PYRAMID Hill’s defence faces a huge challenge against a powerful Marong attack in this Saturday’s 13th round of the Bendigo Bank Loddon Valley Football Netball League’s senior footy action.
The clash at Pyramid Hill’s Mitchell Park highlights the Love The Game round.
Since these clubs met, Marong has bolstered its forward line by the inclusion of Brandyn Grenfell.
The gun recruit from the Goulburn Valley has kicked 27 goals in three matches for the Linton Jacobs-coached Marong.
Add in Kain Robins, 41 goals; Adrian Pappin, 14; and Cory Jacobs, 13; and the Panthers have plenty of scoring power.
It’s a crucial contest between the Bulldogs, fourth, and Panthers, third, to gain the double chance for finals time.
The round four showdown on May 1 ended in a 78-75 win for Marong at Discover Marong Oval.
Pyramid Hill led 43-30 at half-time, but the Panthers scored 5.3 to 1.6 in the third term.
Robins kicked three goals as Corey Gregg, Cory Jacobs, Jacob Ede and Nathan Devanny were Marong’s best.
The Bulldogs’ attack was led by Braidy Dickens and Bailey George, three each, as Trent Barri, Dylan Morison, Matt Klein-Breteler and Scott Mann played well.
At selection for this contest, Pyramid Hill brought in Tom Brennan and Ashton Dye for Nathan Catherwood and Matt Klein-Breteler.
Marong called up Kyle Manley and Aron Morrish for Dylan Cuttriss, injured, and Nathan Walsh.
Midfield battles will be vital to this game.
Pyramid Hill will look to Scott Mann, Gavin James, Billy Micevski and Matt Ladson to win plenty of the centre clearances.
The task will be tough against the likes of Corey Gregg, Richard Tibbett, Nathan Devanny and Zac Turnbull.
Bulldogs’ defenders Dylan Morison, Jake Willcocks, Brad Driscoll and Brad Ladson will be up against the in-form Robins, Grenfell, Pappin and Cory Jacobs.
A Marong defence led by Corbin Fleming, Jacob Ede, Harry Graham and Adam Ward will need to work hard against Dickens, George, Mitch Cheesman and Jacob Heavyside.
Bridgewater takes on Newbridge at Bridgewater Bakehouse Oval.
In round four, the Mean Machine motored to a 144-36 victory at Simonds Homes Riverside Oval in Newbridge as Andy Collins, Josh Martyn, four goals; Liam Jacques and Lloyd Needs, three, were in form.
Sam Brynhildsen led Newbridge’s attack on two goals.
One of several gun recruits at Bridgewater, Josh Martyn leads the league’s goalkicking race on 49.
Bridgewater has brought in Boden Alexander, Michael Brooks and Joseph Mayes for Tom Broadbent, Andy Collins and Nic Hall.
A strong attack includes Alex Powell, 23 goals; and Needs, 17.
There is plenty of skill and experience in midfield where Tom Dowd links up with Bridgewater team-mates Caillum Brady and Peter Rothacker.
Ins for Newbridge are Lachlan Costelow and Mac Whittle for James Gadd and J. O’Neill.
Harry Whittle, wingman Tom Hobson, half-back Mitch Hocking and key defender Ryan Burt were Newbridge’s best against Bridgewater earlier in the season.
Other key players for the Maroons include Cory Van Aken in the ruck, Dylan Lloyd in defence, Chris Dixon and Caleb Argus in attack.
Mitiamo and Calivil United clash on the Superoos’ ground at John Forbes Oval.
In round four, Mitiamo passed the 200-point mark as Ryan Wellington, eight goals; Tim Brooks, Lee Dale and Luke Lougoon, all four goals, dominated in the Demons’ den at 5 Star Stockfeeds Oval in Calivil.
A strong defence led by Lachlan Woodward, Max Simpson and Ben Bacon has played a key part in Mitiamo’s unbeaten run.
The Superoos will be without Brent Downie and Lachlan Woodward for this match.
Andrew Cussen and Waylon Draper are ins for a powerful Mitiamo line-up that includes Tyrone Downie, 27 goals; Tim Brooks, 21; and Ryan Wellington, 19.
Calivil United regains the experienced Brady Childs from suspension, along with Jake Lawry.
Jordan Lea and Tim Lloyd were among the best against Mitiamo in round four.
The Demons will look to Evan Ritchie, Mitchell A’Vard, Sam Green and Jayden Manderson to lead the way.
Inglewood tackles Bears Lagoon Serpentine at Dissy Machinery Oval in Inglewood.
There have been plenty of changes to the Blues’ line-up as Lochlan Else, Connor Filcock, Jesse Gasperoni, Riley Jones, Tration Kendal and Josh Taig are in.
The round four showdown at Serpentine ended in a 129-45 win for the Bears as James Rippingale, four goals, and Jesse Evans, three, were on target.
Josh Taig booted four majors for the Blues.
The Blues will look to ruck-rover Jasper McClelland, centreman Tom Alexander, and key defender Cody Stobaus to win a fair amount of contests.
Other players to watch for Inglewood include Taj Rodwell, Jaxon Billett and ruckman Connor Logan.
The Bears are likely to have too much scoring power for Inglewood.
Rippingale has kicked 10 goals in four games for the Bears this season.
Key players for BLS include Tannar Cerrone in the centre, Brodie Hawke and Jesse Evans in attack, Andy Gladman on a wing, and ruckman Nathan Twigg.
Maiden Gully YCW Eagles have the bye.
Loddon Valley FNL senior footy ladder:
Mitiamo 295 per cent, 36 points; Bridgewater 253, 32; Marong 253, 28; Pyramid Hill 229, 24; Bears Lagoon Serpentine 93, 16; Maiden Gully YCW Eagles 103, 12; Newbridge 48, 8; Calivil United 27, 4; Inglewood 13, 0.
Written by Nathan Dole.