Golden Square

A GREAT of Golden Square FNC, Jack Geary will mark his 200^th senior footy match when he leads the Bulldogs in Saturday’s start to the Bendigo Bank Football Netball League season.

The Bulldogs will be determined to cap Geary’s step into an elite club with victory against the Kyneton Tigers on home turf at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street.

A five-time premiership player for the Bulldogs, Geary and his team-mates will tackle the Tigers from 2.20pm.

It’s a big test for the Christian Carter-coached Golden Square against Kyneton.

The Bulldogs have kept the majority of the team which reached last season’s preliminary final and will start favourite to take the points against the Paul Chapman-coached Tigers.

A gun midfielder or on-baller for most of his career, Geary was named on a half-back flank.

An attack which has Joel Brett, Jayden Burke and Braydon Vaz as main targets will be tough for Kyneton to hold across four quarters.

Other key players for the Bulldogs include Jon Coe and Will Lee in defence, Ryan Hartley and Liam Barrett in midfield, ruckman Matt Compston, and ruck-rover Ricky Monti.

The blue and gold also welcomes back tough on-baller Tom Toma from Cohuna Kangas.

Plenty of changes have been made at Tigerland.

A huge plus for Kyneton is the return of classy small forward Ethan Foreman after premiership success with Gisborne last season.

Foreman is a previous leading goalkicker for the yellow and black.

The Tigers have also recruited another small forward in Tom Quinn from University Blues.

A defence led by Harrison Huntley, C Fisher and J Safstrom faces a huge challenge.

Other newcomers for Kyneton include ruckman Jayden Eales from Sunbury, and Jordan and Lucas Iudica.

A rematch of last season’s grand finalists, Gisborne at Strathfieldsaye should draw a big crowd to Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve.

It’s the start of a new era as Brad Fox takes charge as senior coach after the successful run of Rob Waters.

The Bulldogs are without several of their premiership stars, including gun forward Pat McKenna.

This season it’s Jack Reaper who takes the captaincy after McKenna stepped aside from the role because of work commitments.

A formidable Gisborne line-up still has ruckman Braidon Blake, onballer Flynn Lakey, the skilful Sam Graham and Matt Merrett.

The Dogs have plenty of running power through the likes of Mack Lord, Matt Weber and Liam Spear.

Newcomers for the Bulldogs include Jed and Zac Denahy from Castlemaine.

The Darryl Wilson and Shannon Geary-coached Strathfieldsaye will be determined to start well.

There have also been quite a lot of changes to the Storm line-up.

A strong attack will again be led by Michelsen medallist and dual Ron Best medallist, Lachlan Sharp.

The marking power of James Schischka was a highlight in many of Storm’s matches last season.

Storm also named two of the prized recruits, Jack Exell and Alex Powell on a ‘from’ interchange.

Michelsen medallist Jake Moorhead will play a key role in and around the packs, as will Riley Wilson, Callum McCarty and Lachlan Gill.

Storm’s defence led by Ben Lester, Lachie Ratcliffe and Mitchell Hallinan will rely a lot on pressure further up the ground.

South Bendigo marks the start of a new era when it tackles Eaglehawk at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

The Bloods have played for premiership points at the Neale Street ground in previous years, but the venue is now the Bloods new permanent home for all football and netball teams.

On-field the Nathan Horbury-coached South Bendigo welcomes back gun small forward Steven Stroobants.

In recent years Stroobants has starred for Rochester in the Goulburn Valley and coached the Tigers last season.

Another key signing for the red and white was ruckman Macgregor Cameron from Monash Blues.

Players to watch for the Bloods include Brock Harvey at full-forward, rover Cooper Leon, Oscar White and Brody Haddow in midfield.

The defensive work of captain Zac Hare, Isaiah Miller, Cameron Taggert and Braydan Torpey will be important.

Biggest recruiting coup in the lead-up to 2023 was former St Kilda captain Jarryn Geary deciding to return to Eaglehawk.

The Geary brothers, Jarryn and Kallen both mark their return to the Two Blues.

Jarryn brings 207 games of AFL experience to the league, and Kallen is a triple premiership winner with Strathfieldsaye.

After finishing on the seventh rung last season the Travis Matheson-coached Eaglehawk could soar back to the top five.

A talented line-up from the Borough includes Darcy Richards, new captain Cam McGlashan and Liam Marciano in attack, new ruckman Connor Dalgleish from Montmorency, and a centreline of Joel Mullen, Fraser Verhey and Billy Evans.

The Thompsons – Ben, Jack and Sam are all in the Hawks line-up.

Maryborough is on home turf at Princes Park for its clash with Castlemaine.

Both of the Magpies will be keen to mark a victory, especially Maryborough after a winless ’22 campaign.

The Borough has appointed gun on-baller Coby Perry as playing coach.

A wrist injury will keep Perry on the sidelines for a few more weeks.

Massive plus for Maryborough is the return of Bailey Edwards who spent the summer playing for Nightcliff in the Northern Territory.

Edwards is a previous club champion at Maryborough who played for Carisbrook last season.

Key players for the Borough include Joel Swatton from South Bendigo; Brady Neill; Chris Freeeman in the centre or attack; Darcy Bond, Kya Lanfranchi and Luke Bucknall in defence.

Matt Johnston was also named in the Maryborough attack.

A premiership winner with Castlemaine, Brendan Shepherd marks his return to the club as senior coach.

On the recruiting front, Castlemaine has regained previous club champion Matt Filo.

The Magpies will look for big games from the likes of Jackson Hood, David Wilson, Ben Moran, Brodie and Jackson Byrne, and Callum McConachy.

Sandhurst takes on Kangaroo Flat at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Beaten in last season’s elimination final, Sandhurst could mark a dramatic rise.

Ash Connick has stayed on as coach and is joined by Bryce Curnow as playing assistant coach.

A premiership winner and Nalder medallist as best on ground in a Strathfieldsaye grand final victory, Curnow played in Kerang’s premiership team in ’22.

The Dragons have also welcomed back favourite son Nick Stagg after last season’ stint with the Kerang Blues.

Former coach Andy Collins bolsters the Dragons’ attack or midfield on his return from Bridgewater.

Other key players for Sandhurst include Michelsen medallist and on-baller Lee Coghlan, ruckman Hamish Hosking, Matt Thornton and Joel Wharton in attack, Zach Pallpratt in the centre, Liam Ireland and Tanner Nally in defence.

It’s a tough initation for Nathan Johns to his coaching stint with Kangaroo Flat.

Johns brings plenty of coaching experience to lead a young Roos’ line-up.

Key recruits for the Flat include the Rouse twins, Jordan and Zac in defence.

Rover Mitch Trewhella, Liam Collins, Kyle Symons, Tim Brooks, Ryan O’Keefe, and co-captains Mitch Collins and Ethan Roberts will all play key roles as the Roos strive to maintain a high level of pressure in all quarters.

Hawks overcome dogged fight from Square

EAGLEHAWK withstood a dogged fight from Golden Square to take the points in Saturday’s completion to the first round of senior footy in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

The Hawks and Bulldogs fought out a low-scoring scrap in the first hour at Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park.

Although it was fielding five players in their first senior game and another two in their first match for the club, Golden Square put up a great fight to lead 27-21 at half-time.

In the third quarter it was the Travis Matheson-coached Eaglehawk which seized control through the midfield.

The Borough pumped the ball to the attack and slammed on 7.6 to 2.0 as the run and skill of Joel Mullen, Pala Kuma and Billy Evans was to the fore.

A premiership winning ruckman at Harcourt, Brayden Frost marked his senior debut with the Hawks by winning plenty of centre ball-ups and boundary throw-ins.

Although it faced a five-goal deficit going into the last term the Brad Eaton-coached Golden Square did not give up.

Jordan Rosengren, Jack Threlfall and Jon Coe kept winning the ball and using it well.

The Bulldogs won the last term, 20-9, but the Hawks won the contest, 78-59.

Leading goalkickers for the Two Blues were Sam O’Shannessy, three; Bailey Ilsley, Jonty Neaves and Darcy Richards on two.

Bulldogs’ captain Jayden Burke booted three goals as Jordan Rosengren added two.

Best for Eaglehawk included Marcus Angove and Jacob O’Brien.

Jayden Burke, Luke Holt and Tom Strauch were among the best for the blue and gold.

Strathfieldsaye overran South Bendigo in the last quarter of their match in Storm territory at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.

The Steven Stroobants and Isaiah Miller-coached South Bendigo took it right up to their highly-fancied opponent in the first half.

The Bloods turned a one-goal deficit at quarter-time into a one-goal lead by half-time.

South Bendigo’s accuracy was a key factor as it scored 6.5 to 4.11 in the first hour.

The Luke Freeman-coached Strathfieldsaye controlled a lot of play in the crucial third quarter.

A 63-55 lead for Storm going into the final term kept growing as it won the last, 5.3 to 2.1.

Abe Sheahan booted three goals as Lachlan Gill, Carson James and James Schischka added two majors in a 96-68 victory.

The Bloods’ attack was led by Stroobants, three; Brock Harvey and Alex Smith, two.

Strathfieldsaye’s best were Daniel Clohesy, Jaidi Jackson-Leahy, Cooper Jones, Charlie King, Riley Wilson and Lachlan Gill.

Recruited from Wedderburn, William Marks was best for the Bloods along with Matt McNaughton, Brody Haddow, Cody Brooks, Zac Sims and Tait Poyser.

The day’s play was completed with the twilight match between Kangaroo Flat and Sandhurst at Kangaroo Flat’s Dower Park.

It was always going to be a tough task for a young Kangaroos line-up and new coach Michael Ellings.

The Roos worked hard to be within 15 points, 7-22 at quarter-time.

From there it was the Dragons on-ball brilliance and firepower near goal which took control.

Sandhurst scored 10.2 to a goal in the second and won the third term, 37-6.

Back as a full-time player with Sandhurst after several seasons with Collingwood in the VFL, Lachlan Tardrew kept racking up the disposals in a best afield performance.

Former Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn forward Fergus Greene kicked a round-high six goals and had great support from Tardrew, four; Joel Wharton and Lachlan  Wright, three, as the Dragons won 171-29.

Runner-up in ’23, Sandhurst is again coached by Ash Connick, non-playing, and Bryce Curnow, playing.

The Roos had four goalkickers – Toby Balcke, Justin Bateson, Luke Ellings from Gisborne, and Angus Grant.

Best for the Dragons were Tardrew, Noah Walsh, key defender Matt Campbell, Zach Pallpratt, James Coghlan and Caleb Connick.

Austin Lothian, Toby Balcke, Justin Bateson, Daniel Stagg, Luke Ellings and Ethan Roberts worked hard for the Kangaroos.

The round began on Good Friday when Castlemaine met Maryborough in a stand-alone match at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve.

Led by a five-goal haul by new coach Michael Hartley and impressive play of Bailey Henderson and Zach Greeves, Castlemaine answered a strong first half by the visitors to record a 131-62 victory.

Best for Castlemaine included Kalan Huntly, Callum McConachy and Liam Wilkinson.

Bailey Edwards, Kaian Constable, Coby Perry, Alex Brown, Joel Swatton and Aidan Medlyn were Maryborough’s best.

Gisborne had the bye.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 589 per cent, 4 points; Castlemaine 211, 4; Strathfieldsaye 141, 4; Eaglehawk 132, 4; Golden Square 75, 0; South Bendigo 70, 0; Maryborough 47, 0; Kangaroo Flat 16, 0; Gisborne 0, 0.

Leaders in the race for the Ron Best Medal, senior goalkicking award:

6 Fergus Greene, Sandhurst.

5 Michael Hartley, Castlemaine.

5 Bailey Henderson, Castlemaine.

4 Zach Greeves, Castlemaine.

4 Lachlan Tardrew, Sandhurst.

3 Jayden Burke, Golden Square.

3 Kaian Constable, Maryborough.

3 Sam O’Shannessy, Eaglehawk.

3 Abe Sheahan, Strathfieldsaye.

3 Steven Stroobants, South Bendigo.

3 Joel Wharton, Sandhurst.

3 Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst.

Highlight of next Saturday’s second round will be the clash of Sandhurst and Gisborne at Bendigo’s Queen Elizabeth Oval from 2.20pm.

A fierce rivalry between Golden Square and Strathfieldsaye is renewed in the Bulldogs’ kennel at Golden Square’s Wade Street ground.

Maryborough or Kangaroo Flat will pocket their first premiership points of the season when they clash on the Magpies’ turf at Princes Park.

South Bendigo takes on Castlemaine in the Bloods’ home at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington’s Neale Street.

Eaglehawk has the bye.

GOLDEN Square will try to halt Strathfieldsaye’s winning surge in Saturday’s 11^th round of senior footy action in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

Teams are back in action after last Saturday’s general bye.

It’s a short-lived rivalry of less than 15 years, but in that time the Bulldogs and Storm have played out many classic contests.

When they met in round two, Golden Square won 101-94 at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.

This Saturday’s showdown at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street  may be another as both are riding on winning streaks of six and five games.

Since consecutive defeats in rounds three and four the Christian Carter-coached Golden Square has struck back brilliantly.

A 13-goal loss at home to Eaglehawk in round five meant Strathfieldsaye had a 2-3 record.

The Darryl Wilson-coached Storm is on a five-game winning streak.

Both teams are stacked with plenty of talent.

A formidable Golden Square attack includes Joel Brett, last season’s Ron Best medallist as the league’s leading goalkicker, along with the marking power of Jayden Burke and Braydon Vaz.

It’s a daunting task for Storm defenders Patrick Blandford, Lachlan Ratcliffe and Ben Lester.

Storm’s forward line is brilliantly led by captain and dual Ron Best medallist Lachlan Sharp.

Other key targets inside forward 50m for Strathfieldsaye are James Schischka and Caleb Ernst.

They will be up against a dogged defence in blue and gold led by Jon Coe, Jack Hickman and Zack Shelton.

Across midfield, Square has Liam Barrett, Ryan Hartley and Zavier Murley to take on Darcy Mulquiny, Callum McCarty and Lachlan Gill.

Square has the running power and skill of Jack Geary, Ryan Hartley, Ricky Monti and Tom Toma.

Bulldogs’ long-time ruckman Matt Compston is up against Tim Hosking.

Key players at ground level for Storm include Riley Wilson, Luke Webb, Lachlan Bonney and Bode Stevens.

South Bendigo takes on Kangaroo Flat at Harry Trott Oval in Neale Street, Kennington.

The Bloods and Roos are both on the rebound from defeat.

It’s been a dramatic time at Kangaroo Flat since the loss to Sandhurst on June 24.

Then-Roos’ coach Nathan Johns was reported for threatening and abusive language toward an umpire, and making contact with an umpire after the match.

Johns was handed a four-match suspension by the BFNL independent tribunal and had his contract terminated by the club.

Assistant coach Jeremy Hayes is Kangaroo Flat’s interim coach.

The Nathan Horbury-coached Bloods are fourth on a 6-4 record.

Key players for South Bendigo include Brody Haddow in the centre, ruckman Mac Cameron, Brock Harvey and Steven Stroobants in attack, Braydan Torpey and Andrew van Heumen in defence.

The Kangaroos will look for big games from the likes of co-captains Mitch Collins and Ethan Roberts, Jordan and Zac Rouse, Harry Whitty, ruckman Toby Roberts, and Ryan O’Keefe.

