Dragons firepower tests Dogs defence

SANDHURST’S formidable attack will test Gisborne’s defence in Saturday’s second round of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy season.

The Dragons’ firepower was to the fore as they scored 25 goals in the twilight game to complete the first round of ’24. As Sandhurst fired up for a big victory, Gisborne had the bye.

The Rob Waters-coached Gisborne knows it will need to bring plenty of defensive heat to beat Sandhurst at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Match of the day between the Dragons and Bulldogs starts at 2.20pm at the View Street ground.

A powerful Sandhurst attack includes former Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn forward Fergus Greene, Cobi Maxted and Lachlan Wright.

Back at Sandhurst as a full-time player after several seasons at VFL level with Collingwood, Lachlan Tardrew was best afield in the win on Kangaroo Flat’s ground. Tardrew teamed brilliantly with the likes of Noah Walsh and James Coghlan.

Gisborne’s on-ball division led by ruckman Braidon Blake, Brad Bernacki and Flynn Lakey will test the Dragons all match.

The Bulldogs have gun forward Pat McKenna in action after missing most of last season after breaking an ankle. Gisborne premiership forward Jack Scanlon will mark his comeback to the game.

A great round involves the showdown between South Bendigo and Castlemaine in the Bloods’ home at Harry Trott Oval in Neale Street, Kennington.

Although beaten at Strathfieldsaye, South Bendigo showed plenty of positive signs before being overrun in the last quarter.

A new-look Castlemaine kicked off the season by winning the stand-alone match against Maryborough on Good Friday at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve by 69 points.

Castlemaine coach Michael Hartley will be a key target in the forward 50-metre arc, along with Bailey Henderson and Zach Greeves – a massive test for the Bloods’ back six who will rely a lot on high pressure from up the ground.

Fierce rivals Golden Square and Strathfieldsaye clash at Golden Square’s Wade Street Oval.

The Coby Perry and Matt Johnston-coached Maryborough will be desperate to claim points against the Michael Ellings-coached Kangaroo Flat in the match at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

Eaglehawk has the bye.