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LADDER-leading Heathcote will be striving to maintain a high level of intensity this Saturday as the Andrew Saladino-coached Saints are back on field after a bye and make their way to Elmore.<\/p>\n
A nine and two record has Heathcote atop the ladder heading into round 14.<\/p>\n
No matter the opponent, Saladino will be urging the Saints not to relax.<\/p>\n
In round five, Heathcote won its home clash with Elmore at Barrack Reserve by 37 points.<\/p>\n
On that day Corey Grindlay kicked eight goals to be among the best with on-baller Liam Jacques, and defender Connor Hamilton.<\/p>\n
Captain, Codie Price, kept charging off a half-back flank and will test the Bloods all match.<\/p>\n
The Saints have played without Grindlay since he injured a finger in the round 10 win against Colbinabbin on June 24.<\/p>\n
Despite the absence of the star forward, Heathcote has marked wins against Leitchville Gunbower at Gunbower by seven points, and a 29-point triumph against White Hills at Barrack Reserve in the 12th round.<\/p>\n
In the win against the Bombers it was Victor Butler who kicked four goals as Braden Padmore added three and Jordan Cavallaro chipped in with two.<\/p>\n
In a season where he has played in the ruck, ruck-rover or as a key forward, Padmore\u2019s skill and versatility is a huge plus for the Saints.<\/p>\n
Multiple goalkickers for the Saints against the Demons were Padmore on three, Liam Birch and Victor Butler on two.<\/p>\n
Third in the league goalkicking race on 45, Grindlay is the Saints\u2019 number one target.<\/p>\n
In his absence Heathcote has shown it has other goalkicking options in an attack to be bolstered significantly when Grindlay is back.<\/p>\n
After facing the Bloods the pressure on the Saints rises as they are at home next round to take on Mount Pleasant, and head to Lockington on August 5.<\/p>\n
The Saints won the previous meetings against the Blues and Cats, last season\u2019s runner-up and premier, by nine and 33 points.<\/p>\n
A tough three-week stretch for Heathcote is completed with the August 12 showdown with North Bendigo at Barrack Reserve.<\/p>\n