captain of two years ago, Pat McKenna capped a brilliant match with five goals for the red, white and blue.

Harry Luxmoore kicked two goals for Gisborne.

The Dragons’ attack was led by Fergus Greene on four goals as Tanner Nally added two.

Best afield honours went to Pat McKenna as Zach Vescovi, Jack Reaper, Brad Bernacki, Flynn  Lakey and Jack Scanlon also starred for Gisborne.

Lachlan Tardrew, James Coghlan, Charlie Robinson, Fergus Greene, Lachie Hood and Zach Pallpratt were best for the Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow-coached Sandhurst.

Strathfieldsaye responded to a fierce challenge from Golden Square to take the points on Storm’s turf at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane.

Scores were locked on 39-all at three quarter-time.

In the last it was the Luke Freeman-coached Storm which started to control a lot more of the play.

Storm scored four unanswered goals to complete a 63-40 victory.

Jed Daniels and James Schischka kicked two goals in the testing conditions.

A match-high three goals by Jack Stewart put him among the best for the blue and gold.

Storm’s charge to victory was led by Daniel Clohesy, Patrick Blandford, Bode Stevens, Lachlan Ratcliffe, Cooper Jones and Tim Hosking.

Ricky Monti, Jack Stewart, Luke Holt, Lachlan Humprhey and Tanner Rayner were best for the Brad Eaton-coached Bulldogs.

Playing in defence, Melvic Pambai marked his first senior game for Golden Square  by being among the best.

A resurgent Castlemaine moved within four points of the fifth-placed Golden Square.

Seven goals to nil in the opening term put the Michael Hartley-coached Castlemaine on track to victory against South Bendigo at Camp Reserve.

The Magpies scored 10 goals and kept the Bloods goalless in the first half.

By the long break the black and white led 67-5.

It was a more event contest in the second half as both teams scored 25 points.

Kalan Huntly went on to kick a match-high three goals as Michael Hartley, captain Bailey Henderson and Tyson Hickey kicked two each in a 92-30 result.

There were no multiple goalkickers for the Bloods.

Castlemaine’s best were Callum McConachy, Lloyd Butcher, Liam Wilkinson, Brodie Byrne, Zavier Murley and Harrison Sheahan.

Anthony Zimmerman, Zac Hare, co-coach Isaiah Miller, Alex Smith, Darcy Backway and Brody Haddow were best for a Bloods line-up which has Steven Stroobants as co-coach.

Kangaroo Flat bounced back to the winners’ list as it scored 19.12 (126) to 7.6 (48) against Maryborough at Dower Park.

The Michael Ellings-coached Roos were desperate for the premiership points, but also for a match as it lent six players to an injury-hit Maryborough.

A closely-fought first quarter went Flat’s way, 31-19.

The Roos scored three goals in the second, but the Magpies worked hard to add two majors.

A 21-point lead for Kangaroo Flat at half-time became 49 by the last change after it slammed on seven goals in the third quarter.

Ethan Roberts, Luke Ellings and Isaac Lowndes kept winning plenty of the footy as the Roos kicked on to victory.

The talented Harry Whitty kicked five goals and the classy Jack Lefroy added four.

Other multiple goalkickers for the Roos were Luke Ellings and Jake Hywood on three.

Magpies’ co-coach Matt Johnston kicked three goals.

The Roos’ best included Toby Roberts, Jack Lefroy and Campbell Smith.

Maryborough co-coach Coby Perry, Kya Lanfranchi, Joel Swatton, Aidan Medlyn, Seb Collins and Josh Britten played well in the team’s most competitive hit-out in many weeks.

Eaglehawk had the bye.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 293 per cent, 36 points; Gisborne 216, 32; Strathfieldsaye 175, 32; Eaglehawk 141, 20; Golden Square 118, 20; Castlemaine 113, 16; Kangaroo Flat 63, 12; South Bendigo 68, 8; Maryborough 14, 0.

