Workrate a keyin final hit-out

A FOCUS on workrate more than the result is what Heathcote coach Andrew Saladino will stress to the team in Saturday’s practice match against Cohuna Kangas.

The Saints will be on home turf at Pigeon Park in Barrack Reserve against their opponents from the Central Murray Football League.

It’s the final hit-out of the pre-season for the Saints squad following practice matches against Riddell in Heathcote, and last Saturday’s game in Mulwala.

Although the Saints have not been able to field their strongest team, Saladino said the matches had been a great learning experience for many of the younger players in the squad.

Heathcote’s season kicks off with the 12 April match against Mount Pleasant at Toolleen.

The Saints can expect to face a fit and skilful Cohuna Kangas team which has Golden Square great Jack Geary in his second season as coach.

Gun on-baller Tom Toma, who starred in Golden Square’s run to the Bendigo FNL senior footy premiership in ’23, is also back with the Kangas.

On the netball front, Heathcote and Cohuna will play three netball matches at Pigeon Park on Saturday.

The under-13 match starts at 9am and will be followed by under-15 at 10am and under-17 at 11.15am.

Fifth in A-grade the past two seasons, Heathcote has a new playing coach in Chloe Meulenmeesters, who will also coach the A-reserve team.

Also on the Saints netball coaching panel are Anna Dundon (Brown), B-grade; Jess Peck, under-17s; Christie Ashen, under-15s; Vikki Little, under-13s; and Ava Harris, under-11s.

Two other Heathcote DFNL clubs face big tests in Saturday’s footy action.

Mount Pleasant will play South Bendigo in a six-term match featuring the senior and reserves squads from 1pm at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

The Harlowe Huntly Hawks will play Golden Square on the Wade Street ground.