Miners in crucial clash with Shepparton Bulls
The Bendigo Fighting Miners season is on the line in a do-or-die semi-final against the Shepparton Bulls.
Bendigo and Shepparton met last weekend for the final round of the regular season, with the Bulls securing victory, 22-14.
The match between the Miners and the Bulls will be played at Vibert Reserve, Shepparton on Saturday at 3pm
In the other RV Championship division semi-final, the Maroondah Griffins take on the Melton Warriors.
Bendigo Dragons kick off 2019 gridiron season
The Bendigo Dragons will kick off their Gridiron Victoria season on Saturday night.
The Dragons will be hosting one of the league's toughest teams, the Western Crusaders.
"The match against the Crusaders will be a really good chance to see where we are sitting within the league and it will certainly be a challenge for the Dragons' veteran and rookie players," Dragons coach Matt Plathe said.
"Especially for the new players so they can see the standard of football that is played across the league."
During the pre-season the Dragons focused on enhancing fundamental skills and the importance of individual player roles during games.
Plathe has his own challenges in the way of being a player coach, but receives integral support from the team around him.
"When you're a player coach it takes a lot out of you," Plathe said.
"But when I'm on the field or in a drill at training I have a great support team around which give me feedback."
The Dragons host the Western Crusaders at Tom Flood Sports Centre on Saturday night at 6pm.
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