Because of next Saturday’s inter-league clash with the Victorian Amateurs at Elsternwick Park in Brighton there will be no play in the Bendigo FNL.

Round 12 will be played on July 13.

A big clash will be Eaglehawk against Strathfieldsaye on the Borough’s Canterbury Park oval from 2.20pm.

Golden Square takes on a resurgent Castlemaine at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.

South Bendigo and Kangaroo Flat clash at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

Maryborough faces Gisborne in the Magpies’ nest at Princes Park.

Sandhurst has the bye.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

56 - (4) - Fergus Greene - Sandhurst 
45 - (2) - James Schischka - Strathfieldsaye 
34 - (1) - Brock Harvey - South Bendigo 
34 - (2) - Michael Hartley - Castlemaine 
34 - (5) - Pat McKenna - Gisborne 
29 - (1) - Steven Stroobants - South Bendigo 
27 - (2) - Harry Luxmoore - Gisborne 
26 - (3) - Jack Stewart - Golden Square 
22 - (0) - Jonty Neaves - Eaglehawk 
21 - (0) - Jayden Burke - Golden Square 
20 - (2) - Bailey Henderson - Castlemaine 
20 - (1) - Cobi Maxted - Sandhurst 
19 - (5) - Harry Whitty - Kangaroo Flat 
18 - (0) - Lachlan Wright - Sandhurst 
18 - (1) - Malik Gordon - Strathfieldsaye 
17 - (1) - Zac Denahy - Gisborne 
17 - (0) - Bradley Bernacki - Gisborne 
15 - (1) - Abe Sheahan - Strathfieldsaye 
14 - (0) - Bryce Curnow - Sandhurst 
13 - (0) - Zachary Greeves - Castlemaine 
13 - (1) - Matthew Merrett - Gisborne 
13 - (0) - Darcy Richards - Eaglehawk 
12 - (0) - Lachlan Tardrew - Sandhurst 
12 - (0) - Lachlan Gill - Strathfieldsaye 
11 - (0) - Nicholas Stagg - Sandhurst 
11 - (1) - Zach Charles - Strathfieldsaye 
11 - (0) - Noah Walsh - Sandhurst 

Grand finalists clash on Gisborne’s court

A REMATCH of last September’s grand finalists, Gisborne and Sandhurst highlights this Saturday’s 11^th round of A-grade netball in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

Gisborne has home-court advantage at Gardiner Reserve as third takes on first from 2.30pm.

These clubs have had terrific battles for many seasons.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Bulldogs beat the Dragons by a goal in last year’s grand final.

When these teams met in round two of this season it was Gisborne which beat the maroon and blue by four goals at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Victory in last Friday night’s match against Kangaroo Flat under the QEO lights has put the Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst on top of the ladder.

The Dragons fired up for a 47-42 victory in a round where Gisborne had the bye.

Another important match will be at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve where the Magpies take on South Bendigo.

The Magpies and the Bloods will be determined to end their winless run.

In round two it was the Chloe Hughes-coached Castlemaine which won 41-27 on South Bendigo’s court at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval.

Castlemaine had a break last round as the A-grade team was drawn to play at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

The Alicia McGlashan-coached Bloods started the season with a two-goal win on Strathfieldsaye’s court at Triple M Park.

It’s been a tough run since then.

South Bendigo will have gained plenty of confidence from last week’s showing against Strathfieldsaye.

Although beaten by three goals there was plenty to like about the play by the team in red and white.

Strathfieldsaye will be at home at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane to take on Golden Square.

The Steph Freemantle-coached Storm starts the round in fourth place.

Although it won the previous clash with Golden Square by 20 goals, Strathfieldsaye is likely to face a much stronger challenge from the Teigan Redwood-coached blue and gold this time.

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

Eaglehawk has the bye.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

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

Gisborne marks another win against Dragons

FOR the second time this season, Gisborne took the points against Sandhurst in the latest round of A-grade netball in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne was on its court at Gardiner Reserve for the round 11 showdown with the Dragons.

