THE clash between Strathfieldsaye and Gisborne highlights round 12 in Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy.
It’s third against first on Storm’s turf at Triple M Park as the season resumes after a bye.
Since a 35-point loss at Gisborne in round three, Strathfieldsaye has gone on an eight-match winning streak.
Storm’s surge includes wins at Eaglehawk, seven points; against Sandhurst on the QEO by 19 points; and on South Bendigo’s Harry Trott Oval by 27 points.
There have been many contributors for the Jeff Andrews-coached Storm.
Players to watch for Strathfieldsaye include Daniel Clohesy, Hunter Lawrence, Jaidi Jackson-Leahy, Tyson McKenzie, Darcy Mulquiny, James Schischka and Siologa Siu.
A premiership-winning player with Storm in 2019, Sam Heavyside was in for his first senior game of the season last round.
The experience of Heavyside, Ben Lester, Patrick Blandford and Kya Lanfranchi is a huge plus for Strathfieldsaye.
A major threat to Storm’s chances will be Gisborne full-forward Pat McKenna who kicked 10 goals in the 54-point win against South Bendigo.
A powerful attack for the Bulldogs includes Shane Clough and Zac Denahy.
Key players for the Rob Waters-coached Gisborne include ruck-rover Brad Bernacki, captain and key defender Zach Vescovi, ruckman Boyd Nalder, Adam Brancatisano, Dylan Johnstone, Thomas Werner and Kobe Zerafa.
Alonzo Rovere played his first senior game for Gisborne last round and has retained his place in a forward pocket.
Another important match will be at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington where South Bendigo takes on Castlemaine.
Defeat in its past two matches to Strathfieldsaye and Gisborne has put South Bendigo on the fourth rung.
A Bloods’ line-up coached by Troy Coates, non-playing, and Jack Fallon, playing, will be desperate to bank the points.
In round three South Bendigo led 43-8 at quarter-time of the clash at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve on the way to a six-goal victory.
Key players for South Bendigo include Will Allen, on-baller/mids Coen Harker and Brody Haddow, Brock Harvey in attack, ruckman Callum Crisp, Anthony Zimmerman, and co-captains Zac Hare and Josh Nitschke.
After playing for Richmond in the VFL last Saturday athletic ruckman/forward Zaydyn Lockwood is back in the Bloods’ line-up.
A five-five record has Castlemaine in sixth place.
The Bailey Henderson-coached Magpies are level on 20 points with reigning premier Eaglehawk, but 13 per cent adrift of the Two Blues.
Castlemaine has played well to beat teams below it, but none above it on the ladder.
Best in an 11-goal win at home against Kangaroo Flat last round were Callum McConachy, Jaise Coleman, talented forward Zack Derksen, and Michael Hartley.
The Magpies’ squad includes Brodie Byrne, Ashton Frankling, Will Marks, Darby Semmens, Hunter Staples and John Watson.
Kangaroo Flat is back on its turf at Bendigo Mazda Oval in Dower Park to play Eaglehawk.
The Roos welcomed back co-captain and gun on-baller Ethan Roberts for his first senior game since the round one match at Gisborne to tackle Castlemaine.
Key players for the Tyrone Downie-coached Roos include Tyran Farmer, Josh Leersen and Jordan Rouse in defence; Nick Keogh and Max Johson in attack; Mitch Collins, Aaron Nevins and Kyle Symons.
A highlight of this contest will be in the ruck where Kangaroo Flat gun Angus Macpherson takes on Callum Heath.
Eaglehawk beat the Roos by 39 points at C and M Oval in Canterbury Park in round three.
The Hawks’ charge in that match was led by Joel Mullen, Ben Thompson, and Michelsen medallists Noah Wheeler and Billy Evans.
Latest hit-out for Eaglehawk was at home where it beat Golden Square by 17 goals.
Players to watch for the Borough include Jacquin Mifsud, Lewin Davis and Jack O’Shannessy in attack, wingman Oscar White, and Charlie Langford and Jonty Neaves in defence.
Golden Square is back at Gourmet Pantry Oval in Wade Street to play Broadford.
In round four the Bulldogs won at Broadford’s Harley Hammond Reserve by 122 points.
The Golden Square team coached by Brad Eaton, non-playing, and Liam Barrett, playing, will be keen to hit back after a disappointing performance against Eaglehawk a fortnight ago.
Key players in the blue and gold include Jordan Rosengren, Tom Strauch, Harry Burke, Noah Warfe, ruckman Lachlan Monti, and Jack Stewart.
A Michelsen medallist and multiple premiership winner, Adam Baird will mark his third match in his return to the club and team up with talented youngsters such as Billy Buhagiar, Josh Kelly and Logan Wescott.
It’s been a tough first season for Broadford in the Bendigo FNL.
The Kangaroos knew it would not be easy after a two-year recess on the footy front.
Best for the Nathan Thompson-coached Broadford in the latest hit-out with Sandhurst were Taiten Thomas, Jay Eager, Louis Thompson, CJ Brill, Harry Behan and Toby Hope.
Huge roles will again be played by Jake Hibbs-Hall, captain Adam Miles, and Ryder Primrose in defence; Oliver Lubeck in the ruck; and Angus Hoyne and Louis Thompson at centre ball-ups and stoppages.
Sandhurst has the bye.
Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:
Gisborne 201 per cent, 32 points; Sandhurst 200, 32; Strathfieldsaye 170, 32; South Bendigo 138, 28; Eaglehawk 144, 20; Castlemaine 131, 20; Golden Square 85, 8; Kangaroo Flat 48, 4; Broadford 10, 0.
Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:
51 Pat McKenna, Gis.
33 James Schischka, S’saye.
31 Michael Hartley, Cm.
29 Brock Harvey, SB.
24 Tyson McKenzie, S’saye.
21 Fergus Greene, Sh.
20 Nick Keogh, KF.
19 Cobi Maxted, Sh; Dominic Sullivan, Gis.; Ben Thompson, Eh.
17 Zac Denahy, Gis.; Jordan Rosengren, GS.
16 Pat Blake, S’saye; Brody Haddow, SB; Harrison Sheahan, Cm.
15 Oliver Morris, Sh.
14 Bailey Henderson, Cm; Alex Smith, SB; Tom Strauch, GS.
12 Archie Eaton, GS; James Frawley, SB; Jack O’Shannessy, Eh; Archie Rixon, Cm; Anthony Zimmerman, SB.
