Bloods V Broadford in BFNL season opener

SOUTH Bendigo joint coach Troy Coates is keeping expectations in check as the Bloods prepare for a standalone clash with newcomers Broadford to open the 2026 BFNL season.

The Bloods will enter their new campaign on the back of an impressive pre-season that included practice match wins over Essendon league club Doutta Stars and reigning Goulburn Valley league premiers Kyabram and another fruitful recruiting drive.

It’s led to a significant air of excitement and momentum surrounding the Bloods, who warmed up for their season opener with an impressive practice match win over Kyabram last Saturday in which both teams had six or so of their best players missing.

The most pleasing aspect for Coates, besides the form of his recruits, was emerging from the hit-out injury free.

“It’s hard to gauge with so many players out, but they beat us by six goals last year in a praccy, so to turn it around this year was good,” he said.

“It would have given the boys some good confidence going into round one.”

On the club’s impressive recruiting haul, Coates said he could not be happier with what the Bloods had achieved over the summer.

An exciting list of newcomers, and in the case of former coach Nathan Horbury and Cohen Balnaves, returning players, includes Aspley pair Tom Templeton and Coen Harker, former Elmore coach and Bendigo Pioneer Nathan Kay and Jack English, who has made the move across from Sandhurst.

Coates said all had played at least one practice match, with Templeton and Harker prominent against Kyabram, and all but Horbury, who has a wedding to attend this weekend, set to play against the Kangaroos.

“I couldn’t be ore impressed with our recruiting; we achieved exactly what we wanted to achieve in terms of getting some more midfield grunt and also some great ball users,” Coates said.

“I feel like it’s really rounded our team out nicely.”

While the ceiling on what the Bloods appear capable of is high, Coates insisted it was no different for a group of teams across the league.

“We are definitely a stronger side than last year, but so is the opposition,” he said.

“I think all sides have gone out and recruited extremely well.

“We obviously want to improve on what we did last year, but we know there is genuinely a fair few sides, who could go deep into September this year.

“We are aware of that. It’s going to be a strong comp and that is great for Bendigo footy.”

Likely echoing the thoughts of seven rival coaches heading into their club’s first crack at Broadford, Coates said

“We don’t really know what to expect from Broadford, but is exciting having a new club and playing them in their inaugural game in the Bendigo league,” he said.

“It’s always nice to be a part of a moment like that.

“We are looking forward to the game and getting a really good look at them.”

Aside from Horbury, James Davies will miss the Broadford clash while serving out the remaining week of a two-game suspension incurred in last year’s elimination final win over Strathfieldsaye.

Coates is anticipating a big crowd at Harley Hammond Reserve as the Kangaroos announce their arrival in the BFNL competition.

“Hopefully we can draw a few people there and everyone gets behind Broadford coming into the competition,” he said.