KANGAROO Flat will be aiming to break Sandhurst’s unbeaten run in this Saturday’s fourth round of A-grade netball action in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo Football Netball League.
The Roos and Sandhurst clash at Bendigo Mazda Oval in Kangaroo Flat’s Dower Park.
There have been quite a few changes, especially to the Kangaroos’ squad since these clubs met in the 2019 grand final.
On that day it was Sandhurst which reigned supreme, 42-35.
In pursuit of a fourth consecutive premiership, Sandhurst has started this season with wins at Strathfieldsaye and on the QEO court against Maryborough and Golden Square.
The maroon and blue have a great mix of experience and youth in defence, mid-court and attack which will test the Roos all game.
The Roos played well at Gisborne last round.
A top contest ended in a 43-all result.
South Bendigo faces a huge test against the winless Gisborne.
The Janelle Hobbs-coached South Bendigo is second after a superb start to the 2021 campaign.
After breaking through for a long-awaited appearance in A-grade finals in 2019, South Bendigo has bolstered its squad.
The Bloods have played extremely well to beat Eaglehawk on the QEO court by two goals and then won at Kyneton.
South’s ability to sustain the pressure in all thirds of the court across all quarters will be crucial against Gisborne.
The red, white and blue showed a lot of resilience to hit back from a five-goal deficit in the final term to force a 43-all draw in last Saturday’s home game against Kangaroo Flat at Gardiner Reserve.
Maryborough hosts Eaglehawk at Barkers Oval in Princes Park.
The Magpies are on the rebound from back-to-back defeats and face a team refreshed from a break.
Eaglehawk’s run began with a home-court loss to Kangaroo Flat and then a two-goal defeat against South Bendigo.
The Hawks gained their first points last Saturday as Castlemaine is not fielding an A-grade team.
It could be a closely-fought contest between the Magpies and Hawks.
Golden Square takes on Strathfieldsaye at Fur Life Vet Oval in Wade Street.
Although winless, Golden Square showed a lot of promise at Kyneton and then at home against the powerful Gisborne.
The blue and gold then took on the formidable Sandhurst line-up last round.
The Steph Freemantle-coached Storm will be chasing consecutive wins after a 60-51 victory against Maryborough at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane.
Kyneton is drawn to play Castlemaine, so the Tigers have a break in A-grade, but will play the Magpies in the lower grades at Camp Reserve.
Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:
Sandhurst 248 per cent, 12 points; South Bendigo 112, 12; Kangaroo Flat 213, 10; Gisborne 145, 10; Strathfieldsaye 78, 4; Eaglehawk 60, 4; Kyneton 58, 4; Maryborough 56, 4; Golden Square 47, 0.
Written by Nathan Dole