Strathfieldsaye

GOLDEN Square will try to halt Strathfieldsaye’s winning surge in Saturday’s 11^th round of senior footy action in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

Teams are back in action after last Saturday’s general bye.

It’s a short-lived rivalry of less than 15 years, but in that time the Bulldogs and Storm have played out many classic contests.

When they met in round two, Golden Square won 101-94 at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.

This Saturday’s showdown at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street  may be another as both are riding on winning streaks of six and five games.

Since consecutive defeats in rounds three and four the Christian Carter-coached Golden Square has struck back brilliantly.

A 13-goal loss at home to Eaglehawk in round five meant Strathfieldsaye had a 2-3 record.

The Darryl Wilson-coached Storm is on a five-game winning streak.

Both teams are stacked with plenty of talent.

A formidable Golden Square attack includes Joel Brett, last season’s Ron Best medallist as the league’s leading goalkicker, along with the marking power of Jayden Burke and Braydon Vaz.

It’s a daunting task for Storm defenders Patrick Blandford, Lachlan Ratcliffe and Ben Lester.

Storm’s forward line is brilliantly led by captain and dual Ron Best medallist Lachlan Sharp.

Other key targets inside forward 50m for Strathfieldsaye are James Schischka and Caleb Ernst.

They will be up against a dogged defence in blue and gold led by Jon Coe, Jack Hickman and Zack Shelton.

Across midfield, Square has Liam Barrett, Ryan Hartley and Zavier Murley to take on Darcy Mulquiny, Callum McCarty and Lachlan Gill.

Square has the running power and skill of Jack Geary, Ryan Hartley, Ricky Monti and Tom Toma.

Bulldogs’ long-time ruckman Matt Compston is up against Tim Hosking.

Key players at ground level for Storm include Riley Wilson, Luke Webb, Lachlan Bonney and Bode Stevens.

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

The Bloods and Roos are both on the rebound from defeat.

It’s been a dramatic time at Kangaroo Flat since the loss to Sandhurst on June 24.

Then-Roos’ coach Nathan Johns was reported for threatening and abusive language toward an umpire, and making contact with an umpire after the match.

Johns was handed a four-match suspension by the BFNL independent tribunal and had his contract terminated by the club.

Assistant coach Jeremy Hayes is Kangaroo Flat’s interim coach.

The Nathan Horbury-coached Bloods are fourth on a 6-4 record.

Key players for South Bendigo include Brody Haddow in the centre, ruckman Mac Cameron, Brock Harvey and Steven Stroobants in attack, Braydan Torpey and Andrew van Heumen in defence.

The Kangaroos will look for big games from the likes of co-captains Mitch Collins and Ethan Roberts, Jordan and Zac Rouse, Harry Whitty, ruckman Toby Roberts, and Ryan O’Keefe.

The Roos did show in a three-point win against Eaglehawk they can be a dangerous opponent.

Unbeaten and on top of the ladder, Sandhurst is back at Queen Elizabeth Oval to play Kyneton.

It’s a crucial contest for the Paul Chapman-coached Tigers as they fight to stay in touch with the top five.

An extremely challenging task for Kyneton against a Sandhurst line-up that has Matt Thornton, Lachlan Wright and Cobi Maxted.

The Dragons also welcome back co-coach Bryce Curnow to the field, while Ash Connick coaches from the sidelines.

A talented Sandhurst line-up includes James and Lee Coghlan, Andy Collins, ruckman Hamish Hosking, Nick Stagg, Noah Walsh and Joel Wharton.

Tigers’ plans for a massive upset rest greatly on the play of Cameron Manuel, Thomas Quinn, Harrison Huntley, Hamish Yunghanns, Mitch Comben and Jayden Eales.

A premiership winner at Gisborne last season, Ethan Foreman is back with the yellow and black.

A skilful small forward, Foreman could do some damage, but will rely a lot on quality and quantity of supply.

Gisborne returns to Gardiner Reserve to take on Castlemaine.

The Brad Fox-coached Bulldogs were superb across the opening three quarters in their latest hit-out at Strathfieldsaye, but could not Storm’s run in the final term.

Gisborne’s best in that match were Matt Merrett, Flynn Lakey and Frank Schipano.

Bring the intensity it had at Strathfieldsaye a fortnight ago and Gisborne should mark its fourth win of the season.

The Bulldogs have the premiership-winning on-ball combination of Braidon Blake, Brad Bernacki and Flynn Lakey teaming up again.

Other key players for Gisborne include captain Jack Reaper, Seb Bell-Bartels and Zac Denahy.

The Dogs also have Matthew Barake to play his second senior match.

A tally of 40 disposals, which included 23 contested, earned Castlemaine on-baller Matt Filo the Barry Plant Player of the Round award as the Pies beat Maryborough in the 10^th round.

Filo will again play a key role for the Magpies who also welcome back key position player Bailey Henderson.

Castlemaine’s best in a hard-fought 19-point win against Maryborough included Brodie Byrne, Ethan Hein, Tyson Hickey, Callum McConachy and Riley Pedretti.

Massive test for a Magpies’ defence that includes Brendan Josey, John Watson, Ashton Frankling and Thomas Wilson.

Other players to watch are Brodie Browne-Kerr, Ben Moran and Jackson  Byrne.

Maryborough is on home turf at Princes Park to take on Eaglehawk.

The Coby Perry-coached Magpies played well to hold a nine-point lead at three-quarter time of the match at Castlemaine, but could not stop the home team’s charge in the last.

Best for the Borough in that match were Brady Neill, Mitch McClure and Kya Lanfranchi.

The Magpies face another enormous challenge against a Hawks line-up which regained confidence and form as it beat South Bendigo by 56 points last round.

The Magpies will rely a lot on the pressure applied by Riley Hamilton, Joel Swatton, Coby Perry, ruckman Ty Stewart, Luke Bucknall and Jai Howell at centre ball-ups and stoppages.

They are up against Hawks’ playmakers such as Jack and Ben Thompson, Joel Mullen, Connor Dalgleish, Noah Wheeler and Billy Evans.

Eaglehawk key forward Darcy Richards will be keen to play well against his former club.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 246 per cent, 38 points; Golden Square 227, 32; Strathfieldsaye 154, 28; Eaglehawk 202, 26; South Bendigo 140, 24; Kyneton 87, 20; Gisborne 114, 12; Kangaroo Flat 55, 12; Castlemaine 40, 8; Maryborough 18, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

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

GOLDEN Square thrashed Strathfieldsaye by 13 goals in the 11^th round of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s senior footy action on Saturday.

The Bulldogs and Storm both rode winning streaks of six and five matches into the clash on Golden Square’s ground at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street.

The Christian Carter-coached Golden Square led 20-5 at quarter-time and then seized control as it slammed on 5.2 to 1.5 in the second.

The Bulldogs’ dominance of stoppages was superb and the attack capitalised to score 4.3 in the crucial third term.

Just as important was the Dogs’ defensive play as they kept the Darryl Wilson-coached Storm scoreless in quarter three.

Square’s intensity and run did not ease up as the blue and gold added 5.1 to 2.4 in the last for a 110-32 result.

Joel Brett and Jack Stewart led the attack on four goals each as Tom Strauch added two.

A great sign for the Dogs was having seven other goalkickers.

On a tough afternoon for Storm it was Darcy Mulquiny, Luke Webb and Jordan Wilson who were on target.

Best for Golden Square were Liam Barrett, Matt Compston, Harrison Burke, Jack Hickman, Brodie James and Jack Stewart.

Luke Webb, Caleb Ernst, James Schischke, Bode Stevens, Jordan and Riley Wilson were Strathfieldsaye’s best.

Despite its inaccuracy, Sandhurst was able to claim a 51-point win against Kyneton at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow-coached Sandhurst led 23-3 at quarter-time and then added 1.5 as it kept the Tigers scoreless in the second term.

A 31-point lead at the long break was 32 by the last after the Dragons won the third term, 3.3 to 3.2.

Led by the play of Cooper Smith, Bryce Curnow, and Hamish Hosking in the ruck, Sandhurst added 6.3 to 3.2 in the final term.

Talented youngster Lachlan Wright led the Dragons’ attack on four goals as Matt Thornton chipped in with two.

Multiple goalkickers for Kyneton were Cameron Manuel and Thomas Quinn on two.

The Dragons’ best included Nick Stagg, Isaac Carracher and Darcy Mills.

Harrison Huntly, Thomas Quinn, Mason Crozier, Bailey McGee, James Gaff and Dom Bennington were best for the Paul Chapman-coached Tigers.

A brilliant opening quarter set up South Bendigo’s win against Kangaroo Flat at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

The Nathan Horbury-coached Bloods scored 6.3 to 1.2 in the first term.

From there it was an evenly-fought contest in which the Bloods added 75 points and the Kangaroos scored 70.

After being outplayed in term one the Roos who had Jeremy Hayes in charge as coach for the first time fought back strongly.

Kangaroo Flat scored 4.1 to 1.1 in the second to be within 13 points at the long break.

The Bloods then slammed on 10 goals in the third as it held the Flat to a tally of 1.1.

Despite a 71 point deficit at the last change, Kangaroo Flat never gave up and added 6.2 to just three behinds in the last.

At the final siren, South Bendigo led 17.12 (114) to 12.6 (78).

Steven Stroobants kicked a match-high six goals for the Bloods as Brody Haddow, Brock Harvey and Will Keck added two each.

The Roos’ attack was led by Nic Keogh, four; and Harry Whitty, three.

South Bendigo’s best were Mac Cameron, Tait Poyser, Brody Haddow, Oscar White, Steven Stroobants and Sam Maher.

Kyle Symons, Noah Furlong, Nic Keogh, Connor Evans, Mitchell Collins and Campbell Smith played well for the Kangaroos.

Gisborne won all quarters in a 101-36 victory on its turf at Gardiner Reserve against Castlemaine.

The Brad Fox-coached Bulldogs led 21-10 at quarter-time and then slammed on 7.3 to just two goals in the second.

Defences dominated most of the third quarter as Gisborne added 2.1 and the Magpies scored 1.1.

Jake Normington and Jack Reaper ended the match with three goals apiece as the Bulldogs scored 15.11 (101) to 5.6 (36).

Brad Keogh booted two goals for Castlemaine.

Best for Gisborne were Matt Merrett, Zac Vescovi, Zac Denahy, Liam Spear, Jake Normington and Kane Minns.

John Watson, Bailey Henderson, Matt Filo, Callum McConachy, Liam Wilkinson and Nic Woodman were best for the Brendan Shepherd-coached Magpies.

Eaglehawk held Maryborough to a tally of two points across the last three quarters as it recorded a 104-point victory at Princes Park.

The Coby Perry-coached Magpies started well to score 2.1 in the first term as Eaglehawk was on 2.7.

From there it was the Travis Matheson-coached Eaglehawk which dominated play.

The Two Blues scored 4.2 to a point in the second, 5.2 to a point in the third, and 6.6 to nil in the last.

At the final siren Eaglehawk led 17.17 (119) to 2.3 (15).

Joel Mullen led the Hawks’ attack on four goals as Lewin Davis, Dylan Hird, Liam Marciano, Noah Wheeler and Dillon Williams chipped in with two each.

Chris Freeman kicked both of Maryborough’s goals.

Best for Eaglehawk were Dillon Williams, Noah Wheeler, Billy Evans, Ben Thompson, Joel Mullen and Lewin Davis.

Maryborough’s best were Kya Lanfranchi, Joel Swatton, Mitch McClure, Chris Freeman, Ty Stewart and Brady Neill.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 243 per cent, 42 points; Golden Square 233, 36; Eaglehawk 219, 30; South Bendigo 140, 28; Strathfieldsaye 136, 28; Kyneton 20, 83; Gisborne 122, 16; Kangaroo Flat 56, 12; Castlemaine 40, 8; Maryborough 17, 0.

Match of the day in next Saturday’s round 12 action will be Golden Square against Sandhurst at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.

Eaglehawk takes on Gisborne at Canterbury Park.

Kangaroo Flat tackles Maryborough on the Roos’ ground at Dower Park.

Kyneton faces South Bendigo at Kyneton Showgrounds.

Strathfieldsaye plays Castlemaine at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

49 - (4) - Joel Brett - Golden Square Seniors
44 - (0) - Lachlan Sharp - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
34 - (2) - Brock Harvey - South Bendigo Seniors
32 - (6) - Steven Stroobants - South Bendigo Seniors
30 - (4) - Lachlan Wright - Sandhurst Seniors
28 - (2) - William Keck - South Bendigo Seniors
25 - (2) - Cameron Manuel - Kyneton Seniors
20 - (0) - James Schischka - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
20 - (0) - Braydon Vaz - Golden Square Seniors
20 - (2) - Matt Thornton - Sandhurst Seniors
19 - (2) - Lewin Davis - Eaglehawk Seniors
17 - (1) - Ryan Hartley - Golden Square Seniors
17 - (1) - Andrew Collins - Sandhurst Seniors
16 - (0) - Darcy Richards - Eaglehawk Seniors
16 - (3) - Harry Whitty - Kangaroo Flat Seniors
15 - (1) - Nicholas Stagg - Sandhurst Seniors
15 - (1) - Cameron McGlashan - Eaglehawk Seniors
15 - (2) - Thomas Quinn - Kyneton Seniors

Hawks too strong for Storm at Canterbury Park

EAGLEHAWK marked a 10-goal victory against Strathfieldsaye Storm in Saturday’s 13^th round of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy action.

