BFNL, HDFNL, LVFNL Netball Preview - Bulldogs, Dragons fight for position

Bulldogs head up the Calder this weekend for the much-awaited round nine Bendigo Football Netball League clash against reigning premiers Sandhurst.

The teams were due to face each other a few weeks ago, however, further COVID-19 restrictions set by the state government prevented the round from going ahead.

But now the stage is set and both teams are ready.

"We're really excited for the match and whether it's a win, loss or draw the game with Sandhurst is going to show how far we've come as a playing group," Bulldogs coach Tarryn Rymer said.

"It will also show us what areas we need to work on for the second half of the season.

"As a team we've found areas to improve, but the real test is being able to apply them against quality teams such as Sandhurst while under pressure."

Dragons head into the match after a strong on the road 21-goal victory over Kyneton last weekend, while the Bulldogs buffed up the Magpies by a tidy 30 goals.

Bulldogs are second on the ladder behind Kangaroo Flat, while the Dragons are third, but the winner of this match will secure the top-two position.

"Sandhurst is strong all over the court and it's not a team you can select one area of gameplay to focus on trying to breakdown," Rymer said.

"Players like Meg Williams, Heather Oliver and Imogen Sexton can really step up in high pressure games.

"We're hoping as a team we can bring 20 per cent more effort paired with some consistent netball, and we shouldn't have any problems taking it to them."

As the season is around the halfway mark, Rymer said the stage had been set for a thrilling finish to the year.

"Matches with teams such as Kangaroo Flat and Sandhurst, it really comes down to who is playing better netball on the day," Rymer said.

"Which is why this weekend is so important for us to compare ourselves to see where we're at."

Kyneton has an important match against Strathfieldsaye who sit below them four points behind in seventh position.

Tigers will eye a win to keep a solid points gap between themselves and Storm to set themselves up for a shot at finals.

LAST ROUND: BFNL Netball Round 8 - Borough flies high over Storm | Photos

Storm v Tigers

Dragons v Bulldogs

(GS) Bulldogs v Hawks

Magpies v Bloods

Roos BYE

1. Kangaroo Flat - 30

2. Gisborne - 30

3. Sandhurst - 28

4. South Bendigo - 20

5. Eaglehawk - 16

6. Kyneton - 12

7. Strathfieldsaye - 8

8. Maryborough - 8

9. Golden Square - 8

There are two big games which highlight this weekend's round of the Heathcote league.

Huntly hosts Colbinabbin with the home team eager to end a multi-season drought without a win over the Grasshoppers.

Both sides head into the match on the back of strong victories last week, including the Hawks' first win over White Hills in five years and Colbinabbin containing Mount Pleasant by 15 goals.

Demons will look to bounce back from the loss with a win over North Bendigo, which would also nudge the Bulldogs out of the way and lift them up to fourth on the ladder.

Lockington Bamawm United will have an opportunity to put its name on the winner's board if victorious over Mount Pleasant.

Cats are the only team without a win this season in the Loddon league.

Meanwhile, Elmore looks to be the team to beat this season, but will spend this week resting with the bye.

LAST ROUND: HDFNL Netball Round 9 - Hawks break winless drought over Demons | Photos

Cats v Blues

Hawks v Grasshoppers

Bombers v Saints

Demons v Bulldogs

Elmore BYE

1. Elmore - 36

2. Colbinabbin - 28

3. Huntly - 20

4. Nth Bendigo - 20

5. White Hills 18

6. Mount Pleasant - 14

7. Heathcote - 8

8. L'ville-Gunbower - 4

9. LBU - 0

Newbridge will look to rise up the Loddon Valley league ladder when visiting Malone Park on Saturday.

Maroons had a challenging weekend last round falling to Calivil United by 25-goals, but their sights are now set on getting the edge over the Panthers on Saturday, in addition to challenging rounds in the coming weeks against Mitiamo and Bridgewater

Panthers defeated Inglewood last week and will no doubt want to keep the winning momentum flowing at home against Maroons to rise up the ladder and secure a spot within the top five.

Bridgewater plans to keep things mean when hosting top of the ladder Mitiamo.

Mean Machine are fourth on the ladder, while the Superoos sit on top without having dropped a match this season.

LAST ROUND: LVFNL Netball Round 8 - Demons dig deep to triumph in tribute match | Photo

Mean Machine v Superoos

Eagles v Blues

Panthers v Maroons

Bulldogs v Bears

1. Mitiamo - 28

2. Maiden Gully YCW - 24

3. Calivil United - 20

4. Bridgewater - 20

5. Pyramid Hill - 12

6. Marong - 12

7. Newbridge - 8

8. Inglewood - 4

9. BL-Serpentine - 0

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