Saints march on towards Gunbower

HEATHCOTE will be aiming to march from Gunbower with the four premiership points after Saturday’s round two match in Agnico Eagle Fosterville Gold-backed Heathcote DFNL senior footy.

The Saints who had the bye in round one face a big test against the Joel Donehue-coached Leitchville Gunbower from 2.20pm.

In the first of the league’s senior matches for this season, LG’s team took it right up to reigning premier Mount Pleasant in the afternoon match.

A great contest ended in a 73-68 victory for Mounts.

Gun recruit Luke Davis starred in defence for the LG line-up as Josh Koster, Nic Cattapan and Bryce Barnstable were in the best.

It’s a new-look Heathcote which will again be coached by Andrew Saladino, non-playing, and Liam Jacques, playing.

Injury meant Jacques played just six matches last season.

A winner of the Sam Cheatley Medal as league fairest and best, Jacques will play a crucial role at centre ball-ups and stoppages for the Saints.

In attack it will be Sean Williams, recruited from Rochester, and Dylan Johnstone who are key targets for Heathcote.

Other newcomers for the Saints include on-baller/mid Stefan Rasinac, key position player Hugh Freckleton from Golden Square, and on-baller Dillon Williams from Rochester.

Heathcote will also gain plenty of drive from the likes of Rhys Bolton, Daniel Johnstone, Will Tobin, Justin Bateson and Codie Price.

Mount Pleasant will unveil the ’25 premiership flag before it takes on Harlowe Huntly Hawks at Toolleen.

The Josh Hann and Cam Carter-coached Blues withstood a spirited challenge to win at Gunbower as Jack Hickman, Alex Wharton, Xavier Carter and Ben Weightman led the way.

Huntly will be keen to hit back from a two-goal loss under the lights at White Hills.

Another big match will be at Bendigo Club Oval in North Bendigo’s Atkins Street where the Bulldogs take on Colbinabbin.

The Bulldogs were beaten in the clash with the Lockington Bamawm United Cats in Lockington by four points.

After upset wins in round one, White Hills and LBU meet under the lights in the Demons’ den in Scott Street at 5.50pm.

Elmore has the bye.