NO matter last season\u2019s ladder position, expectations at all clubs are high going into this weekend\u2019s start to the Bendigo Bank Bendigo Football League\u2019s senior footy action.<\/p>\n
Three matches could carry match-of-the-day status and there will be plenty of interest in the outcome of play at Castlemaine\u2019s Camp Reserve and Kangaroo Flat\u2019s Dower Park.<\/p>\n
Two of the league\u2019s biggest rivals, South Bendigo and Golden Square clash at Queen Elizabeth Oval with the Nathan Horbury-coached South Bendigo desperate to end Square\u2019s dominance against them.<\/p>\n
Since 2017 the head-to-head record is 6-1 in Square\u2019s favour.<\/p>\n
Both teams have plenty of goalscoring power, so the midfield able to generate more and quality supply into the forward 50 will play a major factor in this contest.<\/p>\n
Key players for the Bloods include Kaiden Antonowicz at full-forward, onballers Liam Byrne and Isaiah Miller, versatile big man Daniel Nalder, and defenders Andy Van Heumen and Zac Hare.<\/p>\n
A powerful Bulldogs\u2019 line-up includes Jack Geary, Jayden Burke, Joel Brett, Hamish Morcom and Jon Coe.<\/p>\n
Unbeaten in the last 10 games of 2021, Strathfieldsaye will start favourite against Eaglehawk on Storm\u2019s turf at Tannery Lane.<\/p>\n
There have been some marked changes to both line-ups, but Storm\u2019s versatility and work rate will test the Borough.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile Gisborne and Sandhurst do battle down south at Gardiner Reserve.<\/p>\n
A Bulldogs\u2019 attack that includes captain Pat McKenna and Jack Scanlon will be tough for the Dragons to stop.<\/p>\n
Gisborne coach Rob Waters and Sandhurst rival Ash Connick have plenty of options through the midfield and onball roles.<\/p>\n
The Dragons stunned Strathfieldsaye in the opening game of \u201921 and thrive on defying the odds.<\/p>\n
Kangaroo Flat and Maryborough meet on the Roos\u2019 ground at Dower Park.<\/p>\n
Roos\u2019 coach James Flaherty has spent plenty of time working on defensive strategies and urging his young team to play with more dare.<\/p>\n
Rick Andrews marks his return to the Bendigo FNL as Maryborough coach.<\/p>\n
The Magpies have also brought in some quality recruits to assist the likes of Bailey Edwards and Coby Perry.<\/p>\n
The league\u2019s other Magpies, Castlemaine will be keen to perform well first-up at home against Kyneton at Camp Reserve.<\/p>\n
The Don Moran-coached Castlemaine has welcomed back several former players and looks markedly stronger than a year ago, while Kyneton coach Paul Chapman will be banking on greater consistency in every quarter and to capitalise on chances.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
NO matter last season\u2019s ladder position, expectations at all clubs are high going into this weekend\u2019s start to the Bendigo Bank Bendigo Football League\u2019s senior footy action. Three matches could carry match-of-the-day status and there will be plenty of interest in the outcome of play at Castlemaine\u2019s Camp Reserve and Kangaroo Flat\u2019s Dower Park. Two […]<\/p>\n