according to an application before council
All articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxInteractive Crosswords
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueMcDonald's Australia wants to put an outlet on the corner of Wellington Street and Club Court
The proposal for the vacant block is described as " the use and development of a convenience restaurant and an associated reduction in the provision of bicycle parking facilities"
The application is yet to be assessed by the City of Greater Bendigo planning department
the proposed single-storey McDonald's will have a floor area of 380 square metres
The application for a planning permit estimates the development will cost $6.3 million
The restaurant will operate 24/7 and have a dining room capacity of 50 patrons
It will also be serviced by 31 onsite car parks and eight bicycle spaces
A mature canopy tree fronting Wellington Street will be retained
The proposed McDonald's would have a dual-lane drive-through with vehicle access via Club Court and the 7-Eleven on Wellington Street.
The site is bounded by vacant land on Club Court to its north and north-east, with a primary school around 100 metres northwards.
According to the traffic assessment, the development "will have a negligible impact to traffic operations on the surrounding road network".
Design aspects include a "hotlips red" applied finish to the main building walls and timber-look cladding on parapets and playspace walls.
Bendigo is currently serviced by five McDonald's restaurants at Kangaroo Flat, the Bendigo CBD, White Hills, California Gully and Kennington Village.
Latest in your inboxView allDaily
Today's top stories curated by our news team.
Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation.
Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening.
Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters.
Going out or staying in? Find out what's on.
Love footy? We've got all the action covered.
The latest news, results & expert analysis.
Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe.
Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more.
Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday.
Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over.
Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner.
Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am!
Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!
SOUTH Bendigo fought on to beat Strathfieldsaye by a point in Saturday’s start to the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy action.
The new-look Bloods raced to a three-goal lead by half-time on their turf at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval.
As South Bendigo scored 7.5 across the opening hour, Storm was wayward near goal as it scored 3.11.
Strathfieldsaye hit back to win the third term, 30-20.
A hat-trick of goals put Storm back in the game.
A huge blow for Strathfieldsaye was a season-ending shoulder injury to co-captain and top on-baller Daniel Clohesy.
Storm’s run kept rolling as six unanswered goals through the third quarter and early minutes of the last gave it a four-point lead.
A goal by South Bendigo co-coach Jack Fallon from the pocket put the red and white back in front.
Wil McCaig’s checkside kick from deep in the pocket never looked like missing as the Bloods were up by seven points.
Storm hit back as Riley Wilson goaled after a free kick in the 28th minute.
From a tough shot on the run, Hunter Lawrence’s kick went out on the full.
Amid the euphoria of the victory, South Bendigo was also rocked by the injury to classy forward/mid Will Keck.
Best for the Bloods who have Troy Coates as non-playing co-coach were Tom Brereton, Jack Fallon, Kaiden Antonowicz, ruckman Mac Cameron, Brody Haddow and Tait Poyser.
Jye Formosa, Sam Heavyside, Riley Wilson, Jed Daniels, Zach Charles and Ben Lester were best for the Luke Freeman-coached Storm.
Sandhurst’s run at back-to-back premierships began with a nine-goal win against Castlemaine at Queen Elizabeth Oval.
The Dragons unfurled the ’24 senior, reserves and under-18 footy premiership flags.
A closely-fought opening term went Sandhurst’s way, 13-8.
The Dragons then fired up to score 6.2 in the second as Castlemaine added 3.2.
Slick teamwork, high pressure and a glut of goalkicking options are some of the many hallmarks of the Sandhurst line-up.
The Dragons won the second half, 56-25 on the way to a 107-53 victory.
Co-captain and last season’s Ron Best medallist, Fergus Greene led the Dragons attack on four goals as Tom Campbell and Hugh Schmetzer booted two each.
Leading goalkickers for the Magpies were Matt Filo and John Watson with two.
A joint Michelsen medallist as league fairest and best in ’24, Lachlan Tardrew has stepped up to be co-coach of Sandhurst with non-playing coach Bryce Curnow.