The Roos did show in a three-point win against Eaglehawk they can be a dangerous opponent.

Unbeaten and on top of the ladder, Sandhurst is back at Queen Elizabeth Oval to play Kyneton.

It’s a crucial contest for the Paul Chapman-coached Tigers as they fight to stay in touch with the top five.

An extremely challenging task for Kyneton against a Sandhurst line-up that has Matt Thornton, Lachlan Wright and Cobi Maxted.

The Dragons also welcome back co-coach Bryce Curnow to the field, while Ash Connick coaches from the sidelines.

A talented Sandhurst line-up includes James and Lee Coghlan, Andy Collins, ruckman Hamish Hosking, Nick Stagg, Noah Walsh and Joel Wharton.

Tigers’ plans for a massive upset rest greatly on the play of Cameron Manuel, Thomas Quinn, Harrison Huntley, Hamish Yunghanns, Mitch Comben and Jayden Eales.

A premiership winner at Gisborne last season, Ethan Foreman is back with the yellow and black.

A skilful small forward, Foreman could do some damage, but will rely a lot on quality and quantity of supply.

Gisborne returns to Gardiner Reserve to take on Castlemaine.

The Brad Fox-coached Bulldogs were superb across the opening three quarters in their latest hit-out at Strathfieldsaye, but could not Storm’s run in the final term.

Gisborne’s best in that match were Matt Merrett, Flynn Lakey and Frank Schipano.

Bring the intensity it had at Strathfieldsaye a fortnight ago and Gisborne should mark its fourth win of the season.

The Bulldogs have the premiership-winning on-ball combination of Braidon Blake, Brad Bernacki and Flynn Lakey teaming up again.

Other key players for Gisborne include captain Jack Reaper, Seb Bell-Bartels and Zac Denahy.

The Dogs also have Matthew Barake to play his second senior match.

A tally of 40 disposals, which included 23 contested, earned Castlemaine on-baller Matt Filo the Barry Plant Player of the Round award as the Pies beat Maryborough in the 10^th round.

Filo will again play a key role for the Magpies who also welcome back key position player Bailey Henderson.

Castlemaine’s best in a hard-fought 19-point win against Maryborough included Brodie Byrne, Ethan Hein, Tyson Hickey, Callum McConachy and Riley Pedretti.

Massive test for a Magpies’ defence that includes Brendan Josey, John Watson, Ashton Frankling and Thomas Wilson.

Other players to watch are Brodie Browne-Kerr, Ben Moran and Jackson  Byrne.

Maryborough is on home turf at Princes Park to take on Eaglehawk.

The Coby Perry-coached Magpies played well to hold a nine-point lead at three-quarter time of the match at Castlemaine, but could not stop the home team’s charge in the last.

Best for the Borough in that match were Brady Neill, Mitch McClure and Kya Lanfranchi.

The Magpies face another enormous challenge against a Hawks line-up which regained confidence and form as it beat South Bendigo by 56 points last round.

The Magpies will rely a lot on the pressure applied by Riley Hamilton, Joel Swatton, Coby Perry, ruckman Ty Stewart, Luke Bucknall and Jai Howell at centre ball-ups and stoppages.

They are up against Hawks’ playmakers such as Jack and Ben Thompson, Joel Mullen, Connor Dalgleish, Noah Wheeler and Billy Evans.

Eaglehawk key forward Darcy Richards will be keen to play well against his former club.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 246 per cent, 38 points; Golden Square 227, 32; Strathfieldsaye 154, 28; Eaglehawk 202, 26; South Bendigo 140, 24; Kyneton 87, 20; Gisborne 114, 12; Kangaroo Flat 55, 12; Castlemaine 40, 8; Maryborough 18, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

45 - (4) - Joel Brett - Golden Square Seniors
44 - (3) - Lachlan Sharp - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
32 - (1) - Brock Harvey - South Bendigo Seniors
26 - (1) - Lachlan Wright - Sandhurst Seniors
26 - (1) - Steven Stroobants - South Bendigo Seniors
26 - (0) - William Keck - South Bendigo Seniors
23 - (0) - Cameron Manuel - Kyneton Seniors
20 - (3) - James Schischka - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
20 - (2) - Braydon Vaz - Golden Square Seniors
18 - (0) - Matt Thornton - Sandhurst Seniors
17 - (3) - Lewin Davis - Eaglehawk Seniors
16 - (1) - Ryan Hartley - Golden Square Seniors
16 - (3) - Darcy Richards - Eaglehawk Seniors
16 - (0) - Andrew Collins - Sandhurst Seniors
14 - (3) - Nicholas Stagg - Sandhurst Seniors
14 - (1) - Cameron McGlashan - Eaglehawk Seniors
14 - (0) - Callum McCarty - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
13 - (0) - Harry Whitty - Kangaroo Flat Seniors
13 - (0) - Thomas Quinn - Kyneton Seniors
13 - (1) - Hamish Morcom - Golden Square Seniors
12 - (2) - Jed Brereton - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
12 - (0) - Matthew Merrett - Gisborne Seniors
11 - (1) - Dylan Hird - Eaglehawk Seniors
11 - (0) - Noah Wheeler - Eaglehawk Seniors
11 - (0) - Hugh Freckleton - Golden Square Seniors
11 - (1) - Harry Luxmoore - Gisborne Seniors
11 - (1) - Liam Marciano - Eaglehawk Seniors
10 - (0) - Billy Evans - Eaglehawk Seniors
10 - (3) - Baxter Slater - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
10 - (1) - Zavier Murley - Golden Square Seniors
10 - (1) - Jordan Wilson - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
10 - (0) - Jack O’shannessy - Eaglehawk Seniors

GOLDEN Square thrashed Strathfieldsaye by 13 goals in the 11^th round of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s senior footy action on Saturday.

The Bulldogs and Storm both rode winning streaks of six and five matches into the clash on Golden Square’s ground at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street.

The Christian Carter-coached Golden Square led 20-5 at quarter-time and then seized control as it slammed on 5.2 to 1.5 in the second.

The Bulldogs’ dominance of stoppages was superb and the attack capitalised to score 4.3 in the crucial third term.

Just as important was the Dogs’ defensive play as they kept the Darryl Wilson-coached Storm scoreless in quarter three.

Square’s intensity and run did not ease up as the blue and gold added 5.1 to 2.4 in the last for a 110-32 result.

Joel Brett and Jack Stewart led the attack on four goals each as Tom Strauch added two.

A great sign for the Dogs was having seven other goalkickers.

On a tough afternoon for Storm it was Darcy Mulquiny, Luke Webb and Jordan Wilson who were on target.

Best for Golden Square were Liam Barrett, Matt Compston, Harrison Burke, Jack Hickman, Brodie James and Jack Stewart.

Luke Webb, Caleb Ernst, James Schischke, Bode Stevens, Jordan and Riley Wilson were Strathfieldsaye’s best.

Despite its inaccuracy, Sandhurst was able to claim a 51-point win against Kyneton at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow-coached Sandhurst led 23-3 at quarter-time and then added 1.5 as it kept the Tigers scoreless in the second term.

A 31-point lead at the long break was 32 by the last after the Dragons won the third term, 3.3 to 3.2.

Led by the play of Cooper Smith, Bryce Curnow, and Hamish Hosking in the ruck, Sandhurst added 6.3 to 3.2 in the final term.

Talented youngster Lachlan Wright led the Dragons’ attack on four goals as Matt Thornton chipped in with two.

Multiple goalkickers for Kyneton were Cameron Manuel and Thomas Quinn on two.

The Dragons’ best included Nick Stagg, Isaac Carracher and Darcy Mills.

Harrison Huntly, Thomas Quinn, Mason Crozier, Bailey McGee, James Gaff and Dom Bennington were best for the Paul Chapman-coached Tigers.

A brilliant opening quarter set up South Bendigo’s win against Kangaroo Flat at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

The Nathan Horbury-coached Bloods scored 6.3 to 1.2 in the first term.

From there it was an evenly-fought contest in which the Bloods added 75 points and the Kangaroos scored 70.

After being outplayed in term one the Roos who had Jeremy Hayes in charge as coach for the first time fought back strongly.

Kangaroo Flat scored 4.1 to 1.1 in the second to be within 13 points at the long break.

The Bloods then slammed on 10 goals in the third as it held the Flat to a tally of 1.1.

Despite a 71 point deficit at the last change, Kangaroo Flat never gave up and added 6.2 to just three behinds in the last.

At the final siren, South Bendigo led 17.12 (114) to 12.6 (78).

Steven Stroobants kicked a match-high six goals for the Bloods as Brody Haddow, Brock Harvey and Will Keck added two each.

The Roos’ attack was led by Nic Keogh, four; and Harry Whitty, three.

South Bendigo’s best were Mac Cameron, Tait Poyser, Brody Haddow, Oscar White, Steven Stroobants and Sam Maher.

Kyle Symons, Noah Furlong, Nic Keogh, Connor Evans, Mitchell Collins and Campbell Smith played well for the Kangaroos.

Gisborne won all quarters in a 101-36 victory on its turf at Gardiner Reserve against Castlemaine.

The Brad Fox-coached Bulldogs led 21-10 at quarter-time and then slammed on 7.3 to just two goals in the second.

Defences dominated most of the third quarter as Gisborne added 2.1 and the Magpies scored 1.1.

Jake Normington and Jack Reaper ended the match with three goals apiece as the Bulldogs scored 15.11 (101) to 5.6 (36).

Brad Keogh booted two goals for Castlemaine.

Best for Gisborne were Matt Merrett, Zac Vescovi, Zac Denahy, Liam Spear, Jake Normington and Kane Minns.

John Watson, Bailey Henderson, Matt Filo, Callum McConachy, Liam Wilkinson and Nic Woodman were best for the Brendan Shepherd-coached Magpies.

Eaglehawk held Maryborough to a tally of two points across the last three quarters as it recorded a 104-point victory at Princes Park.

The Coby Perry-coached Magpies started well to score 2.1 in the first term as Eaglehawk was on 2.7.

From there it was the Travis Matheson-coached Eaglehawk which dominated play.

The Two Blues scored 4.2 to a point in the second, 5.2 to a point in the third, and 6.6 to nil in the last.

At the final siren Eaglehawk led 17.17 (119) to 2.3 (15).

Joel Mullen led the Hawks’ attack on four goals as Lewin Davis, Dylan Hird, Liam Marciano, Noah Wheeler and Dillon Williams chipped in with two each.

Chris Freeman kicked both of Maryborough’s goals.

Best for Eaglehawk were Dillon Williams, Noah Wheeler, Billy Evans, Ben Thompson, Joel Mullen and Lewin Davis.

Maryborough’s best were Kya Lanfranchi, Joel Swatton, Mitch McClure, Chris Freeman, Ty Stewart and Brady Neill.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 243 per cent, 42 points; Golden Square 233, 36; Eaglehawk 219, 30; South Bendigo 140, 28; Strathfieldsaye 136, 28; Kyneton 20, 83; Gisborne 122, 16; Kangaroo Flat 56, 12; Castlemaine 40, 8; Maryborough 17, 0.

Match of the day in next Saturday’s round 12 action will be Golden Square against Sandhurst at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.

Eaglehawk takes on Gisborne at Canterbury Park.

Kangaroo Flat tackles Maryborough on the Roos’ ground at Dower Park.

Kyneton faces South Bendigo at Kyneton Showgrounds.

Strathfieldsaye plays Castlemaine at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

49 - (4) - Joel Brett - Golden Square Seniors
44 - (0) - Lachlan Sharp - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
34 - (2) - Brock Harvey - South Bendigo Seniors
32 - (6) - Steven Stroobants - South Bendigo Seniors
30 - (4) - Lachlan Wright - Sandhurst Seniors
28 - (2) - William Keck - South Bendigo Seniors
25 - (2) - Cameron Manuel - Kyneton Seniors
20 - (0) - James Schischka - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
20 - (0) - Braydon Vaz - Golden Square Seniors
20 - (2) - Matt Thornton - Sandhurst Seniors
19 - (2) - Lewin Davis - Eaglehawk Seniors
17 - (1) - Ryan Hartley - Golden Square Seniors
17 - (1) - Andrew Collins - Sandhurst Seniors
16 - (0) - Darcy Richards - Eaglehawk Seniors
16 - (3) - Harry Whitty - Kangaroo Flat Seniors
15 - (1) - Nicholas Stagg - Sandhurst Seniors
15 - (1) - Cameron McGlashan - Eaglehawk Seniors
15 - (2) - Thomas Quinn - Kyneton Seniors

GOLDEN Square ended Sandhurst’s unbeaten streak in Saturday’s 12^th round of senior footy action in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

The Bulldogs and Dragons met in the clash of second and first at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.

It was the Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow-coached Sandhurst which made a hot start as it scored 6.1 to 2.1 in the first quarter.

The Bulldogs fought back brilliantly to score 5.2 to 2.0 in the second and draw within four points by the long break.

Quarter three was marked by plenty of attacking by both teams.

The Christian Carter-coached Bulldogs scored 4.4 as Sandhurst added 3.5.

In front 73-72 at the start of the final term, Golden Square then dominated most of the last 30 minutes of the match.

The blue and gold scored 3.5 and kept the Dragons scoreless to complete a 96-72 victory.

Joel Brett kicked six goals for the Bulldogs as Liam Barrett, Hamish Morcom and Jack Stewart added two each.

Now back at Sandhurst full-time after a stint with Essendon in the VFL, Sam Conforti led the Dragons’ attack on four goals as Jake McLean and Lachlan Wright chipped in with two.

Best for the Bulldogs were ruckman Matt Compston, Jon Coe, Tom Toma, Jack Geary, Joel Brett and Ricky Monti.

Sam Conforti, Bryce Curnow, Lachlan Tardrew, James Coghlan, Hamish Hosking and Lachie Hood were Sandhurst’s best.

Gisborne stunned Eaglehawk on the Borough’s turf at Canterbury Park.

The Brad Fox-coached Bulldogs won every quarter on their way to a seven-goal win against the Hawks.

Gisborne led 21-7 at quarter-time and 44-26 by the main break.

The Travis Matheson-coached Hawks did lift to score 3.3 in the third, but the Dogs had the answers as they added 5.3.

A 28-point lead for Gisborne at the start of the last was 42 by the end after it scored 4.2 to 2.0.

A 101-59 result in Gisborne’s favour was in stark contrast to round three when Eaglehawk won by 49 points at Gardiner Reserve.

Back at Gisborne after playing most of the VFL season with Essendon, Brad Bernacki kicked four goals in a best afield performance on Saturday.

Captain Jack Reaper kicked three goals for the Bulldogs.

The Hawks’ attack was led by Lewin Davis on four.

Gisborne’s best were Brad Bernacki, Macklan Lord, Braidon Blake, Matt Weber, Ben Eales and Seb Bell-Bartels.

Dylan Hanley, Cam McGlashan, Lewin Davis, Kallen Geary, Billy Evans and Noah Wheeler were Eaglehawk’s best.

It was a case of almost for Maryborough in its clash with Kangaroo Flat at Dower Park.

The Coby Perry-coached Maryborough played brilliant football to lead at each of the quarter breaks by margins of nine, six and seven points.

As had happened a couple of times previously, Maryborough could not stop the opposition’s charge in the final term.

On Saturday it was the Jeremy Hayes-coached Kangaroos who scored 3.10 to a goal in the final term to mark a 75-60 victory.

