Stage set for top of table clash

LADDER leaders Marong and Mitiamo meet in Saturday’s third round of the Bendigo Bank Loddon Valley Football League’s senior games.

Unbeaten since 20 July in 2019, Mitiamo’s streak is under threat.

The Superoos have home-ground advantage against the Panthers at John Forbes Oval in Mitiamo and they won their opening two games by 84 and 29 points.

Meanwhile the Panthers have gone a few better, wining their first two by 149 and 77 points.

Mitiamo’s attack is led by Jay Reynolds and Ryan Wellington, and the Panthers key targets are Brandyn Grenfell and Kain Robins.

Midfield and on ball duels will be a highlight of this match.

After a bye and the Easter break, Pyramid Hill is at home at Mitchell Park to take on Bears Lagoon Serpentine.

The Bulldogs’ run to a 20-point win at Bridgewater in round one was led by Ryley Dickens, Steven Gunther and Billy Micevski.

The Bears have a 1-1 record after a four-point triumph at home against Calivil United where Josh Walsh, Kalem Paxton and Zachary Stone were best for BLS.

Inglewood is in the rare position of chasing a hat-trick of victories as the Darrell Billett-coached Blues make the trek to Bridgewater.

It’s been a superb start for Inglewood with a five-goal win at Calivil was followed by a 62-point triumph on home turf against Maiden Gully YCW.

Stars in Inglewood’s run include Bregon Cothett, Traiton Kendal, Alex Lowe, Charlie McGaw and Cody Stobaus.

On the opposing side, Bridgewater will be desperate to avoid a zero and three start and will look for big games from the likes of Andy Collins, Harry Donegan, Lloyd Needs, Alex Pollock, Callum Prest and Cameron Ross.

A talented Bridgewater squad includes key forward Josh Martyn, Emile Pavlich and Jack Symons.

Unless it’ll all tied after four quarters, Maiden Gully YCW or Newbridge will mark their first win of the season.

It’s been a tough start for the Wayne Mitrovic-coached Eagles who met Marong in round one and then a vastly improved Inglewood.

Mitchell Dean, ruckman Chris Howgate, Grayson Brown and Hunter McDonald were the Eagles best on Inglewood’s turf.

The Luke Freeman-coached Newbridge played well to be within 29 points of Mitiamo in the round two showdown at Holloway Air Riverside Park.

Best for the Maroons in their season opener were Caleb Sanders, Harding medallist Harry Whittle, Brandon Etherington and Jordan Formosa.

Calivil United has the bye.