Magpies eye tough start to season

A NEW-look Castlemaine will be prepared for a tough start to this season’s Bendigo Bank Bendigo Football Netball League action.

After a dramatic rise to the sixth rung in ’24 on a seven-nine record the Michael Hartley-coached Magpies are eyeing to be in the finals action.

Maryborough’s move into recess has meant an eight-team competition, but the league will still run a 16-round season.

First-up for Castlemaine will be a trip to Queen Elizabeth Oval on April 12 to tackle reigning premier Sandhurst.

The Dragons start their quest for back-to-back premierships with Bryce Curnow and Michelsen medallist Lachlan Tardrew teaming up as non-playing and playing coach.

Another highlight of round one will be at Golden Square’s Fur Life Oval where the Bulldogs renew their rivalry with Eaglehawk.

Castlemaine’s first home game will be on Good Friday when the Magpies tackle Golden Square at Camp Reserve.

Another big game in round two will be Strathfieldsaye against Sandhurst at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane.

Anzac Day weekend will be marked by the Anzac Day match between South Bendigo and Eaglehawk at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

Another highlight of the round will be the April 26 showdown between Golden Square and Sandhurst for the Ron Best Memorial Shield on the Bulldogs’ turf.

Pat Cronin Foundation Round will be run on May 3 and Indigenous Round on May 31.

The split fifth round starts on May 10 and involves South Bendigo and Sandhurst vying for the Graeme Wright Memorial Cup.

Rematch of the ’24 grand finalists, Sandhurst and the Rob Waters-coached Gisborne highlights round six on May 24.

A general bye for the King’s Birthday will be observed on June 7.

Inter-league football returns to the QEO on July 13 when the Simon Rosa-coached Bendigo will take on the Victorian Amateurs.