Multiple goalkickers for the Kangaroos were Liam Collins, three; Nic Keogh and Harry Whitty, two.

The Magpies’ attack was led by Taj Bond on four.

Kangaroo Flat’s best were Liam Collins, Jordan and Zac Rouse, Ethan Roberts, Ryan O’Keefe and Nic Keogh.

Kya Lanfranchi, Taj Bond, Tom Myers, Joel Swatton, Lucas Hurse and Darcy Bond played well for the Magpies.

South Bendigo marked the trek to Kyneton Showgrounds by scoring a 107-point win against the Tigers.

The Nathan Horbury-coached Bloods scored 7.4 to just three behinds in the first term.

By half-time South Bendigo held an eight-goal lead.

Steven Stroobants went on to kick a match-high five goals and Brock Harvey added four as the Bloods won 21.14 (140) to 4.9 (33).

Other multiple goalkickers for South Bendigo were Sam Langley, three, and Daniel Johnstone, two.

Cameron Manuel kicked two goals for the Tigers.

Best for the Bloods were ruckman Mac Cameron, Oscar White, Riley Walsh, Sam Langley, Brock Harvey and Andrew van Heumen.

Jye Chambers, Cameron Manuel, Harrison Sheahan, Brady Muir, Jordan Iudica and Charlie Thompson were best for the Paul Chapman-coached Tigers.

An 11-goal haul by Strathfieldsaye captain Lachlan Sharp highlighted Storm’s big win at home against Castlemaine at Triple M Park.

Storm led 32-7 at quarter-time and 76-28 by the long break.

It was an 80-point lead for Strathfieldsaye at a quarter to go.

The final term was to be one of the best of the season for the Brendan Shepherd-coached Magpies as they scored 5.4 to 4.0.

The other multiple goalkicker for Storm in the 139-69 victory was Bode Stevens on a day where the team had 11 goalkickers.

Castlemaine’s attack was led by Riley Pedretti, three; Brad Keogh and John Watson, two.

Best for the Darryl Wilson-coached Storm were Lachlan Sharp, Riley Wilson, Daniel Clohesy, Lachlan Gill, Luke Webb and Malik Gordon.

Nic Woodman, Bailey Henderson, John Watson, Callum McConachy, Matt Filo and Riley Pedretti played well for the Magpies.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 214 per cent, 42 points; Golden Square 222, 40; South Bendigo 152, 32; Strathfieldsaye 142, 32; Eaglehawk 193, 30; Gisborne 125, 20; Kyneton 75, 20; Kangaroo Flat 60, 16; Castlemaine 41, 8; Maryborough 20, 0.

Highlight of next Saturday’s round 13 action will be South Bendigo against Golden Square at Harry Trott Oval in Neale Street, Kennington.

On the rebound from its first defeat, Sandhurst faces Strathfieldsaye at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Maryborough tackles Kyneton at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

A resurgent Gisborne and Kangaroo Flat clash at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve.

Castlemaine is on home turf at Camp Reserve to take on Eaglehawk.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

55 - (6) - Joel Brett - Golden Square 
55 - (11) - Lachlan Sharp - Strathfieldsaye 
38 - (4) - Brock Harvey - South Bendigo 
37 - (5) - Steven Stroobants - South Bendigo 
32 - (2) - Lachlan Wright - Sandhurst 
29 - (1) - William Keck - South Bendigo 
27 - (2) - Cameron Manuel - Kyneton 
23 - (4) - Lewin Davis - Eaglehawk 
21 - (1) - James Schischka - Strathfieldsaye 
20 - (0) - Braydon Vaz - Golden Square 
20 - (0) - Matt Thornton - Sandhurst 
18 - (2) - Harry Whitty - Kangaroo Flat 
17 - (0) - Ryan Hartley - Golden Square 
17 - (0) - Andrew Collins - Sandhurst 
16 - (1) - Cameron McGlashan - Eaglehawk 
16 - (0) - Darcy Richards - Eaglehawk 
16 - (2) - Hamish Morcom - Golden Square 
15 - (0) - Nicholas Stagg - Sandhurst 
15 - (0) - Thomas Quinn - Kyneton 
14 - (0) - Callum McCarty - Strathfieldsaye 
13 - (0) - Dylan Hird - Eaglehawk 
13 - (0) - Noah Wheeler - Eaglehawk 
13 - (0) - Liam Marciano - Eaglehawk 
12 - (0) - Matthew Merrett - Gisborne 
12 - (0) - Jed Brereton - Strathfieldsaye 
12 - (3) - Liam Collins - Kangaroo Flat 
12 - (2) - Jack Stewart - Golden Square 

DEFEATING Golden Square twice in a season is a feat South Bendigo has not achieved for a long time.

The Bloods have a chance to do so in Saturday’s 13^th round of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy action.

South Bendigo is at its new home at Harry Trott Oval in Neale Street, Kennington to tackle the Bulldogs.

The Nathan Horbury-coached Bloods go into the match in third place, but could drop to the fifth rung if they are beaten and Strathfieldsaye and Eaglehawk win.

Back in round four, South Bendigo celebrated a 76-75 win on Golden Square’s turf at Fur Life Oval.

The Bloods will need strong contributions from a lot of players to beat the Christian Carter-coached Bulldogs.

Brody Haddow is in brilliant form in the centre for the Bloods and will play a huge role against Ryan Hartley.

A Bloods’ attack led by Steven Stroobants, Brock Harvey and Will Keck is up against Harry Burke, Jon Coe and Jack Hickman.

A highlight will be in the ruck where Bloods’ gun recruit Mac Cameron takes on Matt Compston.

Other key players for South Bendigo are Sam Langley, Isaiah Miller, Braydan Torpey, Andrew van Heumen, and Oscar White.

A powerful Golden Square attack includes Joel Brett, Jayden Burke, Tom Strauch  and Braydon Vaz.

The run and skill of Jack Geary, Jake Thrum, Tom Toma and Ricky Monti sets up so many of the Bulldogs’ attacks.

Sandhurst is on the rebound from its first defeat of ’23 when it takes on Strathfieldsaye at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The Dragons could not stop Golden Square’s final quarter charge of 23-nil to complete a 96-72 victory.

A Sandhurst squad co-coached by Ash Connick, non-playing, and Bryce Curnow, playing, includes Lee Coghlan, Andy Collins, Sam Conforti, Hamish Hosking, Cooper Smith, Nick Stagg and Lachlan Tardrew.

In round four, Sandhurst won at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye by five goals.

The Darryl Wilson-coached Storm beat Castlemaine by 70 points last round as captain Lachlan Sharp kicked 11 goals.

Players to watch for Storm include Daniel Clohesy, Lachlan Gill, Malik Gordon, Luke Webb and Riley Wilson.

Strathfieldsaye also has Baxter Slater, Mitch Hallinan, Shannon Geary, Lachlan Bonney and Lachlan Ratcliffe.

A resurgent Gisborne is back at Gardiner Reserve to take on Kangaroo Flat.

The Brad Fox-coached Gisborne outgunned Eaglehawk by seven goals in last Saturday’s clash on the Borough’s turf at Canterbury Park.

Bulldogs’ ruck-rover Brad Bernacki kicked four goals and was best afield against the Hawks.

A talented Gisborne line-up includes captain Jack Reaper who has switched from defence to attack, ruckman Braidon Blake, rover Flynn Lakey, and Matt Merrett on a wing.

The Bulldogs also have the marking power of Jed and Zac Denahy.

Kangaroo Flat marked a 15-point win at home against Maryborough last round.

The Jeremy Hayes-coached Roos face a huge task at Gisborne.

Harry Whitty and Nic Keogh are key targets in a Roos’ attack that includes Sam Barnes and Ethan Roberts.

A key to Flat’s chances will be the on-ball and midfield duels where Toby Roberts, Mitch Collins, Campbell Smith and Liam Collins are up against some of the league’s best.

Maryborough is back at Princes Park to take on Kyneton.

It’s been a big week off-field at Tigerland as Paul Chapman has stepped down as senior coach because of increased working commitments.

It was a mutual agreement for Chapman and the club to part ways in his third season with the yellow and back.

Assistant coach Darren Chambers will be in charge for the rest of the season.

Maryborough went so close to break its winless run last round.

The Coby Perry-coached Magpies did a lot right on Kangaroo Flat’s ground.

The play of Magpies’ key defender Kya Lanfranchi who racked up 25 disposals, 19 intercepts, 13 intercept marks and 214 ranking points earned the Barry Plant Player of the Round award.

Lanfranchi will again play a key role against the Tigers, along with Jake Postle and Lucas Hurse in defence, Joel Swatton in the centre, Chris Freeman and Taj Bond in attack.

Tom Myers will start in the ruck with Matt Johnston as ruck-rover for the Coby Perry-coached Maryborough.

The Tigers will be snarling after a big loss to South Bendigo at home.

Best in Kyneton’s latest hit-out included Jye Chambers, Jordan Iudica, Cameron Manuel, Brady Muir and Harrison Sheahan.

The Tigers also have Ethan Foreman and Thomas Quinn in attack.

Castlemaine is at home at Camp Reserve to face an Eaglehawk team on the rebound from defeat.

The Brendan Shepherd-coached Magpies will be aiming to carry the momentum of a five-goal final term at Strathfieldsaye into this contest.

Leading goalkickers for Castlemaine last round were Riley Pedretti, three; Brad Keogh and John Watson, two.

Players to watch for the black and white include Brodie Byrne, Matt Filo, Bailey Henderson, Callum McConachy, John Watson and Liam Wilkinson.

The Travis Matheson-coached Hawks will be fired up.

Eaglehawk’s line-up includes Lewin Davis, Billy Evans, Kallen Geary, Dylan Hanley and Sam Harper.

Key defender Oscar Madden is in for his first senior game of the year.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 214 per cent, 42 points; Golden Square 222, 40; South Bendigo 152, 32; Strathfieldsaye 142, 32; Eaglehawk 193, 30; Gisborne 125, 20; Kyneton 75, 20; Kangaroo Flat 60, 16; Castlemaine 41, 8; Maryborough 20, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

55 Joel Brett, Golden Square.

55 Lachlan Sharp, Strathfieldsaye.

38 Brock Harvey, South Bendigo.

37 Steven Stroobants, South Bendigo.

32 Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst.

29 William Keck, South Bendigo.

27 Cameron Manuel, Kyneton.

23 Lewin Davis, Eaglehawk.

21 James Schischka, Strathfieldsaye.

20 Matt Thornton, Sandhurst.

20 Braydon Vaz, Golden Square.

18 Harry Whitty, Kangaroo Flat.

17 Andy Collins, Sandhurst.

17 Ryan Hartley, Golden Square.

16 Cam McGlashan, Eaglehawk.

16 Hamish Morcom, Golden Square.

16 Darcy Richards, Eaglehawk.

15 Thomas Quinn, Kyneton.

15 Nick Stagg, Sandhurst.

14 Callum McCarty, Strathfieldsaye.

13 Dylan Hird, Eaglehawk.

13 Liam Marciano, Eaglehawk.

13 Noah Wheeler, Eaglehawk.

A FIRST-QUARTER blitz of seven goals set up Golden Square’s big win against South Bendigo in Saturday’s 13^th round of senior footy in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

When these clubs met in round four it was the Bloods who claimed a one-point victory on Golden Square’s turf.

This time it was the Christian Carter-coached Bulldogs who were fired up from the first contest at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

The Dogs charged to a 46-2 lead by the first break and then scored 5.1 to 5.2 in the second.

Across the final hour the blue and gold added 9.6 to 5.6 to complete a 137-70 victory.

Braydon Vaz led the Dogs’ attack on four goals as onballer Tom Toma added three.

Other multiple goalkickers for the winners were Joel Brett, Lachlan Humphrey, Hamish Morcom and Ricky Monto with two.

The Bloods’ attack was led by Steven Stroobants, four, and Brock Harvey, three.

Golden Square’s best were Jon Coe, Tom Toma, Jack Hickman, Jake Thrum, Braydon Vaz and Liam Barrett.

Sam Langley, Josh Connolly, Riley Walsh, Tait Poyser, Mac Cameron and Alex Smith were best for the Nathan Horbury-coached Bloods.

Sandhurst’s defence was superb in the clash with Strathfieldsaye at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The Dragons had worked superbly to keep Storm to just two goals for most of the match until a late surge by the visitors cut the winning margin to 27 points.

Former Richmond and Carlton mid/forward Andy Collins kicked a match-high four goals in a 67-40 victory for Sandhurst.

Storm captain Lachlan Sharp became the first in club history to play 200 senior games, but it was one of the few matches of a brilliant career where he was held goalless.

The play of James Coghlan against Sharp earned best afield honours for the Dragons.

Storm’s attack was led by James Schischka on three.

Best for the Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow-coached Sandhurst were James Coghlan, Andy Collins, Hamish Hosking, Sam Conforti, Zach Pallpratt and Noah Walsh.

Riley Wilson, Patrick Blandford, Ben Lester, Mitch Hallinan, Hunter Lawrence and Bode Stevens were best for the Darryl Wilson-coached Storm.

Gisborne’s winning run kept rolling.

The Brad Fox-coached Bulldogs were home at Gardiner Reserve to take on Kangaroo Flat.

Gisborne led 18-16 at quarter-time and blew the contest wide open as it added 6.4 to 2.1 in the seond term.

Zac Denahy went on to kick four goals and Matt Merrett added three as Gisborne won 14.19 (103) to 8.12 (60).

Tom Cassidy and Luke Ellings both kicked two goals for the Bulldogs.

Kangaroo Flat’s leading goalkickers were Sam Barnes, Connor Evans and Luke Foreman on two each.

Best for Gisborne were Zac Denahy, on-ballers Braidon Blake, Flynn Lakey and Brad Bernacki, along with Matt Merrett and Zac Vescovi.

Mitch Collins, Connor Evans, Ethan Roberts, Ryan O’Keefe, Liam Collins and Zac Rouse were best for the Jeremy Hayes-coached Kangaroo Flat.

It was a first-up victory for Kyneton’s interim coach Darren Chambers as the Tigers played at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

Chambers stepped up from being assistant after Paul Chapman stepped aside as senior coach earlier in the week because of increased work commitments.

The Tigers turned a one-goal lead at half-time into a 28-point buffer by the last after they scored 4.4 to a goal in the third quarter.

Ethan Foreman and Thomas Quinn went on to kick a team-high three goals apiece and Cameron Manuel added two as the Tigers claimed a 102-44 victory.

There were no multiple goalkickers for Maryborough.

Best for the Tigers were Lucas Iudica, Bailey McGee, Hamish Yunghanns, Caleb Fisher, Jake Summers and James Gaff.

Joel Swatton, Tom Myers, Jake Postle, Kya Lanfranchi, Aidan Medlyn and Kalan Constable played well for the Coby Perry-coached Maryborough.

Stung by defeat to Gisborne the previous round, Eaglehawk bounced back for a 100-point win at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve.

The Travis Matheson-coached Hawks led 32-13 at quarter-time and then scored 5.2 to a behind in the second.

Lewin Davis and Jack O'Shannessy kicked three goals each as Darcy Richards, Noah Wheeler and Dillon Williams added two in a 121-21 victory.

The Hawks defence worked well to hold the Magpies to a tally of three goals.