A strong opening quarter ended with Gisborne in front, 14-6.

Both teams scored nine goals in the second term.

It was another closely-fought third stanza which went Gisborne’s way, nine-eight.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst kept the pressure on, but the red, white and blue kept its poise to run out 42-31 winners.

Despite the loss, Sandhurst holds top spot going into next weekend’s break for inter-league.

A tally of 60-plus goals by Yolande Miller capped off South Bendigo’s dominance at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve.

Winless since the opening round match at Strathfieldsaye’s Triple M Park, South Bendigo was in superb touch on the Magpies’ court.

The Alicia McGlashan-coached South Bendigo led 17-5 at quarter-time and 34-12 by the main break.

The defence of the Chloe Hughes-coached Castlemaine was under immense pressure as a Bloods’ mid-court led by Holly Gray and Ella Flavell set up chances for Miller and Izzy Coutts.

South Bendigo won the next two quarters, 17-6 and 19-5 to complete a 70-23 victory.

After being outscored in the first quarter, Strathfieldsaye struck back to beat Golden Square at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane.

The Teigan Redwood-coached Golden Square played well to take an 11-10 lead into the first break.

From there it was the Steph Freemantle-coached Strathfieldsaye which took charge.

Storm won the second, 12-7, and the third, 14-6.

A low-scoring final term went the way of the blue and gold, 5-4, but it was Strathfieldsaye which led 40-29 at the siren.

Kangaroo Flat had a rest in A-grade, but the Roos played Maryborough in the lower grades at Dower Park.

Eaglehawk had the bye.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

Sandhurst 170 per cent, 28 points; Gisborne 138, 28; Kangaroo Flat 180, 24; Strathfieldsaye 95, 20; Eaglehawk 78, 16; South Bendigo 78, 8; Golden Square 62, 8; Castlemaine 60, 4.

There will be no play on July 6 as the Bendigo FNL meets the Victorian Amateurs in the inter-league match at Elsternwick Park in Brighton.

Highlight of round 12 on July 13 will be Eaglehawk against Strathfieldsaye at Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park.

South Bendigo takes on Kangaroo Flat at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington’s Neale Street.

Golden Square meets Castlemaine at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.

It’s a rest for Gisborne in A-grade, but the Bulldogs will play Maryborough in the lower grades at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

Sandhurst has the bye.

Round 11 scoreboard:

A-reserve:

Gisborne 45 d Sandhurst 33, Castlemaine 40 lt South Bendigo 41, Strathfieldsaye 45 d Golden Square 13, Kangaroo Flat 37 lt Maryborough 39, Eaglehawk had the bye.

B-grade:

Gisborne 39 lt Sandhurst 46, Castlemaine 35 lt South Bendigo 40, Strathfieldsaye 44 d Golden Square 26, Kangaroo Flat 58 d Maryborough 15, Eaglehawk had the bye.

B-reserve:

Gisborne 31 lt Sandhurst 49, Castlemaine 17 lt South Bendigo 62, Strathfieldsaye 47 d Golden Square 20, Kangaroo Flat 68 d Maryborough 18, Eaglehawk had the bye.

17-and-under:

Gisborne 35 lt Sandhurst 53, Castlemaine 37 lt South Bendigo 39, Strathfieldsaye 30 lt Golden Square 46, Kangaroo Flat 28 lt Maryborough 43, Eaglehawk had the bye.

League ladders:

A-reserve:

Gisborne 201 per cent, 36 points; Strathfieldsaye 134, 32; Maryborough 109, 30; Sandhurst 123, 24; Kangaroo Flat 110, 22; South Bendigo 82, 16; Eaglehawk 70, 8; Castlemaine 69, 8; Golden Square 63, 0.

