BATTLES to decide who qualifies first for the Bendigo Bank Loddon Valley FNL grand finals will be played this Saturday at Gadsden Finance Serpentine Reserve.
On the footy front it’s Marong against Bridgewater in a seniors second semi-final slated for a 2.15pm start.
In pursuit of a fourth consecutive premiership, Marong had a rest last weekend courtesy of finishing on top of the ladder.
As Marong rested, Bridgewater won the qualifying final showdown with Pyramid Hill by 44 points.
This season’s meetings between Marong and Bridgewater stand at one-all.
In round four a Marong team coached by Kain Robins, playing, and Paul Thomson, non-playing, marking a nine-goal win on Bridgewater’s turf.
In the 13th round it was the Mean Machine which powered its way to a 99-70 win in Marong’s den at Jackal Oval in Malone Park.
The second semi-finalists have plenty of forwards in form.
Marong’s attack includes Kain Robins, Michael Bradbury, Ryley Taylor and Shaun Knott.
An experienced Panthers line-up has Richard Tibbett, Ben and Corey Gregg, captain Nathan Devanny, Shannon Geary, David Johnstone and Matt Willox capable of winning many contests.
Bridgewater’s hot run kept rolling as it scored a 120-76 victory against Pyramid Hill in the qualifying final.
Coach and gun forward Lachlan Sharp has passed a century of goals in consecutive seasons and looms as a major threat to Marong’s chances.
Oscar McKinley also kicked five goals in Bridgewater’s latest victory.
A talented squad representing Bridgewater includes Luke and Jacob Ellings, Ben Derrick, Boden Alexander, Harry Symons, Josh Martyn, Jack Neylon, Nic Naughton and Alex Powell.
On Sunday it will be Pyramid Hill against Inglewood in the first semi-final at Jackal Oval in Marong’s Malone Park.
The Nathan Fitzpatrick-coached Pyramid Hill beat the Blues by 62 points in the sixth round.
When they met again in round 15 it was the Fergus Payne-coached Inglewood which dominated to mark a 44-point win at Centre State Scaffolding Oval.
Day one of the finals series began with Pyramid Hill being outran and outworked by Bridgewater.
On day two it was Inglewood which marked a long-awaited finals victory as it beat Bears-Lagoon Serpentine in the elimination final by 15 points.
Key players for Pyramid Hill include Zach Alford, ruckman/forward Kai Daniels, Lachlan Sidebottom, Gavin James, Ben Bisset, Ryan Semmel, Ben Knight, Seb Relouw and Mitch Langan.
Inglewood’s squad includes captain Nathan Angelino, Liam Marciano, Kai Cavallaro, ruckman Tom Kennedy, Bregon Cotchett, Keelan Payne, Seb Erharter, Daniel Polack, Cody Stobaus, and Gabe and Jack Nevins.
Schedule for Saturday’s second semi-finals at Gadsden Finance Serpentine Reserve:
Under-18s at 10.40am: Marong v Maiden Gully YCW Eagles.
Reserves at 12.30pm: Marong v Bridgewater.
Seniors at 2.15pm: Marong v Bridgewater.
Schedule for Sunday’s first semi-finals at Jackal Oval, Marong’s Malone Park:
Under-18s at 10.40am: Inglewood v East Loddon.
Reserves at 12.3pm: Inglewood v Bears-Lagoon Serpentine.
Seniors at 2.15pm: Pyramid Hill v Inglewood.