Related: LVFNL player suspended for seven games

2.20pm, Saturday at Tannery Lane

No better way to start the BFNL season than a clash between the two best teams of the past two years.

It will be interesting to see what changes to game style, if any, new Borough coach Travis Matheson has installed.

Both sides close to full strength on a good deck with warm weather - should be a belter.

Last time: Eaglehawk 19.8 (122) d Strathfieldsaye 11.7 (73).

Head-to-head: Strathfieldsaye 12, Eaglehawk 14.

Strathfieldsaye

B: J. Neylon, S. Murphy, L. Gill

HB: S. Geary, B. Curnow, K. Geary

C: J. Shanahan, J. Moorhead, T. Coates

HF: L. Wallace, H. Robertson, H. Lawrence

F: F. Payne, L. Sharp, J. Formosa

R: H. Crone, K. Smith, S. Heavyside

Int: B. Henderson, C. Sheahan, B. Lester, D. Clohesy, H. Conway

Eaglehawk

B: T. Hill, O. Madden, S. Thompson

HB: L. Atherton, C. Holmes, J. Mullen

C: R. McIvor, R. Gillingham, R. Saunders

HF: J. Pertzel, R. Tibbett, D. Hanley

F: J. Collins, S. Williams, G. Hommelhoff

R: C. McGlashan, B. Collins, B. McPhee

Int: L. Caccaviello, B. Thompson, T. Miles, S. Harper

.....................................................

2.20pm, Saturday at the QEO

After a host of changes in the off-season it's hard to get a handle on either side.

The most intriguing aspect of the game is how well highly-touted recruits Nathan Horbury (South Bendigo) and Stewart Crameri (Maryborough) play.

Last time: South Bendigo 16.11 (107) d Maryborough 9.10 (64).

Head-to-head since 1995: South Bendigo 37, Maryborough 14.

South Bendigo

B: W. Tobin, D. Nalder, C. Taggert

HB: T. Brereton, D. Johnstone, R. Harvey

C: Z. Hare, N. Horbury, K. Blow

HF: J. Swatton, A. Vanheumen, B. Harvey

F: B. Childs, K. Antonowicz, W. Allen

R: C. Crisp, D. McCutcheon, B. Haddow

Int: J. Connolly-Gaunt, C. Balnaves, M. Goodwin, J. Sheahan

Maryborough

B: A. Hare, T. Roughead, B. Lavars

HB: L. Bucknall, B. Malone, C. O'Shea

C: C. Freeman, J. Hooper, D. Vadala

HF: L. Latch, J. Templeton, J. Postle

F: J. Fraser, S. Crameri, M. Bilton

R: L. Crameri, L. Butler, C. Perry

Int: B. O'Donnell, T. Stewart, C. Rowe, M. McClure, D. Lewis, Z. Polinelli

.....................................................

5.30pm, Saturday at Dower Park

Two new coaches - Rob Bennett (Roos) and Ashley Connick (Dragons) - go head-to-head.

The Roos' fortunes in 2019 will hinge largely on the talent of their recruits, while the Dragons' improvement will come from within.

Potential tough start for the Dragons.

Last time: Sandhurst 19.25 (139) d Kangaroo Flat 2.6 (18).

Head-to-head since 1995: Kangaroo Flat 13, Sandhurst 38.

Kangaroo Flat

B: L. Barber, K. Brown, R. Turner

HB: D. Klemm, B. Fry, L. Collins

C: D. Rees, H. Pyke, D. Wust

HF: S. Jansen, N. McHugh, C. Greer

F: M. Johnson, M. Despott, T. McInnes

R: N. Lang, M. Clifford, J. Lanyon

Int: T. Verbeek, L. Needs, K. Clark, K. Symons

Sandhurst

B: L. Ireland, J. Wilkinson, J. Hann

HB: J. Pallpratt, M. Thornton, I. Ruff

C: J. McLean, A. Parry, A. Wharton

HF: L. Ross, T. Calvert, A. Collins

F: B. Holmes, W. Holt, J. Wharton

R: C. Down, L. Tardrew, N. Stagg

Int: Z. Pallpratt, V. Rodi, J. Rodi, J. Zimmer

.....................................................

5.30pm, Saturday at Kyneton Showgrounds

The Tigers will be looking to put a tough off-season behind them by putting in a competitive performance against the Bulldogs.

Square recruit Liam Barrett has impressed in the pre-season and looks set for a big first season in the BFNL.

