THE Calder United Lions will be aiming to outrun Birchip-Watchem Bulls in Saturday’s start to the Goldacres North Central senior footy finals series.
It’s a rematch of the ’25 grand finalists as the Lions and Bulls line up in the first semi-final at Sea Lake Oval from 2.30pm.
There have been marked changes to both squads since Calder United beat Birchip-Watchem by 10 points in last September’s grand final at Wedderburn’s Donaldson Park.
Latest hit-out between these clubs was last Saturday in which the Ash Connick-coached Bulls dominated the Bendigo Bank Round showdown at Birchip’s George Cartwright Oval to win by 148 points.
Zane Connick led the Bulls’ attack on eight goals to earn best-on-ground honours as Joseph Reid kicked six and Daniel Bell slotted three.
Best for Birchip-Watchem included Harry Cook, Ben Lakin, Daniel Bell and Joseph Madio.
A Calder United team coached by Jordan Humphreys, playing, and Tom Bickley, non-playing, is vastly different to the one which met the Bulls in the 16th round.
Ins for the Lions are Rick Allan, Billy Forrester, Jordan Humphreys, Justin Laird, Steven Kennedy, Jack Marlais, Dean Putt, Matt Trzeciak, and Josh Walsh.
Just one point separated the Bulls and Lions when they played at George Carwright Oval in round two.
The Lions clawed their way to a 73-72 victory.
In round nine it was Birchip-Watchem which won 82-71 in the Lions’ den at Nullawil.
Wedderburn takes on Calder United in the Haesulers reserves match from 12.35pm.
It’s two-one in favour of Wedderburn in this season’s matches with the Lions.
The Redbacks won the first-round match at Nullawil by four points.
All Cancers Awareness Round featured Weddeburn at home against Calder United.
The Lions charged to a 60-43 victory in the round eight match at Donaldson Park.
Wedderburn hit back for a 54-25 victory against Calder United in the 15th round at Wycheproof.
It’s the Tigers against the Royal Blues as Sea Lake Nandaly and Donald contest the Charlton and District Community Bank under-17s match from 10.55am.
It’s one-all in this season’s meetings between the teams.
Their first showdown was Emergency Services Round where Donald won 63-28 in the fifth round at Sea Lake Oval.
The Tigers struck back for a 23-point win at Donald in the 12th round.
Saturday’s play kicks off at 9.30am when Charlton tackles Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers in the Uniting Church under-14s match.
Charlton has won both matches against the Tigers this season.
They met in Women’s Health Round which Charlton marked a 26-15 in the Pink Sports Day at Charlton Park.
The Navies won the round 11 match at Sea Lake Oval by 13 points.
Schedule for Saturday’s first semi-finals at Sea Lake Oval:
Uniting Church under-14s at 9.30am: Charlton v Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers.
Charlton and District Community Bank under-17s at 10.55am: Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers v Donald.
Haeuslers reserves at 12.35pm: Wedderburn v Calder United Lions.
Goldacres seniors at 2.30pm: Calder United Lions v Birchip-Watchem.