Eaglehawk’s best were Joel Mullen, Dylan Hird, Jack Thompson, Connor Dalgleish, Dillon Williams and Blake McGregor.

Matt Filo, Callum McConachy, Bailey Henderson, Brodie Byrne, Curtis McLennan and John Watson were best for the Brendan Shepherd-coached Magpies.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 211 per cent, 46 points; Golden Square 219, 44; Eaglehawk 206, 34; South Bendigo 138, 32; Strathfieldsaye 136, 32; Gisborne 128, 24; Kyneton 81, 24; Kangaroo Flat 60, 16; Castlemaine 39, 8; Maryborough 21, 0.

There are several big games in next Saturday’s round 14 action.

Sandhurst takes on past co-tenant South Bendigo at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Eaglehawk is on home turf at Canterbury Park to play Strathfieldsaye.

Kyneton and Gisborne clash at Kyneton Showgrounds.

Kangaroo Flat  meets Castlemaine on the Kangaroos’ ground at Dower Park.

Golden Square tackles Maryborough at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

57 - (2) - Joel Brett - Golden Square Seniors
55 - (0) - Lachlan Sharp - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
41 - (4) - Steven Stroobants - South Bendigo Seniors
41 - (3) - Brock Harvey - South Bendigo Seniors
33 - (1) - Lachlan Wright - Sandhurst Seniors
30 - (1) - William Keck - South Bendigo Seniors
29 - (2) - Cameron Manuel - Kyneton Seniors
26 - (3) - Lewin Davis - Eaglehawk Seniors
24 - (3) - James Schischka - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
24 - (4) - Braydon Vaz - Golden Square Seniors
21 - (4) - Andrew Collins - Sandhurst Seniors
20 - (0) - Matt Thornton - Sandhurst Seniors
19 - (1) - Harry Whitty - Kangaroo Flat Seniors
18 - (1) - Ryan Hartley - Golden Square Seniors
18 - (3) - Thomas Quinn - Kyneton Seniors
18 - (2) - Darcy Richards - Eaglehawk Seniors
18 - (2) - Hamish Morcom - Golden Square Seniors
17 - (1) - Cameron McGlashan - Eaglehawk Seniors
15 - (0) - Nicholas Stagg - Sandhurst Seniors
15 - (2) - Noah Wheeler - Eaglehawk Seniors
15 - (3) - Matthew Merrett - Gisborne Seniors
14 - (3) - Thomas Toma - Golden Square Seniors
14 - (0) - Callum McCarty - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
13 - (0) - Dylan Hird - Eaglehawk Seniors
13 - (0) - Liam Marciano - Eaglehawk Seniors
13 - (4) - Zac Denahy - Gisborne Seniors
13 - (1) - Jack Stewart - Golden Square Seniors
13 - (3) - Jack O’shannessy - Eaglehawk Seniors
12 - (2) - Jack Hickman - Golden Square Seniors
12 - (3) - Ethan Foreman - Kyneton Seniors
12 - (2) - Sam Barnes - Kangaroo Flat Seniors
12 - (0) - Jed Brereton - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
12 - (0) - Liam Collins - Kangaroo Flat Seniors

EAGLEHAWK will be eyeing a chance to end Golden Square’s winning streak in Saturday’s 17^th round of senior footy in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

There’s plenty at stake as third takes on second at Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park.

It’s the start of a tough two-week stretch for the Travis Matheson-coached Borough in the lead-up to the finals as it tackles Golden Square and then Sandhurst.

Victory would be a massive lift for the Hawks’ confidence and also break a 12-match winning streak by the Bulldogs.

When these clubs met in round eight it was the Christian Carter-coached Golden Square which fought for a 70-67 victory on its turf at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street.

There are plenty of key match-ups for Saturday’s contest.

Hawks’ ruckman Connor Dalgleish takes on the experienced Matt Compston.

The on-ball duels in which Noah Wheeler, Billy Evans and Joel Mullen take on Bulldogs’ stars Tom Toma, Ricky Monti and Ryan Hartley will be a highlight.

Although it may be without some key targets in attack, Eaglehawk has shown it has plenty of options.

Last round it was Sam O’Shannessy who kicked five goals in the win at Kyneton.

The Hawks have former St Kilda captain Jarryn Geary, Lewin Davis and Ben Thompson in the forward 50m arc.

Sam Harper and Dylan Hird will also be keen to have an impact for the Two Blues against their former club.

In defence, Eaglehawk has Marcus Angove, Clayton Holmes and Charlie Langford to take on Joel Brett, Jack Hickman and Braydon Vaz.

Massive test for the Hawks in trying to stop the running power of Golden Square captain Jack Geary and Jake Thrum.

Gisborne is back on its turf at Gardiner Reserve to take on South Bendigo.

In round eight the Bloods beat Gisborne by 68 points at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

Huge challenge for the Bulldogs defence in trying to stop Brock Harvey and Steven Stroobants who kicked 10 and seven goals in last Saturday’s home win against Maryborough.

Gisborne has premiership-winning coach Rob Waters back in charge and appointed to lead the club in ’24.

A key to the Bulldogs’ chances will be the on-ball contests where Braidon Blake, Matt Weber and Flynn Lakey take on Mac Cameron, Oscar White and Bloods’ coach Nathan Horbury.

The battle between Brad Bernacki and Brody Haddow in the centre will be a highlight.

Targets in Gisborne’s attack are Harry Luxmoore, Matt Merrett and Adam Brancatisano.

Gisborne named captain Jack Reaper who has spent a fair amount of time up forward at full-back.

Players to watch for the Bloods include Sam Langley, Isaiah Miller, Tait Poyser and captain Zac Hare.

Strathfieldsaye Storm is back at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane to take on Maryborough.

A 14-goal haul by Storm captain Lachlan Sharp in the big win at Kangaroo Flat earned the Barry Plant Player of Round 16 award.

Not only was Storm’s sharpshooter on target, but also racked up 12 marks, six  tackles and 218 ranking points.

Sharp has a superb record against Maryborough and could increase his lead in the race for the Ron Best Medal as this season’s leading goalkicker.

Strathfieldsaye has put together a strong attack that includes the marking power of James Schischka, Caleb Ernst  and Jack Exell, and includes Baxter Slater and Jordan Wilson at ground level.

The Darryl Wilson-coached Storm has plenty of dare and run provided from half-back by Luke Webb and Mitch Hallinan.

Players to watch include ruckman Jed Brereton, on-baller Daniel Clohesy, and Shannon Geary on his return from injury.

Been an incredibly tough season for a young Maryborough team and first-year coach Coby Perry.

The Magpies’ workrate at clearances and ability to try and shut down Storm’s run will be crucial.

A premiership winner with Strathfieldsaye, Matt Johnston returns to Triple M Park playing a key role for Maryborough.

The play of Joel Swatton in the centre, Kya Lanfranchi, Darcy Bond and Jake Postle in defence will be incredibly important for the Magpies.

Captain Ty Stewart is in the ruck and Brad Wootton as rover.

Castlemaine is on home turf at Camp Reserve to take on Sandhurst.

Been a tough run for the Brendan Shepherd-coached Magpies who played at Golden Square last Saturday.

The Magpies played well in quarters two and three, but the Dogs dominated by scoring 10 and eight goals in the other terms.

Best in Castlemaine’s latest hit-out were Riley Pedretti, Brodie Byrne, Lloyd Butcher, Ben McConachy, Brendan Josey and Liam Wilkinson.

For Sandhurst there will be no let-up in its ferocity at the contest and its defensive pressure.

The Dragons have a strong attack, but defence is a hallmark of its run which has netted 14 wins, a draw, and just one defeat.

Co-coach of the Dragons line-up with Ash Connick, Bryce Curnow was in outstanding form against Gisborne last round.

A formidable Dragons’ line-up includes the experience of Andy Collins, Nick Stagg, Matt Thornton and Alex Wharton.

Younger players such as Sam Conforti, Noah Walsh and Lachlan Wright have played significant roles in the team’s success.

Kangaroo Flat and Kyneton clash on the Roos’ turf at Dower Park.

The Jeremy Hayes-coached Kangaroos will be determined to mark their sixth win of the season.

Another big test for Roos’ on-ballers Toby Roberts, Mitch Collins and Mitch Trewhella against Jayden Eales, Hamish Yunghanns and Jordan Iudica.

In attack, Flat will look to Harry Whitty, Sam Barnes and Nic Keogh to cap off the work of Liam Collins, Ryan O’Keefe, Zac Rouse and more.

The Darren Chambers-coached Kyneton will be fired up after a big loss at home to Eaglehawk last round.

The Tigers’ attack includes Cameron Manuel, Ethan Foreman and Thomas Quinn.

Kyneton will look to Jake Safstrom, Caleb Fisher and Bailey McGee to do plenty of atacking, and for Harrison Huntley, Mason Crozier and Lucas Iduica to defend well.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 226 per cent, 58 points; Golden Square 245, 56; Eaglehawk 205, 46; Strathfieldsaye 140, 40; South Bendigo 137, 36; Kyneton 80, 32; Gisborne 113, 24; Kangaroo Flat 58, 20; Castlemaine 40, 8; Maryborough 21, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

79 Lachlan Sharp, Strathfieldsaye.

73 Joel Brett, Golden Square.

57 Brock Harvey, South Bendigo.

51 Steven Stroobants, South Bendigo.

42 Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst.

33 Lewin Davis, Eaglehawk.

33 Will Keck, South Bendigo.

33 Cameron Manuel, Kyneton.

30 Braydon Vaz, Golden Square.

29 James Schischka, Strathfieldsaye.

25 Jack Stewart, Golden Square.

25 Matt Thornton, Sandhurst.

24 Andy Collins, Sandhurst.

24 Thomas Quinn, Kyneton.

24 Harry Whitty, Kangaroo Flat.

23 Ryan Hartley, Golden Square.

21 Hamish Morcom, Golden Square.

21 Nick Stagg, Sandhurst.

21 Noah Wheeler, Eaglehawk.

20 Darcy Richards, Eaglehawk.

20 Tom Toma, Golden Square.

18 Matt Merrett, Gisborne.

17 Jed Brereton, Strathfieldsaye.

17 Ethan Foreman, Kyneton.

17 Cam McGlashan, Eaglehawk.

16 Sam Conforti, Sandhurst.

16 Zac Denahy, Gisborne.

16 Billy Evans, Eaglehawk.

16 Jack O’Shannessy, Eaglehawk.

15 Liam Marciano, Eaglehawk.

15 Baxter Slater, Strathfieldsaye.

14 Brad Bernacki, Gisborne.

14 Luke Ellings, Gisborne.

14 Jack Hickman, Golden Square.

14 Nic Keogh, Kangaroo Flat.

14 Harry Luxmoore, Gisborne.

14 Cobi Maxted, Sandhurst.

14 Callum McCarty, Strathfieldsaye.

14 Zavier Murley, Golden Square.

13 Liam Collins, Kangaroo Flat.

13 Dylan Hird, Eaglehawk.

13 Sam Langley, South Bendigo.

13 Jack Reaper, Gisborne.

13 Jake Summers, Kyneton.

12 Sam Barnes, Kangaroo Flat.

12 Braidon Blake, Gisborne.

12 Kallen Geary, Eaglehawk.

12 Brad Keogh, Castlemaine.

12 Tom Strauch, Golden Square.

GOLDEN Square and Eaglehawk played out another thrilling finish in Saturday’s 17^th round of senior footy in the Bendigo Bank Bendidgo FNL season.

The Bulldogs and Hawks clashed on Eaglehawk’s turf at Canterbury Park.

There was plenty at stake as Golden Square needed to keep the heat on the ladder-leading Sandhurst, and Eaglehawk strived to strengthen its grip on the third rung.

Defensive pressure from both teams was outstanding.

The Travis Matheson-coached Eaglehawk led 15-8 at quarter-time and 28-23 by the long break.

In the third term the Two Blues added 1.4, but worked incredibly hard to limit the Bulldogs to a tally of 1.1.

Just as it had done against the Hawks in the eighth round, Golden Square overcame a three quarter-time deficit.

The Bulldogs scored 3.3 to 1.3 in the final term to complete a 51-47 victory.

Joel Brett led Square’s attack on three goals.

Leading goalkickers for the Hawks were Sam O’Shannessy and Ben Thompson with two.

Golden Square’s best were Jack Hickman, Tom Toma, Zack Shelton, Jack Threlfall, Jayden Burke and Harrison Burke.

Clayton Holmes, Dillon Williams, Billy Evans, Connor Dalgleish, Ben Thompson and Dylan Hanley played well for Eaglehawk.

It was a stunning turnaround by Gisborne as it took on South Bendigo at Gardiner Reserve.

When these clubs met in round eight, South Bendigo scored a 68-point victory.

This time it was the Bulldogs who have premiership-winning coach Rob Waters back in charge who dominated play.

Gisborne led 27-26 at quarter-time and then scored 18 goals across the next three quarters and held the Bloods to tally of seven.

The Bulldogs opened up a 25-point lead by half-time as it work in the stoppages and linking up with runners proved too much for the Bloods to stop.

Gisborne scored 5.5 to 1.5 in the second term and then added 13.8 to 6.2 in the second half for a 148-75 result.

Brilliant on-baller Brad Bernacki, James Gray and Harry Luxmoore kicked a team-high four goals.

Other multiple goalkickers were Ben Eales, Harry Thomas, Tom Wood, two.

The Bloods’ attack was led by Will Keck on five goals as Brock Harvey added three.

Gisborne’s best were Matt Weber, Zac Vescovi, Brad Bernacki, Macklan Lord, Flynn Lakey and Ben Eales.

On a disappointing day for the Nathan Horbury-coached South Bendigo it was Will Keck, Mac Cameron, Sam Griffiths, Andrew van Heumen, Brody Haddow and Sam Langley who were best.

Kyneton won a great contest with Kangaroo Flat on the Roos’ ground at Dower Park.

The Tigers led 44-35 at half-time and then took control in the third as they scored 5.1 to 1.4.

Although the Jeremy Hayes-coached Roos faced a five-goal deficit at the start of the final quarter they never gave up.

Kangaroo Flat won the last term, 26-9, but it was the Darren Chambers-coached Kyneton which took the points in an 84-71 victory.

The Tigers’ attack was led by Steven Georgiou, Bailey McGee and Jake Summers on two goals.

Luke Foreman kicked a match-high four goals for the Roos as Mitch Collins added two.

Best for Kyneton were Thomas Quinn, Harrison Huntley, Ben Cameron, Hamish Yunghanns, Bailey McGee and Ethan Foreman.

Ryan O’Keefe, Mitch Trewhella, Darcy McClure, Liam and Mitch Collins, and Zac Rouse were the Kangaroos’ best.

Sandhurst marked a 99-35 victory at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve.

It was in quarters two and four where the Dragons fired up.

Sandhurst led 15-10 at quarter-time and then scored 5.6 to a point in the second.

The Brendan Shepherd-coached Castlemaine fought back to win the third term, 16-3.

The last went Sandhurst’s way, 45-8, for a 99-35 result.

Matt Wilkinson kicked five goals for the Dragons as Nick Stagg and Lachlan Wright added two each.

Best for a Dragons team jointly coached by Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow were Hamish Hosking, Matt Wilkinson, Sam Conforti, Noah Walsh, James Coghlan and Tanner Nally.

Riley Pedretti, Lloyd Butcher, Liam Wilkinson, Bailey Henderson, Brad Keogh and Brendan Josey were Castlemaine’s best.