Last time: Kyneton 15.14 (104) d Golden Square 7.18 (60).

Head-to-head since 1995: Kyneton 13. Golden Square 34, drawn 1.

Kyneton

B: B. Xiriha, P. McCarthy, T. Kelly

HB: H. Govan, H. Huntley, H. Moore

C: T. Sims, J. Govan, T. Kirk

HF: S. Rooth, J. Orr, L. Chisholm

F: M. O'Sullivan, N. Thompson, J. Conforti

R: D. Harris, C. Fisher, R. Magin

Int: J. Tatti, J. Plowman, N. O'Sullivan, L. Beattie

Golden Square

B: B. Vaz, W. Lee, H. Bynon

HB: J. Coe, L. Barrett, L. Humphrey

C: B. Welsh, J. Geary, J. Thrum

HF: H. Morcom, J. Burke, C. Draper

F: H. McCormick, T. Baird, D. Barrett

R: M. Compston, A. Baird, T. Walters

Int: B. Eaton, S. Brinsmead, R. Hartley, H. Donegan, A. Marklew

.....................................................

5.30pm, Saturday at Camp Reserve

Plenty of hpe surrounding the Magpies after the signing of former Essendon and Port Adelaide forward Angus Monfries. His arrival, alongside several players from Melbourne, has the Magpies expecting a big jump up the ladder.

Will they be good enough to defeat a very promising Gisborne side in round one? Doubtful. 

Last time: Gisborne 31.19 (205) d Castlemaine 4.8 (32).

Head-to-head since 2000: Castlemaine 8, Gisborne 30.

Castlemaine

B: S. Moss, D. Stephens, J. Watson

HB: A. Robins, D. Atkins, R. Pedretti

C: S. Simpson, J. Matera, J. Shea

HF: T. Gavralas, M. Dance, C. Burnett

F: W. Moran, M. Filo, J. Chester

R: B. Blake, A. Monfries, D. Easson

Int: K. Jones, N. Woodman, S. Nettleton, J. Wootton

Gisborne

B: T. Walsh, A. Belcher, L. Rodgers

HB: L. Spear, J. Ferry, T. Crosbie

C: T. Fraser, B. Bernacki, C. Williamson

HF: P. McKenna, J. Conolan, C. Summerfield

F: J. Scanlon, J. Owen, T. Wood

R: J. Grabham, N. Doolan, M. Goodyear

Int: D. Clayton, R. Baker, J. Lynch, E. McKenna

..........................................

2.15pm, Saturday at Bridgewater

Both teams suffered disappointing results in round one.

The return of Nick Waterson strengthens the Eagles mdifield line and they should have too much class for the young Mean Machine side.

Last time: Maiden Gully YCW 13.20 (98) d Bridgewater 13.9 (87).

Head-to-head since 1995: Bridgewater 23, Maiden Gully YCW 24, drawn 1.

Bridgewater

B: Z. Hoiles, J. Wilson, L. Mangan

HB: T. Gill, J. Mayes, M. Bourke

C: A. Powell, M. Whittle, P. Rothacker

HF: S. Banko, A. Banko, T. Mckinley

F: B. Galea, D. Clutton, A. Conway

R: C. Ross, L. Jacques, J. Symons

Int: J. Naughton, M. Collins, C. Mayes, T. Estrada, C. Mulquiny

In: J. Naughton, L. Jacques

Out: H. Booth

Maiden Gully YCW Eagles

B: S. Turner, L. Roberts, C. Rohde

HB: D. Pierce, A. Pearson, H. McCartney

C: N. Waterson, R. Walker, B. Aitken

HF: C. Kekich, M. Gray, L. Ross

F: D. Morris, D. Graham, L. Gray

R: T. Harrington, S. Moyle, G. Munari

Int: R. Strauch, J. Wakefield, J. Crisp, C. Etheredge

In: R. Strauch, N. Waterson

Out: B. Graham, E. Crisp

.....................................................

2.15pm, Saturday at Marong

Hardest game of the round to tip. The Panthers looked good against inferior opposition last week, while the Demons played good footy for a half against reigning premier Newbridge before falling away in the second half.

If Marong wins this it will contend for fourth and fifth spot later in the year.

Last time: Calivil United 23.10 (148) d Marong 5.8 (38).

Head-to-head since 1995: Marong 10, Calivil United 10.

