BENDIGO – ROUND 14
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Sandhurst v Golden Square, 2.20pm Saturday at Queen Elizabeth Oval, Bendigo – it’s still only July, but two of the power sides of the BFNL clashing on the QEO whets the appetite for what could lay ahead come September, while it also shapes as a telling contest in the fight to finish on top.
The two sides are first and second, both with 11-2 records, with the Dragons holding onto top spot courtesy of their percentage of 232.4 being superior to the Bulldogs’ 199.7.
Expect Golden Square to come out determined to prove a point given the Bulldogs were outclassed by 47 points by the Dragons when they met in round eight, with that victory having been the second of what’s now a seven-game winning streak for Sandhurst.
Last time: Sandhurst 15.13 (103) d Golden Square 8.8 (56).
Since 1995: Golden Square 29; Sandhurst 21.
Eaglehawk v Kyneton, 2.20pm Saturday at Canterbury Park, Eaglehawk – the fight for the last two spots in the finals is now down to three teams, two of which are the Hawks and Tigers.
Kyneton has been superb in recent weeks in getting itself up for a pair of “eight point” games with victories over Castlemaine and Kangaroo Flat among its three-game winning streak.
The Tigers are in good nick, but so to are the Hawks, who on the back of four wins in a row will move into the top five with another victory on Saturday.
Who’d have thought that just over a month ago when they were languishing with a 3-6 record?
Last time: Kyneton 15.9 (99) d Eaglehawk 12.18 (90).
Since 1995: Eaglehawk 31; Kyneton 11.
Strathfieldsaye v South Bendigo, 2.20pm Saturday at Flight Centre Park, Strathfieldsaye – not the same level of fanfare around the Storm as the past two years given they’ve lost a couple of games and aren’t demolishing their opposition, largely because the bulk of the forward firepower of recent seasons is no longer there.
Yet they are 11-2 and come Saturday night should have extended their winning streak at home to 24 at the expense of the Bloods.
Last time: Strathfieldsaye 17.13 (115) d South Bendigo 6.5 (41).
Since 2009: Strathfieldsaye 9; South Bendigo 6; Drawn 1.
Kangaroo Flat v Maryborough, 2.20pm Saturday at Bendigo Mazda Oval, Kangaroo Flat – positives have been hard to find for the Magpies this year, but kicking eight goals in the second half last week against Strathfieldsaye was a big plus that they can take into this clash with the Roos, who are coming off a 24-point loss to Kyneton.
Last time: Kangaroo Flat 21.16 (142) d Maryborough 6.11 (47).
Since 1995: Maryborough 24; Kangaroo Flat 21.
Gisborne v Castlemaine, 2.20pm Saturday at Gardiner Reserve, Gisborne – the Magpies will chase their first win at Gardiner Reserve since 2001.
Both sides have lost four games in a row, with the season looking like it may be starting to particularly take its toll on the young Bulldogs, who have kicked just 16 goals in those four-straight defeats.
Last time: Castlemaine 11.16 (82) d Gisborne 12.5 (77).
Since 2000: Gisborne 26; Castlemaine 7.
HEATHCOTE DISTRICT – ROUND 17
Huntly v Elmore, 2.15pm Saturday at Specialist Breeders Australia Oval, Huntly – the Bloods will go into this game safe in they knowledge they have secured their first finals berth since 2011.
Yet they will also go in knowing they haven’t beaten any of the four teams above them in six attempts.
The Bloods get another crack at a much sought-after scalp against the Hawks, who can guarantee the double chance if they win.
Last time: Huntly 18.25 (133) d Elmore 7.7 (49).
Since 1995: Elmore 30; Huntly 16.
White Hills v Colbinabbin, 2.15pm Saturday at Tint-a-Car Oval, White Hills – a worrying trend in recent weeks for the Grasshoppers with a spate of hamstring injuries, with key onballer Patrick O’Brien the latest to fall victim.
A worrying trend for the Demons’ chances on Saturday is they haven’t beaten Colbinabbin since 2011.
Last time: Colbinabbin 16.9 (105) d White Hills 2.6 (18).
Since 1995: Colbinabbin 36; White Hills 9.
Leitchville-Gunbower v Heathcote, 2.15pm Saturday at Leitchville Recreation Reserve – last game of the season for the Saints, who look set for a torrid ending to what has been a disappointing 2016 with just one win.
