THE Bendigo Pioneers will chase back-to-back wins when they tackle Calder Cannons in Saturday’s AFL Victoria TAC Cup match at Epsom-Huntly.
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After a hard-fought victory at home against Western Jets in the 15th round, Bendigo carries greater confidence into this match.
Red Cliffs forward Jonty Marciano returns from a shoulder injury.
Pioneers’ co-captain Liam Collins, thumb, and Kyabram’s Kyle Mueller, concussion, are on the sidelines.
Bendigo coach Brett Henderson said perseverance played a big part in the defeat of Western.
“The willingness to get to contests was fantastic. It’s all about mindset,” Henderson said of the team’s lift in workrate.
“Calder has a lot of quality players. It’s important we bring a high level of pressure to the game.”
Henderson said the Pioneers learnt a lot from their showdown with the Cannons earlier in the season.
“It’s important we hit the scoreboard early. Last time they were up by six goals, but we did fight back well.”
The Pioneers will again aim to up their run and rebound off half-back through the likes of Joseph Atley, Isaac Miller, Lachlan Schultz and Bailey Edwards.
On-ballers Lachlan Tardrew and Tommy Cole continue to rack up many possessions.
The marking power of Jayden Burke and Rhys Free will be a threat to Calder’s defence.
The Pioneers and Cannons match starts at 1.30pm.
