HEATHCOTE is primed for a huge challenge at North Bendigo in Saturday’s 16th round in Bendigo Bank Heathcote DFNL senior footy.<\/p>\n
The Saints were stung by a 25-goal drubbing from the Bulldogs in round seven at Pigeon Park in Heathcote.<\/p>\n
The Andrew Saladino and Liam Jacques-coached Saints have bolstered confidence following last Saturday’s win against Elmore.<\/p>\n
“Playing North Bendigo is tough at any time. It’s a challenge all our players will embrace and learnt a lot from,” Saladino said of playing the Bulldogs.<\/p>\n
A 64-55 victory against Elmore as Heathcote FNC hosted Memorial Day capped a great occasion in which funds were raised for Pancare.<\/p>\n
The Saints switched the red stripe to purple in specially designed numbers which had Georgia etched on the back in memory of Georgia Edsell-French.<\/p>\n
On field the Saints and Bloods put on a great contest as Heathcote made it a four-nil record in Purple Day round.<\/p>\n
Although it was scoreless in the final quarter, Heathcote withstood Elmore’s fightback to mark its second win of the season.<\/p>\n
Saladino was incredibly proud of the team’s performance.<\/p>\n
“There were a lot of challenges going into the game through injury and unavailability.<\/p>\n
“Some players doubled up from reserves or under-18s.<\/p>\n
“It was a such a strong team performance,” Saladino said.<\/p>\n
Peter Bolton capped his first senior game with a goal as ruckman Aaron Gundry and Seb Barnett marked their first senior wins with the club.<\/p>\n
It was another Bolton, Rhys who kicked three goals and was best on ground.<\/p>\n
“Rhys has missed some games because of injury, but been superb in every match he has played.<\/p>\n
“He is a really important part of our team, not just this season, but for the future.”<\/p>\n
The consistent Will Tobin will again play a key role against the Bulldogs as will Justin Bateson who won plenty of the ball and kicked two goals against Elmore.<\/p>\n
Another big match in round 16 will be at Huntly’s Strauch Reserve where the Hawks tackle Mount Pleasant.<\/p>\n
White Hills will be at home against Colbinabbin, and Elmore hosts Lockington Bamawm United.<\/p>\n
Leitchville Gunbower has the bye.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
HEATHCOTE is primed for a huge challenge at North Bendigo in Saturday’s 16th round in Bendigo Bank Heathcote DFNL senior footy. The Saints were stung by a 25-goal drubbing from the Bulldogs in round seven at Pigeon Park in Heathcote. The Andrew Saladino and Liam Jacques-coached Saints have bolstered confidence following last Saturday’s win against […]<\/p>\n