A HUNGRY Heathcote District will be determined to bounce back on the inter-league stage against Central Murray on Saturday.
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A year ago Heathcote District faded in the last quarter of its clash against Bellarine and was beaten by 80 points.
Saturday’s team to play at the Queen Elizabeth Oval from 1.30pm features a mix of 13 players who have previously represented the league and nine first-timers.
The side, which has Zeik Johnston as a late inclusion for Nick Waterson, will be captained by Colbinabbin’s Sam Vale and coached by Dean Laidley.
“Dean, as well as all the other assistants, have been fantastic and it has been a really enjoyable build-up,” Vale said on Friday.
“Dean has really wanted all the guys to have a good time and to then encourage their team-mates to want to put their hand up next year.”
Saturday’s team of 22 features 18 players from four clubs – Leitchville-Gunbower (six), North Bendigo (five), Colbinabbin (four) and White Hills (three).
“I think we’ve got a really strong squad that we’ll be able to challenge Central Murray with,” Vale said.
“I suppose we’re looking to make amends after what happened last year when we got blown away in the last quarter. I think we’ve got a stronger squad than last year and hopefully, that will be reflected in the way we play on Saturday.”
The two leagues last met in 2015 when Heathcote District won a 41-goal shootout against Central Murray by 29 points, also at the QEO.
Central Murray is ranked 20, while Heathcote District is 21.
Heathcote District
B: Daniel Hill, Matt Lehane, Hoby Bussey
HB: Sam Vale, Daniel Meroli, Jackson McEwan
C: Pat O’Brien, Jarrod Findlay, Tom Hill
HF: James Harney, Ryan Prendergast, Jayden Cowling
F: Joel Helman, Sam Barnes, Matt Perri
R: Brett Strange, Alex Shipard, Danny Brewster
Inter: Lachlan Furness, Lachlan Sidebottom, Logan Prout, Zeik Johnston
Central Murray
Ryan Gillingham, Bronson Booth, Matt Iannucci, Douglas Palmer, Steven Boyall, Adam Tipungwuti, Bryce Delmenico, Xavier Moloney, Martin Kelly, Matt Wade, Angus McKenzie, Zak Saad, Boden Alexander, Alex Erlandson, Luke Teasdale, Corey Kelly, Travis Matheson, Corey Viani, Bradlee Pay, Harrison Keely, Clayton Holmes, Dean Limbach.