B-grade:

Gisborne 179 per cent, 32 points; Sandhurst 149, 32; Kangaroo Flat 145, 32; Strathfieldsaye 121, 28; South Bendigo 91, 18; Eaglehawk 85, 14; Castlemaine 77, 12; Golden Square 72, 0; Maryborough 44, 0.

B-reserve:

Sandhurst 221 per cent, 40 points; Strathfieldsaye 136, 32; Gisborne 173, 28; South Bendigo 128, 24; Kangaroo Flat 120, 20; Eaglehawk 107, 16; Golden Square 65, 8; Castlemaine 55, 8; Maryborough 34, 0.

17-and-under:

Sandhurst 242 per cent, 40 points; Golden Square 169, 36; Maryborough 111, 32; Castlemaine 100, 16; Gisborne 98, 16; South Bendigo 89, 16; Strathfieldsaye 93, 12; Eaglehawk 45, 8; 37, 0; Kangaroo Flat 40, 0.

GOLDEN Square ended Sandhurst’s unbeaten streak in Saturday’s 12^th round of senior footy action in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

The Bulldogs and Dragons met in the clash of second and first at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.

It was the Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow-coached Sandhurst which made a hot start as it scored 6.1 to 2.1 in the first quarter.

The Bulldogs fought back brilliantly to score 5.2 to 2.0 in the second and draw within four points by the long break.

Quarter three was marked by plenty of attacking by both teams.

The Christian Carter-coached Bulldogs scored 4.4 as Sandhurst added 3.5.

In front 73-72 at the start of the final term, Golden Square then dominated most of the last 30 minutes of the match.

The blue and gold scored 3.5 and kept the Dragons scoreless to complete a 96-72 victory.

Joel Brett kicked six goals for the Bulldogs as Liam Barrett, Hamish Morcom and Jack Stewart added two each.

Now back at Sandhurst full-time after a stint with Essendon in the VFL, Sam Conforti led the Dragons’ attack on four goals as Jake McLean and Lachlan Wright chipped in with two.

Best for the Bulldogs were ruckman Matt Compston, Jon Coe, Tom Toma, Jack Geary, Joel Brett and Ricky Monti.

Sam Conforti, Bryce Curnow, Lachlan Tardrew, James Coghlan, Hamish Hosking and Lachie Hood were Sandhurst’s best.

Gisborne stunned Eaglehawk on the Borough’s turf at Canterbury Park.

The Brad Fox-coached Bulldogs won every quarter on their way to a seven-goal win against the Hawks.

Gisborne led 21-7 at quarter-time and 44-26 by the main break.

The Travis Matheson-coached Hawks did lift to score 3.3 in the third, but the Dogs had the answers as they added 5.3.

A 28-point lead for Gisborne at the start of the last was 42 by the end after it scored 4.2 to 2.0.

A 101-59 result in Gisborne’s favour was in stark contrast to round three when Eaglehawk won by 49 points at Gardiner Reserve.

Back at Gisborne after playing most of the VFL season with Essendon, Brad Bernacki kicked four goals in a best afield performance on Saturday.

Captain Jack Reaper kicked three goals for the Bulldogs.

The Hawks’ attack was led by Lewin Davis on four.

Gisborne’s best were Brad Bernacki, Macklan Lord, Braidon Blake, Matt Weber, Ben Eales and Seb Bell-Bartels.

Dylan Hanley, Cam McGlashan, Lewin Davis, Kallen Geary, Billy Evans and Noah Wheeler were Eaglehawk’s best.

It was a case of almost for Maryborough in its clash with Kangaroo Flat at Dower Park.

The Coby Perry-coached Maryborough played brilliant football to lead at each of the quarter breaks by margins of nine, six and seven points.

As had happened a couple of times previously, Maryborough could not stop the opposition’s charge in the final term.

On Saturday it was the Jeremy Hayes-coached Kangaroos who scored 3.10 to a goal in the final term to mark a 75-60 victory.

