Bulldogs face Demons’ heat in under-18s grand final
NORTH Bendigo will face a fired-up Demons’ under-18s line-up from White Hills in Saturday’s start to the Bendigo Bank Heathcote District Football Netball League’s footy grand finals.
The Bulldogs and Demons will do battle at Huntly’s Strauch Reserve from 9.30am.
Ledger from this season’s meetings between the grand finalists is 2-1 in North Bendigo’s favour.
A major strength of the North Bendigo team co-captained by Tyler Green and Jack Pysing is the on-ball division.
Pysing’s leap and tapwork at centre bounces and boundary throw-ins has often given Nathan Anderson, Zandyr Barilari and Riley Paetow a chance to launch attacks.
Up forward, Orlando Demaria and Cody Riddick have been superb all season.
Riddick has kicked 113 goals in the under-18s and his quick leading and strong marking will test the Demons defence all match.
The Demons also have a strong attack led by Zavia Roberts, 40 goals; Andrew Beens, 35; and captain Xavier Meersbergen, 33.
Most recent showdown between the Bulldogs and Demons was the second semi-final at Gunbower.
The Bulldogs led 33-21 at half-time and 40-29 going into the final term.
Led by the play of Riley Paetow, Luke and Nathan Anderson, and Zandyr Barilari, the Bulldogs scored 4.3 to 1.4 in the last quarter for a 67-39 victory.
A three-goal tally lifted Cody Riddick’s season mark to 113, as Brandyn Barilari chipped in with two goals.
Best for the Rob Lowes-coached Demons were Dylan Arnold, Mitchell Griffin, Sam Lowes and Alex Wallace.
In round 12, North Bendigo marked a 55-30 win on its turf at Atkins Street against the Demons.
Cody Riddick kicked three goals and Tyler Green added two as Orlando Demaria, Riley Paetow, Jack Pysing and Zandyr Barilari were best.
Tom Conlan, Caleb Robson, Ryan Clark and Darcy Lawler played well for the Demons.
Sole defeat for the Storm Giri and Tony Keating-coached North Bendigo in the run to the finals was a 49-78 loss at White Hills in round three.
On that day the Demons led 37-31 at half-time and then slammed on six goals to 1.4 in the third.
Zavia Roberts kicked four goals as Riley Beard added three and Dylan Arnold chipped in with two.
Best for the Demons were Darcy Lawler, Mitchell Griffin, Macauley Johnson and Xavier Fiske Kealy.
The Bulldogs’ attack was led by Nathan Anderson, Orlando Demaria and Cody Riddick on two.
Jett Grundy, Harvey Beale, Lucas Keating and Orlando Demaria were North Bendigo’s best.
Grand final day marks a fourth consecutive match for White Hills.
The Demons won last Saturday’s preliminary final against Leitchville-Gunbower by nine goals as Zavia Roberts kicked five goals and Seth Boyd, Sam Lowes, Darcy Lawler and Dylan Arnold were best.
Day one of the finals series was qualifying finals at Lockington where White Hills marked a 25-19 win against the Lockington Bamawm United Cats.
Three weeks later and the Demons are still in the race for premiership glory and a chance for players and coaches of White Hills and North Bendigo to cap hours of commitment to prepare for and compete this season.
Photo Gallery
Zandyr Barilari sets up a Bulldogs attack in the 12th round match against White Hills at North Bendigo.
Action from the 12th round clash at North Bendigo.
Action from the second semi-final between North Bendigo and White Hills at Gunbower.
North Bendigo full-forward and century goalkicker Cody Riddick celebrates a goal in the second semi-final win.
Heat was high in the second semi-final between the Demons and Bulldogs.
Written by Nathan Dole.