Marong

B: N. Walsh, C. Ling, J. Harris

HB: B. Gregg, H. Graham, J. Salinger

C: J. McCaig, N. Devanny, T. Beard

HF: P. Gretgrix, R. Gretgrix, G. Carter

F: B. McKinley, D. Blume, K. Manley

R: J. Hynes, N. Fall, Z. Turnbull

Int: A. Ward, C. Williamson, W. Gadsden, H. Baker

In: B. Gregg, T. Beard

Out: B. Millar, C. Fleming

Calivil United

From: C. Sanders, N. Oxenham, J. Thompson, C. Smith, B. Rogers, J. Somerville,

S. Demeo, P. Bogers, K. Padula, J. Lea, A. Davis, J. Lawry,

S. Green, L. Moss, B. Richards, D. Reid, D. Thompson, K. Hoggins,

J. Hall, T. Guerra, M. Cooke, B. Haines

In: S. Green, B. Richards, M. Cooke, C. Smith, B. Rogers

Out: L. Begg, B. Wingrave, R. Boland, N. Ryan, S. Pellegrino

.....................................................

2.15pm, Saturday at Mitiamo

Clearly the match of the round. The Superoos couldn't have been more impressive in round one, while the Bulldogs have quietly built a side that looks capable of challenging for the top three.

The Bulldogs defeated Superoos at Mitiamo the last time they met.

Last time: Mitiamo 10.11 (71) lt Pyramid Hill 13.5 (83).

Head-to-head since 1995: Mitiamo 31, Pyramid Hill 21.

Mitiamo

B: L. Lougoon, B. Bacon, L. Woodward

HB: J. Wiegard, M. Simpson, K. Patten

C: D. Clohesy, T. Reeves, L. Scott

HF: B. Downie, T. Downie, M. Grant

F: J. Rozynski, R. Wellington, M. I'Anson

R: B. Riddell, D. Thomas , L. Matthews

Int: B. McKenry, R. Reeves, J. Falls, B. White

In: B. White, K. Patten

Out: A. Benbow, T. Cocks

Pyramid Hill

B: M. Bateman, D. Morison, A. Murphy

HB: M. Klein-Breteler, T. Barri, A. Dobby

C: B. George, S. Mann, B. Driscoll

HF: J. Woodward, N. Fitzpatrick, S. Gunther

F: J. Willcocks, B. Dickens, B. Dalton

R: A. Holland, G. James, B. Micevski

Int: L. O'Toole, T. Sala, D. Tonkin, B. Gunther

In: B. Driscoll, L. O'Toole

Out: A. McErvale, E. Dorrington

.....................................................

2.15pm, Saturday at Serpentine

Even though we haven't seen the Bears yet this season it's hard to tip against them. Their best footy in 2018 was as good as any in the competition. They just need to make a better start in 2019 so they don't need to play catch-up.

Last time: BL-Serpentine 21.15 (141) d Inglewood 11.10 (76).

Head-to-head since 1995: BL-Serpentine 36, Inglewood 13.

Bears Lagoon Serpentine

Not supplied

Inglewood

B: J. Hartney, S. Williams, J. Essex

HB: S. Egan, B. Mensforth, J. Starr

C: P. McKay, K. Kennedy, N. McNish

HF: S. Barnes, C. McKay, B. Worner

F: L. Sidebottom, J. Cowman, D. Lloyd

R: N. Leach, R. McNish, H. Polglase

Int: N. Wharton, L. Drummond, J. Nevins, C. Cohalan

In: N. Wharton, S. Egan

Out: K. Doran, J. Sheean

..........................................

2.15pm, Saturday at Lockington

Hard not to be impressed by the Cats' demolition job of White Hills in the season-opener last week. The Cats are the real deal. 

New era for the Saints under former Sandhurst coach Wayne Primmer. They'll be more competitive this year.

Last time: LBU 20.21 (141) d Heathcote 5.7 (37).

Head-to-head: LBU 27, Heathcote 12.

Lockington-Bamawm United

B: T. Eade, J. Howlett, S. Wolfe

Hb: M. Angove, R. Woodland, B. Phillips

C: L. Main, N. Bacon, N. O'Brien

Hf: J. Bacon, T. Leech, J. Gardiner

F: L. Collins, P. Gardiner, J. Mundie

Foll: T. Phillips, Z. Johnston, F. Monahan

Inter: S. Brentnall, G. Broad, G. Giddings, C. Hinks

Heathcote

B: N. Bake, N. Tobin, T. Tobin

Hb: D. Hardy, L. Bell, B. Klemke

C: K. Cavallaro, C. Price, L. Piccolo

Hf: J. Paisley, J. Brooks, K. Seidel

F: B. Connelly, D. Robinson, D. McLean

Foll: J. Marcroft, A. Romagnano, T. Pain

Inter: J. Cavallaro, J. Kelly, A. McIvor, B. Morgan

.................................................................