Multiple goalkickers for the Kangaroos were Liam Collins, three; Nic Keogh and Harry Whitty, two.

The Magpies’ attack was led by Taj Bond on four.

Kangaroo Flat’s best were Liam Collins, Jordan and Zac Rouse, Ethan Roberts, Ryan O’Keefe and Nic Keogh.

Kya Lanfranchi, Taj Bond, Tom Myers, Joel Swatton, Lucas Hurse and Darcy Bond played well for the Magpies.

South Bendigo marked the trek to Kyneton Showgrounds by scoring a 107-point win against the Tigers.

The Nathan Horbury-coached Bloods scored 7.4 to just three behinds in the first term.

By half-time South Bendigo held an eight-goal lead.

Steven Stroobants went on to kick a match-high five goals and Brock Harvey added four as the Bloods won 21.14 (140) to 4.9 (33).

Other multiple goalkickers for South Bendigo were Sam Langley, three, and Daniel Johnstone, two.

Cameron Manuel kicked two goals for the Tigers.

Best for the Bloods were ruckman Mac Cameron, Oscar White, Riley Walsh, Sam Langley, Brock Harvey and Andrew van Heumen.

Jye Chambers, Cameron Manuel, Harrison Sheahan, Brady Muir, Jordan Iudica and Charlie Thompson were best for the Paul Chapman-coached Tigers.

An 11-goal haul by Strathfieldsaye captain Lachlan Sharp highlighted Storm’s big win at home against Castlemaine at Triple M Park.

Storm led 32-7 at quarter-time and 76-28 by the long break.

It was an 80-point lead for Strathfieldsaye at a quarter to go.

The final term was to be one of the best of the season for the Brendan Shepherd-coached Magpies as they scored 5.4 to 4.0.

The other multiple goalkicker for Storm in the 139-69 victory was Bode Stevens on a day where the team had 11 goalkickers.

Castlemaine’s attack was led by Riley Pedretti, three; Brad Keogh and John Watson, two.

Best for the Darryl Wilson-coached Storm were Lachlan Sharp, Riley Wilson, Daniel Clohesy, Lachlan Gill, Luke Webb and Malik Gordon.

Nic Woodman, Bailey Henderson, John Watson, Callum McConachy, Matt Filo and Riley Pedretti played well for the Magpies.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 214 per cent, 42 points; Golden Square 222, 40; South Bendigo 152, 32; Strathfieldsaye 142, 32; Eaglehawk 193, 30; Gisborne 125, 20; Kyneton 75, 20; Kangaroo Flat 60, 16; Castlemaine 41, 8; Maryborough 20, 0.

Highlight of next Saturday’s round 13 action will be South Bendigo against Golden Square at Harry Trott Oval in Neale Street, Kennington.

On the rebound from its first defeat, Sandhurst faces Strathfieldsaye at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Maryborough tackles Kyneton at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

A resurgent Gisborne and Kangaroo Flat clash at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve.

Castlemaine is on home turf at Camp Reserve to take on Eaglehawk.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

55 - (6) - Joel Brett - Golden Square 
55 - (11) - Lachlan Sharp - Strathfieldsaye 
38 - (4) - Brock Harvey - South Bendigo 
37 - (5) - Steven Stroobants - South Bendigo 
32 - (2) - Lachlan Wright - Sandhurst 
29 - (1) - William Keck - South Bendigo 
27 - (2) - Cameron Manuel - Kyneton 
23 - (4) - Lewin Davis - Eaglehawk 
21 - (1) - James Schischka - Strathfieldsaye 
20 - (0) - Braydon Vaz - Golden Square 
20 - (0) - Matt Thornton - Sandhurst 
18 - (2) - Harry Whitty - Kangaroo Flat 
17 - (0) - Ryan Hartley - Golden Square 
17 - (0) - Andrew Collins - Sandhurst 
16 - (1) - Cameron McGlashan - Eaglehawk 
16 - (0) - Darcy Richards - Eaglehawk 
16 - (2) - Hamish Morcom - Golden Square 
15 - (0) - Nicholas Stagg - Sandhurst 
15 - (0) - Thomas Quinn - Kyneton 
14 - (0) - Callum McCarty - Strathfieldsaye 
13 - (0) - Dylan Hird - Eaglehawk 
13 - (0) - Noah Wheeler - Eaglehawk 
13 - (0) - Liam Marciano - Eaglehawk 
12 - (0) - Matthew Merrett - Gisborne 
12 - (0) - Jed Brereton - Strathfieldsaye 
12 - (3) - Liam Collins - Kangaroo Flat 
12 - (2) - Jack Stewart - Golden Square 

