Mounts brace for test in Bombers’ hangar

MOUNT Pleasant’s run at back-to-back senior footy premierships in the Bendigo Bank Heathcote DFNL kicks off in Saturday’s away clash with Leitchville-Gunbower.

The Cam Carter and Josh Hann-coached Blues make their way to the Bombers’ hangar at Gunbower for game one of the season.

Opening round includes three night matches, but the Bombers and Blues will play from 2.20pm.

There have been some changes to Mount Pleasant’s premiership-winning team of last September.

Key inclusions for the Blues include Alex and Joel Wharton from Sandhurst.

Gun defender Will Wallace and experienced forward Cal Smith team up as co-captains for a squad that includes Joey Bell, Jack Hickman, Brodie Leonard-Shannon, Ben Weightman and Michael Whiting.

The LG Bombers will be coached by Joel Donehue, a star in the 2017 premiership-winning team.

Newcomers include Ryan Allan, Luke Davis, Amos Farrell, Josh Koster and Matt Landini.

A talented squad determined to improve on last season’s fifth placing includes ruckman Jobee Warde, Max Hagan, James and Tom Brereton.

It’s a showdown between the Cats and Bulldogs as Lockington Bamawm United faces North Bendigo at Lockington.

Massive test for LBU against last season’s runner-up.

Key players for LBU include ruckman Tyler Phillips, Matt Butler, Thomas Leech, Bowden Stone and Jack O’Callaghan.

At North Bendigo the club will be keen to mark its 80th year with premiership success.

A strong line-up co-coached by Rob Bennett, non-playing, and Ryan Hartley, playing, includes Dylan Klemm, Jordan Hargreaves, Cody Riddick, Nic Waterson, Jordan Ford and Liam Dillon.

Elmore will be on home turf to play Colbinabbin from 5.50pm.

It’s a new era for Elmore as Luke Freeman takes on the coaching role after previously being with Strathfieldsaye Storm.

A preliminary finalist in ’25, Colbinabbin has strengthened its on-ball and midfield options.

The Linton Jacobs-coached Grasshoppers also have plenty of goalscoring power.

White Hills takes on the Harlowe Huntly Hawks in the Demons’ den at Scott Street from 5.50pm.

Huge challenge for the Brad McConnell-coached Demons against the Hamish Morcom-coached Hawks.

Heathcote has the bye.

The Andrew Saladino and Liam Jacques-coached Saints will tackle Leitchville Gunbower on April 18 in Gunbower.