Exciting year ahead

There was so much on throughout central Victoria. 

Bendigo, Heathcote and Loddon Valley football and netball leagues all began, Bendigo Gold played its first game of the VFL season, FC Bendigo hosted its first match at the Tom Flood Sports Centre, the Bendigo Braves played Frankston and the Queen’s prize shooting event were all on.

It was definitely an exciting weekend of sport with momentous stories everywhere you looked.

While everyone was talking about the Kyneton Football Club’s return to the football field, Kyneton netballers were also making an impressive return to the competition.

After not fielding a team in the Bendigo Netball League competition in more than five years, Kyneton made its return in fine style.

Kyneton won 57 to 16, an unbelievable result.

The impressive victory was coach Dean Erdman didn’t see coming, nor did the rest of the competition I would say.

I predicted Kyneton to finish in ninth position this season however if it's performance on Saturday is anything to go by; I think they will be a real x-factor this season.

It was a big day for Kyneton with four of their netball teams winning in round one.

Kyneton's new recruits and youngsters are paving the way forward the club. 

If the Kyneton Netball Club club continues in this direction there is no doubt it will have a bright future.

There were also some big winners across the Bendigo league with Kangaroo Flat and Gisborne also scoring big wins.

It looks set to be a cracker of a year on the court with several teams across the completion look like having good seasons.

Another impressive result across the weekend was Bendigo Gold’s performance against Geelong.

Despite not winning on Friday night the team showed plenty of good signs.

Last season was the first year Bendigo played as a stand-alone team.

They didn’t win a game.

But with a second pre-season under their belt I am confident coach Aussie Jones can guide them to their first win in 2014.

The Gold started off extremely well, leading at the first break by two goals.

Then the Cats kicked into the gear.

In the end, Bendigo ran out of legs with Geelong managing to win by 47 points.

It was a great result considering last time the two teams met the margin was 201 points in favour of Geelong. 

Jones should be proud of his team’s efforts but I am sure he understands there is a lot of work still left to be done this season.

But there is no doubt the Gold are heading in the right direction. 

If the bumper weekend is anything to go by I am excited about what other things 2014 has in store.