Build-up to footy season heats up

THE build-up to the Bendigo Bank Heathcote District Football Netball League season heats up this Saturday as eight clubs contest practice matches.

Reigning premier White Hills will have a new-look squad on home turf in Scott Street to tackle Kangaroo Flat in the clash of the Demons and Kangaroos.

Among the many changes at the den is on the coaching front as Peter Learmonth takes charge after Kaiden Antonowicz and Jack Fallon crossed to South Bendigo.

Colbinabbin will be on home turf at M.J. Morgan Oval for practice matches against Wedderburn.

The Grasshoppers welcome back Linton Jacobs to the club following his feat as a triple premiership-winning coach of Marong in the Loddon Valley competition.

Elmore also marks home games against Bridgewater.

Huge challenge for the Bloods against the Mean Machine which is being coached by champion forward Lachlan Sharp whose incredible career includes multiple premiership wins with Strathfieldsaye.

The Sharp-shooter also won a Michelsen Medal as fairest and best in the Bendigo FNL and was a multiple winner of the Ron Best goalkicking award.

After playing Riddell last Sunday, Heathcote has a rest this weekend.

The Andrew Saladino-coached Saints will be on their turf at Pigeon Park in Barrack Reserve on March 29 to play Cohuna Kangas.

The Harlowe Huntly Hawks will be aiming to build on the momentum of a vastly-improved ’24 season when they play at Picola this Saturday.

Final hit-out of the scratch matches for Huntly will be on March 29 against Golden Square in the Bulldogs’ kennel in Wade Street.

Last season’s runner-up, Leitchville Gunbower is at Leitchville to play Koondrook Barham.

Lockington-Bamawm United takes on Echuca United at Lockington.

It’s a road trip for Mount Pleasant to Tullamarine.

North Bendigo is on home turf at Atkins Street for matches against the Marong Panthers.