It was another brilliant performance by Strathfieldsaye’s attack against Maryborough at Strathfieldsaye’s Triple M Park.

The Darryl Wilson-coached Storm led 96-nil at half-time.

Storm captain Lachlan Sharp was in hot form again as he kicked eight goals in a team tally of 32.

Other multiple goalkickers in the 226-8 victory were Baxter Slater and Jordan Wilson, five; Caleb Ernst, four; Lachlan Monti, three; and Lachlan Gill, two.

Jai Howell goaled for Maryborough.

Storm’s best were Lachlan Gill, Daniel Clohesy, Cooper Jones, Matt Harvey, James Schischka and Luke Webb.

Brady Neill, Kya Lanfranchi, Josh Britten, Dylan Reece, Nic Swan and Darcy Bond worked hard for the Coby Perry-coached Maryborough.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 228 per cent, 62 points; Golden Square 237, 60; Eaglehawk 198, 46; Strathfieldsaye 159, 44; South Bendigo 127, 36; Kyneton 82, 36; Gisborne 118, 28; Kangaroo Flat 59, 20; Castlemaine 40, 8; Maryborough 19, 0.

It’s first against third as Sandhurst takes on Eaglehawk in next Saturday’s 18^th and final round of the home and away series.

Kyneton tackles Strathfieldsaye in Tigerland at Kyneton Showgrounds.

South Bendigo and Castlemaine meet in the Bloods’ home at Harry Trott Oval in Neale Street, Kennington.

Golden Square hosts Kangaroo Flat in the battle of the neighbours at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.

Maryborough and Gisborne clash at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

87 - (8) - Lachlan Sharp - Strathfieldsaye 
76 - (3) - Joel Brett - Golden Square 
60 - (3) - Brock Harvey - South Bendigo 
52 - (1) - Steven Stroobants - South Bendigo 
44 - (2) - Lachlan Wright - Sandhurst 
38 - (5) - William Keck - South Bendigo 
34 - (1) - Lewin Davis - Eaglehawk 
34 - (1) - Cameron Manuel - Kyneton 
31 - (1) - Braydon Vaz - Golden Square 
29 - (0) - James Schischka - Strathfieldsaye 
26 - (1) - Jack Stewart - Golden Square 
26 - (0) - Andrew Collins - Sandhurst 
25 - (0) - Matt Thornton - Sandhurst 
24 - (0) - Thomas Quinn - Kyneton 
24 - (0) - Harry Whitty - Kangaroo Flat 
23 - (0) - Ryan Hartley - Golden Square 
22 - (2) - Nicholas Stagg - Sandhurst 
21 - (0) - Noah Wheeler - Eaglehawk 
21 - (0) - Hamish Morcom - Golden Square 
20 - (5) - Baxter Slater - Strathfieldsaye 
20 - (0) - Thomas Toma - Golden Square 
20 - (0) - Darcy Richards - Eaglehawk 
18 - (1) - Ethan Foreman - Kyneton 
18 - (0) - Matthew Merrett - Gisborne 
18 - (1) - Jed Brereton - Strathfieldsaye 
18 - (4) - Harry Luxmoore - Gisborne 
18 - (4) - Bradley Bernacki - Gisborne 
17 - (0) - Cameron McGlashan - Eaglehawk 
16 - (0) - Billy Evans - Eaglehawk 
16 - (5) - Jordan Wilson - Strathfieldsaye 
16 - (0) - Zac Denahy - Gisborne 
16 - (0) - Jack O’shannessy - Eaglehawk 
16 - (0) - Sam Conforti - Sandhurst 
15 - (1) - Luke Ellings - Gisborne 
15 - (2) - Jake Summers - Kyneton 
15 - (0) - Liam Marciano - Eaglehawk 
14 - (0) - Jack Hickman - Golden Square 
14 - (0) - Zavier Murley - Golden Square 
14 - (0) - Nicholas Keogh - Kangaroo Flat 
14 - (0) - Cobi Maxted - Sandhurst 
14 - (0) - Callum McCarty - Strathfieldsaye 
13 - (0) - Jack Reaper - Gisborne 
13 - (0) - Dylan Hird - Eaglehawk 
13 - (0) - Samuel Langley - South Bendigo 
13 - (5) - Matthew Wilkinson - Sandhurst 
13 - (0) - Liam Collins - Kangaroo Flat 
13 - (1) - Bradley Keogh - Castlemaine 
12 - (1) - Liam Barrett - Golden Square 
12 - (0) - Braidon Blake - Gisborne 
12 - (0) - Tom Strauch - Golden Square 
12 - (0) - Kallen Geary - Eaglehawk 
12 - (0) - Sam Barnes - Kangaroo Flat 
12 - (1) - Bailey Henderson - Castlemaine 
12 - (4) - Luke Foreman - Kangaroo Flat 

GOLDEN Square capped a brilliant fightback to win on Strathfieldsaye’s turf in Saturday’s second round of senior footy in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo Football Netball League.

It was Storm which raced to a 33-1 lead by quarter-time of the clash at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.

The Bulldogs bit back to cut the deficit to a goal by the long break as Storm led 44-38 after a highly-entertaining opening hour.

Led by the play of captain Jack Geary, the hard-running Jake Thrum, and Tom Strauch it was Golden Square which took charge in the third term.

The Christian Carter-coached Bulldogs added 5.5 to 2.1 to lead by 16 points going into the final quarter.

Strathfieldsaye did not give up and won the final term, 37-28, but it was the blue and gold which marked consecutive victories on Storm’s turf in a 101-94 result.

Ryan Hartley led the Bulldogs’ attack on four goals as Joel Brett added three.

Jayden Burke, Jack Hickman, Tom Toma and Braydon Vaz chipped in with two each.

Storm skipper Lachlan Sharp kicked a match-high six goals as James Schischka added three.

Best for Golden Square included Ryan Hartley, Terence Reeves, and Tom Toma.

Storm’s best were highly-rated recruit Luke Webb, Lachlan Sharp, Patrick Blandford, Daniel Clohesy, Baxter Slater and James Schischka.

Sandhurst was too strong for Kyneton in Tigerland at Kyneton Showgrounds.

The Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow-coached Sandhurst won 15.14 (104) to 5.10 (40).

Lachlan Wright was right on target as he kicked five goals for the Dragons as James Coghlan, Nick Stagg and Matt Thornton added two each.

Multiple goalkickers for Kyneton were Cameron Manuel and Thomas Quinn on two each.

Best for the Dragons were Lachlan Wright, James Coghlan, Hamish Hosking, Bryce Curnow, Noah Walsh and Cooper Smith.

Jordan Iudica, Harrison Huntley, Hamish Yunghanns, Jake Summers, Jake Safstrom and Cameron Manuel worked hard for the Paul Chapman-coached Tigers.

Eaglehawk marked its first home match of the season at Canterbury Park by scoring a big win against Maryborough.

The Travis Matheson-coached Hawks led 63-7 at quarter-time and then added 16 goals to nil across the next three quarters in a 179-10 result.

A list of a dozen goalkickers for the Two Blues was led by Noah Wheeler, five; Liam Marciano, four; co-captain Billy Evans, Dylan Hird and Ben Thompson, three.

Alex Brown kicked Maryborough’s sole goal in the first term.

Best for the Hawks were Billy Evans, Ben Thompson, Noah Wheeler, Joel Mullen, Thomas Bennett and Dylan Hird.

Mitchell McClure, Chris Freeman, Alex Brown, Nic Swan, Ty Stewart and Jake Postle were best for a young Magpies team being coached by Coby Perry.

After a hard-fought opening term, South Bendigo kicked away from Kangaroo Flat to win by 62 points.

The Bloods were under pressure throughout the opening term and led 26-22 at the first break.

The Nathan Horbury-coached South Bendigo scored 5.2 to 2.3 in the second and then put the result beyond doubt as it added 3.5 to just two points in third.

Brock Harvey, Will Keck and Steven Stroobants all kicked four majors as Sam Griffiths chipped in with three.

Connor Evans and Ryan O’Keefe kicked two goals for the Roos.

Best for the Bloods were Brody Haddow, Will Keck, Alex Smith, Sam Griffiths, Oscar White and Cooper Leon.

Noah Furlong, Connor Evans, Ryan O’Keefe, Jordan Rouse, Harry Whitty and Mitch Trewhella played well for the Nathan Johns-coached Kangaroos.

Gisborne bounced back from defeat to score a 77-point victory on Castlemaine’s turf at Camp Reserve.

After a low-scoring first quarter which it won 9-1, Gisborne slammed on 6.3 to 3.1 in the second to open a 28-point margin.

The Brad Fox-coached Dogs did most of the attacking in the third and scored 3.4 to just two points.

Ruckman Braidon Blake marked a return to a ground he knows well by kicking a match-high four goals for Gisborne as Ryan Bourke and another former Magpie in Zac Denahy added three each.

Callum McConachy kicked two goals for the Brendan Shepherd-coached Castlemaine.

Best for Gisborne were Braidon Blake, Flynn Lakey, Liam Spear, Sam Graham, Jed and Zac Denahy.

Matt Filo, Brodie Byrne, Lloyd Buther, Jackson Byrne, Callum McConahy and Ashton Frankling were the Magpies’ best.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Eaglehawk 408 per cent, 8 points; Sandhurst 188, 8; Golden Square 159, 8; Gisborne 156, 4; South Bendigo 146, 4; Strathfieldsaye 102, 4; Castlemaine 51, 4; Kangaroo Flat 57, 0; Kyneton 33, 0; Maryborough 16, 0.

Leaders in the race for the Ron Best Medal as leading goalkicker:

10 Lachlan Sharp, S’saye.

7 Joel Brett, GS; Lachlan Wright, Sh.

6 Zac Denahy, Gis.; Will Keck, SB.

5 Sam Griffiths, SB; Ryan Hartley, GS; Brock Harvey, SB; Dylan Hird, Eh; Harry Luxmoore, Gis.; Noah Wheeler, Eh.

4 Braidon Blake, Gis.; Ryan Bourke, Gis.; Jayden Burke, GS; Liam Marciano, Eh; Thomas Quinn, Kyn; Steven Stroobants, SB.

Highlight of next Saturday’s third round will be the match between Sandhurst and Golden Square for the Ron Best Memorial Shield.

The Dragons and Bulldogs will meet at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

It’s third edition of the Ron Best Memorial which honours the legendary goalkicker who tallied 1624 goals across 14 seasons in stints for Golden Square, Sandhurst, and Northern United.

Best’s career kicked off Golden Square before he joined Sandhurst in ’73 and was captain-coach as the club broke a premiership drought which had run since 1949.

He was a key forward in the Dragons’ premiership victory in ’77, back at Golden Square in ’79, and then at Northern United in 1984.

Another big match on Saturday will be at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve where the Bulldogs take on the ladder-leading Eaglehawk.

Maryborough and Kangaroo Flat clash in the Magpies’ nest at Princes Park.

South Bendigo and Kyneton will meet in the Bloods’ new home at Harry Trott Oval in Neale Street, Kennington.

Castlemaine is at home to play Strathfieldsaye at Camp Reserve.

SANDHURST made it a hat-trick of wins for the Ron Best Memorial Shield when it took on Golden Square in Saturday’s third round of senior footy in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo Football Netball League.

Two of the competition’s greatest rivals met once again in a match to honour the goalkicking legend who was a star at Golden Square, crossed to Sandhurst, and then went back to the Bulldogs’ kennel in a brilliant 1624-goal career.

The Dragons and Bulldogs took unbeaten records into their latest showdown at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

A fired-up Sandhurst scored the first four goals before last season’s Ron Best medallist as the BFNL’s leading goalkicker, Joel Brett roved a marking contest and snapped truly.

The Bulldogs finished the term full of run and were rewarded with another two majors by Brett to trail 20-25 at the first break.

It was déjà vu in the second as the Dragons goaled through Matt Thornton and Andy Collins before Ryan Hartley was on target for the blue and gold.

A spectacular leap and mark by Hamish Morcom was capped with another goal to put the Bulldogs back within four points.

Thornton’s marking was a feature of this match as he kicked his third for the Dragons to lead 44-36 at half-time.

Golden Square was first to goal in the third when Jack Stewart capped Zavier Murley’s chase and handball to a team-mate in the clear.

From there it was the Dragons, jointly coached by Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow, who upped their intensity and run.

Goals by Thornton, the classy Lachlan Tardrew, and James Coghlan in less than five minutes gave Sandhurst a 22-point lead.

When Cobi Maxted intercepted a handpass and snapped truly the margin was 28 in the 17^th minute.

A mark and goal by Hartley did lift Bulldogs’ hopes.

Sandhurst’s ability to win most centre breaks and stoppages put Square’s defence under pressure all match.

Defences were well on top until the 13 minute of the final term when Lachlan Wright marked and goaled for the Dragons.

Another two majors by the maroon and blue blew the margin out to 42 points.

Murley’s goal was to the last of a match which went Sandhurst’s way, 94-59.

Back in the Dragons’ team as Collingwood had a bye in the VFL, Lachlan Tardrew earned the best afield medal.

It was not his running and disposal that stood out, but also his ability to float across the pack and mark defensive kick-ins to half-back or further afield multiple times.

Gun ruckman Hamish Hosking was superb as were Cooper Smith, Darcy Mills, James Coghlan and Zach Pallpratt.

Best for Golden Square were Zavier Murley, Jack Hickman, Jon Coe, Liam Barrett, Liam Duguid and Brodie James.

A tight-knit Sandhurst defence included Bryce Curnow at centre half-back.

In the rooms, Curnow praised the team’s workrate.

The Dragons won the inside 50m tally, 63-29, and tackles, 43-27.

“They really showed our want to win the contest and workrate as a group,” Curnow said.

“Today was a massive challenge to show where we are at. There is a lot of growth still to come as we adapt to a new game plan, but three-nil is a terrific start.”

Curnow said the play of VFL-aligned players Tardrew, Collingwood; Sam Conforti, Essendon; and Cobi Maxted, Collingwood; was a huge plus.

“The VFL boys were awesome in the way they set up attacks, but also the example they set.”

Archer Day-Wicks who is in the Bendigo Pioneers squad also marked a winning senior debut.

Another big test awaits the Dragons as they make their way to Triple M Park in Tannery Lane for Saturday’s round-four showdown with Strathfieldsaye Storm.

A hot run of form by Eaglehawk kept rolling in Saturday’s third round clash on Gisborne’s turf at Gardiner Reserve.

The Travis Matheson-coached Hawks soared to a 36-point lead by quarter-time after they scored 7.2 to 1.2.

Eaglehawk’s ability to win many contests and stoppages and goalkicking accuracy was to the fore as added 6.1 to 3.2 in the second to lead 81-28 by half-time.

The Brad Fox-coached Gisborne fired back to win the third, 19-8, but the Two Blues scored 4.3 to 2.4 in the last to compete a 112-63 victory.

A six-goal haul by co-captain Cameron McGlashan earned best afield honours.

Other multiple goalkickers for the Borough were Kallen Geary and Liam Marciano.

Gisborne’s attack was led by James Fox and Matt Merrett on two each.

Best for Eaglehawk included Dylan Hanley, Lewin Davis, Kallen Geary, Joel Mullen, and former St Kilda captain Jarryn Geary.