Dragons renew rivalry with Golden Square

PRESSURE will be high as Sandhurst takes on fierce rival Golden Square in Saturday’s 15^th round in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s senior footy action.

The showdown between the Dragons and Bulldogs starts at 2.20pm on the iconic Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Beaten just once this season, Sandhurst sits atop the ladder.

A seven-six record has Golden Square in fifth place.

When these clubs met in the split sixth round it was Sandhurst which marked a nine-goal win on Golden Square’s turf at Fur Life Oval to retain the Ron Best Memorial Shield.

Taking on the Dragons completes a tough two weeks for the Brad Eaton-coached Golden Square which played Gisborne last round.

Among the many crucial match-ups in Saturday’s contest will be the on-ball roles.

Sandhurst has ruckman Connor Sexton to team with captain Lachlan Tardrew, Lachie Hood and Alex Wharton at the centre ball-ups.

A huge plus for Golden Square is the return of co-captain and gun on-baller Tom Toma.

The Bulldogs’ centre square set-up will include Tanner Rayner in the ruck, talented youngster Macey Eaton and the hard-at-it Jordan Rosengren.

A Sandhurst attack which has the marking power of Fergus Greene, Cobi Maxted and Lachlan Wright will test a Bulldogs’ defence led by Jon Coe, Zack Shelton and Hugh Freckleton.

Dragons’ co-coach Bryce Curnow will be back in action and able to play at centre half-back or centre half-forward.

Sandhurst’s defence includes Liam Ireland, Isaac Ruff and James Coghlan up against Kai Daniels, Tom Strauch and the skilful Ricky Monti.

Another crucial match will be further south at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve where the Bulldogs take on Eaglehawk.

The Rob Waters-coached Gisborne is on an 11-game winning streak.

The firepower in the Bulldogs’ forward line will be tough for the Hawks to hold across four quarters.

Key targets in Gisborne’s attack include Harry Luxmoore, Pat McKenna and Jack Scanlon, while Dylan Johnstone kicked five goals in last Saturday’s win at Golden Square.

Gisborne’s on-ball team of Braidon Blake, Flynn Lakey, Jackson Cardillo and Brad Bernacki is arguably the best in the league.

Will be a massive test for Hawks’ ruckman Brayden Frost and on-ballers Billy Evans, Joel Mullen and possibly Kallen Geary in this contest.

Players to watch for the Travis Matheson-coached Hawks include Bailey Ilsley, Jack O’Shannessy and Jonty Neaves in attack, Thomas Bennett on a wing, and Clayton Holmes and Charlie Langford in defence.

Kangaroo Flat is up against a Strathfieldsaye Storm line-up stung by consecutive defeats.

The Michael Ellings-coached Kangaroos will have home-ground advantage at Dower Park for this match.

It’s another big test and crucial learning for Kangaroo Flat’s young team.

A high level of pressure and working hard to limit the space Storm has to work in will be crucial for Flat’s chances.

Key players for the Roos include captain Ethan Roberts, Luke Ellings, Toby Balcke, Harry Whitty, Jake Hywood, Xav Dingfelder-Hope and Angus Grant.

There is plenty of running power and skill in a Storm line-up coached by Luke Freeman.

