THE unbeaten run of Mitiamo or Marong is likely to be over after Saturday’s fifth round in the Bendigo Bank Loddon Valley Football Netball League’s senior footy action.
Victorious in all four matches, Mitiamo holds top spot on the ladder.
Marong has won three games, the latest by three points against Pyramid Hill at Discover Marong Park in Malone Park.
The Linton Jacobs-coached Marong faces another big challenge.
Last week the Panthers were brilliant in defence as they held Pyramid Hill to 75 points.
A strong Mitiamo attack includes Ryan Wellington, Tim Brooks and Dylan Clohesy.
The Superoos also have defenders Lachlan Woodward, Luke Lougoon and Max Simpson in great form.
Panthers’ recruits Kain Robins, 15 goals; Corey Gregg and Cory Jacobs are in great form.
Ins for Marong are Linton Jacobs, Ben McKinley and Nathan Walsh.
Another big match will be at Pyramid Hill where the Bulldogs take on Maiden Gully YCW Eagles at Mitchell Park.
The Bulldogs are on the rebound from defeat.
Maiden Gully YCW had the bye after a 91-point loss to Marong in round three.
Injuries have again hit Pyramid Hill as gun midfielder Matt Pollock recovers from a neck injury.
Pat Blood is in for the Bulldogs.
Braidy Dickens and Bailey George lead the league goalkicking race on 26 and 20 and will test the Eagles defence all match.
Other players to watch for Pyramid Hill include Matt Ladson, Billy Micevski, Trent Barri, Bailey Goodwin and Matt Klein-Breteler.
In-form players for the Wayne Mitrovic-coached Eagles include ruckman Chris Howgate, Tom Ferguson at full-back, Sam Barnes and Brent Jane.
Natnael McLaren, 10 goals, and Cohen Kekich lead Maiden Gully YCW’s goalkicking race.
An Eagles defence that includes Ed Crisp, Travis Mercadante and Mitch Knox will need to team well in all four quarters.
Newbridge and Bears Lagoon Serpentine clash on the Maroons’ turf at Simonds Homes Riverside Oval.
The Maroons are winless, while BLS marked its first victory of the season last Saturday.
Bears Lagoon Serpentine had to work hard to beat Inglewood at Serpentine in round four.
By the final siren the Bears led by 14 goals in a match where James Rippingale, four goals; Jesse Evans, three; Brodie Hawke, Tanner Cerrone, Andrew Gladman and Nathan Twigg were best.
A talented Bears line-up includes Josh Walsh at half-back, Miggy Podosky on a wing, and Jeremy Hancock at full-back.
A major challenge for Newbridge will be kicking enough goals.
Sam Brynhildsen led the attack on two against Bridgewater.
The Maroons’ leading goalkickers are Harry Whittle, four; and James Oliver, three.
In-form players for Newbridge are Harry Whittle, Ryan Burt, Tom Hobson, Mitch Hocking, Sam Brynhildsen and Ricky Cathie.
The Maroons have brought in Chris Dixon, Tyler Romeril and Corey Van Aken.
Bridgewater meets Calivil United at Laser Plumbing Bendigo Oval in Bridgewater.
It could be another tough afternoon for the Demons against a slick and well-drilled Machine.
Josh Martyn has kicked 18 goals for Bridgewater and has great support from the likes of Andy Collins, Alex Powell and Lloyd Needs.
Players to watch for the Mean Machine include Liam Jacques, Peter Rothacker and Boden Alexander.
Bridgewater has brought in Tom Broadbent, Michael Brooks, Darren Clutton, Nic Hall, James Naughton, Alex Pollock and Cameron Ross and named a ‘from’ interchange of seven.
Outs for Bridgewater include Caillum Brady, Zeb Broadbent and Tom Dowd.
The Demons scored three goals last round in a match where Jordan Lea, Bailey Greenwood, Brady Childs and Tim Lloyd were best.
A Calivil United defence led by Blair Richards and Tyler Beriman will rely a lot on team-mates further afield not allowing Bridgewater to attack with ease.
Seven changes were made at Calivil United.
Ins for the Demons are Mitchell A’Vard, William Cole, Zac Felmingham, Brae Mensforth, Ryley Millikin, Oliver Murphy and Evan Ritchie.
Inglewood has the bye.
Loddon Valley FNL senior footy ladder:
Mitiamo 519 per cent, 16 points; Bridgewater 394, 12; Pyramid Hill 347, 12; Marong 300, 12; Maiden Gully YCW Eagles 147, 8; Bears Lagoon Serpentine 99, 4; Newbridge 28, 0; Inglewood 13, 0; Calivil United 10, 0.
Written by Nathan Dole