Bendigo League ready for action

NO matter last season’s ladder position, expectations at all clubs are high going into this weekend’s start to the Bendigo Bank Bendigo Football League’s senior footy action.

Three matches could carry match-of-the-day status and there will be plenty of interest in the outcome of play at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve and Kangaroo Flat’s Dower Park.

Two of the league’s biggest rivals, South Bendigo and Golden Square clash at Queen Elizabeth Oval with the Nathan Horbury-coached South Bendigo desperate to end Square’s dominance against them.

Since 2017 the head-to-head record is 6-1 in Square’s favour.

Both teams have plenty of goalscoring power, so the midfield able to generate more and quality supply into the forward 50 will play a major factor in this contest.

Key players for the Bloods include Kaiden Antonowicz at full-forward, onballers Liam Byrne and Isaiah Miller, versatile big man Daniel Nalder, and defenders Andy Van Heumen and Zac Hare.

A powerful Bulldogs’ line-up includes Jack Geary, Jayden Burke, Joel Brett, Hamish Morcom and Jon Coe.

Unbeaten in the last 10 games of 2021, Strathfieldsaye will start favourite against Eaglehawk on Storm’s turf at Tannery Lane.

There have been some marked changes to both line-ups, but Storm’s versatility and work rate will test the Borough.

Meanwhile Gisborne and Sandhurst do battle down south at Gardiner Reserve.

A Bulldogs’ attack that includes captain Pat McKenna and Jack Scanlon will be tough for the Dragons to stop.

Gisborne coach Rob Waters and Sandhurst rival Ash Connick have plenty of options through the midfield and onball roles.

The Dragons stunned Strathfieldsaye in the opening game of ’21 and thrive on defying the odds.

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

Roos’ coach James Flaherty has spent plenty of time working on defensive strategies and urging his young team to play with more dare.

Rick Andrews marks his return to the Bendigo FNL as Maryborough coach.

The Magpies have also brought in some quality recruits to assist the likes of Bailey Edwards and Coby Perry.

The league’s other Magpies, Castlemaine will be keen to perform well first-up at home against Kyneton at Camp Reserve.

The Don Moran-coached Castlemaine has welcomed back several former players and looks markedly stronger than a year ago, while Kyneton coach Paul Chapman will be banking on greater consistency in every quarter and to capitalise on chances.