In just their third season, the Dragons have racked up a win-loss record of 9-1 in the preliminary rounds.

Bendigo will tackle Pakenham Silverbacks in a division two preliminary final on August 9 at Sydney Pargeter Reserve in Endevaour Hills.

The Dragons have kept the Warriors scoreless in both hit-outs.

A 22-0 victory in round two was followed by a 42-0 win on the Dragons’ turf at the Tom Flood Sports Centre in round nine.

The Dragons warmed up for the finals by scoring a 58-8 victory in last Saturday night’s duel with Ballarat for the Goldfields Trophy.

Dragons’ president Thomas Prince, who also plays an on-field role, said the team’s attitude was a key factor in its success.

“We had between 15 and 20 new players this season, but the way they have worked together and been united is fantastic,” Prince said.

“It is such a cohesive group.”

Co-ordinator of the team’s offence the previous two seasons, Mike Hughes has stepped up to be head coach.

Prince said the influx of recruits meant a great onus on the leadership of the more experienced players.

“Skills have really developed in every match,” Prince said of Bendigo’s run since a first-round defeat.

“We have scored a lot of points, but strong defence has played a big part in the winning streak,” said Prince.

Key players in the Dragons squad include Bruce Fu, Harrison Luke, Joshua Meldrum and Jacob Rodger in defence, Ben Hughes, Zac Caldwell and Matthew Plathe in offence.

Quarter-back Lucas Elliston passed the season’s 1000-yard mark in the Dragons win against Ballarat Falcons.

Elliston said the 1000-yard feat was the result of outstanding teamwork.

“The main focus was on getting the wins. Yard tallies were a huge bonus,” Elliston said.

This season is Elliston’s eighth in gridiron.

He played football with Strathfieldsaye’s under-16 ½ team in 207, but by the next year was on the gridiron field with Western Crusaders.

“I always liked watching gridiron on TV and thought I would have a go,” Elliston said.

Major challengers for the quarter-back are learning the various plays, split-second decisions and footwork to evade opponents and pass the ball.

A first-year club president after being a committee member the previous two years, Prince said the off-field support from the Bridge Hotel, Southern Cross Austereo, and Doherty’s Gym Bendigo played a big part in the Dragons success.

The August 9 showdown between Bendigo Dragons and Pakenham Silverbacks kicks off at 1.30pm.