Dragons tackle Dogs in second semi

EITHER Sandhurst or Golden Square will be first to the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy grand final after they meet on Saturday.

The Dragons and Bulldogs renew a fierce rivalry in the second semi-final at Queen Elizabeth Oval from 2.20pm.

A great run by Sandhurst to finish the home-and-away series included 16 wins and a draw with the sole defeat for the Dragons on Golden Square’s turf in the 12th round.

On that day the Christian Carter-coached Bulldogs won 96-72 at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street.

That victory was part of a 15-match winning streak by the blue and gold.

The Bulldogs kicked off the finals series by scoring a 26-point victory against Strathfieldsaye in last Saturday’s qualifying final.

Now the blue and gold will be aiming to outrun the Dragons on the wide expanses of the QEO.

Players to watch for the Bulldogs include gun forward Joel Brett, on-ballers Ryan Hartley and Tom Toma, and rising stars Jack Hickman and Tom Strauch.

A formidable Sandhurst team jointly coached by Ash Connick, non-playing, and Bryce Curnow, playing, has plenty of experience.

The Dragons’ line-up includes Sam Conforti, ruckman Hamish Hosking, James Coghlan, Andy Collins and Lachlan Wright.

On Sunday it will be Strathfieldsaye and Eaglehawk fighting to stay in the premiership race when they contest the first semi.

The Darryl Wilson-coached Storm is on the rebound from a qualifying final defeat where errors, whether under real or perceived pressure, cost Storm against the Dogs.

The Travis Matheson-coached Eaglehawk beat South Bendigo for the third time this season.

A tally of 34 scoring shots to 21 was a sign of the Borough’s dominance in a 33-point victory against the Bloods in the elimination final.

A highlight of the Hawks and Storm clash will be the on-ball duels where Connor Dalgleish, Billy Evans and Noah Wheeler take on Tim Hosking, Jake Moorhead and Callum McCarty.

Storm’s attack is brilliantly led by co-captain and multiple Ron Best medallist in Lachlan Sharp and James Schischka.

The Hawks will look to Darcy Richards, Cam McGlashan, Jack O’Shannessy and Lewin Davis to cap off attacking thrusts.