EAGLEHAWK faces a huge test against South Bendigo in the Anzac Day footy clash to kick off the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s split fourth round.
The Hawks and Bloods make their way to Queen Elizabeth Oval on a significant day in Australia’s history.
Premiership points are up for grabs on a day where the league, players and supporters reflect on those who made the ultimate sacrifice and honour all those who have served, are serving, and their families.
Most recent hit-out for Eaglehawk at the QEO was capped by a dramatic grand final victory against Sandhurst.
It’s a vastly different Hawks’ line-up which takes the field against the Bloods for the 6.10pm start.
A two-one record has the Travis Matheson and Clayton Holmes-coached Eaglehawk in fifth place.
It’s been a strong start by South Bendigo which has won three of four contests.
A Bloods’ line-up coached by Troy Coates, non-playing, and Jack Fallon, playing, is perched on top of the ladder.
Midfield and on-ball contests will be crucial to the chances of the Hawks and Bloods.
In the ruck, Eaglehawk has Jordan Mangan to take on Mac Cameron and Callum Crisp.
Hawks’ captain Billy Evans, Ben Thompson and Joel Mullen team up at centre bounces and stoppages against Tom Templeton, Brody Haddow and Coen Harker.
On the wings Eaglehawk has the pace of Thomas Bennett and Oscar White.
Midfield options for the Bloods include co-captains captain Zac Hare, Josh Nitschke and Jack English.
Hawks’ defenders Aydan Hanley, Jonty Neaves, Tyh Evans and Sam Thompson will rely a lot on pressure from further afield.
A strong attack for South Bendigo is bolstered by the return of James Frawley, a 2015 premiership winner with Hawthorn across a 241-game career at the highest level.
Frawley’s debut for the Bloods was capped with five goals against Gisborne.
Last season’s Ron Best medallist, Brock Harvey leads the goalkicking race on 13 and has great support from Alex Smith, Anthony Zimmerman, plus Haddow and Harker pushing into the 50m arc.
Eaglehawk welcomes back Nick Thompson to its attack where he will team up with Nick Hoare, Deacon Marsh, Mitch Ronchieri and Jack Thompson.
They are up against a Bloods’ defence led by Will Allen, Alex Davis, Jake Rusbridge and Ollie Turnbull.
The Pat Cronin Foundation Round will be completed on May 2.
An all-Kangaroos clash features Kangaroo Flat on its Dower Park patch against Broadford.
Strathfieldsaye will play Castlemaine in Storm territory at Triple M Park.
Sandhurst and Golden Square meet at Queen Elizabeth Oval.
Gisborne has the bye.
Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:
South Bendigo 180 per cent, 12 points; Sandhurst 322, 8; Gisborne 170, 8; Castlemaine 123, 8; Eaglehawk 111, 8; Golden Square 141, 4; Strathfieldsaye 87, 4; Kangaroo Flat 42, 0; Broadford 11, 0.
Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:
13 Brock Harvey, SB.
11 Kaiden Antonowicz, SB; Pat McKenna, Gis.
10 Michael Hartley, Cm; Harry Luxmoore, Gis.
8 Alex Smith, SB.
7 Zac Denahy, Gis.; Brody Haddow, SB; Cobi Maxted, Sh; Archie Rixon, Cm; Harrison Sheahan, Cm.
6 Archie Eaton, GS; Coen Harker, SB; Nick Keogh, KF; Tyson McKenzie, S’saye; Jack Stewart, GS; Ben Thompson, Eh.
5 Jacob Austin, Sh; Mac Cameron, SB; Zach Charles, S’saye; Caleb Connick, Sh; Nick Hoare, Eh; Anthony Zimmerman, SB.
4 Brad Bernacki, Gis.; Adam Brancatisano, Gis.; Tom Campbell, Sh; Bailey Henderson, Cm; Dylan Landt, Cm; Nick Lang, KF; Drew Lloyd, S’saye; Matt Merrett, Gis.; Oliver Morris, Sh; Terry Reeves, GS; Jordan Rosengren, GS; James Schischka, S’saye; Tom Strauch, GS; Dominic Sullivan, Gis.; Jack Thompson, Eh.
