Hawks get first crack at Square

EAGLEHAWK gets first crack at reigning premier Golden Square in Saturday’s clash to compete the first round of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s senior footy action.

The Travis Matheson-coached Hawks will be on home turf at Canterbury Park for the 2.20pm start.

Hawks’ recruits include ruckman/forward Jonty Neaves, a Nalder medallist as best afield in the Borough’s premiership win of 2018.

The Hawks also have gained Harcourt premiership ruckman Brayden Frost.

A skilful half-back flanker, Pala Kuma is on Richmond’s VFL list, but aligned with the Two Blues.

In the on-ball duels the Hawks have the likes of Billy Evans, Kallen Geary, Joel Mullen, Ben Thompson and Thomas Bennett. Defence is led by Clayton Holmes, Charlie Langford, Oscar Madden and Sam Thompson.

There are at least 10 changes to the Golden Square team which won last year’s grand final thriller against Sandhurst.

Among the big off-season moves was Brad Eaton being appointed as coach.It’s a massive task for Eaton who was an assistant to premiership coach Christian Carter in ’23.

For the Bulldogs players and fans it’s not about who has gone, but who they have. Co-captains Tom Toma and Jayden Burke are two of the league’s best – Toma as on-baller, and Burke in defence or attack.

The Dogs have regained Jordan Rosengren from Wedderburn and also picked up Luke Holt from the Redbacks. Another player to watch is Kyle Stevens who is back at the kennel after stints at Merbein and Birchip-Watchem.

The athletic Kai Daniels will be a tough match-up in any position he slots in to.

Strathfieldsaye and South Bendigo start their campaign on Storm’s turf at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane at 2.20pm.

Both clubs have new coaches; Luke Freeman in charge at Storm, and the Bloods led by Steven Stroobants and Isaiah Miller.

The day’s play will be competed with the twilight match between Kangaroo Flat and Sandhurst from 4pm on the Roos’ ground at Dower Park.

Michael Ellings marks his senior coaching debut with the Roos. Gisborne has the bye.

Castlemaine beat Maryborough by 69 points in the stand-alone Good Friday match.