The Saints have lost 11 on the trot and now hit the road to take on the top-of-the-ladder Bombers, who have won 12 in a row and should have percentage on their mind given they are only 1.23 per cent clear of second-placed North Bendigo.
Last time: Leitchville-Gunbower 27.18 (180) d Heathcote 7.8 (50).
Since 2009: Leitchville-Gunbower 7; Heathcote 7.
Mount Pleasant v North Bendigo, 2.15pm Saturday at Toolleen Recreation Reserve – the plucky Blues served it right up to the Bulldogs back in round eight when they were beaten by 29 points.
But with finals on the horizon and a shot at top spot still up for grabs for North Bendigo, this has the hallmarks of a very tough return bout for the Blues.
Last time: North Bendigo 17.9 (111) d Mount Pleasant 12.10 (82).
Since 1996: Mount Pleasant 23; North Bendigo 22.
LODDON VALLEY – ROUND 16
Calivil United v Newbridge, 2.15pm Saturday at 5 Star Stockfeeds Oval, Calivil – after four wins in a row the Maroons’ bubble burst last week with a 25-point loss to Mitiamo, but they are still clinging onto their spot in the top five on percentage.
The Demons’ finals berth has long been secured, with a feature their accuracy in which they have kicked more goals than behinds in every game, including 23.11 in back-to-back losses to Bridgewater and Mitiamo in their past two matches.
Last time: Calivil United 14.8 (92) d Newbridge 10.13 (73).
Since 1995: Calivil United 34; Newbridge 15.
Inglewood v YCW, 2.15pm Saturday at Just Trees Central Vic Oval, Inglewood – chance for the Eagles to win two in a row for the first time this year having beaten Pyramid Hill in their last outing before the bye, while the Blues will be aiming to bounce back from a loss to the Bulldogs last week.
Last time: Inglewood 16.5 (101) d YCW 5.9 (39).
Since 1995: YCW 35; Inglewood 9.
BL-Serpentine v Pyramid Hill, 2.15pm Saturday at Serpentine Recreation Reserve – on reflection it’s amazing to think the last time the Bears won a game was the qualifying final against the Bulldogs by four points last year that put them just one victory from a grand final.
But that was before they suffered a mass exodus of players during the off-season that sent them back to square one in a rebuild.
The Bulldogs have been the other competition slider this year, but nowhere near the extent of the Bears.
Last time: Pyramid Hill 15.10 (100) d BL-Serpentine 10.5 (65).
Since 1995: BL-Serpentine 26; Pyramid Hill 24.
Mitiamo v Marong, 2.15pm Saturday at Mitiamo Recreation Reserve – good news for the Superoos this week with coach Justin Maddern being cleared of any major knee damage.
The Superoos are safe in the top three, while the fourth-placed Panthers still have a fight on their hands to ensure their finals berth.
Last time: Mitiamo 15.13 (103) d Marong 13.10 (88).
Since 1995: Mitiamo 33; Marong 12.
NORTH CENTRAL – ROUND 13, WEEK 2
Charlton v Donald, 2.30pm Saturday at Charlton Park – these two teams have been bouncing around second and third spot on the ladder.
For the past five weeks they have alternated between second and third, with second currently occupied by the Navies.
A win for Charlton would push the Navies two games clear in second position, and with only three rounds left after Saturday they’d have to capitulate to lose the coveted double chance.
Yet a win for the Royals would propel them back into second position and keep their double chance destiny in their own hands.
Plenty for both teams to play for.
Last time: Charlton 12.8 (80) d Donald 6.9 (45).
Since 2009: Donald 10; Charlton 9.
Wycheproof-Narraport v Boort, 2.30pm Saturday at Wycheproof Recreation Reserve – the Magpies have hit the skids with three losses in a row that has cost them their position in the top four.
With Birchip-Watchem having belted Wedderburn by 87 points on the first day of the split round last week, the Magpies will enter the last three rounds of the season two games outside the top four if they can’t conjure an upset against the undefeated Demons.
The Demons – $1.40 flag favourites with Sportsbet – have won their past four against the Magpies by 30, 65, 171 and 89 points.
Last time: Wycheproof-Narraport 14.11 (95) d Boort 9.11 (65).
Since 2009: Wycheproof-Narraport 15; Boort 7.