Bulldogs’ skipper and key defender Jack Reaper was best along with Flynn Lakey, Liam Spear, Braidon Blake and Matt Merrett.

Kangaroo Flat fought from  11-points down at the start of the final term to record a 17-point win on Maryborough’s turf at Princes Park.

The Roos led 34-32 at half-time before the Coby Perry-coached Magpies dominated the third.

A return of 1.9 to just two behinds would be a run that Maryborough would rue by match end.

The Nathan Johns-coached Kangaroo Flat lifted in the last to score 6.6 to 2.2 to win 78-61.

Angus Grant led Flat’s attack on four goals to be his team’s best as Sam Barnes added two.

Only multiple goalkicker for Maryborough was Taj Bond with two.

Best for the Roos included Gach Chuol, Zach Rouse, Liam and Mitch Collins, and Mitchell Trewhella.

Back for Maryborough, Sandringham-aligned midfielder Jacob Lohmann made a massive difference to the team’s play.

The Magpies also had Bailey Snelling, Mitch McClure, Taj Bond and Liam Murphy play well.

Club champion in the 2021 season, Bailey Edwards was also back in Maryborough colours and among the best.

South Bendigo small forwards Steven Stroobants and Will Keck kicked four goals apiece as the Bloods beat Kyneton by 46 points at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

The Nathan Horbury-coached Bloods led 31-5 at quartert-time.

Kyneton lifted to generate plenty of attacks in the second, but was let down by inaccuracy as the Tigers scored 2.5 to 3.2 for South to lead 51-22 by the main break.

The Paul Chapman-coached Tigers won the third, 14-9, but the Bloods finished with full of run and goals as they added 5.2 to 1.4 to complete a 92-46 victory.

Best for the red and white included mids/onballers Brody Haddow, Cooper Leon, Oscar White and Sam Maher, plus Steven Stroobants in attack, and Braydan Torpey at half-back.

Jake Summers, Harrison Huntley, Mason Crozier, Bailey McGee, Caleb Fisher and Jayden Eales were best for the yellow and black.

Strathfieldsaye showed it has plenty of goalscoring options in a 97-point win at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve.

The Darryl Wilson-coached Storm went into the match without captain Lachlan Sharp, a Michelsen medallist as league fairest and best, and also dual winner of the Ron Best Medal.

In Saturday’s contest it was James Schischka who led the way on six goals as Jed Brereton added four and Lachlan Gill, Callum McCarty and Jordan Wilson chipped in with two each.

The Brendan Shepherd-coached Magpies worked hard to score 4.5 against a strong opponent.

Best for Storm were Callum McCarty, Tim Hosking, Daniel Clohesy, James Schischka, Jake Moorhead and Darcy Mulquiny.

Brodie Byrne, Liam Wilkinson, John Watson, Callum McConachy, Riley Pedretti and Ethan Hein played well for the Magpies.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Eaglehawk 288 per cent, 12 points; Sandhurst 176, 12; South Bendigo 160, 8; Strathfieldsaye 151, 8; Golden Square 116, 8; Gisborne 107, 4; Kangaroo Flat 77, 4; Castlemaine 37, 4; Kyneton 38, 0; Maryborough 32, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

10 Joel Brett, Golden Square.

10 Will Keck, South Bendigo.

10 Lachlan Sharp, Strathfieldsaye.

9 James Schischka, Strathfieldsaye.

8 Cameron McGlashan, Eaglehawk.

8 Steven Stroobants, South Bendigo.

8 Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst.

7 Zac Denahy, Gisborne.

7 Sam Griffiths, South Bendigo.

7 Ryan Hartley, Golden Square.

7 Matt Thornton, Sandhurst.

6 Dylan Hird, Eaglehawk.

6 Liam Marciano, Eaglehawk.

6 Noah Wheeler, Eaglehawk.

5 Braidon Blake, Gisborne.

5 Kallen Geary, Eaglehawk.

5 Brock Harvey, South Bendigo.

5 Harry Luxmoore, Gisborne.

5 Thomas Quinn, Kyneton.

In other fourth-round matches on Saturday, Kangaroo Flat hosts Gisborne at Dower Park.

Kyneton and Maryborough meet in Tigerland at Kyneton Showgrounds.

Eaglehawk faces Castlemaine in a battle of the birds at Canterbury Park.

Golden Square tackles South Bendigo at Wade Street in a clash between two clubs that have met in six grand finals since 1972.

The ledger is 4-2 in favour of the Bulldogs.

Golden Square nets long-awaited victory

GOLDEN Square marked its first A-grade netball victory in more than two seasons in Saturday’s third round of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

The Chris O’Sullivan-coached Golden Square fought from six goals down at half-time of the match on Castlemaine’s court at Camp Reserve to lead by three goals going into the final term.

A match-high tally of 16 goals by the blue and gold in the third was followed by winning the last, 10-9, against the Chloe Hughes-coached Magpies.

At the final whistle Golden Square led 40-36.

It was a stunning performance by the Bulldogs who had endured a run of 39 consecutive defeats.

Strathfieldsaye Storm moved to the top of the ladder following a six-goal win against Eaglehawk.

The Steph Freemantle-coached Storm was down by margins of one, one and two goals across the quarter-time breaks.

In the last it was Strathfieldsaye which took control against the Kylie Piercy-coached Eaglehawk to win the term, 10-2, and the match, 33-27.

Kangaroo Flat jumped away to a 20-goal lead by quarter-time of its match against South Bendigo on the Roos’ court at Dower Park.

The Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroos led 24-4 by the first break.

Quarter two was more evenly fought as the Roos added 11 goals and the Alicia McGlashan-coached Bloods scored eight.

Kangaroo Flat won the next two terms, 14-6 and 11-9  as it ran out 60-27 victors.

It was a rest for Gisborne as Maryborough is not fielding an A-grade team.

The Bulldogs and Magpies contested the lower grades at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve.

Sandhurst had the bye.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

Strathfieldsaye 124 per cent, 8 points; Kangaroo Flat 135, 4; Castlemaine 114, 4; Gisborne 110, 4; Eaglehawk 107, 4; Sandhurst 103, 4; Golden Square 80, 4; South Bendigo 66, 4.

In next Saturday’s fourth round, South Bendigo is home at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington to take on Gisborne.

Eaglehawk and Castlemaine meet in the feature match of Pat Cronin Foundation Round.

Golden Square is home on the Wade Street court to face Kangaroo Flat.

It’s a bye for Sandhurst in A-grade, but the Dragons will make their way to Maryborough’s Princes Park to play the Magpies in all other grades.

Strathfieldsaye has the bye.

Round three scoreboard:

A-reserve:

Castlemaine 55 d Golden Square 37, Strathfieldsaye 59 d Eaglehawk 39, Kangaroo Flat 55 d South Bendigo 40, Gisborne 54 d Maryborough 31, Sandhurst bye.

B-grade:

Castlemaine 33 d Golden Square 29, Strathfieldsaye 51 d Eaglehawk 40, Kangaroo Flat 46 d South Bendigo 33, Gisborne 70 d Maryborough 15, Sandhurst bye.

B-reserve:

Castlemaine 37 lt Golden Square 66, Strathfieldsaye 53 d Eaglehawk 36, Kangaroo Flat 30 lt South Bendigo 37, Gisborne 94 d Maryborough 18, Sandhurst bye.

17-and-under:

Castlemaine 45 lt Golden Square 56, Strathfieldsaye 61 d Eaglehawk 24, Kangaroo Flat 25 lt South Bendigo 38, Gisborne 40 lt Maryborough 46, Sandhurst bye.

League ladders:

A-reserve:

Strathfieldsaye 148 per cent, 12 points; Gisborne 139, 8; Kangaroo Flat 108, 6; Maryborough 96, 6; Castlemaine 98, 4; Sandhurst 97, 4; Eaglehawk 86, 4; South Bendigo 80, 4; Golden Square 72, 0.

B-grade:

Strathfieldsaye 132 per cent, 12 points; Gisborne 200, 8; Kangaroo Flat 136, 8; Castlemaine 102, 8; Sandhurst 101, 4; Eaglehawk 94, 4; South Bendigo 85, 4; Golden Square 80, 8; Maryborough 40, 0.

B-reserve:

Strathfieldsaye 129 per cent, 12 points; South Bendigo 145, 8; Sandhurst 136, 8; Gisborne 201, 4; Kangaroo Flat 150, 4; Eaglehawk 126, 4; Golden Square 89, 4; Castlemaine 60, 4; Maryborough 33, 0.

17-and-under:

Golden Square 172 per cent, 12 points; Maryborough 136, 12; Sandhurst 221, 8; South Bendigo 133, 8; Strathfieldsaye 132, 8; Castlemaine 76, 0; Gisborne 68, 0; Kangaroo Flat 43, 0; Eaglehawk 29, 0.

SOUTH Bendigo won a thrilling clash on Golden Square’s turf in Saturday’s fourth round of senior footy in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

The Bloods had not won at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street for many years.

The team in red and white snapped Square’s streak in a dramatic 76-75 result.

On the rebound from defeat, Golden Square led 28-14 at quarter-time, but the Bloods lifted to win the second, 4.3 to 1.2, and led 41-36 by the main break.

A high-scoring third quarter was marked by both line-ups scoring five goals apiece.

The Christian Carter-coached Bulldogs were back in front, 68-67.

There were plenty of defensive efforts and stoppages in the final quarter.

The Bloods score of 1.3 to 1.1 was enough to take the premiership points.

Bloods’ small forward Brock Harvey kicked four goals against his former club.

The pace and skill of Will Keck and Steven Stroobants was always going to test the Dogs and it did as they booted two goals apiece for the Nathan Horbury-coached Bloods.

Captain Jack Geary led Golden Square’s attack on three goals as Hugh Freckleton and Braydon Vaz added two each.

Bloods’ ruckman Mac Cameron played a crucial role in the victory as did Oscar White, Brock Harvey, Braydan Torpey, Tait Poyser and Isaiah Miller.

Golden Square’s best were Jayden Burke, Matt Compston, Jon Coe, Ricky Monti, Ryan Hartley and Jack Geary.

Sandhurst overcame a slow start to score a five-goal win against Strathfieldsaye on Storm’s turf at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane.

Despite illness and injury testing club depth, Storm started well to lead 14-7 at quarter-time.

Defences were well on top in the second term, but the Dragons score of 2.3 to 0.4  gave them a four-point buffer at the main break.

Both teams scored four goals apiece in the third as Sandhurst led 50-42 at a quarter to play.

Led by James Coghlan, Andy Collins and Isaac Ruff, Sandhurst fired up dominate most of the last term.

The Dragons scored 4.5 to 1.1 to complete a 79-49 victory.

Andy Collins and Lachlan Wright led Sandhurst’s attack on two goals each.

Storm key forward James Schischka kicked a match-high three goals as captain Lachlan Sharp chipped in with two.

Best for a Dragons team jointly coached by Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow included Cooper Smith, Noah Walsh and Matt Wilkinson.

Mitch Hallinan, Jed Brereton, James Schischka, Jake Moorhead, Lachlan Ratcliffe and Luke Webb were best for the Darryl Wilson-coached Storm.

Gisborne kicked away in the second half to score a 94-42 win against Kangaroo Flat on the Roos’ ground at Dower Park.

The Brad Fox-coached Gisborne led 22-15 at quarter-time and 42-27 by the long break.

In the third it was the Bulldogs who did plenty of attacking.

Gisborne scored 5.7 and held the Roos to just three points.

Matthew Merett went on to kick a match-high three goals as Shane Clough, Hayden Doricic and Macklan Lord added two each in a 94-42 win by the reigning premier.

The only multiple goalkicker for the Roos was Connor Evans on two.

Gisborne’s best were on-baller Flynn Lakey, Matt Merrett, Sam Graham, Braidon Blake, Luke Ellings and Macklan Lord.

Connor Evans, Noah Furlong, Liam Collins, Toby Roberts, Sam Barnes and Ryan O’Keefe worked hard for the Nathan Johns-coached Kangaroos.

Kyneton broke a three-match losing streak in a big way.

The Paul Chapman-coached Tigers scored 28 goals in a 156-point win against Maryborough at Kyneton Showgrounds.

It was a memorable 150^th match for key defender Harrison Huntley who also kicked two goals.

The classy Cameron Manuel won plenty of contests and kicked three goals in a best afield performance for the yellow and black.

Jake Summers kicked a match-high five goals.

Gun recruit Thomas Quinn kicked four goals and Ethan Foreman marked his best match in his return to Tigerland from Gisborne by booting four goals.

Other multiple goalkickers for Kyneton were captain James Orr, three; and Bailey McGee, two.

Goalkickers for Maryborough were Chris Freeman, Jai Howell, Matt Johnston, and captain Ty Stewart.

The Tigers’ best included Brady Muir, Jye Chambers, Ethan Foreman, Jake Summers and Dom Bennington.

Chris Freeman, Lucas Hurse, Jake Postle, Jai Howell, Cobie Read and Alex Brown were best for the Coby Perry-coached Magpies.

Eaglehawk’s forwards capitalised on the workrate of the midfield and on-ballers to score 30 goals in the clash with Castlemaine on the Borough’s turf at Canterbury Park.

The Hawks scored 9.2 to a point in the first quarter and kicked away to lead 92-13 by half-time.

It was another nine-goal blitz in the third as Kallen Geary, ruckman Connor Dalgleish, and small forward Lewin Davis dominated.

The unbeaten Two Blues went on to win 199-33 against a young Castleamine team coached by Brendan Shepherd.

Davis kicked a match-high six goals and Darcy Richards added four.

The Geary brothers, Jarryn and Kallen chipped in with three, as did co-captain Billy Evans.

Castlemaine’s leading goalkicker was Callum McConachy on two.

Best for the Travis Matheson-coached Hawks included Marcus Angove, Billy Evans and Ben Thompson.

Brodie Byrne, Matt Filo, Callum McConachy, Liam Wilkinson, David Wilson and Jack Sutherland were best for the Magpies.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Eaglehawk 355 per cent, 16 points; Sandhurst 172, 16; South Bendigo 141, 12; Strathfieldsaye 126, 8; Gisborne 125, 8; Golden Square 112, 8; Kyneton 94, 4; Kangaroo Flat 67, 4; Castlemaine 28, 4; Maryborough 26, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

12 Will Keck, South Bendigo.

12 James Schischka, Strathfieldsaye.

12 Lachlan Sharp, Strathfieldsaye.

11 Joel Brett, Golden Square.

10 Steven Stroobants, South Bendigo.

10 Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst.

9 Lewin Davis, Eaglehawk.

9 Brock Harvey, South Bendigo.

9 Cameron McGlashan, Eaglehawk.

9 Thomas Quinn, Kyneton.

8 Kallen Geary, Eaglehawk.

8 Matt Thornton, Sandhurst.

7 Zac Denahy, Gisborne.

7 Sam Griffiths, South Bendigo.

7 Ryan Hartley, Golden Square.

7 Noah Wheeler, Eaglehawk.

The Graeme Wright Memorial Cup will be up for grabs when South Bendigo meets Sandhurst in next Saturday’s round five showdown at Harry Trott Oval in Neale Street, Kennington.

Maryborough is on home turf at Princes Park to take on Golden Square.

Castlemaine and Kangaroo Flat clash on the Magpies’ turf at Camp Reserve.

Strathfieldsaye is back at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane to host Eaglehawk.

