THE Inglewood Blues will be determined to mark a huge upset when they face Mitiamo in Saturday’s fifth round of the Bendigo Bank Loddon Valley Football Netball League’s senior footy action.
It’s Love The Game, Not The Odds round across all leagues under the AFL Central Victoria umbrella.
Inglewood has marked a terrific start to the ’22 campaign by scoring wins against Calivil United, Maiden Gully YCW, and Newbridge.
The Blues were outplayed by Bridgewater to the tune of 73 points in round three, but hit back to beat Newbridge by 25 points last round.
The Darrell Billett-coached Inglewood has shown it does not rely on one or two players to kick plenty of goals.
A spread of goalkickers is led by Traiton Kendal, Alex Lowe and Cody Wright.
The Blues’ best in the win on Newbridge’s turf were Campbell Love, Bregon Cotchett, Charlie Ingham and Luke Matheson.
Inglewood’s defence includes Jasper McClelland, Cody Stobaus and Nathan Angelino.
Mitiamo fought back from a 10-point deficit at half-time to score a 57-48 win on Calivil United’s turf.
Onballers Lee Dale, Ross Turner played well for the Superoos, as did Kyle Patten.
The Marcus McKern-coached Mitiamo has a 3-1 record and will be fired up for this contest.
Players to watch for the Superoos include Jay Reynolds and Ryan Wellington in attack, Luke Lougoon, Jarryd Wiegard, Doug Thomas, Luke Matthews, Jackson Falls and Harry McCormick.
Bridgewater hosts Calivil United in a big match for the Mean Machine and Demons.
Two of the biggest challenges for Calivil United will be to curb the influence of Bridgewater stars Andy Collins in an onball role or closer to goal, and Josh Martyn at full-forward.
The Rick Ladson-coached Mean Machine won a hard-fought clash at Serpentine at 28 points as Darren Clutton, James Naughton, Tyler Estrada and Jack Symons led the way.
Key players for Bridgewater include Alex Pollock, Callum Prest, Emile Pavlich, Lloyd Needs and Zane Hoiles.
Calivil United has Jacob Greenwood in hot form in attack, and will look to Mitch Avard, Lachlan Mangan to finish off the attacks set up by the likes of Jack and Ben Daley, Phil Ryan, Brock Rogers, Ben Baker and Evan Ritchie.
Newbridge faces a tough task against Marong at Holloway Air Riverside Park in Newbridge.
The Maroons tackle a Panthers line-up on the rebound from defeat.
Sustained pressure at stoppages will be a key for the Luke Freeman-coached Newbridge.
Harding medallist Harry Whittle is in top form in an on-ball or forward role for the Maroons.
Newbridge will also look to Chris Dixon, Tyler McLeod, Mitch Hocking, Corey van Aken, Mackenzie Whittle and Jordan Formosa to win plenty of contests.
The Linton Jacobs-coached Panthers are likely to be snarling from the first ball-up as they aim to hit back from a loss to Pyramid Hill on home turf.
Brandyn Grenfell leads the league’s goalkicking race on 19, while Adrian Pappin and Cory Jacobs are part of a formidable forward line.
In-form players for the Panthers include Richard Tibbett, Jack McCaig, Jimmy Gadsden and Corey Gregg.
The unbeaten Pyramid Hill is back on home turf at Mitchell Park to take on Maiden Gully YCW Eagles.
The Nathan Fitzpatrick-coached Bulldogs were in superb form as they won at Marong last round.
A classy line-up includes Braidy and Ryley Dickens, Brad Ladson, Steve Gunther, Gavin James, Billy Micevski and Bailey George.
The Eagles will have been freshened up by the bye, but face a daunting challenge.
Maiden Gully YCW coach Wayne Mitrovic is in a forward pocket and capable of doing some damage.
Generating enough supply to match Pyramid Hill’s scoring power will be a massive test.
Players to watch for the includes include Ryan Strauch, Ryan Warfe, Kallum Schepers, Nathan Murley, Clinton Angove and Jessi Lampi.
Bears Lagoon Serpentine has the bye.
Loddon Valley FNL senior footy ladder:
Marong 188 per cent, 12 points; Mitiamo 152, 12; Pyramid Hill 146, 12; Inglewood 113, 12; Bridgewater 101, 8; Newbridge 77, 4; Bears Lagoon Serpentine 59, 4; Calivil United 82, 0; Maiden Gully YCW 45, 0.
Leading goalkickers:
19 Brandyn Grenfell, Mar.
12 Josh Martyn, B’water.
11 Andy Collins, B’water.
10 Jay Reynolds, Miti.; Kain Robins, Mar.
9 Jason Butty, MGYCW; Braidy Dickens, PH.
8 Traiton Kendall, I’wood; Adrian Pappin, Mar.; Harry Whittle, New.
7 Harrison Gadsden, BLS; Jacob Greenwood, CU; Justin Laird, BLS; Alex Lowe, I’wood; Lloyd Needs, B’water.
6 Chris Dixon, New.; Bailey George, PH; David Johnstone, Mar.; Rhonen Maher, BLS; Richard Tibbett, Mar.; Ryan Wellington, Miti.; Cody Wright, I’wood.
5 Ryley Dickens, PH; Ryley Taylor, Mar.; Ross Turner, Miti.
Goals from Inglewood’s round one win at Calivil to be added.
Written by Nathan Dole.