MAIDEN Gully YCW Eagles tackle a red-hot Marong in this Saturday’s third round of senior footy in the Bendigo Bank Loddon Valley Football Netball League.
The Eagles and Panthers clash at Marist College Oval in Maiden Gully.
Both clubs have made a strong start to the season.
Maiden Gully YCW has defeated Newbridge by 81 points and Calivil United by 99.
Leading goalkickers for the Eagles are Natnael McLaren, nine; Cohen Kekich, six; and Luke Gray, four.
In-form players for Maiden Gully YCW include ruckman Chris Howgate, Brayden Aitken, Riley Hamilton and Travis Mercadante.
Limiting the supply to Marong’s gun recruit and key forward Kain Robins will be a top priority for the Eagles.
Robins kicked 10 goals in a best afield performance as Marong scored 21.17 to 0.2 against Calivil United in round one.
A talented Marong attack includes Simon Weekley, Adam Ward, Cory Jacobs and Dylan Cuttriss.
The Panthers also have Ben and Corey Gregg, Nathan Devanny, David Johnstone, Jack McCaig, Richard Tibbett and Corbin Fleming capable of winning many contests.
Mitiamo is at John Forbes Oval for the third week in a row.
This time the Superoos host Newbridge.
The Downie brothers, Brent and Tyrone kicked seven and four goals apiece in Miti’s big win against Inglewood.
A strong Mitiamo line-up includes Nathan Twigg in the ruck, Dylan Mutu as ruck rover, Luke Lougoon and Lachlan Woodward across half back, Tim Brooks, Michael I’Anson and Ryan Wellington in the forward 50m arc.
Newbridge is on the rebound from 51-point loss on home turf at Simonds Homes Riverside Oval to Pyramid Hill.
The Maroons will look to Harry Whittle, Logan Dixon, Mac Whittle, Dylan Lloyd, Brandon Etherington to lead the way.
Huge roles for Ryan Burt, Sam Brynhildsen, Aidan Moore and Mitch Hocking in Newbridge’s defence.
Bridgewater faces Inglewood as Laser Plumbing Bendigo Oval in Bridgewater.
The Mean Machine kicked off the season by scoring a 62-point win at Serpentine as Josh Martyn, eight goals, and Alex Powell, three goals, led the attack.
Caillum Brady, Harry McKinley, Joseph Mayes, Jarrod Fitzpatrick starred for Bridgewater.
A formidable midfield for the Mean Machine of Tom Dowd, Liam Jacques and Peter Rothacker will test the Blues all match.
Other players to watch for Bridgewater include Tom Broadbent, Lloyd Needs and Zane Hoiles.
It’s been another tough start for Inglewood as it drew Pyramid Hill and Mitiamo in the opening two rounds.
Tyan Hywood, Nathan Wallace, Jasper McClelland, Cody Stobaus, Tom Alexander and Kris Doran have played well for the Blues.
A young team for Inglewood includes Connor Logan in the ruck, Tom Lake at centre half-back, Kyle Simpson and Josh Essex.
The ladder-leading Pyramid Hill is on home turf at Mitchell Park against Calivil United.
Pyramid Hill’s best in a dominant run include Matt Pollock, Brad and Matt Ladson, Billy Micevski.
Gun forward Braidy Dickens has kicked 18 goals for Pyramid Hill, and Bailey George is on 10.
Calivil United’s best in the hit-out against Maiden Gully YCW were Leighton Coe, Bailey Greenwood, Tim Lloyd and Jordan Lea.
Demons’ onballers such as Leighton Coe, Brady Childs, Jack Demeo and Sam Green must work hard all game to limit the Bulldogs’ run and carry from centre ball-ups and clearances.
Bears Lagoon Serpentine has the bye.
Loddon Valley FNL senior footy ladder:
Pyramid Hill 440 per cent, 8 points; Maiden Gully YCW Eagles 410, 8; Mitiamo 390, 8; Marong 7150, 4; Bridgewater 188, 4; Bears Lagoon Serpentine 58, 0; Newbridge 35, 0; Calivil United 13, 0; Inglewood 8, 0.
Written by Nathan Dole
Background photo credit – Bridgewater FNC