THERE will be no easing into the Loddon Valley Football League season for Bridgewater and Bears Lagoon-Serpentine when they meet in Saturday's grand final rematch.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Mean Machine and Bears - who meet at Bridgewater - played out four cracking contests last year where the biggest margin was 12 points.
Both were the LVFL's clear standout sides last year and again shape as the two leading contenders for the 2014 premiership.
"They look to have a similar side to the one they picked for the grand final last year, with a few additions, so it's going to be a good battle, which it was each time last year," new Bridgewater coach Andrew Collins said on Friday.
"We've got seven fresh faces in the side that didn't play in last year's premiership team. All seven have either played in premierships at other sides, or have experience at higher levels."
Among the new faces in the Bridgewater side is Bendigo Gold-listed Alexander Pollock, who will play his first game since suffering a season-ending knee injury in June, last year.
Bears coach Damien Featherby expects another tight encounter.
"We're missing a few, they are missing a few, but we'll go in with a set of plans that we think can stop them," Featherby said.