Fielding close to its best 22 all season, Eaglehawk hit back from a 21-point deficit at quarter-time to dominate the next three quarters.

The Travis Matheson-coached Hawks were goalless in the opening term, but then slammed on 6.6 to just two behinds in the second to gain a 19-point lead by the main break.

A closely-fought third term went the way of the Borough, 27-20.

Inspired by the play of Bailey Isley, Charlie Langford in defence and the hard-running Joel Mullen it was the Hawks who scored 5.3 to a tally of five behinds in the last.

At the siren the Two Blues led 111-51.

Although it’s still eight points behind Storm in the race to gain third place, Eaglehawk will have gained plenty of confidence from this contest.

The Hawks’ attack was led by Bailey Ilsley on five goals as Blake McGregor kicked three.

Thomas Bennett and Jack O’Shannessy also kicked two goals in the Hawks best win of the season so far.

Multiple goalkickers for Storm were Zach Charles and James Schischka on two.

Best for the Hawks included captain Billy Evans, Blake McGregor and Thomas Bennett.

Zach Charles, Charles Dole, Bode Stevens, Ethan Featherby, Tim Hosking and Shannon Geary were best for the Luke Freeman-coached Storm.

Golden Square moved two wins clear of Castlemaine after the Bulldogs dominated the clash with the Magpies at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.

The Golden Square players wore black armbands in memory of long-time supporter and club volunteer Rod Fyffe who also served four terms as Mayor across a 38-year stint as a Councillor.

On the field it was the Dogs who made a brilliant start to the contest.

There was plenty at stake for both clubs.

Golden Square was determined to move clear of the sixth-placed Castlemaine, while the Magpies were in a fight to narrow the gap.

The Bulldogs slammed on 7.3 and held the Magpies to a tally of two points in the first term.

Another four goals as it kept the visitors to a goal in the second meant Golden Square held a 58-point lead by half-time.

Castlemaine fought back to win the third, 21-16, but the Dogs finished with plenty of run as they scored 4.3 to 2.3 in the last.

At the final siren the Brad Eaton-coached Bulldogs led 120-49.

A week after representing Bendigo against the Victorian AFA, Jack Stewart kicked five goals in a best afield performance for the Bulldogs.

Other multiple goalkickers for the blue and gold were Ricky Monti, three; Jayden Burke, Jordan Rosengren and Tanner Rayner on two.

There were no multiple goalkickers for the Magpies.

Best for Golden Square were Jack Stewart, Ricky Monti, Kai Daniels, Jack Sampson, Jordan Rosengren and Jayden Burke.

Zavier Murley, Darby Semmens, coach Michael Hartley, Callum McConachy, Will Moran and Archie Rixon were Castlemaine’s best.

South Bendigo capped a great fightback to beat Kangaroo Flat by seven points at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

The Bloods faced a 22-point deficit at quarter-time after the Roos scored 5.2 to 1.4 in the first term.

Forwards were well on top in the next quarter.

The Bloods fired up to slam on 7.6 as the accurate Roos added 5.1.

The Michael Ellings-coached Kangaroos scored 3.2 to 3.5 in the third.

In a reversal of their previous encounter it was the Bloods who dominated the final term this time.

South Bendigo scored 5.2 to 3.5 in the last to complete a 113-106 victory.

Bloods’ co-coach Steven Stroobants led the attack on four goals as classy on-baller Brody Haddow added three and Matt McNaughton kicked two.

The Roos’ leading goalkicker was Jack Lefroy on three as Lachlan Dalziel, Xav Dingfelder-Hope, Luke Ellings and Harry Whitty booted two.

List of South Bendigo’s best was not supplied.

Best for Kangaroo Flat were Angus Grant, Jade Mayes, Xav Dingfelder-Hope, Toby and Ethan Roberts, and Luke Ellings.

A 10-goal haul by Harry Luxmoore was a highlight of Gisborne’s win at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

Gisborne led 63-18 at quarter-time.

Defences were well on top in the second as the Bulldogs scored 2.5 and the Magpies added a behind.

The Rob Waters-coached Bulldogs slammed on eight goals in the third as the midfield and on-ball seized control.

Maryborough kept working hard and finished with eight goals in a match the Dogs won 169-51.

Luxmoore was the star of Gisborne’s attack on 10 as Brad Bernacki added four; Shane Clough and Jacob Floreani chipped in with three; and Dylan Johnstone added two.

The Magpies’ attack was led by co-coach Matt Johnston on four talented youngster Kaian Constable with three.

Bulldogs’ ruckman Braidon Blake marked his return after several weeks on the sidelines through concussion protocols to be best afield.

Harry Luxmoore, Flynn Lakey, Brad Bernacki, Matt Merrett and Jackson Cardillo also starred for the red, white and blue.

Magpies’ co-coach Coby Perry was best along with Aidan Medlyn, Joel Swatton, Kya Lanfranchi, Seb Collins and Kaian Constable.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 293 per cent, 36 points; Gisborne 227, 36; Strathfieldsaye 155, 32; Eaglehawk 148, 24; Golden Square 127, 24; Castlemaine 103, 16; South Bendigo 71, 12; Kangaroo Flat 65, 12; Maryborough 15, 0.

In next Saturday’s 13^th round, Castlemaine take on Eaglehawk at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve.

Gisborne will be back on home turf at Gardiner Reserve to play South Bendigo.

Kangaroo Flat is up against long-time nemesis, Golden Square on the Roos’ ground at Dower Park.

Sandhurst will meet Maryborough at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Strathfieldsaye has the bye.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

56 - (0) - Fergus Greene - Sandhurst Seniors
47 - (2) - James Schischka - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
37 - (10) - Harry Luxmoore - Gisborne Seniors
35 - (1) - Brock Harvey - South Bendigo Seniors
35 - (1) - Michael Hartley - Castlemaine Seniors
34 - (0) - Pat McKenna - Gisborne Seniors
33 - (4) - Steven Stroobants - South Bendigo Seniors
31 - (5) - Jack Stewart - Golden Square Seniors
23 - (2) - Jayden Burke - Golden Square Seniors
23 - (1) - Jonty Neaves - Eaglehawk Seniors
21 - (4) - Bradley Bernacki - Gisborne Seniors
21 - (2) - Harry Whitty - Kangaroo Flat Seniors
20 - (0) - Bailey Henderson - Castlemaine Seniors
20 - (0) - Cobi Maxted - Sandhurst Seniors
18 - (0) - Lachlan Wright - Sandhurst Seniors
18 - (0) - Malik Gordon - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
17 - (0) - Zac Denahy - Gisborne Seniors
16 - (1) - Abe Sheahan - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
14 - (0) - Bryce Curnow - Sandhurst Seniors
13 - (0) - Zachary Greeves - Castlemaine Seniors
13 - (1) - Lachlan Gill - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
13 - (0) - Matthew Merrett - Gisborne Seniors
13 - (0) - Darcy Richards - Eaglehawk Seniors
12 - (0) - Lachlan Tardrew - Sandhurst Seniors
11 - (1) - Tom Strauch - Golden Square Seniors
11 - (2) - Luke Ellings - Kangaroo Flat Seniors
11 - (5) - Bailey Ilsley - Eaglehawk Seniors
11 - (0) - Nicholas Stagg - Sandhurst Seniors
11 - (0) - Zach Charles - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
11 - (3) - Jack Lefroy - Kangaroo Flat Seniors
11 - (0) - Noah Walsh - Sandhurst Seniors
11 - (4) - Matthew Johnston - Maryborough Seniors
10 - (0) - Riley Wilson - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
10 - (0) - Joel Mullen - Eaglehawk Seniors
10 - (0) - Mitchell Ronchieri - Eaglehawk Seniors
10 - (3) - Ricky Monti - Golden Square Seniors
10 - (2) - Jack O’shannessy - Eaglehawk Seniors

Hawks, Storm fight to gain edge

EAGLEHAWK and Strathfieldsaye Storm will vie to gain a psychological edge by winning this Saturday’s round 12 match in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s A-grade netball competition.

The match on Eaglehawk’s court in Canterbury Park is likely to be an elimination final preview.

Teams are back in action after last weekend’s rest as Bendigo took on the Victorian Amateur Football Association in the inter-league footy match at Brighton’s Elsternwick Park.

The Kylie Piercy-coached Hawks start the round in fifth place, but just four points behind Strathfieldsaye.

When these teams met in round three it was the Steph Freemantle-coached Storm which won 33-27 at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.

The Hawks had a bye in round 11 as Strathfieldsaye scored an 11-goal win at home against Golden Square.

Another big match on Saturday will be at Golden Square’s Fur Life Oval in Wade Street.

The Teigan Redwood-coached Golden Square will chase its third win of the season against Castlemaine.

A long run of defeats for the Square was ended in round three when it won at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve by four goals.

On that day Chris O’Sullivan was coaching Golden Square.

Increased work commitments meant O’Sullivan stepped down from his coaching role after the round five match at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve.

Another big test for the Chloe Hughes-coached Castlemaine.

In round 11 the Magpies were outpointed by a slick South Bendigo at Camp Reserve.

South Bendigo starts this round eight points adrift, but level on percentage with Eaglehawk.

The Bloods are at home in Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval to take on Kangaroo Flat this Saturday.

The Alicia McGlashan-coached Bloods have not given up hope on qualifying for finals.

To achieve the feat South Bendigo has to get on a winning roll.

The Bloods scored 70 goals a 43-goal victory at Castlemaine in round 11.

Massive test against a quality Kangaroo Flat team this round.

When the Bloods and Roos met in round three it was Kangaroo Flat which bound away to record a 60-27 victory.

After a rest in round 11 as it was drawn to play Maryborough, the Jayden Cowling-coached Roos have a chance to reclaim top spot on the ladder.

It’s a rest for the second-placed Gisborne, but the Bulldogs will play at Maryborough’s Princes Park in all other grades.

The ladder-leading Sandhurst has 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.

Hawks mark important win on their court

EAGLEHAWK marked an important victory on its court in Saturday’s 12^th round of A-grade netball in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

The Kylie Piercy-coached Hawks took on Strathfieldsaye in what is likely to be an elimination final prelude at Canterbury Park in the Borough.

At the final siren the Two Blues led 45-33 against the Steph Freemantle-coached Storm.

Highs of play at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington included South Bendigo coach Alicia McGlashan and Kangaroo Flat’s Karlyn Bingham joining the league’s 300 Game Club.

McGlashan did so in the A-grade match as Bingham played in B-grade.

Both had been premiership team-mates with Kangaroo Flat.

In the A-grade contest the Roos were too strong for the Bloods.

A 14-7 first quarter put Kangaroo Flat in control of the match.

The Roos then won the second, 16-9, and the third, 11-9.

The Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroo Flat finished the match with plenty of run as it won the last, 13-6.

At the final siren the Roos led 54-31.

Golden Square won every quarter on its way to a 52-goal win at home against Castlemaine at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street.

The Teigan Redwood-coached Golden Square raced to a 21-5 lead by quarter-time and did not let up.

The blue and gold won the next three quarters, 19-6, 20-9 and 18-6.

At the final siren Golden Square led 78-26 against the Chloe Hughes-coached Castlemaine.

It was a rest for Gisborne in A-grade, but the red, white and blue did play on Maryborough’s Princes Park in the lower grades.

Sandhurst also had an extended break after the inter-league match as it had the bye.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

Kangaroo Flat 180 per cent, 28 points; Sandhurst 170, 28; Gisborne 138, 28; Strathfieldsaye 93, 20; Eaglehawk 83, 20; Golden Square 74, 12; South Bendigo 76, 8; Castlemaine 56, 4.

In next Saturday’s round 13 action, Gisborne returns to its court at Gardiner Reserve to take on South Bendigo.

Kangaroo Flat and Golden Square clash at Dower Park.

It’s the Magpies against the Hawks as Castlemaine hosts Eaglehawk at Camp Reserve.

Sandhurst has another rest in A-grade, but the Dragons will play Maryborough in the lower grades at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Strathfieldsaye has the bye.

Round 13 scoreboard:

A-reserve:

Eaglehawk 37 lt Strathfieldsaye 59, South Bendigo 35 lt Kangaroo Flat 56, Golden Square 48 d Castlemaine 37, Maryborough 23 lt Gisborne 70, Sandhurst bye.

B-grade:

Eaglehawk 46 lt Strathfieldsaye 56, South Bendigo 29 lt Kangaroo Flat 50, Golden Square 48 d Castlemaine 42, Maryborough 17 lt Gisborne 54, Sandhurst bye.