2.15pm, Saturday at North Bendigo

The Bulldogs looked very sharp in pre-season matches and, on paper, look a class above the rebuilding Hawks.

As a rule, the Bulldogs just don't lose on their home soil.

Huntly insiders don't expect the Hawks to drop as far down the ladder as many expect.

Last time: North Bendigo 15.6 (96) d Huntly 8.14 (62).

Head-to-head since 1995: North Bendigo 43, Huntly 12.

North Bendigo

B: S. Harris, B. Thomson, C. Tardrew

Hb: A. Craig, J. Ford, T. Metherell

C: J. Donat, J. Findlay, B. Robertson

Hf: T. Devereaux, D. Richards, S. Giri

F: Z. Alford, B. Herdman, B. Knight

Foll: R. Gow, J. Hyland, J. Helman

Inter: R. Alford, W. Brohm, J. Collins, J. Lambden

Huntly

B: J. Harris, M. Jeffries, S. Kairn

Hb: J. Cordy, B. Quin, J. Fox

C: L. Brook, S. Fiske, B. Daley

Hf: J. Gladman, P. Ryan, R. Thorpe

F: J. Daley, B. Chalmers, T. Mercadante

Foll: A. Daniels, J. Cowling, H. Whittle

Inter: P. Andrews, H. Campbell, B. Jones, W. Parsons

.................................................................

2.15pm, Saturday at Elmore

A stern first-up test for the home side.

The Bloods are expected to improve off a low base, but whether that's enough to be competitive with the premiership favourite is the big question.

The Hoppers, under new coach Julian Bull, have arguably the best depth in the competition.

Last time: Colbinabbin 20.27 (147) d Elmore 4.2 (26).

Head-to-head since 1995: Elmore 16, Colbinabbin 36.

Elmore

B: J. Harney, D. Green, T. Oliver

Hb: N. Brewster, Z. Laffy, H. Summers

C: I. Fuller, R. Healey, J. Laffy

Hf: A. Cuthbert, D. Laffy, J. Harney

F: R. Grenville, D. Brewster, D. Oaff

Foll: J. Atkinson, M. Gilmour, B. Makepeace

Inter: B. Boyack, K. Goldsworthy, N. Page, L. Price

Colbinabbin

B: J. Barnett, M. McEvoy, T. Hill

Hb: S. Bromley, D. Carmody, N. Knight

C: C. Horsley, S. Vale, A. Van Ruiswyk

Hf: D. Price, M. Riordan, B. Southam

F: R. Hon, D. Connors, N. Nixon

Foll: H. Sirett, T. Clarke, P. O'Brien

Inter: L. Ezard, H. Hamilton, H. McMurtrie

.................................................................

LEITCHVILLE-GUNBOWER v MT PLEASANT

2.15pm, Saturday at Leitchville

The reigning premier Bombers will slide in terms of talent in 2019, but how that correlates to the ladder is the unknown factor.

The Bombers will replace its departed senior premiership players with some highly-talented youngsters.

In the off-season, Mounts set about improving their depth and they've achieved that. If they're going to be a finals contender they must be competitive on Saturday.

Last time: Leitchville-Gunbower 23.7 (145) d Mt Pleasant 9.11 (65).

Head-to-head: Leitchville-Gunbower 14, Mt Pleasant 4.

Leitchville-Gunbower

From: Lee Pollock, Daniel Coates, Joel Donehue, Darcy Bibby, Toby Duncan, Liam Guinan, Hoby Bussey, Tyler Jones, Logan Prout, Matthew Pollock, James Kervin, Ayden Walton, Tom Brereton, Tobias Hore, Luke Pollock, Blake Gelletly, Jake Vandongen, Jack Lunghusen, Brady Hore, Riley Hore, Xavier Colvin, Matthew Hay.

