Bloods ready for test at Gisborne

SOUTH Bendigo’s senior footy team faces a huge test at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve in Saturday’s sixth round of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo Football League.

The Bloods have struck back from a 0-2 start to their ’22 campaign to now be 3-2 after wins over Sandhurst, Kyneton and Castlemaine.

Now the pressure will be right on the Nathan Horbury-coached Bloods against the unbeaten ladder leaders at Gisborne on week one of a split round.

The Rob Waters-coached Gisborne marked a hard-fought 83-77 victory in Strathfieldsaye Storm territory at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane last Saturday.

The Bulldogs did so without captain and gun forward Pat McKenna.

Not only will South Bendigo face a massive task in defence, but also through midfield where the Dogs have plenty of running power and skill.

Key players for the Bloods include Liam Byrne, Cooper Leon, Isaiah Miller, Michael Herlihy and Brock Harvey.

Another big match will be at Kyneton Showgrounds where the Tigers take on Golden Square.

The Paul Chapman’s Tigers dominated the clash at Kangaroo Flat in round five and now face a Bulldogs’ team on the rebound from defeat to Sandhurst in the clash for the Ron Best Memorial Shield.

Yellow and black will look for big efforts from Cameron Manuel, Frazer Driscoll, Harrison Huntley, Rhys Magin and Dean Bartrop to get the job done.

The Christian Carter-coached Bulldogs had Liam Duguid, Liam Barrett and Jarrod Fitzpatrick led the way against the Dragons.

Castlemaine is back at Camp Reserve to take on Kangaroo Flat and with a sole win for both teams was against Maryborough, both squads will be looking to bank four-points.

The Magpies will be seeking big games from the likes of Tommy Horne, Will Moran, Jack Chester, Zac Denahy and Riley Pedretti to chalk up victory number two.

Kangaroo Flat was overpowered by Kyneton at home last weekend and will need the likes of Liam and Mitch Collins, Nick Lang, Mitch Rovers and Brodie Fry to keep the heat on the Magpies.

Stung by defeat, Strathfieldsaye is back at Triple M Park to take on Maryborough.

Storm has plenty of firepower in the forward 50-meter arc, a skilful midfield and hard-working defence.

The Rick Andrews-coached Magpies will work on keeping the intensity at a higher level for much longer.

Round six will be completed on 21 May when Sandhurst takes on Eaglehawk at Queen Elizabeth Oval as part of the Pat Cronin Round which is aimed at stopping all forms of violence.