Gisborne and Kyneton fight for premiership points at Gardiner Reserve.

Square targets back-to-back victories

AFTER breaking its winless run, Golden Square will target back-to-back victories in this Saturday’s fourth round of A-grade netball action in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

Golden Square will be on its court in Wade Street to face Golden Square on a day where the BFNL throws its support behind the Pat Cronin Foundation.

The Chris O’Sullivan-coached Golden Square teamed superbly in the Anzac round match at Catslemaine’s Camp Reserve.

A brilliant effort by the blue and gold was capped with a 40-36 victory against last season’s preliminary finalist.

Another huge challenge for Golden Square this round against a powerful Kangaroo Flat line-up.

The Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroos outplayed South Bendigo to score a 60-27 victory in last Saturday’s play on the Dower Park court.

Feature match of the Pat Cronin Foundation Round will be Eaglehawk against Castlemaine at Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park.

The Hawks and Magpies are both on the rebound from defeat.

The Kylie Piercy-coached Eaglehawk worked hard, but could not the take the points in a 33-27 defeat on Strathfieldsaye’s court at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane.

Castlemaine will be determined to bounce back from a home-court loss to Golden Square.

A win-loss tally of one-one has the Chloe Hughes-coached Castlemaine in third place.

After a rest on Good Friday for the stand-alone match as Maryborough is not fielding an A-grade team, Castlemaine marked a 41-27 win against South Bendigo at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

The Magpies were outpointed by Golden Square in Anzac round.

Another big match will be at Harry Trott Oval in Neale Street, Kennington where South Bendigo takes on Gisborne.

The Alicia McGlashan-coached Bloods are one-two following losses to Castlemaine and Kangaroo Flat.

Big test for the red and white against the reigning premier.

It’s been a disjointed run for the Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne which had a bye in round one, beat Sandhurst by four goals at the QEO in round two.

Gisborne was home at Gardiner Reserve for last Saturday’s play against Maryborough.

There was no play in A-grade, but the Bulldogs and Magpies clashed in the other grades.

It’s consecutive Saturdays where the Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst will not play.

The Dragons had the bye last round and are drawn to play at Maryborough’s Princes Park in the fourth round.

Strathfieldsaye has the bye.

The Steph Freemantle-coached Storm starts the round sitting in top spot.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

Strathfieldsaye 124 per cent, 8 points; Kangaroo Flat 135, 4; Castlemaine 114, 4; Gisborne 110, 4; Eaglehawk 107, 4; Sandhurst 103, 4; Golden Square 80, 4; South Bendigo 66, 4.

Gisborne wins dog-fight with Golden Square

GISBORNE reigned supreme in the battle of the Bulldogs with Golden Square in Saturday’s fifth round of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s senior footy action.

The Rob Waters-coached Gisborne marked a superb start to the match on their turf at Gardiner Reserve.

A tally of seven goals as it kept the visitors to a goal in the opening term meant Gisborne led 46-8 by the first break.

Golden Square fought back to score 3.4 in the second, but the hosts led 74-30 by the long break.

Defences were on top in the third as Gisborne scored 2.3 to a point.

Brilliant forward Pat McKenna went on kick five goals and gun on-baller Brad Bernacki added four as Gisborne won 104-56.

The red, white and blue also had Matt Merrett chip in with two goals.

Leading goalkickers for Golden Square were Jack Stewart and Tom Strauch on two.

Gisborne’s best were Liam Spear, Brad Bernacki, Braidon Blake, Flynn Lakey, Matt Merrett and Jarrad Lynch in his 200^th senior match.

Best for the Brad Eaton-coached Golden Square were Tom Strauch, Ricky Monti, Jon Coe, Jordan Rosengren, Dylan Hird and Zack Shelton.

Strathfieldsaye was too strong for a determined Castlemaine in the Magpies’ home at Camp Reserve.

Storm star Shannon Geary marked his 250^th senior match in the Bendigo FNL.

The Storm led 25-16 at quarter-time and 52-25 by the main break.

Both teams added 2.3 in the third term.

Key forward James Schischka kicked a match-high four goals as Strathfieldsaye won 87-58.

Other multiple goalkickers for the Luke Freeman-coached Storm were Malik Gordon and Riley Wilson, two.

Castlemaine coach Michael Hartley kicked two goals, as did Kalan Huntly.

Storm’s best were Riley Wilson, Malik Gordon, Darcy Mulquiny, James Schischka, Matt Harvey and Ethan Featherby.

Best for Castlemaine were Zavier Murley, Zach Greeves, Curtis McLennan, Bailey Henderson, Brodie Byrne and Nicholas Woodman.

Eaglehawk doubled Kangaroo Flat’s score to record a 102-51 victory on the Roos’ ground at Dower Park.

The Travis Matheson-coached Eaglehawk turned a 15-point lead at quarter-time into a 33-point buffer by the main break after it scored 4.2 to 1.2 in the second term.

A closely-fought third term went the Hawks’ way, 26-21.

Jonty Neaves, Darcy Richards and Ben Thompson led the Two Blues attack on three goals as Mitch Ronchieri added two.

The talented Jack Lefroy booted two goals for the Kangaroos.

Best for Eaglehawk were Joel Mullen, Billy Evans, Ben Thompson, Brayden Frost, Jonty Neaves and Brady Rowles.

Kyle Symons, Jack Lefroy, Corey Ash, Josh Leersen, Ethan Roberts and Luke Ellings were best for the Michael Ellings-coached Kangaroos.

A 10-goal haul in Sandhurst’s big win against South Bendigo has put Fergus Greene in front in the race for the Ron Best Medal goalkicking award.

The Dragons hot form continued against the Bloods at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Sandhurst led 107-19 by half-time after it scored eight goals in the first and matched the feat in the second.

As Greene capped off many moves the former Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn forward also had team-mates Noah Walsh, three;. and Caleb Connick, Lachie Hood, Matt Wilkinson chip in with two goals.

There were no multiple goalkickers for the Bloods.

Best for a Sandhurst team coached by Ash Connick, non-playing, and Bryce Curnow, playing, were Fergus Greene, Lachlan Tardrew, Cobi Maxted, Lachie Hood, Harrison Free and Jake McLean.

Oliver Turnbull, Tait Poyser, Zac Hare, Alex Smith, Zavier Holmes and Brody Haddow worked hard for the Steven Stroobants and Isaiah Miller-coached Bloods.

Maryborough had the bye.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 529 per cent, 16 points; Strathfieldsaye 139, 16; Gisborne 331, 12; Eaglehawk 145, 12; Golden Square 98, 8; Kangaroo Flat 65, 8; Castlemaine 87, 4; South Bendigo 54, 4; Maryborough 19, 0.

The split sixth round kicks off next Saturday.

Match of the day will be Eaglehawk on its turf at Canterbury Park against Gisborne.

Strathfieldsaye will be home at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane to take on Kangaroo Flat.

South Bendigo tackles Maryborough in the Bloods’ home at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington’s Neale Street.

Castlemaine has the bye.

The round will be completed on May 25 when Golden Square and Sandhurst fight for the Ron Best Memorial Shield at Golden Square’s Wade Street ground.

The match honours the legendary goalkicker who was a premiership-winner at the Bulldogs and Dragons in the 1970s.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

26 - (10) - Fergus Greene - Sandhurst 
22 - (5) - Pat McKenna - Gisborne 
21 - (1) - Brock Harvey - South Bendigo 
18 - (2) - Michael Hartley - Castlemaine 
17 - (1) - Lachlan Wright - Sandhurst 
16 - (0) - Harry Luxmoore - Gisborne 
12 - (4) - James Schischka - Strathfieldsaye 
11 - (3) - Noah Walsh - Sandhurst 
10 - (3) - Jonty Neaves - Eaglehawk 
9 - (1) - Jayden Burke - Golden Square 
9 - (2) - Jack Stewart - Golden Square 
9 - (0) - Bailey Henderson - Castlemaine 
9 - (1) - Justin Bateson - Kangaroo Flat 
9 - (0) - Lachlan Tardrew - Sandhurst 
9 - (3) - Darcy Richards - Eaglehawk 
8 - (0) - Steven Stroobants - South Bendigo 
8 - (4) - Bradley Bernacki - Gisborne 
8 - (0) - Harry Whitty - Kangaroo Flat 
8 - (1) - Cobi Maxted - Sandhurst 
8 - (0) - Joel Wharton - Sandhurst 
7 - (1) - Zachary Greeves - Castlemaine 
7 - (2) - Malik Gordon - Strathfieldsaye 
7 - (0) - Zac Denahy - Gisborne 
7 - (0) - Fraser Russell - Maryborough 
7 - (0) - Sam Graham - Gisborne 

IT WILL be Golden Square or Gisborne which carries “top dog” tag after Saturday’s showdown in round six of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s senior footy action.

After a general bye, the league’s two breed of Bulldogs take to Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street at 2.20pm.

There’s plenty at stake for both clubs.

Victory for Golden Square, third on a 3-2 record would ensure it stays in the top three.

Gisborne is fifth on a 2-3 tally and in danger of dropping from the five should Strathfieldsaye beat South Bendigo.

The Christian Carter-coached Golden Square has plenty of run through midfield and attacking options.

Those traits were on show in the 239-point win at Maryborough in round five.

On that day key forward Braydon Vaz took 22 marks and racked up 36 disposals and eight goals to earn the Barry Plant Player of the Round award.

Playing at centre half-forward, Vaz is a crucial cog in a Golden Square attack that includes Ron Best medallist Joel Brett.

After playing in defence the past two games the strong-marking Jayden Burke was named at full-forward.

A major strength for Square is midfield and on-ball through the likes of captain Jack Geary, Ryan Hartley, Tom Toma, Ricky Monti and ruckman Matt Compston.

The defence led by Jon Coe, Zack Shelton and Liam Duguid will play crucial roles.

Gisborne’s attack is led by premiership-winning captain Pat McKenna and includes the skilful Matt Merrett and the powerfully-built Zac Denahy.

Ruckman Braidon Blake and rover Flynn Lakey have been outstanding for the Brad Fox-coached Gisborne all season.

The play of captain Jack Reaper at full-back, Luke Ellings and Seb Bell-Bartels in midfield, Sam Graham and Liam Spear will go a long way toward Gisborne marking an important victory.

Another big match will be at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval where South Bendigo takes on Strathfieldsaye.

Both are on the rebound from defeat.

The Nathan Horbury-coached Bloods have a 3-2 record which includes a one-point win at Golden Square in the fifth round.

Defeats for South Bendigo have been to the ladder-leading Eaglehawk and Sandhurst.

A Bloods’ attack led by Steven Stroobants, Brock Harvey and Will Keck will trouble Storm because of their quick leads and work at ground level.

Mac Cameron is in the ruck for South Bendigo and provided many opportunities for on-ballers Cooper Leon, Brody Haddow and coach Nathan Horbury.

In defence it will be Isaiah Miller, Braydan Torpey and captain Zac Hare who provide plenty of rebound.

Illness and injury have tested Strathfieldsaye’s depth all season.

The Darryl Wilson-coached Storm does regain captain Lachlan Sharp, a multiple premiership winner, Michelsen medallist and dual Ron Best medallist in attack.

Strathfieldsaye’s attack that has the marking power of James Schischka and Jed Brereton, and Baxter Slater and Shannon Geary roving will test the Bloods.

Other key players for Storm include ruck-rover and Michelsen medallist Jake Moorhead, Callum McCarty, Tim Hosking, Mitch Hallinan and Lachlan Gill.

The eyes of the Kyneton Tigers are on a third consecutive victory when they are at home to play Castlemaine.

A 75-73 win at Gisborne has injected a lot of positivity at Tigerland.

Key players in the winning run by the yellow and black include Cameron Manuel, Thomas Quinn, Harrison Huntley, Ethan Foreman and Jake Summers.

The Tigers also have captain James Orr, Jordan and Lucas Iudica and Hamish Yunghanns capable of winning many contests.

Castlemaine played well against Kangaroo Flat in round five, but the Magpies could not sustain the defensive intensity in the second half.

The Brendan Shepherd-coached Magpies will look to Matt Filo, Callum McConachy, Liam Wilkinson, Brodie and Jackson Byrne, and Brad Keogh to put the Tigers under pressure.

Kangaroo Flat is back on its ground at Dower Park to take on the ladder-leading Eaglehawk.

Accuracy played a key role in Kangaroo Flat’s win at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve.

The Roos scored 9.1 in the first half on their way to an eight-goal victory.

Pressure on Flat’s forwards will be much higher this round.

The Nathan Johns-coached Roos have worked hard for a win-loss tally of 2-3.

Highs for the Roos include the play of Jordan and Zac Rouse, Ryan O’Keefe, Mitch Trewhella, and co-captains Mitch Collins and Ethan Roberts.

Gach Chuol was named in the ruck to take on Connor Dalgleish.

It will take a determined effort by all 22 in the Roos’ line-up to take this contest right up to the Two Blues.

The defensive play of the Travis Matheson-coached Hawks was outstanding as they held Strathfieldsaye to just two goals in round five.

A talented line-up from the Borough includes Billy Evans, Cameron McGlashan, Clayton Holmes, Liam Marciano and Joel Mullen.

The Geary brothers, Kallen and Shannon were not named.

Sandhurst is back at Queen Elizabeth Oval to take on Maryborough.

Dragons’ co-coaches Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow will want to see the team bring the same intensity to the contest as it has in recent weeks against Golden Square and South Bendigo.

Ruckman Hamish Hosking has starred in all of the Dragons’ wins.

A talented crop of youngsters that includes Noah Walsh, Cooper Smith and Lachie Hood has impressed in Sandhurst’s streak.

The Dragons also have Curnow, Lee Coghlan and Andy Collins back in action.

It’s been a tough start to Coby Perry’s coaching stint with Maryborough.

The Magpies were up against a Golden Square team determined to make a statement last round.

A Maryborough defence that includes Kya Lanfranchi, Jake Postle, Josh Britten and Jack Shay is likely to be in for another busy day.

The Magpies’ back six will rely greatly on the pressure and workrate of the on-ballers and midfielders to not allow the Dragons an easy run to the forward 50m arc.

It’s an incredibly young Maryborough team which relies a lot on Matt Johnston, Chris Freeman and Joel Swatton and the experience they provide.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Eaglehawk 369 per cent, 20 points; Sandhurst 178, 20; Golden Square 190, 12; South Bendigo 112, 12; Gisborne 119, 8; Strathfieldsaye 98, 8; Kyneton 95, 8; Kangaroo Flat 85, 8; Castlemaine 32, 4; Maryborough 19, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

21 Joel Brett, Golden Square.

14 Will Keck, South Bendigo.

13 Braydon Vaz, Golden Square.

13 Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst.

12 James Schischka, Strathfieldsaye.

12 Lachlan Sharp, Strathfieldsaye.

12 Steven Stroobants, South Bendigo.

11 Thomas Quinn, Kyneton.

10 Lewin Davis, Eaglehawk.

10 Ryan Hartley, Golden Square.

10 Cameron Manuel, Kyneton.

10 Cam McGlashan, Eaglehawk.

9 Brock Harvey, South Bendigo.

9 Liam Marciano, Eaglehawk.

9 Darcy Richards, Eaglehawk.

9 Matt Thornton, Sandhurst.

8 Kallen Geary, Eaglehawk.

AFTER being perched on top of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder two weeks ago, Eaglehawk is now fighting to avoid a hat-trick of defeats in this Saturday’s eighth round.