B-reserve:

Eaglehawk 42 lt Strathfieldsaye 47, South Bendigo 30 lt Kangaroo Flat 49, Golden Square 60 d Castlemaine 44, Maryborough 13 lt Gisborne 85, Sandhurst bye.

17-and-under:

Eaglehawk 29 lt Strathfieldsaye 44, South Bendigo 36 d Kangaroo Flat 24, Golden Square 54 d Castlemaine 46, Maryborough 52 d Gisborne 39, Sandhurst bye.

League ladders:

A-reserve:

Gisborne 209 per cent, 40 points; Strathfieldsaye 137, 36; Maryborough 98, 30; Kangaroo Flat 113, 26; Sandhurst 123, 24; South Bendigo 80, 16; Eaglehawk 70, 8; Castlemaine 69, 8; Golden Square 67, 4.

B-grade:

Gisborne 186 per cent, 36 points; Kangaroo Flat 147, 36; Sandhurst 149, 32; Strathfieldsaye 120, 32; South Bendigo 88, 18; Eaglehawk 85, 14; Castlemaine 78, 12; Golden Square 75, 12; Maryborough 43, 0.

B-reserve:

Sandhurst 221 per cent, 40 points; Strathfieldsaye 133, 36; Gisborne 194, 32; Kangaroo Flat 123, 24; South Bendigo 120, 24; Eaglehawk 104, 16; Golden Square 71, 12; Castlemaine 57, 8; Maryborough 32, 0.

17-and-under:

Sandhurst 242 per cent, 40 points; Golden Square 163, 40; Maryborough 113, 36; South Bendigo 93, 20; Castlemaine 99, 16; Strathfieldsaye 96, 16; Gisborne 95, 16; Eaglehawk  47, 8; Kangaroo Flat 41, 0.

IT’S a huge clash for Eaglehawk’s  and Strathfieldsaye’s senior footy teams in Saturday’s 14^th round of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

Eaglehawk has home-ground advantage at Canterbury Park for the showdown between third and fifth.

The Hawks and Storm are separated by just two points in the premiership race.

Victory for the Two Blues will keep them in third place.

A win for Storm would put it in third place, provided South Bendigo is beaten by Sandhurst at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

When the Hawks and Storm met in round five at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye it was the visitors who romped to a 13-goal victory.

Eaglehawk warmed up for this crucial clash by scoring a 100-point win at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve last round.

A multi-pronged attack includes Lewin Davis, Sam Harper, Charlie Hillier and Jack O’Shannessy will stretch Storm’s defence.

The Hawks’ on-ball division of ruckman Connor Dalgleish, Billy Evans and Noah Wheeler takes on Tim Hosking, Riley Wilson and Daniel Clohesy.

Other players to watch for the Borough include Dylan Hanley and Oscar Madden in defence, Joel Mullen and Jack Thompson.

The Hawks also have Kallen Geary up against a club he won three premierships with.

Held goalless for one of the few times in a brilliant 200-game career, Storm captain Lachlan Sharp will be fired up for a big match.

Strathfieldsaye’s attack in last week’s loss to Sandhurst was led by James Schischka on three goals.

Limiting the amount of turnovers will be crucial to the play of Darryl Wilson-coached Storm.

A tally of 92 proved costly in the clash with Sandhurst at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Key players for Storm include Mitch Hallinah, Lachlan Ratcliffe and Luke Webb in defence, Lachlan Gill, Baxter Slater and Malik Gordon.

Storm also welcomes back Michelsen medallist and gun on-baller Jake Moorhead.

It’s a “Back To” on several fronts as Sandhurst tackles South Bendigo at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The Sandhurst Dragons will welcome back those who have links to the club as players, coaches, administrators, volunteers and supporters throughout their long and illustrious history.

South Bendigo also marks a return to the QEO  for the first time this season.

The Bloods’ new base is at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

A Dragons’ line-up coached by Ash Connick, non-playing, and Bryce Curnow, playing, has a great record of 11 wins, one loss and a draw to be on top of the ladder.

The round five clash between the Dragons and Bloods for the Graeme Wright Memorial Trophy went Sandhurst’s way by 53 points.

After an outstanding game in defence last week, James Coghlan is likely to return to a midfield or on-ball role for the maroon and blue.

An attack that includes Andy Collins, Cobi Maxted, Matt Thornton and Lachlan Wright will test the Bloods all match.

Highlight of this match will be the duel between Sandhurst ruckman Hamish Hosking and Bloods’ gun recruit Mac Cameron.

In-form players for the Dragons include Sam Conforti, Zach Pallpratt and Noah Walsh.

The Bloods will again rely greatly on the goalkicking power of Brock Harvey and Steven Stroobants.

Coach Nathan Horbury was named in the team after missing last round because of a calf injury.

Brody Haddow has had a superb season in the centre for the red and white.

A stronger start will be a key focus for South Bendigo after it was down 2-46 at quarter-time of last Saturday’s clash with Golden Square at Harry Trott Oval.

The Bloods worked hard from there, but the Dogs ran out 67 point winners.

Key players for South Bendigo include Sam Langley, Isaiah Miller, Tait Poyser, Riley Walsh and Oscar White.

Kyneton tackles a resurgent Gisborne at Kyneton Showgrounds.

Victory is a must for both to have any chance of qualifying for the finals.

The Tigers and Bulldogs were victorious last round.

Just days after he took charge because Paul Chapman stepped down because of increased work commitments, Kyneton’s interim coach Darren Chambers marked a 102-44 win at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

The Tigers won their previous clash at Gisborne by two points, but know they are up against a vastly improved team.

The attack for the yellow and black at Maryborough was led by Ethan Foreman and Thomas Quinn on three goals as Cameron Manuel added two.

Kyneton has key defenders Harrison Huntley and Mason Crozier capable of winning many contests.

Huge test for Kyneton on-ballers Jayden Eales, Hamish Yunghanns and Jordna Iudica up against Gisborne’s premiership-winnnig trio of Braidon Blake, Brad Bernacki and Flynn Lakey.

A tally of 47 hit-outs, 28 disposals, 14 clearances, five tackles and 220 ranking points by Blake in the win against Kangaroo Flat earned the Barry Plant Bendigo Player of the Round award.

The Brad Fox-coached Gisborne has won four of its past five matches.

Latest hit-out for the Bulldogs ended in a 43-point win against Kangaroo Flat at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve.

Players to watch for the Bulldogs include Zac Denahy, captain Jack Reaper and Jake Normington in attack,Matt Weber and Zac Vescovi.

Kangaroo Flat is back home at Dower Park to take on Castlemaine.

Now being coached by Jeremy Hayes, Kangaroo Flat has sights on a fifth win.

The Roos won the round five clash at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve by eight goals.

Targets in Flat’s attack include Luke Foreman and Harry Whitty.

Best at Gisborne last round include Liam and Mitch Collins, Ethan Roberts and Zac Rouse.

The Brendan Shepherd-coached Castlemaine had Matt Filo and John Watson rack up 45 and 43 possessions against Eaglehawk.

They will again play pivotal roles for the Magpies, along with Brodie Byrne, Bailey Henderson, Callum McConachy and Liam Wilkinson.

Golden Square is back at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street to take on Maryborough.

In recent seasons the Christian Carter-coached Bulldogs have shown no mercy for the Magpies.

It may be a big afternoon for Golden Square forwards Joel Brett, Braydon Vaz and Tom Strauch.

The Bulldogs named Tanner Rayner in the ruck to team up with in-form on-ballers Tom Toma and Ricky Monti and centreman Ryan Hartley.

Just as important in the Dogs’ run have been a defence led by Jon Coe, Jack Hickman and Harry Burke.

Likely to be another tough afternoon for a young Maryborough line-up which plays with plenty of spirit, but battles for height and strength in key positions.

Magpies’ coach Coby Perry had 31 possessions in a midfield role against Kyneton last round.

The ability of Maryborough midfielders Joel Swatton, Luke Bucknall, along with on-ballers Mitch McClure and Chris Freeman to win the ball, and also to apply pressure will be crucial.

Other players to watch for the Magpies include Kya Lanfranchi and Jake Postle in defence, captain Ty Stewart and Darcy Bond.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 211 per cent, 46 points; Golden Square 219, 44; Eaglehawk 206, 34; South Bendigo 138, 32; Strathfieldsaye 136, 32; Gisborne 128, 24; Kyneton 81, 24; Kangaroo Flat 60, 16; Castlemaine 39, 8; Maryborough 21, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

57 - (2) - Joel Brett - Golden Square 
55 - (0) - Lachlan Sharp - Strathfieldsaye 
41 - (4) - Steven Stroobants - South Bendigo 
41 - (3) - Brock Harvey - South Bendigo 
33 - (1) - Lachlan Wright - Sandhurst 
30 - (1) - William Keck - South Bendigo 
29 - (2) - Cameron Manuel - Kyneton 
26 - (3) - Lewin Davis - Eaglehawk 
24 - (3) - James Schischka - Strathfieldsaye 
24 - (4) - Braydon Vaz - Golden Square 
21 - (4) - Andrew Collins - Sandhurst 
20 - (0) - Matt Thornton - Sandhurst 
19 - (1) - Harry Whitty - Kangaroo Flat 
18 - (1) - Ryan Hartley - Golden Square 
18 - (3) - Thomas Quinn - Kyneton 
18 - (2) - Darcy Richards - Eaglehawk 
18 - (2) - Hamish Morcom - Golden Square 
17 - (1) - Cameron McGlashan - Eaglehawk 
15 - (0) - Nicholas Stagg - Sandhurst 
15 - (2) - Noah Wheeler - Eaglehawk 
15 - (3) - Matthew Merrett - Gisborne 
14 - (3) - Thomas Toma - Golden Square 
14 - (0) - Callum McCarty - Strathfieldsaye 
13 - (0) - Dylan Hird - Eaglehawk 
13 - (0) - Liam Marciano - Eaglehawk 
13 - (4) - Zac Denahy - Gisborne 
13 - (1) - Jack Stewart - Golden Square 
13 - (3) - Jack O’shannessy - Eaglehawk 
12 - (2) - Jack Hickman - Golden Square 
12 - (3) - Ethan Foreman - Kyneton 
12 - (2) - Sam Barnes - Kangaroo Flat 
12 - (0) - Jed Brereton - Strathfieldsaye 
12 - (0) - Liam Collins - Kangaroo Flat 

Castlemaine marks historic win at Strathfieldsaye

CASTLEMAINE finally broke its hoodoo on Strathfieldsaye’s turf as it won the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s senior footy clash with Storm on Saturday.

A 23-point win by the Michael Hartley-coached Castlemaine in the 14^th round kept the Magpies in the race for the finals.

A week after beating Eaglehawk by two points at home, Castlemaine made its way to Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.

The Magpies had borne the brunt of some big defeats in Storm territory in the past.

Not this time.

The Magpies led 25-21 at quarter-time and then scored 3.3 as Storm added two goals in the second term.

A 13-point buffer at the start of the second half became 23 after the Magpies dominated most of the third.

As the Magpies added 2.3 the Storm scored five behinds.

Both teams added seven points in the last as the Magpies celebrated a hard-fought 68-45 victory.

Kalan Huntly capped a superb match for Castlemaine by kicking four goals as Jack Chester, Zac Greeves, Bailey Henderson, Jackson Hood and Callum McConachy added one each.

Storm’s attack was led by Matt Harvey on two as Patrick Blandford, Daniel Clohesy, Darcy Mulquiny and Shannon Murphy were also on target.

Magpies’ captain Bailey Henderson was best afield against a club he won a senior premiership with.

Others to star for Castlemaine were Kalan Huntly, Michael Hartley, Zavier Murley, Brodie Byrne and Liam Wilkinson.

Cooper Jones, Tim Hosking, Patrick Blandford, Darcy Mulquiny and Daniel Clohesy were Storm’s best.

Captain of the under-18s team, Hugh Behrens marked his first senior game by being among the best for Strathfieldsaye Storm.

Golden Square took it right up to Gisborne in the first half of their match at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.

The Rob Waters-coached Gisborne led 28-14 at quarter-time.

In the second it was Golden Square which fired up to score 6.3, but five goals straight meant the visitors led 58-53 at the long break.

Quarter three was dominated by the team in red, white and blue.

Led by the play of Flynn Lakey, Jack Reaper and Jack Scanlon, Gisborne scored 4.5 and kept the blue and gold to a point.

Golden Square fought back to win the last, 21-7, but it was Gisborne which celebrated a 94-75 victory.

Dylan Johnstone capped a great match with five goals as Brad Bernacki, Harry Luxmoore and Macklan Lord kicked two each.

Golden Square’s leading goalkicker was Tom Strauch on three as Dylan Hird, Jordan Rosengren and Jack Stewart added two each.

Best for Gisborne included Brad Bernacki, Frank Schipano and Dylan Johnstone.

Ricky Monti, Harrison Burke, Dylan Hird, Tom Strauch, Jordan Rosengren and Kai Daniels were best for Golden Square.

