Is another thriller on the cards? Bloods, Hawks primed for Anzac day battle

SOUTH Bendigo coach Lauren Bowles says the Bloods are pumped up and proud to be part of another blockbuster Anzac Day clash against Eaglehawk this Saturday.

The Bloods and Hawks will meet for the second straight year in an exciting standalone contest at the QEO.

Last year’s clash was one of the games of the season, ending in a 47-47 draw.

The Bloods claimed the spoils in their next two clashes, including a 59-38 elimination final victory at the QEO, which ended the Hawks’ season.

With both teams having recruited well over the summer, there’s reason to believe the pair will be stronger propositions for rivals this season.

Bowles believed last weekend’s 79-29 win over Castlemaine had put the Bloods in good stead for another crucial clash against the Hawks.

“We did have three players out, so it was a nice opportunity to reward some of the A-reserve girls with a game and they held their own,” she said.

“It was a great chance for Carissa Brook and Remi Kuhne to step up and they did a great job.

“We haven’t as a team quite found a level of consistency yet to be honest.

“Although we have had two big wins against Broadford and Castlemaine, we were certainly tested by Storm (in a two-goal win). I thought our error count in that game was really disappointing.

“And Gisborne, a lot of people looked at that game (a 40-47 loss) and thought we should be happy with seven goals, but as a team, in that one match we threw 23 balls away.

“They are the types of games we think we can win now – we’ve got the team to be able to do it.

“We shouldn’t be content with a seven-goal loss.”

 

The Bloods are hopeful of regaining at least some of Tegan Elliston (achilles), Cayde Hayes (hamstring) and Stephanie Greene (foot) from the list of those missing last week.

More than a just big occasion for both clubs, Bowles said it was a privilege and honour to be able to play on Anzac Day.

“We look back on last year and the game was a draw and in the worse in conditions,” she said.

“But it was true Anzac style, a real dog-fight.

“They’ve picked up some good players and after a loss to Kangaroo Flat, they will be looking to get back onto the winners’ list.

“We have a bit of confidence coming off a big win against Castlemaine and we have picked up players as well.

“I think we match up well and there’s no doubt both teams will be fighting tooth and nail for a win.”

Bowles believed it went without saying that both teams were not only again fighting for finals spots, but were aiming to throw a spanner in the works of what has been a relatively consistent top three over the past decade of Kangaroo Flat, Sandhurst and Gisborne.

“We make no secret that we are aiming for top three this year,” he said.

“While I feel we are not totally clicking and don’t have the consistency to our game, there is still a long time to go.

“I would expect that by the second half of the year we’ll be firing.”

Eaglehawk will be attempting to rebound from a 34-goal loss to reigning premier Kangaroo Flat, which has started the season 3-0.

Honoured to be playing in her first Anzac Day clash, Hawks recruit Mia McCrann-Peters said despite a 1-2 start to the season, she could sense the team spirit and momentum building at Canterbury Park.

“It’s been a tough start, playing two of the best teams in the league (Sandhurst and Kangaroo Flat), and while we didn’t get the outcome we wanted, from previous games against them, we cut the margin,” she said.

“We’ve had great feedback from both of those teams to say we are ticking along nicely.

“It feels like we are shaping up well. There’s a lot of belief in the team.

“We are proud of the netball we have put out so far.”

As finalists last year and teams that have recruited strongly, McCrann Peters, whose blossoming partnership in the goal circle with Chloe Langley will be a key to Hawks’ chances, sees plenty of similarities between the two sides.

“It’s anyone’s game to be honest; it will come down to who shows up and plays that competitive netball,” she said.

“Being able to play on such a special day will bring the competitiveness out even more. You do want to represent your club and your team well.

“Deep down we are all very competitive and want that win.”

Round 3 recap: Broadford 35 lost to Golden Square 72; Eaglehawk 36 lost to Kangaroo Flat 70; Gisborne 45 defeated Strathfieldsaye 22; Castlemaine 29 lost to South Bendigo 79; Sandhurst bye.