SOUTH Bendigo co-coach Troy Coates says the Bloods will embrace the challenge of taking on the BFNL’s benchmark team when it clashes with Sandhurst at Harry Trott Oval on Saturday.<\/p>\n
Tasked with rebounding from a loss for the first time this season, the Bloods did it in emphatic style with a 56-point win over Castlemaine at Camp Reserve last Saturday.<\/p>\n
At 3-1 heading into a blockbuster clash against the Dragons, there is a feeling the Bloods are only just beginning to scratch the surface of their potential.<\/p>\n
Coates said he could not have been prouder of his side’s effort and intensity against the Magpies and their response to the previous week’s disappointing Anzac Day loss to Eaglehawk.<\/p>\n
“We played a pretty solid four quarters, probably taking the foot off the pedal in the last 10 minutes and allowing them a few late goals,” he said.<\/p>\n
“It was hard to plan for them as they have so many new guys and they have had a few out.<\/p>\n
“I went and watched them against Kangaroo Flat and they’d got a few players back, so there was a bit of unknown with them.<\/p>\n
“We had a bit of a focus on getting our energy up \u2013 we thought we were a bit flat against Eaglehawk.<\/p>\n
“Our effort wasn’t good enough and our contested ball wasn’t good enough. We just didn’t do the little things well.<\/p>\n
“We went to work at training during the week on a few things, watched a bit of vision. Everything we spoke about we did.<\/p>\n
“I feel we are going to get better every week \u2013 we have such a new group and we are learning a new game plan, and still trying to get that connection among the group.<\/p>\n
“I don’t think we have got to our best footy yet.”<\/p>\n
Up forward, Kaiden Antonowicz (seven goals) and Brock Harvey were unstoppable against the Magpies, combining for 12 goals.<\/p>\n
Coates praised Alex Davis’s effort in curbing the influence of Josh Eyre, while Brody Haddow was dominant in the midfield along with ruck Zaydyn Lockwood.<\/p>\n
“Kaiden and Brock combined really well for us. Obviously, the weather didn’t suit them the week before, but they were disappointed,” Coates said.<\/p>\n
“It wasn’t just the goals they kicked, but they handed a lot off with their creativity.<\/p>\n
“They are very dangerous \u2013 and unique. They are good lead-up forwards, but they are also very good on the deck and can double back. Very classy.”<\/p>\n
On the back of a tough first four rounds against Strathfieldsaye, last year’s runners-up Gisborne, Eaglehawk and Castlemaine, South Bendigo will get the toughest test of its mettle and improvement against Sandhurst.<\/p>\n
It’s a challenge Coates is eagerly looking forward to on the Bloods’ home deck.<\/p>\n
“It’s a bit of a unique ground, ours \u2013 a bit smaller. We’ve been training it really well and we have some new structures in place,” he said.<\/p>\n
“We look forward to coming up against the best side.<\/p>\n
“There is nothing to lose from our end.”<\/p>\n
The Dragons will go in undefeated after keeping their unbeaten record intact with a punishing 156-point win over Kangaroo Flat on Saturday.<\/p>\n
Due to a split round, Gisborne and Castlemaine will meet in the only other game this Saturday, with the Bulldogs coming off a tenacious win over Eaglehawk.<\/p>\n