BENDIGO Gold scored a resounding 71-point victory against Casey Scorpions in yesterday’s Victorian Football League fourth round.
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The 20.17 (137) to 9.12 (66) result meant Gold, which has a 2-1 record, jumped to fourth place on the ladder.
Bendigo blitzed in the second and fourth quarters at Casey Fields in Cranbourne.
In front by just two points at quarter-time, Gold scored 7.4 to 0.3 in the second.
Defences were on top in the third before Gold’s attack broke clear in the fourth to add 7.3 to 3.2.
A development coach at Gold’s AFL-affiliate, Essendon and assistant coach for Bendigo, Rick Ladson was rapt with the team’s play.
“The pressure and intensity in the second quarter was outstanding,” Ladson said of Gold kicking away to a 45-point lead by half-time.
“Today we had a lot of Bendigo-listed players and Essendon rookies do well.”
He said one of many positive signs was the spread of 13 goalkickers.
“It’s a good thing as a group to have a lot of players chipping in with goals.”
Gold’s wealth of attacking options included the fast-leading Matt Little, four goals, and high-leaping Ariel Steinberg, who was drafted from the Bendigo Pioneers in 2010.
Last year’s Michelsen medallist in the BFL, Castlemaine’s Wayne Schultz shone for Gold again.
“Schultzy started up forward and his attack at the contest was outstanding.
“He kicked a couple of goals and his pressure helped set up many more.”
After several weeks on the sidelines recovering from a broken wrist, Justin Maddern was back in Bendigo’s attack and finished with two goals.
Ladson was also impressed by the play of Steven Stroobants through midfield, in defence and also up forward.
“For his height, he is a great overhead mark and always contests.”
Rochester’s Ben McPhee played his first VFL match and also did well.
Bendigo’s best was Luke Davis, who opposed former Melbourne skipper Brad Green on a wing.
“Luke played really well to keep Green to just seven possessions,” Ladson said.
Gold is back home in Bendigo this Saturday to play Northern Blues at the QEO from 2pm.