Bloods ready for test against ‘competition benchmark’ Sandhurst

SOUTH Bendigo co-coach Troy Coates says the Bloods will embrace the challenge of taking on the BFNL’s benchmark team when it clashes with Sandhurst at Harry Trott Oval on Saturday.

Tasked with rebounding from a loss for the first time this season, the Bloods did it in emphatic style with a 56-point win over Castlemaine at Camp Reserve last Saturday.

At 3-1 heading into a blockbuster clash against the Dragons, there is a feeling the Bloods are only just beginning to scratch the surface of their potential.

Coates said he could not have been prouder of his side’s effort and intensity against the Magpies and their response to the previous week’s disappointing Anzac Day loss to Eaglehawk.

“We played a pretty solid four quarters, probably taking the foot off the pedal in the last 10 minutes and allowing them a few late goals,” he said.

“It was hard to plan for them as they have so many new guys and they have had a few out.

“I went and watched them against Kangaroo Flat and they’d got a few players back, so there was a bit of unknown with them.

“We had a bit of a focus on getting our energy up – we thought we were a bit flat against Eaglehawk.

“Our effort wasn’t good enough and our contested ball wasn’t good enough. We just didn’t do the little things well.

“We went to work at training during the week on a few things, watched a bit of vision. Everything we spoke about we did.

“I feel we are going to get better every week – we have such a new group and we are learning a new game plan, and still trying to get that connection among the group.

“I don’t think we have got to our best footy yet.”

Up forward, Kaiden Antonowicz (seven goals) and Brock Harvey were unstoppable against the Magpies, combining for 12 goals.

Coates praised Alex Davis’s effort in curbing the influence of Josh Eyre, while Brody Haddow was dominant in the midfield along with ruck Zaydyn Lockwood.

“Kaiden and Brock combined really well for us. Obviously, the weather didn’t suit them the week before, but they were disappointed,” Coates said.

“It wasn’t just the goals they kicked, but they handed a lot off with their creativity.

“They are very dangerous – and unique. They are good lead-up forwards, but they are also very good on the deck and can double back. Very classy.”

On the back of a tough first four rounds against Strathfieldsaye, last year’s runners-up Gisborne, Eaglehawk and Castlemaine, South Bendigo will get the toughest test of its mettle and improvement against Sandhurst.

It’s a challenge Coates is eagerly looking forward to on the Bloods’ home deck.

“It’s a bit of a unique ground, ours – a bit smaller. We’ve been training it really well and we have some new structures in place,” he said.

“We look forward to coming up against the best side.

“There is nothing to lose from our end.”

The Dragons will go in undefeated after keeping their unbeaten record intact with a punishing 156-point win over Kangaroo Flat on Saturday.

Due to a split round, Gisborne and Castlemaine will meet in the only other game this Saturday, with the Bulldogs coming off a tenacious win over Eaglehawk.

Round 4 results:

South Bendigo 17.13 (115) def Castlemaine 8.11 (59);

Sandhurst 26.15 (171) def

Kangaroo Flat 2.3 (15);

Strathfieldsaye 8.14 (62) def

Golden Square 6.7 (43);

Gisborne 16.9 (105) def

Eaglehawk 15.14 (94).

Round 5 draw:

South Bendigo v Sandhurst,

Gisborne v Castlemaine (10 May); Kangaroo Flat v Golden Square, Eaglehawk v Strathfieldsaye (17May).

KIERAN ILES