The Hawks make their way to Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street to take on the Bulldogs.

A fortnight ago the Hawks were 5-0 and flying.

A three-point loss at Kangaroo Flat was followed by the 76-77 defeat from Kyneton in the feature match of Indigenous Round last Saturday.

Eaglehawk coach Travis Matheson will not hit the panic button just yet, but another loss will put a top-three berth in jeopardy.

The Christian Carter-coached Golden Square has the midfield depth and attacking power to test the Borough all match.

Last round the Bulldogs won 130-27 on Castleamine’s turf at Camp Reserve.

Last season’s Ron Best medallist for leading goalkicker, Joel Brett kicked seven goals at Castlemaine and looms as a huge threat.

The Bulldogs also have the marking power of Jayden Burke and Brayon Vaz, and the athletic Hamish Morcom capable of taking a speccy or two.

Eaglehawk’s back six includes Dylan Hanley, Charlie Laangford, Sam Thompson and Kallen Geary.

A triple premiership winner in his time at Strathfieldsaye, Kallen Geary has made a welcome return to the Hawks.

The Borough also regained Jarryn Geary after he called time on a 207-game career with St Kilda.

Jarryn has played six matches in his return to the Two Blues, but was not named in the 23 on Thursday night.

The Hawks’ attack includes co-captain Cam McGlashan, Darcy Richards, Lewin Davis and Dillon Williams.

Back at the Borough after a stint with Nightcliff in the NTFL last summer, Sam Harper will be up against his former club.

Another former Bulldog in Liam Marciano will also be in the Hawks’ forward line.

In the midfield it’s Golden Square’s Liam Barrett, Ryan Hartley and Zavier Murley taking on Dylan Hird, Ben Thompson and Joel Mullen.

Other players to watch for the Dogs are Matt Compston, captain Jack Geary, Ricky Monti and Tom Toma.

The Hawks’ on-ball division of ruckman Connor Dalgleish, Noah Wheeler and co-captain Billy Evans will play crucial roles.

South Bendigo is back at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington’s Neale Street to take on Gisborne.

The Nathan Horbury-coached South Bendigo has a 4-3 record and plenty to play for.

Win and the Bloods stay in touch with the top three, a loss and it’s place in the five is under threat.

In-form players for South Bendigo include wingman Oscar White, Will Keck and Brock Harvey in attack, Brody Haddow in the centre, and ruck-rover Cooper Leon.

A vital match-up will be in the ruck where the Bloods have Mac Cameron to take on Braidon Blake.

It’s been a tough run for Gisborne following last year’s premiership victory.

There have been plenty of changes to the team which is 2-5 and in eighth place.

Bulldogs’ coach Brad Fox has declared the team’s disposal to the forwards and inside 50m has to improve markedly.

Gisborne had plenty of the ball in a 17-point loss at home to Sandhurst last round.

The Bulldogs have Jed Denahy, Harry Luxmoore and Matt Merrett among the key targets in attack.

Other players to watch for Gisborne include rover Flynn Lakey, Liam Spear in the centre, captain Jack Reaper and Mack Lord in defence, and James Fox in midfield.

A hat-trick of wins has put the Paul Chapman-coached Kyneton in sixth place on a win-loss tally of 3-3 and a draw.

Kyneton is back at Tigerland to play Kangaroo Flat this Saturday.

The Tigers marked their best win of ’23 in last Saturday’s one-point thriller at Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park.

The Tigers will be without gun on-baller Cameron Manuel who was best afield against the Hawks.

Kyneton will look to wingman Mitch Comben, Lucas Iudica and Jake Summers to continue their great form.

The yellow and black also have the classy Thomas Quinn in midfield or closer to goal, Harrison Huntley in defence, James Orr in the ruck, Hamish Yunghanns as ruck-rover, and the experienced Ethan Foreman in attack.

Kangaroo Flat will aim to rebound from a disappointing hit-out last round.

After the high of beating Eaglehawk the Roos were beaten by 104 points at Strathfieldsaye.

Playing at Kyneton is always a tough test.

The Nathan Johns-coached Kangaroos will rely a lot on the play of Mitch Trewhella in the centre, key positon players Jordan and Zac Rouse, Ryan O’Keefe and Angus Grant.

The Roos will be without Harry Whitty who had kicked consecutive hauls of four goals.

Liam and Mitch Collins, Sam Barnes and Ethan Roberts are capable of winning plenty of disposals.

Footy and netball will be at Queen Elizabeth Oval on the King’s Birthday holiday weekend as Sandhurst faces Castlemaine.

Unbeaten and on top of the ladder, Sandhurst will be determined not to let standards slip.

Coached by Ash Connick, non-playing, and Bryce Curnow, playing, Sandhurst has many players fighting to hold or force their way into the best 22.

Key players for the Dragons include ruckman Hamish Hosking, Cooper Smith, James Coghlan and Lachlan Wright.

There’s also the experience and skill of Lee Coghlan, Andy Collins, Zach Pallpratt and Nick Stagg.

It will also be a big day for Dragons’ recruit Will Moran as he takes on his former club for the first time.

For the Brendan Shepherd-coached Castlemaine a major emphasis will be on pressure and workrate which it did well in last Saturday’s match against Golden Square.

Key players for the Magpies include Liam Wilkinson, Matt Filo, Callum McConachy, Riley Pedretti and Brodie Browne-Kerr.

It will be another emotional day for Ashton Frankling a day after the funeral service for his younger brother Dallas Keogh-Frankling who died suddenly after Castlemaine’s under-18s match at Kyneton.

Ashton was among the team’s best from a wing against Golden Square last round and will again wear number eight as a special tribute to his brother.

Maryborough is on home turf at Princes Park to take on Strathfieldsaye.

A daunting run for the Coby Perry-coached Maryborough rolls on as Storm has struck form in recent weeks.

Storm was 2-3 after five rounds, but hit back to win its past two matches.

A Michelsen medallist, dual Ron Best medallist and multiple premiership winner, Storm captain Lachlan Sharp has kicked plenty of goals against Maryborough.

Sharp will be eyeing another day out.

A tally of 45 disposals which included 25 contested earned Strathfieldsaye on-baller Callum McCarty the Barry Plant Player of the Round award for round seven.

A strong on-ball division for Storm includes Bode Stevens and Daniel Clohesy.

Nearing the 200-game mark with Strathfieldsaye, Shannon Geary shows no sign of slowing down.

Storm also has the experience of Lachlan Bonney and Luke Webb.

A Maryborough defence that includes Kya Lanfranchi, Jake Postle and Josh Britten has had plenty to do this season.

The Magpies’ work in and around stoppages will be vital and rely a lot on the play of Joel Swatton, ruckman Ty Stewart, Jai Howell and Oscar Tatchell.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 241 per cent, 28 points; Eaglehawk 243, 20; Golden Square 211, 20; South Bendigo 135, 16; Strathfieldsaye 121, 16; Kyneton 96, 14; Kangaroo Flat 73, 12; Gisborne 99, 8; Castlemaine 29, 6; Maryborough 16, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

30 Joel Brett, Golden Square.

23 Lachlan Sharp, Strathfieldsaye.

20 Will Keck, South Bendigo.

20 Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst.

18 Brock Harvey, South Bendigo.

18 Steven Stroobants, South Bendigo.

17 Cameron Manuel, Kyneton.

17 Braydon Vaz, Golden Square.

16 Matt Thornton, Sandhurst.

13 Ryan Hartley, Golden Square.

13 James Schischka, Strathfieldsaye.

12 Lewin Davis, Eaglehawk.

12 Thomas Quinn, Kyneton.

12 Darcy Richards, Eaglehawk.

11 Cam McGlashan, Eaglehawk.

11 Harry Whitty, Kangaroo Flat.

10 Dylan Hird, Eaglehawk.

10 Liam Marciano, Eaglehawk.

GOLDEN Square overcame a 17-point deficit in the final term to win a thrilling contest with Eaglehawk in Saturday’s eighth round of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy season.

A hat-trick of goals by gun forward Joel Brett, which included a match-winning set-shot from more than 40m out clinched a 70-67 win at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.

The Bulldogs made a brilliant start to what was ruckman Matt Compston’s 200^th match by scoring 3.3 to 0.3 in the opening term.

Eaglehawk fought back to win the second term, 3.4 to 2.3.

On the rebound from defeats of three and one point in the previous two rounds, Eaglehawk led 54-49 at a quarter to go in the kennel.

Consecutive goals gave the Travis Matheson-coached Hawks a 17-point lead before the Bulldogs came charging back to win 70-67.

Brett finished with a match-high five in Square’s tally of 10.

The Hawks’ attack was led by Lewin Davis, co-captain Cam McGlashan, Jack O’Shannessy and Noah Wheeler on two each.

Best for the Christian Carter-coached Golden Square were Joel Brett, Tom Toma, Jack Geary, Ryan Hartley, Jack Hickman and Jake Thrum.

The Hawks’ best were Kallen Geary, Charlie Langford, Connor Dalgleish, Lewin Davis, Noah Wheeler and Ben Thompson.

Goals flowed freely for the Bloods from South Bendigo in the first quarter of their clash with Gisborne at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval.

The Bloods slammed on 8.3 to 2.2 in the opening term before Gisborne hit back to score 5.5 to 2.3 in the second.

A 17-point buffer for the Nathan Horbury-coached South Bendigo at half-time was up to 39 by the last change after a 6.3 to 0.2 return in the crucial third quarter.

Classy small forward and assistant coach Steven Stroobants went on to slot a match-high six goals as the Bloods marked a 131-63 victory.

Other multiple goalkickers for South Bendigo were Brock Harvey and Will Keck, four; and Nathan Horbury, two.

Gisborne’s attack was led by Braidon Blake, Matt Merrett and captain Jack Reaper on two each.

Best for the Bloods were Brody Haddow, Mac Cameron, Riley Walsh, Steven Stroobants, Brock Harvey and Braydan Torpey.

Matt Merrett, Macklan Lord, Liam Spear, Jed Denahy, James Fox and Flynn Lakey were best for the Brad Fox-coached Gisborne.

Seven goals by skipper Lachlan Sharp and six by Callum McCarty were highlights in Strathfieldsaye’s win at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

After a slow start to the season, Storm is building.

In Saturday’s clash, Storm surged to a 54-1 lead by quarter-time and had scored 13 goals by the long break.

Led by the play of on-ballers Daniel Clohesy, Callum McCarty and Riley Wilson, Strathfieldsaye went on to record a 170-36 victory.

Other multiple goalkickers for Storm were James Schischka, three; Jordan Wilson, two.

Maryborough’s attack was led by Chris Freeman and Alex Gavriliadis on two.

Best for Strathfieldsaye included Lachlan Sharp, Darcy Mulquiny and James Schischka.

Matt Johnston played well against a club he won a premiership with to be Maryborough’s best, along with Jacob Lohmann and Rhys Egan.

The Coby Perry-coached Magpies also had Luke Dunne, Joel Swatton and Luke Guelen play well.

It took until the final quarter for Sandhurst to break clear of a determined Castlemaine at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Sandhurst faced a strongly-united club a day after the funeral service for under-18s player Dallas Keogh-Frankling who passed away after the match at Kyneton.

On Saturday the Brendan Shepherd-coached Magpies started well to score 2.2 in the first and held a red-hot Dragons’ team to a tally of 3.2.

In the second it was Sandhurst which controlled play and scored 3.5 to a point.

A 28-point buffer at half-time was increased by just a goal in the third as the Pies scored 3.1 to 4.1.

Jointly coached by Ash Connick, non-playing, and Bryce Curnow, playing, Sandhurst seized control in the final quarter.

The Dragons slammed on 8.3 to nil to complete a 119-34 victory.

Former Richmond and Carlton forward/mid Andy Collins kicked a match-high five goals as James Coghlan and young gun Lachlan Wright added four.

Dragons’ captain and Michelsen medallist Lee Coghlan chipped in with two goals.

The Magpies’ attack was led by Brad Keogh, two, as Brodie Byrne, Jackson Hood and David Wilson added one each.

Sandhurst’s best were James Coghlan, Zach Pallpratt, Nick Stagg, Andy Collins, Matt Wilkinson and Jacob Nihill.

Riley Pedretti, Brodie Browne-Kerr, Matt Filo, Kyan Martin, David Wilson and Ethan Maltby played well for the Magpies.

Kyneton was too strong for Kangaroo Flat in Tigerland at Kyneton Showgrounds.

The Kangaroos were bolstered by the inclusion of former Greater Western Giants and Hawthorn forward Jonathon Patton for the clash.

Kyneton’s sights were on a fourth consecutive victory and it started brilliantly to score four goals to four behinds in the opening term.

In the second the Nathan Johns-coached Kangaroos fought back to score 2.2 as the wayward Tigers added seven behinds.

Led by the play of Harrison Huntley, Hamish Yunghanns and Bailey McGee, Kyneton dominated most of the second half.

The yellow and black won the third, 21-4, and scored 3.5 to 2.3 in the last for a 75-37 victory.

The in-form Cameron Manuel kicked three goals for Kyneton as the classy Ethan Foreman and Hamish Yunghanns added two each.

There were no multiple goalkickers for the Kangaroos in a contest where Patton was goalless.

Mitch Comben, Mason Crozier and Jake Safstrom were among the best for the Paul Chapman-coached Tigers.

Kangaroo Flat’s best were Mitch Trewhella, Jordan and Zac Rouse, Ryan O’Keefe, Kyle Symons and Xavier Dingfelder-Hope.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 252 per cent, 32 points; Golden Square 195, 24; Eaglehawk 217, 20; Strathfieldsaye 145, 20; South Bendigo 143, 20; Kyneton 104, 18; Kangaroo Flat 70, 12; Gisborne 89, 8; Castlemaine 29, 6; Maryborough 17, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

35 Joel Brett, Golden Square.

30 Lachlan Sharp, Strathfieldsaye.

24 Will Keck, South Bendigo.

24 Steven Stroobants, South Bendigo.

24 Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst.

22 Brock Harvey, South Bendigo.

20 Cameron Manuel, Kyneton.

18 Braydon Vaz, Golden Square.

16 Andy Collins, Sandhurst.

16 Matt Thornton, Sandhurst.

16 James Schischka, Strathfieldsaye.

14 Lewin Davis, Eaglehawk.

13 Ryan Hartley, Golden Square.

13 Cam McGlashan, Eaglehawk.

13 Thomas Quinn, Kyneton.

12 Darcy Richards, Eaglehawk.

11 Harry Whitty, Kangaroo Flat.

10 Jed Brereton, Strathfieldsaye.

10 Dylan Hird, Eaglehawk.

10 Billy Evans, Eaglehawk.

10 Liam Marciano, Eaglehawk.

10 Callum McCarty, Strathfieldsaye.

10 Nick Stagg, Sandhurst.

10 Noah Wheeler, Eaglehawk.

The halfway mark of the home and away series will be reached next Saturday.

Eaglehawk takes on Sandhurst at Canterbury Park in the clash between third and first.

Strathfieldsaye meets Kyneton at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane in a match crucial to the Tigers’ top-five aspirations.

Castlemaine and South Bendigo meet at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve.

Gisborne is home at Gardiner Reserve to play Maryborough.

Kangaroo Flat is on home turf at Dower Park to play Golden Square.