Mount Pleasant

From: Dale Young, Sebastian Spijkerman, Ben Weightman, Luke Marchesi, Zebb Murrell, Charles Trotman, Cameron Moore, Hugo Steinfort, Billy Mahony, Tom Pontell, Cody Green, Daniel Davie, Bryce Hinneberg, Jesse Tuohey, Riley McNamara, Christopher Black, Nicholas Butler, Joe Connelly, Joseph Whiting, Michael Whiting, Mitchell Bennett, Matthew Fitzgerald

..........................................

Wycheproof Narraport

B: J. Bish, T. Rumbold, C. Burge

HB: D. McLennan, S. Allan, K. McNicol

C: J. White, J. Turner, C. Jones

HF: T. Draffen, B. Brennan, D. Harrison

F: J. Coatsworth, R. Botheras, R. Allan

R: J. White, G. Turner, R. White

Int: Z. Cruse, J. Bish, J. White

In: J. White

Out: B. Bish

Birchip Watchem

B: J. Noonan, L. Foott, A. Noonan

HB: B. Hogan, D. Hinkley, D. Grining

C: B. Lee, F. House, R. Hogan

HF: J. Lindeback, W. Lowe, N. Gordon

F: J. Christie, S. Paulke, S. Pye

R: L. Sirett, J. Reid, S. Simmons

Int: W. Sheahan, R. Vesikuru, J. Lee

St Arnaud

B: T. Bertalli, T. Dyke, L. Flanagan

HB: B. Batters, H. Durward, J. Tillig

C: J. Tillig, C. Gunn, W. Jackson

HF: N. Baldwin, J. McNamee, J. Hicks

F: K. Sevallos-Seden , T. Eltringham, M. Egan

R: W. Bertalli, L. Makepeace, N. Birthisel

Int: M. Goode, N. Myers, B. Durward

In: J. McNamee, J. Tillig

Out: B. Tillig, B. Organ

Donald

B: J. Bath, N. Witherow, B. Beckham

HB: C. Anderson, D. Pearce, E. Landwehr

C: H. Cashin, D. Cameron, P. de Koeyer

HF: J. Werts, J. Potter, J. Wall

F: R. Leeder, S. Young, D. Harrison

R: M. Coleman, R. McGough, P. Purcell

Int: N. Clark, R. Harberger, T. George

In: E. Landwehr

Out: C. Powell

Wedderburn

B: J. Jones, A. Postle, J. DeAraugo

HB: D. Benaim, D. Jackson, J. Guan

C: B. DeAraugo, C. Perry, J. Hogan

HF: R. Tonkin, T. Campbell, J. Hernan

F: J. Hayes, S. Barnes, L. Ritchie

R: J. Hargreaves, L. Holt, C. Lowry

Int: S. Lockhart, L. Holt, R. Holt

In: R. Tonkin, J. Hayes

Out: J. Lockhart, D. Quin

Boort

B: C. Mclaughlin , H. Weaver, W. Hill

HB: N. Maw, J. Wilson, J. Kerr

C: Z. Bedford, J. Thompson, M. Baker

HF: D. Johnston, J. Smith, D. Waldron

F: W. Perryman, S. Griffiths, C. O'Rourke

R: M. Buchanan, C. Churchin, J. Kane

Int: R. Murphy, E. Weaver, N. Griffiths

In: W. Hill, M. Buchanan, M. Baker, E. Weaver, C. O'Rourke

Out: M. Kane, K. Wilson, T. Healy, O. Lanyon, L. Malone

Charlton

B: S. O'Connor, D. McKay, J. McKee

HB: R. Thiesz, J. Thompson, T. Cossar

C: T. Watton, K. Robins, B. Walklate

HF: B. Roberts, T. Finlay, J. Thompson

F: D. Thiesz, J. McGrath, A. Judd

R: M. Gleeson, J. Landrigan, B. Orval

Int: Z. Sullivan, C. Fitzpatrick, D. McCallum

In: Z. Sullivan, J. McGrath

Out: B. Dickeson, S. O'Connor

Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers

B: R. Craig, K. Donnan, B. Adcock

HB: M. Elliott, J. Collins, J. Poulton

C: J. Donnan, B. Delmenico , J. McInnes

HF: B. Weir, B. Collins, H. Herben

F: J. Schaper, B. McInnes, W. Donnan

R: R. O'Sullivan, T. Donnan, T. Summerhayes

Int: T. Wemyss, J. Wright, C. Elliott

In: T. Summerhayes, T. Wemyss, B. Collins

Out: T. McKenzie, L. Martin, A. Pollock

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