It’s a big couple of weeks for the Strauch and Daniels families as Tom’s sister Jenna competes in swimming at the Paris Olympics, and Kai’s brother Dyson is on the basketball court representing the Boomers.

Eaglehawk dominated play to mark a 17-goal win against Kangaroo Flat at the Borough’s Canterbury Park.

The Travis Matheson-coached Hawks struck back from a two-point defeat at Castlemaine the previous round to race to a 39-14 lead by quarter-time of the clash with the Kangaroos.

Eaglehawk led 58-20 at half-time and then slammed on eight goals as the Roos were held to a tall of 1.1 in the third term.

Jack O’Shannessy and Bailey Ilsley led the Borough’s attack on six and five goals in a 136-34 victory.

The Hawks had co-captain Billy Evans and ruckman Brayden Frost kick two goals.

Luke Ellings and captain Ethan Roberts kicked two goals for the Kangaroos.

Best for the Hawks were Billy Evans, Joel Mullen, Brayden Frost, Bailey Ilsley, Jack O’Shannessy and Jacob O’Brien.

Jack Lefroy, Austin Lothian, Ethan Roberts, Angus Grant, Toby Roberts and Dion Symons were best for the Michael Ellings-coached Kangaroo Flat.

Sandhurst dominated the showdown for the Graeme Wright Memorial Cup with South Bendigo at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval.

The Bloods were determined to play well on a day it honoured one of its greatest defenders, a coach and popular clubman.

On field it was Sandhurst which raced to a 40-8 lead by quarter-time.

The Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow-coached Dragons then added 5.5 as it kept South Bendigo scoreless in the second quarter.

The ladder-leaders won the next two terms, 29-8 and 46-2.

Fergus Greene increased his lead in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal by booting five goals in the 150-18 victory.

Four goals by Nick Stagg capped a best on ground performance.

Other multiple goalkickers for the Dragons were Joel Wharton, three; and Cobi Maxted, Lachlan Wright, two.

Bloods’ co-coach Steven Stroobants kicked both of his team’s goals.

Best for Sandhurst were Nick Stagg, captain Lachlan Tardrew, Matt Wilkinson, Fergus Greene, Harrison Free and Jake McLean.

Thomas Starr, Riley Walsh, Cody Brooks, Tait Poyser, Brody Haddow and Jasper Langley were South Bendigo’s best.

Maryborough had the bye.

Big matches will be played at Queen Elizabeth Oval and Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve in next Saturday’s round 15 action.

Sandhurst takes on Golden Square, while Gisborne will be at home to face Eaglehawk.

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

Kangaroo Flat meets a Strathfieldsaye line-up stung by consecutive defeats on the Roos’ ground at Dower Park.

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 - (5) - Fergus Greene - Sandhurst Seniors
47 - (0) - James Schischka - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
46 - (2) - Harry Luxmoore - Gisborne Seniors
38 - (0) - Brock Harvey - South Bendigo Seniors
37 - (1) - Pat McKenna - Gisborne Seniors
36 - (2) - Steven Stroobants - South Bendigo Seniors
35 - (0) - Michael Hartley - Castlemaine Seniors
35 - (2) - Jack Stewart - Golden Square Seniors
27 - (0) - Jayden Burke - Golden Square Seniors
25 - (1) - Jonty Neaves - Eaglehawk Seniors
25 - (2) - Cobi Maxted - Sandhurst Seniors
23 - (1) - Bailey Henderson - Castlemaine Seniors
23 - (2) - Lachlan Wright - Sandhurst Seniors
23 - (2) - Bradley Bernacki - Gisborne Seniors
22 - (0) - Harry Whitty - Kangaroo Flat Seniors
20 - (1) - Zac Denahy - Gisborne Seniors
18 - (0) - Malik Gordon - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
17 - (5) - Dylan Johnstone - Gisborne Seniors
16 - (1) - Lachlan Tardrew - Sandhurst Seniors
16 - (0) - Abe Sheahan - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
16 - (5) - Bailey Ilsley - Eaglehawk Seniors
16 - (6) - Jack O’shannessy - Eaglehawk Seniors
15 - (2) - Jordan Rosengren - Golden Square Seniors
15 - (3) - Tom Strauch - Golden Square Seniors
15 - (1) - Matthew Merrett - Gisborne Seniors
15 - (4) - Nicholas Stagg - Sandhurst Seniors
14 - (1) - Zachary Greeves - Castlemaine Seniors
14 - (1) - Darcy Richards - Eaglehawk Seniors
14 - (0) - Bryce Curnow - Sandhurst Seniors
13 - (2) - Luke Ellings - Kangaroo Flat Seniors
13 - (0) - Lachlan Gill - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
13 - (4) - Kalan Huntly - Castlemaine Seniors
13 - (1) - Ricky Monti - Golden Square Seniors
13 - (3) - Joel Wharton - Sandhurst Seniors
12 - (0) - Joel Mullen - Eaglehawk Seniors
12 - (0) - Jack Lefroy - Kangaroo Flat Seniors
11 - (1) - Jake Mclean - Sandhurst Seniors
11 - (0) - Zach Charles - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
11 - (0) - Matthew Johnston - Maryborough Seniors
11 - (0) - Noah Walsh - Sandhurst Seniors
10 - (0) - Riley Wilson - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
10 - (2) - Matt Harvey - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
10 - (0) - Mitchell Ronchieri - Eaglehawk Seniors
10 - (0) - Ben Thompson - Eaglehawk Seniors
10 - (1) - Tanner Nally - Sandhurst Seniors

STRATHFIELDSAYE Storm withstood a final quarter fightback by South Bendigo to Saturday’s round 15 clash in Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy action.

Stakes were high as the fifth-placed Storm took on the fourth-placed Bloods at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.

South Bendigo led 28-27 at quarter-time before Storm took control to score 5.4 to 1.1 in the second.

A 26-point lead at the long break for Strathfieldsaye was six goals going into the last term after it added 5.1 to 3.3 in the third.

The final quarter was to be South Bendigo’s best as it slammed on 5.5, but Storm’s tally of two goals ensured a 104-91 victory.

Storm captain Lachlan Sharp was in superb form as he kicked a match-high seven goals.

Jack Exell marked his return from a lengthy break because of injury with four goals as Jed Brereton chipped in with three.

The Bloods’ attack was led by Brock Harvey on six.

Best for the Darryl Wilson-coached Storm were Daniel Clohesy, Lachlan Gill, Ben Lester, Tim Hosking, Lachlan Sharp and Lachlan Ratcliffe.

Brock Harvey, Oscar White, Sam Langley, Andrew van Heumen, Brody Haddow and Isaiah Miller played well for the Nathan Horbury-coached Bloods.

Kyneton kept in touch with the top five after a hard-fought 17-point win at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve.

The Brendan Shepherd-coached Castlemaine started well to lead 23-16 at quarter-time.

Term two was when the Darren Chambers-coached Kyneton took control.

The Tigers added 2.4 to a point for a 32-24 lead by the main break.

Both teams scored 3.1 in the third term.

Led by the play of Ben Cameron, Jake Summers and Jye Chambers, Kyneton won an entertaining final term, 27-18, and the match, 78-61.

Ethan Foreman led the Tigers’ attack on three goals as Jordan Iudica, Thomas Quinn and Harrison Sheahan added two.

Best for the yellow and black included Ethan Foreman, Mitch Comben and Francis Randall.

A list of Castlemaine’s goalkickers and best players was not supplied.

Golden Square marked a 40-point win on Gisborne’s turf at Gardiner Reserve.

The Christian Carter-coached Golden Square led 17-6 at quarter-time and 42-25 by the long break.

A closely-fought third term went Square’s way, 27-25.

The blue and gold dominated the final term to score 4.3 to a goal to complete a 96-56 victory.

Liam Barrett led Golden Square’s attack on four goals as Tom Toma added three and Joel Brett chipped in with two.

Harry Luxmoore kicked three goals for Gisborne as Sam Graham added two.

Best for Golden Square were Ricky Monti, Ryan Hartley, Zavier Murley, Liam Barrett, Jayden Burke and Jack Geary.

Braidon Blake, Matt Weber, Liam Spear, Jack Reaper, Zac Vescovi and Harry Luxmoore played well for the Brad Fox-coached Gisborne.

A five-goal haul by gun on-baller Sam Conforti capped a best on ground performance in Sandhurst’s win at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

The Dragons kicked an incredible 12 straight goals in the opening term.

Maryborough hit back to score 2.1 in the second as Sandhurst’s accuracy went astray as it added 2.10.

Accuracy was back as Sandhurst slammed on 10.1 to nil in the third term.

In the last the maroon and blue added 4.9 to 1.1 for a 188-27 result.

Multiple goalkickers for Sandhurst were Lachlan Wright, six; Sam Conforti, five; Matt Thornton, four; Bryce Curnow, Will Moran and Nick Stagg, three; and Cobi Maxted, two.

The Magpies’ goalkickers were Kaian Constable, Bailey Jacobs, John Leathan and Brad Wootton.

Sam Conforti, Cooper Smith, James Coghlan, Hamish Hosking, Lachlan Wright and co-coach Bryce Curnow were best for a Sandhurst team jointly coached by Ash Connick.

Best for the Coby Perry-coached Maryborough were Brady Neill, Kaian Constable, Jake Postle, Joel Swatton, Kya Lanfranchi and Bailey Jacobs.

Six goals to one in the first quarter set up Eaglehawk’s win at home against Kangaroo Flat at Canterbury Park.

The Borough led 37-6 at quarter-time.

Defences were on top in the second as the Roos added 1.2 to 1.1.

The Travis Matheson-coached Eaglehawk added 5.7 in the third and just as importantly restricted the Roos to just three behinds.

Kangaroo Flat hit back to win the last, 14-4, but it was the Hawks who took the points, 85-31.

Jack and Sam O’Shannessy, and Noah Wheeler all kicked two goals for the Two Blues.

Goalkickers for the Roos were Nic Keogh, Aaron Nevins, Toby Roberts and Harry Whitty.

Eaglehawk’s best were Noah Wheelher, Connor Dalgleish, Lewin Davis, Liam Marciano, Jack Thompson and Dillon Williams.

Liam Collins, Ryan O’Keefe, Zac Rouse, Jake Hywood, Mitch Trewhella and Mitch Collins played well for the Jeremy Hayes-coached Kangaroo Flat.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 226 per cent, 54 points; Golden Square 234, 52; Eaglehawk 198, 42; Strathfieldsaye 129, 36; South Bendigo 127, 32; Kyneton 85, 32; Gisborne 119, 24; Kangaroo Flat 62, 20; Castlemaine 43, 8; Maryborough 20, 0.

Highlight of next Saturday’s 16^th round will be Kyneton against Eaglehawk at Kyneton Showgrounds.

Sandhurst tackles Gisborne at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

South Bendigo plays Maryborough at Harry Trott Oval in Neale Street, Kennington.

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

Kangaroo Flat and Strathfieldsaye clash on the Kangaroos’ ground at Dower Park.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

71 - (2) - Joel Brett - Golden Square 
65 - (7) - Lachlan Sharp - Strathfieldsaye 
47 - (6) - Brock Harvey - South Bendigo 
44 - (1) - Steven Stroobants - South Bendigo 
41 - (6) - Lachlan Wright - Sandhurst 
33 - (1) - William Keck - South Bendigo 
30 - (0) - Cameron Manuel - Kyneton 
29 - (1) - Lewin Davis - Eaglehawk 
27 - (0) - James Schischka - Strathfieldsaye 
25 - (0) - Braydon Vaz - Golden Square 
24 - (2) - Thomas Quinn - Kyneton 
24 - (4) - Matt Thornton - Sandhurst 
24 - (0) - Andrew Collins - Sandhurst 
23 - (1) - Harry Whitty - Kangaroo Flat 
21 - (0) - Ryan Hartley - Golden Square 
21 - (0) - Hamish Morcom - Golden Square 
21 - (3) - Jack Stewart - Golden Square 
20 - (1) - Darcy Richards - Eaglehawk 
19 - (3) - Thomas Toma - Golden Square 
18 - (3) - Nicholas Stagg - Sandhurst 
18 - (2) - Noah Wheeler - Eaglehawk 
17 - (0) - Cameron McGlashan - Eaglehawk 
16 - (0) - Matthew Merrett - Gisborne 
16 - (3) - Jed Brereton - Strathfieldsaye 
16 - (2) - Jack O’shannessy - Eaglehawk 
16 - (5) - Sam Conforti - Sandhurst 
15 - (3) - Ethan Foreman - Kyneton 
15 - (0) - Zac Denahy - Gisborne 
14 - (0) - Luke Ellings - Gisborne 
14 - (1) - Billy Evans - Eaglehawk 
14 - (0) - Liam Marciano - Eaglehawk 
14 - (2) - Cobi Maxted - Sandhurst 
14 - (3) - Harry Luxmoore - Gisborne 
14 - (0) - Callum McCarty - Strathfieldsaye 
14 - (1) - Bradley Bernacki - Gisborne 
13 - (0) - Jack Reaper - Gisborne 
13 - (0) - Dylan Hird - Eaglehawk 
13 - (0) - Jack Hickman - Golden Square 
13 - (0) - Zavier Murley - Golden Square 
13 - (1) - Jake Summers - Kyneton 
12 - (1) - Kallen Geary - Eaglehawk 
12 - (0) - Baxter Slater - Strathfieldsaye 
12 - (0) - Sam Barnes - Kangaroo Flat 
12 - (0) - Liam Collins - Kangaroo Flat 
12 - (1) - Bradley Keogh - Castlemaine 

LOCKED on 26 points, Strathfieldsaye and South Bendigo meet in Saturday’s match of the day in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s A-grade netball action.

