ROOS, DRAGONS EMBRACE ‘ULTIMATE TEST’
BY KIERAN ILES
BENDIGO TIMES
KANGAROO Flat coach Jayden Cowling says a bye week has only served to make the Roos hungrier for a crack at their old foe Sandhurst this week.
The Roos – widely touted as premiership favourites – have lived up to that billing in a pair of emphatic wins over reigning premiers Gisborne (by 28 goals) and Eaglehawk (53 goals).
They will look to consolidate that form in their toughest task to date at the QEO on Saturday.
In many ways, Cowling views the Roos’ clashes with the Dragons as the ultimate test.
“Everyone in the league is aware of the strong Kangaroo Flat-Sandhurst rivalry, but more than ever, we are excited by the challenge,” he said.
“Especially considering there are a few more A-grade byes in the competition this year - the top teams are really looking forward to those tough clashes.
“I think both teams will be excited for a tough game and to see where everyone is at early in the season.”
While an influx of quality recruits, led by former Melbourne Vixens goaler Ruby Barkmeyer, has well and truly put the spotlight on Kangaroo Flat, Sandhurst has quietly gone about its business, notching up a pair of 35-plus goal wins over Golden Square and Strathfieldsaye.
Sandhurst’s depth has been tested early following the loss of star defender Charlotte Sexton (Vixens training partner) and an injury to dual Betty Thompson medallist Heather Oliver, but if there is one thing we do know about the Dragons, it is that their playing stocks run deep.
In a proud moment for player and club, emerging defender Harriett Whiteacre made her A-grade debut for the Dragons against Golden Square last week.
It came hot on the heels of some outstanding early season form at VNL level with the Bendigo Strikers 23-and-under team.
Given their depth and wealth of multiple A-grade premiership stars, Cowling said the Roos would have to deliver their very best to come out on top.
“They haven’t had huge changes in their line-up, and they’ve got (goal attack) Kelsey Meade back, who I have always rated highly. I think she’s a real game changer in their attack end,” he said.
“They’ve had strong start to the year, as you would expect.
“It’s going to be another tough game against them, as it is every time we play them.”
Following a prosperous off-season that not only netted the return to Dower Park of Barkmeyer, but that of six-time A-grade premiership defender Alicia McGlashan, along with the arrival of star Bendigo Strikers goaler Teal Hocking, Cowling could not be happier with their early progress.
“Everyone has slotted in exceptionally. Our recruits in A-grade – Ruby, Alicia and Teal – have all fitted in quickly. It’s exciting to see.
“We’ve only played two games, so we still have a long way to go to get those connections and combos right, but we are tracking nicely.
“Ruby is really comfortable now being back at Kangaroo Flat and she taken on that leadership role as coach in the first two games in my absence.
“It’s made everyone else around the club work even harder.
“They have all had a nice start to the year.”
The Roos will be chasing their second win in a row against the Dragons after beating them by four goals in last year preliminary final.
That win snapped a seven-game losing streak against Sandhurst and earned them a spot in a thrilling grand final encounter against Gisborne
