THE Maiden Gully YCW Eagles defenders are likely to have a sleepless night in the lead-up to Saturday’s 12th round of the Bendigo Bank Loddon Valley Football Netball League season.
Maiden Gully YCW makes the trek to nearby Discover Marong Park in Malone Park to take on a red-hot Panthers attack.
In just two games, Marong’s gun recruit Brandyn Grenfell has kicked 22 goals and has charged to seventh in the league’s goalkicking race.
Add in Kain Robins, 38 goals; Dylan Cuttriss, Cory Jacobs and Adrian Pappin and the Linton Jacobs-coached Marong has a formidable attack.
The Eagles will be looking for big games from the likes of Ryan Strauch, Steve Turner, Travis Mercadante, Clinton Angove and Grayson Brown in defence.
Maiden Gully YCW coach Wayne Mitrovic will be urging the midfield and onballers to stream back to support the back six.
The Eagles’ task will not be easy against the run and skill of Corey Gregg, Nathan Devanny and Jack McCaig.
Key players for Maiden Gully YCW include Chris Howgate in the ruck; Darby Graham, Sam Barnes and Matt Gray in attack; and Tori Ferguson in the centre.
At selection, Marong brought in Jacob Ede and Zac Turnbull for Kyle Manley and Aron Morrish.
The Eagles brought in Nathan Murley, B. Aitken, C. Walsh and C. Wright.
Calivil United takes on Pyramid Hill at 5 Star Stockfeeds Oval in Calivil.
The Demons had the bye last round as Pyramid Hill scored a 45-point victory on home turf at Mitchell Park against Bears Lagoon Serpentine.
When these clubs met in round three, Pyramid Hill won by 147 points as the Demons scored just four behinds.
Bailey George and Braidy Dickens kicked seven and five goals to be among the best with Matt Pollock and Matt Ladson.
The league’s goalkicking race is led by Dickens on 40.
The Demons go into this match without the experienced Brady Childs because of suspension.
Calivil United will look for big games from the likes of Mitchell A’vard, Jack Demeo, Sam Green, Jordan Lea, Jayden Manderson and Evan Ritchie
Pyramid Hill welcomes back James Blood, Brad Driscoll and Matt Ladson.
Players to watch for the Bulldogs include Scott Mann in the centre, Gavin James on a wing, Billy Micevski and Matt Klein-Breteler.
Inglewood takes on Bridgewater at Inglewood’s Dissy Machinery Oval.
The Blues were desperate to kick a few goals, but the task will not be easy against a team on the rebound from its first defeat of the season.
Inglewood has brought in Lochlan Else, Shaun Morgan, Riley Murphy and Josh Taig for Rohan Baldwin, Jed Edlin, Connor Filcock and Riley Jones.
In a tough season, the play of Cody Stobaus, Taj Rodwell, Daniel Lloyd and Jasper McClelland have been highlights for the Blues.
Bridgewater has brought in Tyler Estrada, James Naughton, Alex Powell, Hamish Terry and Darcy Woods.
Zeb Broadbent, Harry McKinley, Alex Pollock, Cameron Ross and Jack Symons are out this week.
A powerful attack for the Mean Machine includes Josh Martyn, 34 goals; Powell, 23; Andy Collins and Lloyd Needs.
Newbridge tackles the unbeaten Mitiamo at Simonds Homes Riverside Oval in Newbridge.
The Maroons were outgunned by Marong last round, while Mitiamo beat Bridgewater, 69-32.
When these teams at John Forbes Oval in round three, Mitiamo won by 13 goals as Tyrone Downie, five goals, and Tim Brooks, four, led the way.
The Maroons have brought in Caleb Argus and Thomas Wilson for this contest, but Sam Brynhildsen and Josh Connolly are out.
Newbridge defenders Ryan Burt, Mitch Hocking, Austin Fithall and Dylan Lloyd are likely to be in for a busy afternoon.
Ruckman Cory Van Aken and the talented Harry Whittle play key roles for the Luke Freeman-coached Newbridge.
Superoos’ defenders Luke Lougoon, Max Simpson and Lachlan Woodward are rarely beaten, while Lucas Matthews, Jarryd Wiegard, Doug Thomas, Ross Turner and Jackson Falls win plenty of the ball.
Mitiamo regains key forward Ryan Wellington as Braydan Riddell, William Spicer and Jack Vinnicombe are ins for Dylan Clohesy, Lee Dale, Michael I’Anson and Dylan Mutu.
Bears Lagoon Serpentine has the bye.
Loddon Valley FNL senior footy ladder:
Mitiamo 295 per cent, 32 points; Bridgewater 233, 28; Marong 251, 24; Pyramid Hill 202, 20; Bears Lagoon Serpentine 93, 16; Maiden Gully YCW Eagles 115, 12; Newbridge 50, 8; Calivil United 30, 4; Inglewood 12, 0.
Written by Nathan Dole.