Storm has home-court advantage at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane as sixth takes on fifth in the 15^th round.

When these teams met in round six scores were 53-all at the final whistle at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

Saturday’s duel will go a long way to determining whether the Bloods or Storm will feature in the finals action.

The Jannelle Hobbs-coached South Bendigo goes into the round leading Storm by 14 per cent.

The Bloods are on the rebound from a 49-goal loss to Sandhurst.

In the run home South Bendigo takes on Maryborough at Harry Trott Oval, but is then against two of the competition’s best in Gisborne, away, and Castlemaine, home.

The Steph Freemantle-coached Strathfieldsaye scored a 44-40 win in last Saturday’s match on Eaglehawk’s court at Canterbury Park.

After facing the Bloods, Storm will play at Kangaroo Flat, take on Maryborough at Triple M Park, and then head to Kyneton.

The Castlemaine Magpies are back on their court at Camp Reserve to play the Kyneton Tigers.

A 23-goal loss at Kangaroo Flat last round meant the Fiona Fowler and Gary Cooke-coached Magpies dropped to the fourth rung.

The round six match between Kyneton and Castlemaine was abandoned.

Big task for the Magpies to reclaim third place and the double chance as the run to the finals will be matches against Golden Square, away; Sandhurst, home; and South Bendigo, away.

A win for the Dianne Guest-Oakley coached Kyneton at Castlemaine will keep the yellow and black in finals contention.

The Tigers were beaten in last Saturday’s home clash with Gisborne by 26 goals.

Kyneton’s run to end the home and away series involves a home game against Eaglehawk, a trek to Kangaroo Flat, and home against Strathfieldsaye.

The Kylie Piercy-coached Eaglehawk is back on its court this Saturday to play Kangaroo Flat.

Huge challenge for the Two Blues against the Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroos who dominated their latest hit-out against Castlemaine.

In round six the Roos charged to a 50-goal win against the Hawks.

Maryborough is at Princes Park to take on the unbeaten Sandhurst.

The Jordan Macilwain-coached Magpies marked their third win of the season last Saturday after a hard-fought 49-40 victory at Golden Square.

Huge test to try and maintain a high level of pressure against the slick-moving Sandhurst across four quarters.

It’s a formidable Sandhurst line-up which is coached by Tamara Gilchrist.

Gisborne is back home at Gardiner Reserve to take on Golden Square.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne scored 90 goals at Golden Square in round six and on form could do so again.

Been a tough season for a young Golden Square line-up which is coached by Benita Swatton.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

Sandhurst 219 per cent, 56 points; Gisborne 177, 48; Kangaroo Flat 161, 40; Castlemaine 121, 38; South Bendigo 107, 26; Strathfieldsaye 93, 26; Kyneton 92, 22; Eaglehawk 74, 12; Maryborough 58, 12; Golden Square 36, 0.

SOUTH Bendigo surged clear of Strathfieldsaye in the last quarter to win Saturday’s A-grade netball match in the 15^th round of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

The Bloods and Storm played on Strathfieldsaye’s court at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane.

A top-five berth was up for grabs as both teams were on six wins, seven defeats and a draw.

Previous meeting between the teams in round six ended 53-all at South Bendigo’s home in Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval.

It was another high-scoring shoot-out on Saturday.

The Steph Freemantle-coached Storm started well to lead 14-12 at quarter-time.

South Bendigo hit back to win the second term, 18-11.

It was a goal-for-goal for a lot of the third stanza in which Strathfieldsaye added 16 goals and the Bloods scored 13.

A two-goal lead for the Jannelle Hobbs-coached South Bendigo at the start of the final term was nine by the end after the red and white kicked clear.

An 18-9 goal term sealed a 61-52 victory for South Bendigo.

Other matches across the league went as expected.

Closest tussle in A-grade was at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve where the Magpies took on Kyneton.

The Dianne Guest-Oakley coached Kyneton led 12-11 at quarter-time.

Castlemaine led 25-23 by the long break.

In the third the Fiona Fowler and Gary Cooke-coached Castlemaine was able to take control through mid-court.

The Magpies won the vital third term, 12-9.

Up by five at a quarter to play, Castlemaine went on for a 48-40 victory.

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

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne led 14-4 at quarter-time and then dominated the second.

A 19-2 tally for the team meant Gisborne led 33-6 by the main break.

It was an impressive performance in all thirds of the court by Gisborne, especially in defence as the Benita Swatton-coached Golden Square was held to 12 goals for the match.

At the final whistle the red, white and blue led 63-12.

Eaglehawk was on its court at Canterbury Park to play Kangaroo Flat.

The Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroos jumped away for a 65-20 victory against the Kylie Piercy-coached Two Blues.

A young Maryborough faced the might of the unbeaten Sandhurst in the Magpies’ home at Princes Park.

The Jordan Macilwain-coached Maryborough worked hard to score nine goals in the first term and be within at quarter-time.

From there the Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst won the next three terms, 22-6, 24-11 and 23-7.

A red-hot Dragons team won 90-33.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

Sandhurst 223 per cent, 60 points; Gisborne 187, 52; Kangaroo Flat 167, 44; Castlemaine 121, 42; South Bendigo 108, 30; Strathfieldsaye 93, 26; Kyneton 92, 22; Eaglehawk 71, 12; Maryborough 56, 12; Golden Square 36, 0.

Highlight of next Saturday’s 16^th round will be the showdown between top A-grade teams Sandhurst and Gisborne at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

South Bendigo plays Maryborough 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 the clash of the Tigers and Hawks as Kyneton hosts Eaglehawk at Kyneton Showgrounds.

Kangaroo Flat is on its court at Dower Park to face Strathfieldsaye Storm.

Round 15 scoreboard:

A-reserve:

Strathfieldsaye 33 lt South Bendigo 47, Eaglehawk 35 lt Kangaroo Flat 47, Castlemaine 47 d Kyneton 44, Gisborne 72 d Golden Square 31, Sandhurst bye.

B-grade:

Strathfieldsaye 46 d South Bendigo 36, Eaglehawk 48 lt Kangaroo Flat 54, Castlemaine 29 lt Kyneton 55, Gisborne 68 d Golden Square 41, Maryborough 23 lt Sandhurst 76.

B-reserve:

Strathfieldsaye 42 d South Bendigo 34, Eaglehawk 41 lt Kangaroo Flat 63, Castlemaine 38 d Kyneton 25, Gisborne 51 d Golden Square 31, Maryborough 19 lt Sandhurst 97.

17-and-under:

Strathfieldsaye 65 d South Bendigo 13, Eaglehawk 40 lt Kangaroo Flat 47, Castlemaine 66 d Kyneton 10, Gisborne 44 lt Golden Square 49, Maryborough 46 lt Sandhurst 48.

Ladders after 14 rounds:

A-reserve:

Gisborne 189 per cent, 60 points; Sandhurst 175, 56; South Bendigo 109, 40; Kangaroo Flat 115, 36; Castlemaine 97, 32; Strathfieldsaye 84, 28; Eaglehawk 78, 24; Kyneton 64, 14; Golden Square 54, 10.

B-grade:

Sandhurst 201 per cent, 60 points; Gisborne 168, 52; Kangaroo Flat 137, 48; South Bendigo 98, 30; Strathfieldsaye 97, 30; Eaglehawk 95, 30; Golden Square 87, 24; Kyneton 84, 18; Castlemaine 53, 6; Maryborough 47, 2.

B-reserve:

Sandhurst 240 per cent, 56 points; Kangaroo Flat 190, 56; Gisborne 147, 44; Strathfieldsaye 124, 40; Eaglehawk 114, 32; South Bendigo 101, 24; Golden Square 76, 20; Castlemaine 60, 20; Kyneton 44, 8; Maryborough 40, 0.

17-and-under:

Gisborne 191 per cent, 56 points; Sandhurst 185, 56; Golden Square 153, 44; Strathfieldsaye 121, 38; Maryborough 124, 34; Castlemaine 113, 30; Kangaroo Flat 102, 22; Eaglehawk 67, 12; South Bendigo 47, 8; Kyneton 18, 0.

Strathfieldsaye breaks Gisborne’s streak

STRATHFIELDSAYE ended Gisborne’s winning streak on 12 matches as the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL marked the 16^th round of senior footy action on Saturday.

The Storm surged to a 31-point lead by three quarter-time of the contest at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.

Four goals to two in the second quarter and then a tally of 5.3 to 3.1 in the third put the Luke Freeman-coached Strathfieldsaye in control of the match.

Gisborne hit back to win the last, 22-14, but it was Storm which marked a 92-69 victory and showed it can be a strong challenger for the Bendigo Advertiser premiership cup.

Defeat ended Gisborne’s one-week stay at the top of the ladder.

Strathfieldsaye’s attack was led by Cooper Jones and Riley Wilson on four and three goals.

In the third game of his senior career, Hugh Behrens kicked two goals for Storm as Malik Gordon also chipped in with two majors.

The premiership-winning captain of ’22, Pat McKenna kicked three goals for Gisborne as Shane Clough and James Gray added two.

Best for Strathfieldsaye were Tim Hosking, Caleb Sheahan, Ethan Featherby, Malik Gordon, Bode Stevens and Matt Harvey.

Macklan Lord, Flynn Lakey, Matt Merrett, Jake Normington, Pat McKenna and Braidon Blake were best for the Rob Waters-coached Gisborne.

Stung by defeat the previous round, Sandhurst charged to an 11-goal win on Eaglehawk’s turf at Canterbury Park.

The Dragons led 22-8 at quarter-time and then scored 4.5 to 2.1 in the second term.

A closely-fought third quarter went Sandhurst’s way, 28-19.

Five goals as it kept the Hawks to just one capped a 114-48 victory for the Dragons.

Fergus Greene increased his lead in the race for the Ron Best Medal by kicking six goals.

Other multiple goalkickers for the maroon and blue were Cobi Maxted, Noah Walsh and Lachlan Wright on two.

Eaglehawk’s attack was led by Darcy Richards with four goals.

Cobi Maxted, Lachlan Tardrew, James Coghlan, Fergus Greene, co-coach Bryce Curnow and Connor Sexton were best for a Sandhurst team which has Ash Connick as non-playing co-coach.

Best for the Travis Matheson-coached Hawks were Clayton Holmes, Jonty Neaves, Sam O’Shannessy, Darcy Richards, Billy Evans and Joel Mullen.

Although Leigh ‘Joey’ Montagna’s on-field stint with Castlemaine was cut short by a quad injury, a big crowd watched the Magpies winning run keep rolling.

Leigh Montagna’s one-off appearance for Castlemaine was part of the Carlton Draught-backed Carlton Draft promotion to assist country clubs.

Montanga hurt his leg in the opening minute of the clash with Kangaroo Flat at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve.

The St Kilda great returned to the field in a forward pocket, but from quarter-time watched on from the sidelines and mingled with the fans.

It was another ruthless performance by the Magpies.

Castlemaine led 40-19 at quarter-time and 76-39 by the long break.

Defences were on top in most of the third quarter as the Pies scored two goals and the Roos added 1.1.

The last term was one of Castlemaine’s best this season as it slammed on 9.8 and held the Roos to a tally of 2.3.

At the final siren the Magpies led 150-61.

Lists of best players and goalkickers for both teams were not supplied.

A tally of 54 scoring shots to just one was a sign of Golden Square’s dominance of its match with Maryborough at Golden Square’s Fur Life Oval in Wade Street.

The Bulldogs led 41-nil at quarter-time and then slammed on 11 goals as it kept the Magpies scoreless in the second term.

Tom Toma, Jack Stewart and Harrison Kelly set up or finished off many of Golden Square’s attacking moves.

Maryborough finally goaled off the boot of Cobie Read in the final term.

A group of 13 goalkickers for the Bulldogs in the 194-6 victory was led by Jack Stewart, six; Tom Toma, five; Jack Sampson, four; Tanner Rayner, three; Tom Strauch, two.

Best for the Brad Eaton-coached Golden Square included Terence Reeves, Jack Sampson and Jordan Rosengren.

Joel Swatton, co-coach Coby Perry, Kya Lanfranchi, Alex Brown, Tom Myers and Aidan Medlyn were best for a Maryborough team which has Matt Johnston as co-coach.

