-By Nathan Dole
A REMATCH of last season’s first semi-finalists, Bridgewater and Bears-Lagoon Serpentine highlights Saturday’s start to the Bendigo Bank Loddon Valley FNL senior footy action.
Bridgewater will on home turf as it tackles the Bears from 2.15pm.
A point separated these clubs last September as the Mean Machine won the first semi-final against the Bears.
After winning the league goalkicking on 138 goals in his first season at the club, Lachlan Sharp steps up to be Bridgewater’s playing coach.
The Mean Machine face a big challenge against the Jake Wilkinson-coached Bears.
Key target in the BLS attack is former Fremantle Dockers forward Josh Mellington.
In a remarkable start to last season, Mellington kicked 93 goals in nine matches before a season-ending hamstring injury.
Ability of both teams to defend across every line will be crucial in Saturday’s clash.
Bridgewater’s team includes skilful wingman Luke Ellings from Kangaroo Flat, Jack Neylon, Xavier Walsh, Nic Naughton and captain Harry McKinley.
Inglewood is at home against Marong.
The Fergus Payne-coached Blues will be determined to bounce back after a win-loss tally of 4-12 and seventh place last season.
Massive task against a Marong team which starts its quest for a fourth premiership in a row.
A new-look coaching group for the Panthers is led by gun forward Kain Robins, playing, and Paul Thomson, non-playing.
Key players for Marong include Richard Tibbett, Shaun Knott, captain Nathan Devanny, Ben and Corey Gregg, ruckman Michael Bradbury.
A multiple premiership winner with Strathfieldsaye Storm, Shannon Geary will play his first match for the Panthers.
Newbridge will be on home turf at Deepcore Drilling Oval in Riverside Park to take on Pyramid Hill.
Key position player Matt McArthur takes on the challenge as playing coach in his second year with the Maroons.
Brandon Dimech is captain of a Newbridge team that includes Caleb Sanders, Dylan Lloyd, Thomas Hobson, Ricky Cathie, Caleb Argus and Jack Teasdale.
Fans of the Maroons will be keen to see the play of Andrew Willett, a half-forward/mid from Millewa, and another midfielder in Zach Englefield.
Pyramid Hill was incredibly active on the recruiting front as the Nathan Fitzpatrick-coached Bulldogs strive to achieve their first premiership since 1950.
Athletic ruckman Kai Daniels has swapped from one breed of Bulldog, Golden Square to now be playing for Pyramid Hill.
A multiple winner of the Sam Cheatley Medal as Heathcote DFNL’s fairest and best when at Huntly, Ryan Semmel is another gun recruit for the red, white and blue.
The Pyramid Hill attack also includes Ben Bisset who starred for Mount Pleasant last season.
Other key players for the Bulldogs include Seb Relouw, Brad Driscoll, Dylan Morison and Mitch Gunther.
Another of the Bulldogs recruits is Mitch Langan who was at Noosa last year and previously played for North Shore and Geelong Falcons.
Calivil United takes on Maiden Gully YCW Eagles in the Demons’ den at Calivil.
It will be a senior coaching debut for Demons on-baller Sam Maher.
Calivil United’s team includes Ben Baker, Anthony Dennis, Rhys Lourie, Jack Maher and Tommi Raukola.
The Eagles are again coached by Shawn Filo, non-playing, and former Essendon and Port Adelaide forward/mid Angus Monfries who will play on.
First hit-out for Mitiamo and new coach Luke Lougoon will be on April 12 against Calivil United on the Superoos ground at John Forbes Oval.