A NEW era for the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL kicks off this Saturday when Broadford marks its competition debut against South Bendigo.
The Kangaroos will be on their home ground at Harley Hammond Reserve when the seniors clash starts at 2.20pm.
After a two-season recess, Broadford has regained a lot of past players and also signed some talented recruits.
Broadford coach Nathan Thompson also marks his return to the Bendigo FNL where he previously played for and later coached Kyneton.
Among the gun recruits for the Kangaroos is Quinton Narkle who has joined the club after his stint in the AFL ended last season.
Narkle brings experience from his time with Geelong, Port Adelaide and Fremantle to a young and enthusiastic playing group at Broadford.
Players to watch for the Kangaroos as the season unfolds include ruckman Brodie Abbott, key forward CJ Brill, midfielders Riley Edwards, Jake Lay, Charlie Neilson and Seb Morris.
It will be a massive test for Broadford’s defence against Brock Harvey who earnt the Ron Best Medal as the competition’s leading goalkicker last season and another Best medallist in Kaiden Antonowicz.
Both are likely to have plenty of scoring chances set up by a strong midfield and on-ball group.
The Bloods have Callum Crisp and Mac Cameron in ruck and forward roles, and then Brody Haddow and Anthony Zimmerman winning plenty of contests at centre clearances and stoppages.
Gun recruits for the Bloods include mid/on-ballers Tom Templeton and Coen Harker, and Nathan Kay who starred in many matches as playing coach of Elmore.
South Bendigo has also gained Jack English who earnt a George Symons Medal as under-18s fairest and best when at Sandhurst.
After finishing fourth last season a Bloods’ line-up coached by Troy Coates, non-playing, and Jack Fallon, playing, will be determined to make a strong start to this campaign.
The season kicks off with the under-18s match at 10.45am