Unbeaten Storm tackles Hawks

STRATHFIELDSAYE Storm’s unbeaten run to the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy season will be under threat in this Saturday’s third round clash with Eaglehawk.

The Storm and Hawks will fight for premiership points at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.

A home win by the Luke Freeman-coached Storm was followed by last Saturday’s victory against reigning premier Golden Square on the Bulldogs’ ground in Wade Street.

Although it no longer has the brilliance of Lachlan Sharp in attack, Strathfieldsaye has found other scoring options.

In the latest victory it was Zach Charles, Malik Gordon and James Schischka who capped off attacks.

Major players for the Travis Matheson-coached Eaglehawk include Billy Evans, Joel Mullen and Ben Thompson.

One of Eaglehawk’s best in round one was dashing half-back flanker Pala Kuma who crossed to the Borough from Strathfieldsaye.

Castlemaine and Golden Square meet in a crucial match at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve.

The Magpies were beaten in a high-scoring shoot-out with South Bendigo at Kennington, while Square’s inaccuracy was a big factor in the loss to Storm.

Castlemaine coach Michael Hartley has kicked 12 goals in two matches and his marking power will test the Dogs’ defence.

Key players for the Brad Eaton-coached Bulldogs include Jon Coe, Jordan Rosengren, Harry and Jayden Burke, and the athletic Kai Daniels.

Kangaroo Flat’s defence is up against South Bendigo’s Brock Harvey who kicked nine goals against Castlemaine.

The Michael Ellings-coached Roos are chasing back-to-back victories following a 55-point win at Maryborough.

The play of Luke Ellings, Dion and Kyle Symons, and Harry Whitty will be important to Flat’s chances.

A skilful Bloods’ line-up includes Brody Haddow, Anthony Zimmerman and co-coaches Steven Stroobants and Isaiah Miller.

Gisborne will be home at Gardiner Reserve to take on Maryborough.

The Rob Waters-coached Bulldogs showed plenty of fight in a 73-88 loss to Sandhurst at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Gun forward and 2022 premiership captain Pat McKenna marked his comeback by kicking a match-high five goals.

Maryborough coaches Coby Perry and Matt Johnston will be keen to see stronger defensive efforts from every player.

Sandhurst has the bye.