Gun forwards on show at Toolleen

THREE of the Heathcote DFNL’s best forwards will be in action on Toolleen’s footy oval this Saturday.

A Mount Pleasant attack led by Ben Weightman, 27 goals; and Mitch Rovers, 18 goals; takes on a Heathcote line-up led by Corey Grindlay, 26 goals.

The clash between first and third has match of the day status as Mounts chase a fifth consecutive win and the Saints aim to make it a win-loss tally of four and one.

For Saints coach Andrew Saladino a key factor to taking the points will be in the midfield in creating enough scoring chances, but also limiting the forward 50m entries for the Blues.

In his first year at Heathcote after crossing from Wallan, Grindlay’s aerial skills and play at ground level have been outstanding.

He kicked eight goals in the two-point loss under lights at White Hills in round three.

After a bye, Grindlay followed up with another eight in last Saturday’s win against Elmore by 37 points at Heathcote’s Barrack Reserve.

A talented on-ball division for the Saints is led by Jordan Marcroft in the ruck, Liam Jacques and Braden Padmore at ground level.

In defence it will be the play of captain Codie Price, Ben Connelly and Connor Hamilton that will be crucial to stopping the red-hot Blues who won at White Hills by 51 points last round.

In the run to the King’s Birthday holiday weekend and general bye on June 10, Heathcote plays Mounts, LBU at home, and then at North Bendigo.