NEWBRIDGE’S defence could be “under the pump” in this Saturday’s round two clash with Pyramid Hill in the Bendigo Bank Loddon Valley Football Netball League’s senior footy action.
On the rebound from a 81-point loss at Maiden Gully YCW’s home in round one, Newbridge takes on a red-hot Pyramid Hill.
A bonus for the Maroons is being on home turf at Bendigo Locksmith Riverside Oval.
Newbridge cannot just rely on that against what is a formidable Bulldogs line-up.
Pyramid Hill started 2021 by scoring 181 points against Inglewood at Mitchell Park.
Braidy Dickens, 10 goals, and Bailey George, nine goals, were superb against the Blues.
The ability of Newbridge’s onballers and midfield to limit supply will be crucial.
It’s a daunting task against a Bulldogs line-up led by Matt Ladson, Gavin James, Adrian McErvale, Matt Pollock and Billy Micevski.
The play of Ryan Burt, Aidan Moore, Harry and Mac Whittle, Dylan Lloyd, Caleb Argus, Mitch Hocking and Corey Van Aken will be crucial to Newbridge’s chances.
Goalless in round one on Marong’s turf, Calivil United Demons will be fired up at home against Maiden Gully YCW Eagles.
The Demons and Eagles meet at 5 Star Stockfeeds Oval in Calivil.
Calivil United’s defence was under siege across all four quarters from the Panthers.
The play of Mitchell A’Vard, Brady Childs, Jack Demeo and Tim Lloyd will again be a key for the Demons.
Calivil United will also look to Jack Sinclair, Bailey Greenwood, Tom Wakefield and Tom Dargaville to win their share of contests.
Maiden Gully YCW soared to an 81-point victory in round one as Cohen Kekich, five goals, and Chris Howgate, three, led the way.
Best for the Eagles were Brayden Aitken, Howgate, Jono Lanyon and Natnael McLaren.
A talented Maiden Gully YCW team includes Matt Gray, Darby Graham, Clinton Angove and Nathan Murley.
Inglewood clashes with Mitiamo on the Superoos’ turf at John Forbes Oval.
It was another tough start to a season for a young Inglewood line-up coached by Darrell Billett.
Best for the Blues in round one at Pyramid Hill were Cody Stobaus, Tynan Hywood, Nathan Wallace and Kyle Simpson.
Players to take on key roles for Inglewood include Connor Logan in the ruck, ruck-rover Taj Rodwell, Cameron Martin and Tom Lake in attack, Josh Essex and Jack Nevins.
Mitiamo kicked off the season by beating Bears Lagoon Serpentine at John Forbes Oval by 23 points.
The Superoos faced a 17-point deficit at quarter-time, but led by Lucas Matthews, Max Simpson and Ash Benbow was able to turn things around.
A formidable team includes Tyrone and Brent Downie, Lachlan Woodward, Tim Brooks, Jarryd Wiegard and Ross Turner.
Bridgewater marks its start to the season on Bears Lagoon Serpentine’s turf.
Recruits for the Mean Machine include co-coach Jayden Donaldson at full-forward, Tom Dowd, Lloyd Needs and Caillum Brady.
Bridgewater also welcomes back premiership-winning coaches Andy Collins and Marc Lindsay, premiership captain Zeb Broadbent, and premiership player Alex Pollock to this season’s squad.
None of those four will take on the Bears.
Other players to watch for the Mean Machine include Darren Clutton, Tristin Nalder, Zane Hoiles and Liam Jacques.
The Bears worked hard to finish within 23 points of Mitiamo in round one.
Justin Laird was among the best as he kicked three goals.
Darcy Poulter, Josh Walsh, Andy Gladman and Brodie Hawke played well for the Greg Gadsden-coached BLS.
Marong has the bye.
Loddon Valley FNL senior footy ladder:
Marong 7150 per cent, 4 points; Pyramid Hill 1292, 4; Maiden Gully YCW Eagles 468, 4; Mitiamo 146, 4; Bears Lagoon Serpentine 68, 0; Newbridge 21, 0; Inglewood 7, 0; Calivil United 1, 0; Bridgewater 0, 0.
Written by Nathan Dole