Among the inclusions for Storm is Siologa Siu who has not played since the round six clash with Kangaroo Flat at Triple M Park.

Malik Gordon is also back after being on the sidelines since the round 11 win against Golden Square.

Talented youngster Jackson Jaidi-Leahy has played three matches for Bendigo Pioneers in Coates Talent League and returns to the Storm line-up.

Storm’s line-up bound for the Kangaroos ground includes Caleb Ernst, Shannon Geary, Tim Hosking and Riley Wilson.

Maryborough will be on home turf at Princes Park to take on South Bendigo.

The Magpies had the bye last round as South Bendigo was well-beaten by Sandhurst in the match for the Graeme Wright Memorial Cup.

Big test for a Maryborough defence led by Kya Lanfranchi, Aidan Medlyn, Alex Brown and Jack Shay against Bloods’ co-coaches Steven Stroobants and Isaiah Miller, the classy Brock Harvey and rising star Zavier Holmes.

A highlight will be in the centre where Maryborough co-coach Coby Perry takes on Anthony Zimmerman.

In attack the Magpies have co-coach Matt Johnston, Tom Myers and Kaian Constable.

Maryborough has Seb Collins, Josh Britten, Joel Swatton to take on Riley Walsh, Brody Haddow and Thomas Starr in the on-ball duels.

In round six South Bendigo beat the Pies by 184 points at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

Maryborough will be determined to show it has improved markedly since its previous hit-out with the Bloods.

Castlemaine has the bye.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 346 per cent, 44 points; Gisborne 229, 44; Strathfieldsaye 147, 32; Eaglehawk 158, 28; Golden Square 134, 28; Castlemaine 106, 24; South Bendigo 60, 12; Kangaroo Flat 57, 12; Maryborough 14, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

67 Fergus Greene, Sandhurst.

47 James Schischka, Strathfieldsaye.

46 Harry Luxmoore, Gisborne.

38 Brock Harvey, South Bendigo.

37 Pat McKenna, Gisborne.

36 Steven Stroobants, South Bendigo.

35 Michael Hartley, Castlemaine.

35 Jack Stewart, Golden Square.

27 Jayden Burke, Golden Square.

25 Cobi Maxted, Sandhurst.

25 Jonty Neaves, Eaglehawk.

23 Brad Bernacki, Gisborne.

23 Bailey Henderson, Castlemaine.

23 Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst.

22 Harry Whitty, Kangaroo Flat.

20 Zac Denahy, Gisborne.

18 Malik Gordon, Strathfieldsaye.

17 Dylan Johnstone, Gisborne.

16 Bailey Isley, Eaglehawk.

16 Jack O’Shannessy, Eaglehawk.

16 Abe Sheahan, Strathfieldsaye.

16 Lachlan Tardrew, Sandhurst.

15 Matt Merrett, Gisborne.

15 Jordan Rosengren, Golden Square.

15 Nick Stagg, Sandhurst.

15 Tom Strauch, Golden Square.

14 Bryce Curnow, Sandhurst.

14 Zac Greeves, Castlemaine.

14 Darcy Richards, Eaglehawk.

13 Luke Ellings, Kangaroo Flat.

13 Lachlan Gill, Strathfieldsaye.

13 Kalan Huntly, Castlemaine.

13 Ricky Monti, Golden Square.

13 Joel Wharton, Sandhurst.

12 Jack Lefroy, Kangaroo Flat.

12 Joel Mullen, Eaglehawk.

11 Zach Charles, Strathfieldsaye.

11 Matt Johnston, Maryborough.

11 Jake McLean, Sandhurst.

11 Noah Walsh, Sandhurst.

10 Matt Harvey, Strathfieldsaye.

10 Tanner Nally, Sandhurst.

10 Mitch Ronchieri, Eaglehawk.

10 Ben Thompson, Eaglehawk.

10 Riley Wilson, Strathfieldsaye.