South Bendigo had the bye.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 301 per cent, 48 points; Gisborne 207, 48; Strathfieldsaye 153, 40; Golden Square 154, 36; Eaglehawk 129, 28; Castlemaine 114, 28; South Bendigo 71, 16; Kangaroo Flat 54, 12; Maryborough 14, 0.

In next Saturday’s round 17 action, Gisborne will be back at Gardiner Reserve to take on Castlemaine.

Sandhurst and Strathfieldsaye meet in a duel between first and third at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Maryborough will be home at Princes Park to play Eaglehawk.

South Bendigo takes on Golden Square at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

Kangaroo Flat has the bye.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

74 - (6) - Fergus Greene - Sandhurst Seniors
50 - (0) - Brock Harvey - South Bendigo Seniors
50 - (0) - Harry Luxmoore - Gisborne Seniors
47 - (0) - James Schischka - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
46 - (0) - Steven Stroobants - South Bendigo Seniors
43 - (3) - Pat McKenna - Gisborne Seniors
42 - (6) - Jack Stewart - Golden Square Seniors
42 - (7) - Michael Hartley - Castlemaine Seniors
29 - (1) - Jayden Burke - Golden Square Seniors
29 - (2) - Cobi Maxted - Sandhurst Seniors
29 - (3) - Harry Whitty - Kangaroo Flat Seniors
26 - (0) - Jonty Neaves - Eaglehawk Seniors
25 - (2) - Lachlan Wright - Sandhurst Seniors
25 - (2) - Bailey Henderson - Castlemaine Seniors
24 - (0) - Bradley Bernacki - Gisborne Seniors
21 - (2) - Malik Gordon - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
20 - (1) - Jordan Rosengren - Golden Square Seniors
20 - (0) - Zac Denahy - Gisborne Seniors
20 - (4) - Darcy Richards - Eaglehawk Seniors
19 - (1) - Dylan Johnstone - Gisborne Seniors
19 - (1) - Jack O’shannessy - Eaglehawk Seniors
18 - (2) - Tom Strauch - Golden Square Seniors
18 - (5) - Kalan Huntly - Castlemaine Seniors
18 - (1) - Matthew Merrett - Gisborne Seniors
17 - (0) - Lachlan Tardrew - Sandhurst Seniors
17 - (0) - Nicholas Stagg - Sandhurst Seniors
16 - (2) - Zachary Greeves - Castlemaine Seniors
16 - (0) - Bailey Ilsley - Eaglehawk Seniors
16 - (3) - Riley Wilson - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
16 - (0) - Abe Sheahan - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
15 - (1) - Joel Wharton - Sandhurst Seniors
14 - (1) - Luke Ellings - Kangaroo Flat Seniors
14 - (0) - Lachlan Gill - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
14 - (0) - Joel Mullen - Eaglehawk Seniors
14 - (0) - Bryce Curnow - Sandhurst Seniors
13 - (0) - Ricky Monti - Golden Square Seniors
13 - (2) - Noah Walsh - Sandhurst Seniors
12 - (1) - Jake Mclean - Sandhurst Seniors
12 - (0) - Jack Lefroy - Kangaroo Flat Seniors
12 - (0) - Matthew Johnston - Maryborough Seniors
11 - (1) - Matthew Wilkinson - Sandhurst Seniors
11 - (4) - Jack Sampson - Golden Square Seniors
11 - (0) - Zach Charles - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
11 - (1) - Ben Thompson - Eaglehawk Seniors
10 - (4) - Cooper Jones - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
10 - (1) - Blake Mcgregor - Eaglehawk Seniors
10 - (0) - Matt Harvey - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
10 - (0) - Mitchell Ronchieri - Eaglehawk Seniors
10 - (0) - Tanner Nally - Sandhurst Seniors
10 - (5) - Thomas Toma - Golden Square Seniors

Storm fronts Dragons at QEO, in 'Bendigo Bank' Round

A WEEK after toppling a ladder-leading opponent, Strathfieldsaye Storm will aim for déjà vu in Saturday’s 17^th round and Bendigo Bank round in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy season.

Bendigo Bank are long-time supporters of the BFNL and can provide financial benefits directly to you Club which is as easy as letting the Bendigo Bank team know who your local Club is.

It’s third against first as Strathfieldsaye takes on Sandhurst at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

A fortnight ago Sandhurst was beaten on the iconic QEO by Golden Square.

As the Dragons won at Eaglehawk last round, Storm’s win against Gisborne meant Sandhurst reclaimed top spot.

When the Dragons and Storm met in round eight it was Sandhurst which broke clear in the final term to score a 25-point win at Triple M Park.

It will again be a huge test for Strathfieldsaye’s defence against a Sandhurst attack led by Fergus Greene, Cobi Maxted and Lachlan Wright.

They will be up against Lachlan Ratcliffe, Patrick Blandford and Ben Lester.

Key to Storm’s chances will be be winning and control of the footy through the midfield and on-ball duels.

Storm will look to ruckman Tim Hosking, Lachlan Gill, Daniel Clohesy and Matt Harvey to win their share of centre clearances and also to not allow the Dragons an easy run to their forward 50.

A talented on-ball division for Sandhurst includes Connor Sexton, Lachlan Tardrew, Nick Stagg and Noah Walsh.

A Dragons’ defence that includes Liam Ireland, Bryce Curnow, Isaac Ruff and Harrison Free is up against Cooper Jones, Malik Gordon, Riley Wilson and Zach Charles.

Another big match will be at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve where the Bulldogs take on Castlemaine.

A win for Gisborne will end Castlemaine’s quest to climb into the top five and a finals appearance.

The Rob Waters-coached Gisborne is on the rebound from just its second defeat of the season.

Gisborne was on a 12-match winning streak rolling into last round.

A Bulldogs attack that includes Pat McKenna, Harry Luxmoore, Zac Denahy and Dylan Johnstone is capable of many goals and quickly.

Players to watch in the red, white and blue include centreman Brad Bernacki, ruckman Braidon Blake, the skilful Matt Merrett, and Jed Denahy and Zac Vescovi in defence.

Seb Bell-Bartels is in for his first senior game of the season.

A hat-trick of wins which included beating Eaglehawk and Strathfieldsaye is a sign of Castlemaine’s dramatic improvement from recent years.

The Michael Hartley-coached Magpies dominated in an 89-point win at home against Kangaroo Flat at Camp Reserve last Saturday.

Pressure and stakes are much higher for the Pies this time.

Hartley kicked seven goals against the Roos for a season tally of 42.

Key players for the Magpies include captain Bailey Henderson, Kalan Huntly, Zavier Murley, Declan Slingo, Zac Greeves, John Watson and Liam Wilkinson.

South Bendigo will be on home turf at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington to take on Golden Square.

Huge test for the Bloods against a Bulldogs’ line-up which has shown it has plenty of scoring options and skill.

The Bloods had the bye last round after scoring a 155-point victory at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

Bloods’ co-coach Steven Stroobants and the talented Brock Harvey kicked 10 and 12 goals.

Will be a much tougher ask against a Golden Square defence that has Jon Coe playing his 200^th match for the club.

Recruited from Tatura, Coe was a key cog in the premiership success of 2013 and ’23.

A four-time inter-league representative, Coe also played for Victoria Country in 2014.

The key defender was runner-up in the Bulldogs’ champion player award on two occasions.

On Saturday it will be Coe, Jayden Burke, Tom Toma, Jack Stewart, Jordan Rosengren and Harrison Burke who will be determined the streak by the Brad Eaton-coached team keeps rolling.

The Bloods will rely greatly on the play of Brody Haddow, co-coach Isaiah Miller, Blake and Tait Poyser, Anthony Zimmerman, Riley Walsh, Zavier Holmes and Thomas Starr to win a quarter or more.

Maryborough will be on home turf at Princes Park against Eaglehawk.

It’s the final home game the Magpies will play.

Co-coaches Coby Perry and Matt Johnston have done an incredible job to keep spirits high and the will of Maryborough’s team to compete.

Key players for the Magpies include Kya Lanfranchi, Joel Swatton, Seb Collins, Aidan Medlyn and Ash Humphrey.

The Skinner name has featured at Maryborough for many years.

On Saturday it will be Jack Skinner lining up on a wing for his first senior game.

The Travis Matheson-coached Eaglehawk will be keen to bounce back to the winners’ list.

Although Billy Evans is not playing, Eaglehawk has plenty of strength on every line.

Joel Mullen has played superb footy all season.

Other players to watch for the Hawks are Bailey Ilsley, Jonty Neaves, Kallen Geary, Cam McGlashan and Sam O’Shannessy.

Darcy Richards will be keen to play well where his footy career kicked off many years ago.

Kangaroo Flat has the bye.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 301 per cent, 48 points; Gisborne 207, 48; Strathfieldsaye 153, 40; Golden Square 154, 36; Eaglehawk 129, 28; Castlemaine 114, 28; South Bendigo 71, 16; Kangaroo Flat 54, 12; Maryborough 14, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

74 Fergus Greene, Sandhurst.

50 Harry Luxmoore, Gisborne.

50 Brock Harvey, South Bendigo.

47 James Schischka, Strathfieldsaye.

46 Steven Stroobants, South Bendigo.

43 Pat McKenna, Gisborne.

42 Michael Hartley, Castlemaine.

42 Jack Stewart, Golden Square.

29 Jayden Burke, Golden Square.

29 Cobi Maxted, Sandhurst.

29 Harry Whitty, Kangaroo Flat.

26 Jonty Neaves, Eaglehawk.

25 Bailey Henderson, Castlemaine.

25 Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst.

24 Brad Bernacki, Gisborne.

21 Malik Gordon, Strathfieldsaye.

20 Zac Denahy, Gisborne.

20 Darcy Richards, Eaglehawk.

20 Jordan Rosengren, Golden Square.

19 Dylan Johnstone, Gisborne.

19 Jack O’Shannessy, Eaglehawk.

18 Kalan Huntly, Castlemaine.

18 Matt Merrett, Gisborne.

18 Tom Strauch, Golden Square.

17 Nick Stagg, Sandhurst.

17 Lachlan Tardrew, Sandhurst.

16 Bailey Ilsley, Eaglehawk.

16 Abe Sheahan, Strathfieldsaye.

16 Riley Wilson, Strathfieldsaye.

15 Joel Wharton, Sandhurst.

14 Bryce Curnow, Sandhurst.

14 Luke Ellings, Kangaroo Flat.

14 Lachlan Gill, Strathfieldsaye.

14 Zac Greeves, Castlemaine.

14 Joel Mullen, Eaglehawk.

13 Ricky Monti, Golden Square.

13 Noah Walsh, Sandhurst.

12 Matt Johnston, Maryborough.

12 Jack Lefroy, Kangaroo Flat.

12 Jake McLean, Sandhurst.

11 Zach Charles, Strathfieldsaye.

11 Jack Sampson, Golden Square.

11 Ben Thompson, Eaglehawk.

11 Matt Wilkinson, Sandhurst.

10 Matt Harvey, Strathfieldsaye.

10 Cooper Jones, Strathfieldsaye.

10 Blake McGregor, Eaglehawk.

10 Tanner Nally, Sandhurst.

10 Mitch Ronchieri, Eaglehawk.

10 Tom Toma, Golden Square

GOLDEN Square capped a brilliant fightback to win on Strathfieldsaye’s turf in Saturday’s second round of senior footy in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo Football Netball League.

It was Storm which raced to a 33-1 lead by quarter-time of the clash at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.

The Bulldogs bit back to cut the deficit to a goal by the long break as Storm led 44-38 after a highly-entertaining opening hour.

Led by the play of captain Jack Geary, the hard-running Jake Thrum, and Tom Strauch it was Golden Square which took charge in the third term.

The Christian Carter-coached Bulldogs added 5.5 to 2.1 to lead by 16 points going into the final quarter.

Strathfieldsaye did not give up and won the final term, 37-28, but it was the blue and gold which marked consecutive victories on Storm’s turf in a 101-94 result.

Ryan Hartley led the Bulldogs’ attack on four goals as Joel Brett added three.

Jayden Burke, Jack Hickman, Tom Toma and Braydon Vaz chipped in with two each.

Storm skipper Lachlan Sharp kicked a match-high six goals as James Schischka added three.

Best for Golden Square included Ryan Hartley, Terence Reeves, and Tom Toma.

Storm’s best were highly-rated recruit Luke Webb, Lachlan Sharp, Patrick Blandford, Daniel Clohesy, Baxter Slater and James Schischka.

Sandhurst was too strong for Kyneton in Tigerland at Kyneton Showgrounds.

The Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow-coached Sandhurst won 15.14 (104) to 5.10 (40).

Lachlan Wright was right on target as he kicked five goals for the Dragons as James Coghlan, Nick Stagg and Matt Thornton added two each.

Multiple goalkickers for Kyneton were Cameron Manuel and Thomas Quinn on two each.

Best for the Dragons were Lachlan Wright, James Coghlan, Hamish Hosking, Bryce Curnow, Noah Walsh and Cooper Smith.

