Hawks, Magpies kick off Pride Round

A MATCH between Eaglehawk and Castlemaine kicks off Pride Round in Friday night’s start to the Champions IGA-backed AFLCV senior women’s footy competition.

The 15th round is one of the most significant in the league’s season as it shows its support for the LGBTQ+ community.

On the field the Hawks and Magpies will play at Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park from 7.15pm as third takes on first in a crucial showdown in a home-and-away series of 18 rounds.

A high level of defensive pressure will be a goal for the Molly Metcalf-coached Eaglehawk against an opponent which has a 10-1 record in its pursuit of a fourth consecutive premiership.

When these clubs met in round nine it was Castlemaine which marked a 60-33 victory on its turf at Camp Reserve against the Two Blues.

Key players for Eaglehawk include Sophie Cullen, Lucy El Hage, Shelby Faulkner, Emily Field, Kelly Mensforth and Molly Pianta.

The Hawks’ defence is up against a powerful attack.

Players to watch for the Jordan Cochrane-coached Castlemaine include Brianna Burt, Jemma Finning, Eloise Gretgrix, Taylah Sartori, and Aisling and Maeve Tupper.

Pride Round will be completed with three matches on Sunday from 1pm.

A tough run for North Bendigo rolls on as the Bulldogs meet Sandhurst at Bendigo Club Oval in North Bendigo’s Atkins Street.

The Jaydene Burzacott and Zak Carter-coached North Bendigo was at home for last Saturday night’s clash with Castlemaine.

A highlight of Sandhurst’s season was breaking Castlemaine’s winning streak in a 68-60 result at Camp Reserve in the 10th round.

The Sandhurst team is jointly coached by Andrew Saladino and Liam Ireland.

Winslow Constructors White Hills Demons will be back in their Scott Street den to play the Marong Panthers.

Golden Square and Bendigo Thunder meet on the Bulldogs’ turf in Golden Square’s Wade Street.