A LOSS to Heathcote District Football League side North Bendigo hasn't dented Kangaroo Flat coach Jason Stevens’ optimism for the Roos’ season ahead.
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The Bulldogs won Friday night’s practice match at Bendigo Mazda Oval by 14 points, but Stevens was content with the Roos’ performance considering the number of key players who missed the game.
“We didn’t win the game, but when we had Jayke Barrack, Cameron Rinaldi, Nick Lang, Tim Brooks, Isaac Douthie, Andrew Cussen, Simon Davies and Jeremy Lambden out and they had a full side in, I’m really happy with how we went on Friday night,” Stevens said.
‘It was a very competitive hit-out and exactly what you want from a practice match.
“We had a few guys stand up who needed to, and North Bendigo showed they are going to be a quality outfit in the Heathcote league.
“I’m disappointed we didn’t win in front of our home crowd, but with what we’ve got to come back into our side for round one and for the remainder of the season, I’m very happy with where we’re sitting.”
With both co-captain Nick Lang and recruit Jeremy Lambden not playing, North Bendigo’s Troy Kelm dominated in the ruck for the Bulldogs
“We’ve taken a bit of a different approach to our practice matches this year,” Stevens said.
“Last year we tried to have it settled as best we could, but this year we’ve looked at players in different roles.
“The majority of our list has played two practice matches and we’re comfortable with where we’re at heading into the season.”
Kangaroo Flat begins its 2015 BFNL season this Friday when it takes on long-time nemesis Golden Square - a club it hasn’t beaten since 2001 - at MyJet Oval.
Meanwhile, Castlemaine beat Diggers Rest in their practice match at Camp Reserve on Saturday.
“It was a good hit-out for the boys,” Castlemaine football manager Lachlan Maltby said.
“We got up by four or five goals and got through injury free.
“Our list is in good shape going into the season and we’ll basically have a full list to pick from for our first game.”
Meanwhile, the Magpies still need more players for their under-18 team this season.
The Magpies open their season on Friday with a trip to Princes Park to take on Maryborough in a battle of the country rivals.
The Maryborough side will include former Fremantle and Collingwood star Chris Tarrant, who played 268 AFL games during his 15-year career.