Jordan Iudica, Harrison Huntley, Hamish Yunghanns, Jake Summers, Jake Safstrom and Cameron Manuel worked hard for the Paul Chapman-coached Tigers.

Eaglehawk marked its first home match of the season at Canterbury Park by scoring a big win against Maryborough.

The Travis Matheson-coached Hawks led 63-7 at quarter-time and then added 16 goals to nil across the next three quarters in a 179-10 result.

A list of a dozen goalkickers for the Two Blues was led by Noah Wheeler, five; Liam Marciano, four; co-captain Billy Evans, Dylan Hird and Ben Thompson, three.

Alex Brown kicked Maryborough’s sole goal in the first term.

Best for the Hawks were Billy Evans, Ben Thompson, Noah Wheeler, Joel Mullen, Thomas Bennett and Dylan Hird.

Mitchell McClure, Chris Freeman, Alex Brown, Nic Swan, Ty Stewart and Jake Postle were best for a young Magpies team being coached by Coby Perry.

After a hard-fought opening term, South Bendigo kicked away from Kangaroo Flat to win by 62 points.

The Bloods were under pressure throughout the opening term and led 26-22 at the first break.

The Nathan Horbury-coached South Bendigo scored 5.2 to 2.3 in the second and then put the result beyond doubt as it added 3.5 to just two points in third.

Brock Harvey, Will Keck and Steven Stroobants all kicked four majors as Sam Griffiths chipped in with three.

Connor Evans and Ryan O’Keefe kicked two goals for the Roos.

Best for the Bloods were Brody Haddow, Will Keck, Alex Smith, Sam Griffiths, Oscar White and Cooper Leon.

Noah Furlong, Connor Evans, Ryan O’Keefe, Jordan Rouse, Harry Whitty and Mitch Trewhella played well for the Nathan Johns-coached Kangaroos.

Gisborne bounced back from defeat to score a 77-point victory on Castlemaine’s turf at Camp Reserve.

After a low-scoring first quarter which it won 9-1, Gisborne slammed on 6.3 to 3.1 in the second to open a 28-point margin.

The Brad Fox-coached Dogs did most of the attacking in the third and scored 3.4 to just two points.

Ruckman Braidon Blake marked a return to a ground he knows well by kicking a match-high four goals for Gisborne as Ryan Bourke and another former Magpie in Zac Denahy added three each.

Callum McConachy kicked two goals for the Brendan Shepherd-coached Castlemaine.

Best for Gisborne were Braidon Blake, Flynn Lakey, Liam Spear, Sam Graham, Jed and Zac Denahy.

Matt Filo, Brodie Byrne, Lloyd Buther, Jackson Byrne, Callum McConahy and Ashton Frankling were the Magpies’ best.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Eaglehawk 408 per cent, 8 points; Sandhurst 188, 8; Golden Square 159, 8; Gisborne 156, 4; South Bendigo 146, 4; Strathfieldsaye 102, 4; Castlemaine 51, 4; Kangaroo Flat 57, 0; Kyneton 33, 0; Maryborough 16, 0.

Leaders in the race for the Ron Best Medal as leading goalkicker:

10 Lachlan Sharp, S’saye.

7 Joel Brett, GS; Lachlan Wright, Sh.

6 Zac Denahy, Gis.; Will Keck, SB.

5 Sam Griffiths, SB; Ryan Hartley, GS; Brock Harvey, SB; Dylan Hird, Eh; Harry Luxmoore, Gis.; Noah Wheeler, Eh.

4 Braidon Blake, Gis.; Ryan Bourke, Gis.; Jayden Burke, GS; Liam Marciano, Eh; Thomas Quinn, Kyn; Steven Stroobants, SB.

Highlight of next Saturday’s third round will be the match between Sandhurst and Golden Square for the Ron Best Memorial Shield.

The Dragons and Bulldogs will meet at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

It’s third edition of the Ron Best Memorial which honours the legendary goalkicker who tallied 1624 goals across 14 seasons in stints for Golden Square, Sandhurst, and Northern United.

Best’s career kicked off Golden Square before he joined Sandhurst in ’73 and was captain-coach as the club broke a premiership drought which had run since 1949.

He was a key forward in the Dragons’ premiership victory in ’77, back at Golden Square in ’79, and then at Northern United in 1984.

Another big match on Saturday will be at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve where the Bulldogs take on the ladder-leading Eaglehawk.

Maryborough and Kangaroo Flat clash in the Magpies’ nest at Princes Park.

South Bendigo and Kyneton will meet in the Bloods’ new home at Harry Trott Oval in Neale Street, Kennington.

Castlemaine is at home to play Strathfieldsaye at Camp Reserve.

Hawks step into eye of storm at Strathfieldsaye

EAGLEHAWK steps into the eye of a storm when it tackles Strathfieldsaye in Saturday’s third round of senior footy in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

The Hawks are back in action after a round one win against Golden Square was followed by a bye.

Storm is chasing a hat-trick of victories.

The on-ball duels will be a highlight of this match between two clubs who met in last season’s first semi-final.

Key players for Eaglehawk include Billy Evans, Joel Mullen, ruckman Brayden Frost, the athletic Jonty Neaves and full-forward Darcy Richards.

The Travis Matheson-coached Hawks also have versatile big man Clayton Holmes, and a defence that includes Oscar Madden, Charlie Langford and Pala Kuma.

A new-look Storm coached by Luke Freeman has James Schisckha, Malik Gordon and Abe Sheahan in great form in attack.

Crucial roles will be played by Daniel Clohesy, Lachlan Gill, Matt Harvey, and key defenders Ben Lester and Lachlan Ratcliffe.

Another of Storm’s most important players is the experienced Shannon Geary who is a fierce competitor and rarely misses a target by hand or foot.

Another big match will be at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve where the Magpies take on Golden Square.

The Pies are on the rebound from defeat and Golden Square is yet to claim its first points of the season.

First-year coach Michael Hartley is in superb form in Castlemaine’s attack.

The former Essendon and Hawthorn player kicked seven goals in the loss to South Bendigo.

Hartley’s tally of 12 has him leading the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal.

The Magpies began the season with a 69-point victory against Maryborough at Camp Reserve in the stand-alone match on Good Friday.

Players to watch for Catlemaine include Bailey Henderson, Matt Filo, Kalan Huntly, Liam Wilkinson, Callum McConachy and John Watson.

Inaccuracy was a major downfall in Golden Square’s loss to Strathfieldsaye.

The Brad Eaton-coached Bulldogs scored 5.6 in the first half and 13 behinds in the second.

Big test for Dogs’ defenders Jayden Burke, Jon Coe, Zack Shelton and Drew Barrett in this match.

Players to watch for the blue and gold include Jordan Rosengren, Kai Daniels, Tom Strauch, Jack Threlfall and Zack Shelton.

The Dogs also have the running power of Macey Eaton, Harrison Kelly and Zac Tickell.

Kangaroo Flat is on its turf at Dower Park to take on South Bendigo.

The Michael Ellings-coached Roos will have gained plenty of confidence from the win at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

Big challenge for the Roos will be stopping Brock Harvey who kicked nine goals in the Bloods win against Castlemaine.

A Roos’ defence that includes Kyle Symons, Zach Rouse, Toby Balcke and Corey Ash is up against the likes of Will Marks, Jack Francis, Wil McCaig and Steven Stroobants.

In midfield the Roos have Josh Leersen, Lachlan Dalziel and Luke Ellings opposed to Nathan Murley, Brody Haddow and Aidan Avery.

Could be a closely-fought contest, but the Bloods experience is likely to be a key factor.

Gisborne is home at Gardiner Reserve to take on Maryborough.

Premiership-winning captain Pat McKenna marked his comeback to Gisborne’s team by kicking five goals against Sandhurst.

A Dogs’ attack that includes McKenna, Zac Denahy and Harry Luxmoore will have plenty more scoring chances in this match.

Players to watch in the Rob Waters-coached Gisborne team include ruckman Braidon Blake, Brad Bernacki, Flynn Lakey and Matt Merrett.

Massive challenge for all Maryborough players, especially ruckman Ty Stewart, and on-ballers Bailey Edwards and co-coach Coby Perry.

The Magpies’ best against the Roos included Alex Brown, Kya Lanfranchi, Fraser Russell and Bailey Snelling.

Sandhurst has the bye.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 253 per cent, 8 points; Strathfieldsaye 147, 8; Eaglehawk 142, 4; Castlemaine 113, 4; South Bendigo 107, 4; Kangaroo Flat 65, 4; Gisborne 82, 0; Golden Square 69, 0; Maryborough 53, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

12 Michael Hartley, Castlemaine.

11 Brock Harvey, South Bendigo.

7 Fergus Greene, Sandhurst.

7 Joel Wharton, Sandhurst.

6 Steven Stroobants, South Bendigo.

5 Zach Greeves, Castlemaine.

5 Pat McKenna, Gisborne.

5 James Schischka, Strathfieldsaye.

5 Lachlan Tardrew, Sandhurst.

4 Jayden Burke, Golden Square.

4 Zach Charles, Strathfieldsaye.

4 Kaian Constable, Maryborough.

4 Cobi Maxted, Sandhurst.

4 Fraser Russell, Maryborough.

4 Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst.

4 Anthony Zimmerman, South Bendigo.

STRATHFIELDSAYE Storm will strive to stop Sandhurst’s winning streak in Saturday’s fourth round of senior footy action in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

Storm has home-ground advantage when the clash at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane starts at 2.20pm.

It’s a big day for the Bendigo FNL as all clubs kick in to support the Pat Cronin Foundation in its campaign to eliminate the Coward Punch and violence.

All footballers and netballers will wear yellow armbands.

For the Darryl Wilson-coached Strathfieldsaye it’s another huge test.

Storm’s run kicked off with a win at Gisborne, loss at home to Golden Square, and then a 97-point victory at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve.

Captain and gun forward Lachlan Sharp returns to Storm’s line-up from injury.

A Michelsen medallist and dual winner of the Ron Best Medal as leading goalkicker, Sharp’s quick leading and work at ground level mean he is an incredibly difficult opponent.

Storm’s forward line also includes James Schischka and Baxter Slater.

Lachlan Bonney will also contest his 204^th match for the club.

A multiple premiership winner at Storm, Bonney spent the past two seasons with Torqay in AFL Barwon.

In defence, Storm has Mitch Hallinan, Lachlan Ratcliffe and Luke Webb to play important roles.

It’s a formidable Dragons forward line of Michelsen medallist Lee Coghlan in a pocket, Matt Thornton at full-forward, and former Richmond and Carlton mid/forward Andy Collins in the other pocket.

The Dragons’ best in a 39-point victory against Golden Square at the QEO to retain the Ron Best Memorial Shield included ruckman Hamish Hosking, Cooper Smith, Darcy Mills and James Coghlan.

Now co-coach with Ash Connick at the Dragons, Bryce Curnow is up against a club he won a premiership with and was best afield in the 2019 grand final.

Changes to the Sandhurst line-up include Lachlan Tardrew and Sam Conforti being out to play VFL with Collingwood and Essendon, and also Dayten Uerata.

Ins to the squad are Lee Coghlan, Jake McLean, Jacob Nihill and Isaac Ruff.

Across town, Golden Square and South Bendigo meet at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.

The Christian Carter-coached Bulldogs were outplayed for a lot of their duel with the Dragons for the Ron Best Memorial Shield.

Highs on a tough day for the Bulldogs were the play of youngsters Zavier Murley and Jack Hickman.

Among the changes to Golden Square’s team to take on the Bloods was the promotion of Macey Eaton for his first senior game.

The son of Brad, now coaching the Dogs’ reserves team, Macey was the George Symons medallist for fairest and best in last season’s BFNL under-18s competition.

Gun forward Joel Brett will test the Bloods all match, while Jayden Burke has the ability to kick multiple goals.

Other stars for the blue and gold include captain Jack Geary, Ryan Hartley and Jake Thrum.

The Nathan Horbury-coached South Bendigo has hit back from a first-round loss to Eaglehawk by beating Kangaroo Flat and Kyneton.

Playing on Square’s turf means the pressure will be much higher.

The Bloods welcome back classy small forward Brock Harvey to take on his former club.

South Bendigo also has Steven Stroobants and Will Keck firing in the forward 50m arc.

The play of Mac Cameron in the ruck, Brody Haddow, Cooper Leon, Oscar White, Zac Hare and Andrew van Heumen will be crucial to South Bendigo’s chances.

Feature match of Pat Cronin round is Kangaroo Flat at home to Gisborne at Dower Park.

Both have 1-2 records.

Confidence in a Kangaroo Flat team coached by Nathan Johns has lifted markedly after a hard-fought win at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

Angus Grant kicked four goals to be best afield for the Roos and will be a main target in attack, along with Ethan Roberts, Nicholas Keogh and Harry Whitty.

It’s a huge challenge in the ruck for Gach Chuoi against Braidon Blake who earned the Nalder medal as best on ground in Gisborne’s grand final win.

