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The pesky Bulldogs gave themselves every chance of an upset, being within 13 points of the Dragons at three-quarter-time.<\/p>\n
But a compelling five-goal-to-one final term, coupled with South Bendigo’s loss and Gisborne’s bye, pushed them a game clear of their rivals with a crucial four points.<\/p>\n
Cooper Smith, Matthew Wilkinson, Jaxon Howard, Nicholas Stagg and Liam Ireland led the way for the Dragons, who got a handy three-goal contribution from Oliver Morris.<\/p>\n
Tom Strauch (two goals) was a clear best for Golden Square, who had other solid contributors in Jack Stewart, Harrison Burke, Byron Ritchie and the Warfe brothers.<\/p>\n
The Bulldogs, currently seventh and favoured to stay there, will have four chances to add some wins after this week’s bye, none better than against Kangaroo Flat in round 15.<\/p>\n
A legend of the BFNL, Ron Best kicked 1,624 goals across a 270-game career, which included stints at Golden Square, Sandhurst and Northern United.<\/p>\n
At Harley Hammond Reserve, Kangaroo Flat scored its second win of the season with a 131-point win over Broadford.<\/p>\n
Nick Keogh booted six goals and veteran Nick Lang five as the Flat thoroughly controlled the contest for a 27.21 (183) to 8.4 (52) victory.<\/p>\n
The result was never in doubt after the Roos raced to a 55-point lead at quarter-time on the back of a ruthless 10-goal term.<\/p>\n
Aaron Nevins (three goals), Keogh, Angus Macpherson, Kyle Symons, Jake Hywood and Lang led the charge on a day of great contributions across the park.<\/p>\n
Both of the Roos’ victories have come against Broadford, which looks destined to end the season without a win in its first year in the competition.<\/p>\n
Castlemaine’s finals hopes took a nosedive following a 38-point loss to Strathfieldsaye at Camp Reserve.<\/p>\n
In a near best-on-ground performance, Zach Charles booted four goals in a 17.10 (122) to 10.14 (74) Storm triumph, with Darcy Mulquiny, Timothy Hosking, Jaidi Jackson-Leahy, Hunter Lawrence and Charles Dole also playing key roles.<\/p>\n
A solid win kept the top-placed Storm a game clear of nearest rival Sandhurst on the ladder.<\/p>\n
Callum McConachy, Michael Hartley, Jarrod Stokes, Darby Semmens and Bodhi Robinson (three goals) led the resistance for the Magpies, who find themselves two wins and plenty of percentage behind fifth-placed Eaglehawk with four games remaining on their schedule.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Loddon Valley league club Marong’s bid to move to the Bendigo league in 2027 has hit an obstacle.<\/p>\n
The Panthers were this week unable to get the two-thirds support they needed from LVFNL clubs to make the move, with the league set to appeal the move if they are formally accepted by the BFNL. An appeal would put the Panthers’ plans for 2027 in the hands of AFL Victoria.<\/p>\n
It’s the second time in as many years the code’s governing body has been asked to rule on a club’s future, involving the Bendigo league.<\/p>\n
AFL Victoria last year denied Gisborne’s bid to cross to the Ballarat league on appeal from the BFNL.<\/p>\n
The Bulldogs were subsequently granted a release in time for the 2027 season earlier this month.<\/p>\n
An application from rival Loddon Valley club Maiden Gully YCW to switch leagues has been rejected by the BFNL.<\/p>\n
Marong’s inclusion would maintain the BFNL as a nine-team competition following Gisborne’s departure.<\/p>\n
Round 14: South Bendigo v Broadford; Strathfieldsaye v Eaglehawk; Gisborne v Castlemaine; Kangaroo Flat v Sandhurst; Golden Square bye.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
REIGNING premier Eaglehawk has sent an ominous warning that its charge towards finals is gathering momentum, claiming the top-five scalp it has been looking for all season against South Bendigo last Saturday. The Hawks put further space and percentage between themselves and Castlemaine in the battle for fifth spot with a decisive 48-point win on […]<\/p>\n