JUST as Smokie sang “Twenty-four years just waiting for a chance” it’s been even longer for the Bendigo FNL to earn another chance to play Ovens and Murray in inter-league footy.
A patient of 29 years for the blue and gold is rewarded when Bendigo hosts the O & M in this Saturday’s match at Queen Elizabeth Oval.
The Simon Rosa-coached Bendigo will be striving to avoid a fourth consecutive defeat to the powerful league from the border.
When these leagues last met in 1997 it was O & M which won by nine points on its way to claiming the Victoria Country Football League’s division one title once again.
A strong rivalry was built in the country championships semi-finals of ’89 and ’90 when Bendigo beat O & M in Lavington both times.
A star-studded Bendigo FNL line-up in ’89 included Sandhurst greats Brendan Hartney and Chris Greene.
This Saturday it will be Fergus Greene, nephew of Brendan and son of Chris who leads Bendigo.
Vice-captains are Castlemaine co-coach Bailey Henderson and Eaglehawk on-baller Ben Thompson.
Links to the Bendigo FNL team of ’89 are further strengthened as Tom Strauch, grandson of Neville Strauch who coached the blue and gold from ’88 to ’90 will play across half-forward or a wing.
In selecting a final team of 26, Rosa spoke about the versatility in the key positions.
Selected in defence and attack respectively, Golden Square’s Jayden Burke and Castlemaine’s Michael Hartley could easily switch to either end of the spacious ground.
A Bendigo defence which includes Sandhurst’s Lachlan Wright, Gisborne Zac Vescovi and South Bendigo’s Jack Fallon faces a huge task against Lavington’s Tim Oosterhoff, Corowa Rutherglen’s Kaelan Bradtke, and Wangaratta Rovers’ Will Christie.
The Bendigo attack has the marking power of Strathfieldsaye’s James Schischa and Castlemaine’s Michael Hartley, and the run and flair of Strathfieldsaye’s Tyson McKenzie and Golden Square’s Jack Stewart.
They will be up against a border defence led by Charlie Morrison from Wodonga Bulldogs, Jace McQuade and Alex McCArthy from Wangaratta Rovers.
Kangaroo Flat ruckman Angus Macpherson was rewarded for an outstanding season by being chosen as number one ruckman to team with South Bendigo’s Brody Haddow, Gisborne’s Dylan Johnstone, and Eaglehawk’s Ben Thompson.
Players to watch for the Jake Sharp-coached O and M include Albury’s Jake Gaynor, Wodonga Bulldogs’ Noah Bradshaw, and Jack Mapleson from Wangaratta Magpies.
Teams for the senior footy:
Bendigo:
B: Lachlan Wright, Sh; Zac Vescovi, Gis.; Cobi Maxted, Sh
Hb: Jack Fallon, SB; Jayden Burke, GS; Bailey Henderson, Cm
C: Fergus Greene, Sh; Ben Thompson, Eh; Oscar White, Eh
Hf: Tom Strauch, GS; James Schikschka, S’saye; Lachie Hood, Sh
F: Jack Stewart, GS; Michael Hartley, Cm; Tyson McKenzie, S’saye
Foll: Angus Macpherson, KF; Brody Haddow, SB; Dylan Johnstone, Gis.
Inter: Tyh Evans, Eh; Zane Keighran, S’saye; Jonty Neaves, Eh; Harrison Sheahan, Cm
Coach: Simon Rosa
Assistant coaches: Nick Carter, Troy Coates, Bryce Curnow, Tyrone Downie, Wayne Mitrovic, Nathan Thompson
Legend – Cm Castlemaine, Eh Eaglehawk, Gis. Gisborne, GS Golden Square, KF Kangaroo Flat, SB South Bendigo, Sh Sandhurst; S’saye Strathfieldsaye
Ovens and Murray:
B: Max Byrne, A; Charlie Morrison, WB: Alex Bennett, L
Hb: Ashton McPherson, M; Jace McQuade, R; Alex McCarthy, R
C: Jack Glanville, L; Noah Bradshaw, WB; Archer Scammell, WR
Hf: Josh Muraca, M; Riley Smith, M; Bailey Frauenfelder, Y
F: Tom Bracher, WR; Kaelan Bradtke, CR; Nick Bracher, WR
Foll: Will Christie, R; Jake Gaynor, A; Jack Mapleson, WM
Inter: Tim Oosterhoff, L; Patrick Lavis, CR; Harry Hewitt, WM; Foster Gardiner, NA
Coach: Jake Sharp
Legend – A Albury; CR Corowa Rutherglen, L Lavington; M Myrtleford; NA North Albury; R Wangaratta Rovers; WB Wodonga Bulldogs; WM Wangaratta Magpies; WR Wodonga Raiders; Y Yarrawonga.