The Brad Fox-coached Gisborne will be desperate to start well.

Bulldogs’ on-ballers Sam Graham and Flynn Lakey, and centreman Liam Spear will be up against Liam Collins, R.J. Watson and Mitch Trewhella.

Since crossing from Castlemaine, Zac Denahy has led Gisborne’s attack on seven goals.

The Bulldogs will also look to Harry Luxmoore and Matt Merrett to capitalise on forward moves.

It will be Kyneton or Maryborough who mark a long-awaited victory when they clash in Tigerland at Kyneton Showgrounds.

The Paul Chapman-coached Tigers have not won since a 133-32 victory at home against Maryborough in last season’s 18^th round.

In the opening three rounds Kyneton has played at Golden Square, clash with Sandhurst at home, and then tackled South Bendigo at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval.

Key players for the yellow and black include Cameron Manuel, Harrison Huntley, Jake Summers and captain James Orr.

Tigers’ on-baller Hamish Yunghanns capped a superb ’22 season by earning the league’s Rising Star award.

The Coby Perry-coached Maryborough has done well to lead at three quarter-time in its clashes with Castlemaine and Kangaroo Flat before being overrun.

The Magpies will be determined to turn that around.

Gun on-ballers Jacob Lohmann and Bailey Edwards were among the best against the Roos, but will not take on the Tigers.

Maryborough will rely a lot on the play of Joel Swatton, Chris Freeman, Brady Neill, captain Ty Stewart, and Kya Lanfranchi.

The ladder-leading Eaglehawk is back at Canterbury Park to take on Castlemaine.

It’s been a brilliant start by the Hawks who led 44-8 at quarter-time on the way to a 112-63 victory at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve last Saturday.

Although he hinted at resting some of the older players, Hawks’ coach Travis Matheson has not done so as Jarryn and Kallen Geary were named to take on the Magpies.

In-form players for the Two Blues include co-captains Billy Evans and Cameron McGlashan, Ben Thompson, Noah Wheeler, Dylan Hanley and Lewin Davis.

A goal for the Brendan Shepherd-coached Castlemaine will be its workrate at centre clearances and stoppages.

The Magpies have the likes of Brodie and Jackson Byrne, John Watson, Callum McConachy ready to accept the challenge.

Other key players for the ‘Maine include Matt Filo, Liam Wilkinson, Lloyd Butcher and Ben Moran.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Eaglehawk 288 per cent, 12 points; Sandhurst 176, 12; South Bendigo 160, 8; Strathfieldsaye 151, 8; Golden Square 116, 8; Gisborne 107, 4; Kangaroo Flat 77, 4; Castlemaine 37, 4; Kyneton 38, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

10 Joel Brett, Golden Square.

10 Will Keck, South Bendigo.

10 Lachlan Sharp, Strathfieldsaye.

9 James Schischka, Strathfieldsaye.

8 Cameron McGlashan, Eaglehawk.

8 Steven Stroobants, South Bendigo.

8 Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst.

7 Zac Denahy, Gisborne.

7 Sam Griffiths, South Bendigo.

7 Ryan Hartley, Golden Square.

7 Matt Thornton, Sandhurst.

6 Dylan Hird, Eaglehawk.

6 Liam Marciano, Eaglehawk.

6 Noah Wheeler, Eaglehawk.

5 Braidon Blake, Gisborne.

5 Kallen Geary, Eaglehawk.

5 Brock Harvey, South Bendigo.

5 Harry Luxmoore, Gisborne.

5 Thomas Quinn, Kyneton.

Storm surges to big win on Castlemaine’s court

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By the final siren Kangaroo Flat led 76-15.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

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

The split sixth round starts next Saturday.

Eaglehawk is home at Canterbury Park to face Gisborne.

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

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

Castlemaine has the bye.

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

Round five scoreboard:

A-reserve:

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

B-grade:

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

B-reserve:

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

17-and-under:

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

League ladders:

A-reserve:

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

B-grade:

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

B-reserve:

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

17-and-under:

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

Hawks, Storm take on ladder leaders

EAGLEHAWK and Strathfieldsaye face huge challenges in this Saturday’s start to the split sixth round of A-grade netball in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo Football Netball League season.

The Hawks will be on their court at Canterbury Park to take on Gisborne from 2.30pm.

Massive test for the Kylie Piercy-coached Two Blues as they strive to bounce back from a 61-goal loss at Kangaroo Flat’s Dower Park last round.

A two-two record has Eaglehawk in fifth place in the premiership race.

Most recent home game for the Borough ended in a 54-33 win against Castlemain in the Pat Cronin Foundation match on May 4.

Gisborne’s quest for back-to-back premierships is rolling along superbly.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne has won all three matches.

A great run for the red, white and blue began with a 42-38 victory against Sandhurst in the rematch of the ’23 grand finalists in round two.

After a bye, Gisborne won on South Bendigo’s court at Harry Trott Oval by 24 goals and then beat Golden Square by 27 goals at Gardiner Reserve last Saturday.

The Steph Freemantle-coached Strathfieldsaye has played great netball to achieve a win-loss tally of three-one and be third on the ladder.

Storm is back on the Triple M Park court in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane to play Kangaroo Flat.

In last Saturday’s action, Strathfieldsaye dominated on Castlemaine’s court at Camp Reserve to record a 64-36 victory.

Since a round one loss to South Bendigo by two goals, Storm has won at Golden Square, 56-36; marked a 33-27 win at home against Eaglehawk; and then outplayed the Magpies.

Beaten by Sandhurst in the opening round, Kangaroo Flat has won its past three matches and jumped to top rung on the ladder.

The Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroos were beaten, 46-39, as they opened their season at home in Dower Park.

The Roos have since beaten South Bendigo, 60-27; Golden Square, 90-35; and Eaglehawk, 76-15.

Playing on Storm’s court will be a test, but the Roos will start favourite to stretch their winning streak.

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

Castlemaine has the bye.

Round six will be completed on May 25 when Golden Square plays Sandhurst for the Ron Best Memorial Shield at Golden Square’s Wade Street ground.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

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

A WIN outside the top five, Kyneton and Strathfieldsaye face huge matches in Saturday’s sixth round of A-grade netball in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

The Kyneton Tigers are on their court at Kyneton Showgrounds to take on Castlemaine.

It’s sixth up against third.

The Dianne Guest-Oakley coached Kyneton has a 2-3 record following a 28-goal loss on Gisborne’s court in the fifth round played on May 13.

Kyneton’s work in all thirds of the court will be important against a Castlemaine line-up which is playing with plenty of confidence.

Jointly coached by Fiona Fowler, a key player in defence, and Gary Cooke, Castlemaine scored a 55-39 victory against Kangaroo Flat on May 13 at Camp Reserve.

The seventh-placed Strathfieldsaye takes to the court at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval to meet the fifth-placed South Bendigo.

An 11-goal win at home against Eaglehawk last round meant the Steph Freemantle-coached Strathfieldsaye has a 2-3 record.

To be a serious challenger for a top-five berth, Storm’s team knows it has take the points against a team or two above it, such as South Bendigo.

The Jannelle Hobbs-coached South Bendigo is on the rebound from a 40-goal loss to the unbeaten Sandhurst.

That defeat was South Bendigo’s first at its new home of Harry Trott Oval this season.

The Bloods had won previous matches on the Kennington court against Eaglehawk by 39 goals, and then a hard-fought 48-44 victory against Kyneton in round three.

Last season’s runner-up and a dominant team in recent seasons, Kangaroo Flat has fallen to fifth in the premiership race after a 39-55 result on Castlemaine’s court.

The Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroos will be determined to bounce back to form when they play Eaglehawk on the Roos’ court at Dower Park.

It’s been a tough run for the Kylie Piercy-coached Eaglehawk who take on the Roos this round and then play Kyneton in the Indigenous Round feature match on June 3 at Canterbury Park.

Golden Square is back on its court at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street to take on Gisborne.

The Benita Swatton-coached Golden Square faces a huge challenge in trying to halt Gisborne’s slick passes from defence, through mid-court and into attack.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne has a 4-1 record and is second on the ladder.

Sandhurst takes on Maryborough at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Beaten just twice in the run to another premiership victory in ’22, Sandhurst is top of the ladder on a five-nil record.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst was in hot form as it beat South Bendigo by 40 goals last round and should be too strong for Maryborough.

The Jordan Macilwain-coached Maryborough teamed well for a 73-54 victory against Golden Square on the Magpies’ court on May 13 at Princes Park.

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

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

SCORES were locked on 53-all when the siren sounded to end the A-grade netball match between South Bendigo and Strathfieldsaye in Saturday’s sixth round of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

As the Bloods fell behind Kangaroo Flat in pursuit of a top-three finish, Strathfieldsaye moved within a win of the fifth-placed South Bendigo.

The Jannelle Hobbs-coached South Bendigo raced to an eight-goal lead in the first term, but Storm fought back brilliantly.

For the Steph Freemantle-coached Strathfieldsaye it was the team’s best performance of the season and one from which it gained a lot of confidence.

The league’s top three teams were all in top form.

Sandhurst’s unbeaten run kept rolling as it took on Maryborough at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst won 87-27.

Gisborne dominated play on Golden Square’s court at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street.

Second in the premiership race, Gisborne powered to its fifth win of the season.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne won 90-19 in the lead-up to next Saturday’s home game against Sandhurst at Gardiner Reserve.

The third-placed Kangaroo Flat passed the 80-goal mark against Eaglehawk.

The Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroos were on the rebound from a loss on Castlemaine’s court and dominated from the first pass at Dower Park.

By the final siren, Kangaroo Flat led 82-32 against the Kylie Piercy-coached Eaglehawk.

There was no play in the Kyneton and Castlemaine A-Grade match at Kyneton Showgrounds due to the tragic and sudden passing of 17-year-old Dallas Keogh-Frankling.

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

Sandhurst 233 per cent, 24 points; Gisborne 187, 20; Kangaroo Flat 137, 16; Castlemaine 125, 16; South Bendigo 115, 14; Strathfieldsaye 95, 10; Kyneton 104, 8; Maryborough 72, 8; Eaglehawk 57, 0; Golden Square 36, 0.

The league marks Indigenous Round next Saturday.

Match of the round will be at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve where the second-placed Bulldogs face the ladder-leading and unbeaten Sandhurst.

Feature match of the day will be at Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park where the Hawks play Kyneton.

Maryborough will on its court at Princes Park to play South Bendigo.

Castlemaine hosts Golden Square at Camp Reserve.

Strathfieldsaye Storm is up against Kangaroo Flat at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.

Round six scoreboard:

A-reserve:

South Bendigo 41 lt Strathfieldsaye 46, Kangaroo Flat 63 d Eaglehawk 35, Kyneton 32 lt Castlemaine 52, Golden Square 21 lt Gisborne 74, Sandhurst bye.

B-grade:

South Bendigo 42 dr Strathfieldsaye 42, Kangaroo Flat 51 d Eaglehawk 38, Kyneton v Castlemaine no play, Golden Square 38 lt Gisborne 69, Sandhurst 81 d Maryborough 20.

B-reserve:

South Bendigo 36 lt Strathfieldsaye 42, Kangaroo Flat 52 d Eaglehawk 36, Kyneton v Castlemaine no play, Golden Square 19 lt Gisborne 47, Sandhurst 89 d Maryborough 15.

17-and-under:

South Bendigo 24 lt Strathfieldsaye 43, Kangaroo Flat 48 d Eaglehawk 37, Kyneton 14 lt Castlemaine 46, Golden Square 47 lt Gisborne 58, Sandhurst 63 d Maryborough 42.

Ladders after six rounds:

A-reserve:

Gisborne 254 per cent, 24 points; Sandhurst 198, 24; South Bendigo 111, 16; Kangaroo Flat 96, 12; Strathfieldsaye 83, 12; Castlemaine 86, 8; Eaglehawk 63, 8; Kyneton 57, 8; Golden Square 55, 4.

B-grade:

Sandhurst 208 per cent, 24 points; Gisborne 167, 20; Kangaroo Flat 138, 20; Strathfieldsaye 101, 14; South Bendigo 100, 14; Golden Square 86, 8; Eaglehawk 77, 8; Kyneton 74, 4; Castlemaine 63, 2; Maryborough 49, 2.

B-reserve:

Sandhurst 261 per cent, 24 points; Kangaroo Flat 177, 20; Gisborne 162, 20; Eaglehawk 108, 16; Strathfieldsaye 130, 12; South Bendigo 98, 8; Golden Square 65, 8; Castlemaine 52, 4; Kyneton 41, 4; Maryborough 40, 0.

17-and-under:

Gisborne 202 per cent, 24 points; Sandhurst 194, 24; Golden Square 159, 16; Maryborough 122, 16; Strathfieldsaye 93, 12; Kangaroo Flat 104, 10; Castlemaine 98, 10; Eaglehawk 73, 4; South Bendigo 51, 4; Kyneton 20, 0.