GREATER defensive intensity will be a key for White Hills when it tackles Lockington Bamawm United in Saturday’s resumption of the Bendigo Bank Heathcote District Football Netball League’s senior footy action.
The Demons and Cats meet in the 15th round at Lockington’s Nichol Trading Oval.
There will no spectators allowed at matches, but players, officials and volunteers are urged to adhere to the COVID protocols such as QR codes or sign in, social distancing and other measures to keep all safe.
When the Demons and Cats last met in round eight on June 12 it was LBU which dominated at Tint A Car Oval in Scott Street, White Hills.
In that contest, LBU led 31-15 at quarter-time and then blitzed an injury-hit White Hills to score 20.16 to 2.7 across the last three quarters.
Jarod Bacon kicked six goals, Thomas Leech added four, and Lachlan Collins, Patrick Gardiner, Ben McPhee and Rhys Woodland all chipped in with three majors in the 167-34 victory.
The Cats’ best were Bart Phillips, Jarod Bacon, Patrick Gardiner, Tyler Phillips and Rhys Woodland.
On a tough afternoon in which playing coach Sam Kerridge was in Melbourne because of COVID travel restrictions, Jack Fallon took on the coaching duties and played well to be the Demons’ best along with Rhys Irwin, Patrick Eefting and Kaiden Skelton.
The Demons were 6-0 going into that match against LBU and since then have battled for form.
White Hills won at Huntly by six points, lost to North Bendigo by seven points, won at Heathcote by 25, and was beaten in its most recent clash with Colbinabbin by 44 points on July 10.
Demons’ star Jed Lamb leads the league goalkicking race on 56, but needs the likes of Mitch Dole, Lachlan Collihole, Kerridge and Marc Millard to also trouble the LBU defence.
The Cats will be without leading goalkickers Jarod Bacon, 30; and Thomas Leech, 24; but have the likes of Lachlan Collins, Gardiner, Ben McPhee and Anthony McMahon in the forward 50m arc.
Elmore takes on North Bendigo at Elmore Recreation Reserve.
The Bulldogs will be desperate for the points and to lift percentage as they fight to claim third place and the double chance for finals.
In round eight, North Bendigo beat the Bloods by 46 points at Hibo Hotel Oval in Atkins Street.
Dylan Klemm kicked seven goals in a best afield performance as Shane Harris, five goals, Aarryn Craig and Bailey Wingrave were best for the Bulldogs.
Elmore key forward James Harney kicked four goals in that contest to figure in the best with Zack Holmberg, Nic Kellow and Zac Laffy.
A tally of 29 goals has Harney in third place for the league goalkicking award, with Harris and Klemm on 25 and 24 respectively.
The Bloods will also look to Dylan Oaff and Mitchell Cricelli to capitalise on scoring chances.
Best for the Bulldogs in the big win at home against Heathcote included ruckman Jeremy Lambden, Klemm, Harris, onballer Koe Ngawati, and attacking half-back flanker Tom Metherell.
A talented Bulldogs’ line-up includes Jordan Ford, Harry O’Meara, Ryan Alford and Storm Giri.
Mount Pleasant takes on Heathcote at Toolleen.
The Blues are likely to have too much scoring power for the Saints to hold across four quarters.
In round eight, Mounts won 148 to 88 on the Saints’ turf at Pigeon Park in Barrack Reserve.
Ben Weightman leads the Blues’ attack on 33 goals and Rhys Deacon has booted 20 goals in just five games.
A talented Mounts line-up includes Brayden Dorrington, Adam and Travis Baird, Liam Collins, Dale Young, Bryce Hinnbeberg, Jesse Tuohey and Billy Mahony.
The Wayne Primmer-coached Saints have battled for goals in a lot of matches.
Heathcote’s leading goalkickers are Kai Cavallaro, 13; and Alex McIvor, 10.
Best in the Saints’ most recent hit-out at North Bendigo were Ben Connelly, Tom Pain, Will Long, Jordan Cavallaro and Billy Price.
The Saints’ squad to play the Blues includes the classy Codie Price, Jake Condon, Matt Mikic and Louis Piccolo.
Huntly takes on Leitchville Gunbower at Specialist Breeders Australia Oval in Huntly’s Strauch Reserve.
The Hawks will be eyeing their fifth win of the season.
Gun on-baller Ryan Semmel kicked five goals to be best afield in Huntly’s round 12 win against Elmore.
Tyler Miles, Jaydon Cowling and Luke Semmel also starred for the Stacy Fiske-coached Hawks.
Key defender Jay McDonald and onballer Jaydon Cowling have had fine seasons for Huntly.
It’s been a tough run for the young Leitchville Gunbower line-up.
The Bombers will be keen to bounce back from a 100-plus defeat in their latest hit-out against Mount Pleasant.
Key players for Leitchville Gunbower are midfielder Tom Brereton, Nathan McLellan at centre half-back, Darcy Elliott in attack, Lee Pollock in the ruck, and Billy Hawken across half-forward.
Colbinabbin has the bye.
Heathcote DFNL senior footy ladder:
Lockington Bamawm United 298 per cent, 44 points; Colbinabbin 178, 36; White Hills 142, 36; North Bendigo 115, 32; Mount Pleasant 107, 28; Huntly 94, 18; Elmore 60, 16; Heathcote 68, 10; Leitchville Gunbower 32, 4.
Written by Nathan Dole.