Games on in Loddon Valley league

TWO of the league’s best in recent years, Bridgewater and Pyramid Hill, will clash on the riverside town’s rec reserve ground from 2.15pm this Saturday, 2 April.

A premiership-winning coach at Golden Square and premiership winning player at Hawthorn and Bridgewater, Rick Ladson takes charge of the Mean Machine this year and the keys to the game will be midfield duels.

The Mean Machine and Bulldogs have plenty of scoring power, so whoever can gain greater ascendancy through the midfield, centre clearances and stoppages is likely to take the points in what shapes as being a great contest.

Nathan Fitzpatrick faces a massive test in his first match as Pyramid Hill’s senior coach.

Mitiamo’s new coach, Marcus McKern will be keen for the winning run to roll as the Superoos take on Bears Lagoon Serpentine at John Forbes Oval in Mitiamo.

The Superoos have lost few players from the team which won the premiership in 2019 and were unbeaten when last season was called off.

A brilliant on ball division for Mitiamo includes Doug Thomas and Lucas Matthews.

It’s a huge challenge for Bears’ coach Justin Laird in his first match in charge.

Newcomers for the Bears include Rhonen Maher, Anthony Brown, Jacob Szitovsky, and the club has regained Charlie and Harry Gadsden.

In Calivil, a new-look United will be fired up for its contest against Inglewood and the Demons and Blues unveil plenty of new faces.

Jack Daley joins Calivil United as coach and recruits include Phil Ryan, Blayne Ryan-Storey, Jacob Greenwood and Lachlan Mangan.

Despite a winless run in 2021, Inglewood has picked up plenty of new faces as well.

Coach Darrell Billett will be keen to see new names like Bregon Cotchett, Charlie McGaw, Charlie Ingham, Alex Lowe, Campbell Love, Kyle McLellan and Jed Rouse have an impact from game one and greater consistency by all the team.

Round one on Loddon Valley Football League action concludes with the Maiden Gully and Marong showdown from 6pm at Maiden Gully’s Marist College Oval.

It’s a huge task for the Wayne Mitrovic-coached Eagles against a team which has become stronger.

Defensive efforts and pressure when not in possession will be a key for Maiden Gully YCW against a skilful Marong outfit.

The play of ruckman/forward Chris Howgate and the Eagles onballers will be crucial to scoring and also limiting the Panthers chances.

Key players for the Linton Jacobs-coached Marong include Brandyn Grenfell and Kain Robins in attack, Nathan Devanny, Justin Hynes, Ben and Corey Gregg.

Newbridge has the bye.