Tardrew’s non-stop run and skill earnt best on ground honours in Saturday’s match as Schmetzer, Cobi Maxted, Charlie Robinson, Lachlan Wright and Seb Collins also starred for the maroon and blue.
Although disappointed by the final margin, Castlemaine will have learnt a lot.
Best for the Magpies were Brodie Byrne, Bailey Henderson, coach Michael Hartley, Hunter Staples, Harrison Sheahan and Matt Filo.
A seven-goal second quarter as it kept the opposition scoreless set up Eaglehawk’s big win on Golden Square’s turf in Wade Street.
It was 20-all at quarter-time before the Hawks slammed on seven goals straight in the second.
The Borough led 76-41 at a quarter to play and then added another five goals in the last to complete a 108-48 victory.
The classy Tyh Evans led the Hawks attack on three goals as Joel Budarick, Sam Dean, captain Billy Evans and Jonty Neaves kicked two each.
Golden Square’s leading goalkicker was Jack McMahon with three.
Ruckman Brayden Frost, Billy and Tyh Evans, Joel Budarick, Ben Thompson and Zack Bulger were best for an Eaglehawk team jointly coached by Travis Matheson, non-playing, and Clayton Holmes, playing.
Jon Coe, Jake Maher, Jayden Burke, Terence Reeves, Jack McMahon and Jesse Gill were best for the Brad Eaton-coached Bulldogs.
The league’s other breed of Bulldog, Gisborne made a flying start at Kangaroo Flat’s Dower Park.
The Bulldogs led 35-4 at quarter-time and then scored 8.3 as the Roos added 2.2 in the second.
Gisborne’s run and carry through midfield and into attack was outstanding.
The Rob Waters-coached Bulldogs scored eight goals in the third and then slammed on 11.3 in the last to complete a 211-61 victory.
Dylan Johnstone led the attack on five goasl as Seb Bell-Bartels, four; Brad Bernacki and Harry Luxmoore, three; James Gray, Pat McKenna and Darcy Young, two, capped off many attacks.
The Roos’ leading goalkickers were Sam Barnes, Xavier Dingfelder-Hope, captain Ethan Roberts with two each.
Gisborne’s best were Dylan Johnstone, Brad Bernacki, Zach Vescovi, James Gray, Jed Denahy and Campbell Johns.
Best for a young Kangaroos line-up coached by Tyrone Downie were Campbell Smith, Aaron Nevins, Zach Bird, Jay Newman, Lachie Raymond and Sam Barnes.
The Bulldogs will sweat on the outcome on scans for Seb Bell-Bartels who sustained another knee injury.
Gisborne 413 per cent, 4 points; Eaglehawk 225, 4; Sandhurst 201, 4; South Bendigo 101, 4; Strathfieldsaye 98, 0; Castlemaine 49, 0; Golden Square 44, 0; Kangaroo Flat 24, 0.
Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:
Good Friday will feature all four senior matches from 2.20pm.
Last season’s preliminary finalists, Strathfieldsaye and Sandhurst will clash in Storm territory at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.
Gisborne tackles South Bendigo in the Bulldogs’ kennel at Gardiner Reserve.
Eaglehawk faces Kangaroo Flat on the Borough’s turf in Canterbury Park.
Castlemaine and Golden Square clash at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve.
KANGAROO Flat’s impressive start to A-grade netball action in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL rolled on in Good Friday’s match at Eaglehawk.
The Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroos netted a 70-17 victory on Eaglehawk’s court in Canterbury Park.
Last season’s runner-up, Kangaroo Flat followed up its first-round win at home in Dower Park against Gisborne by outpointed the Jannelle Hobbs-coached Eaglehawk.
Premier of the past two seasons, Gisborne bounced back from a first-round loss to beat South Bendigo by 16 goals.
The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne led 11-10 at quarter-time and 27-21 by the long break at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve.
Quarter three was to be the best by the red, white and blue as it scored 11 goals and kept the Bloods to a tally of five.
By the final whistle the Bulldogs held a 16-goal buffer against the Lauren Bowles-coached South Bendigo.
Sandhurst marked its first match of the season by scoring a 37-goal win on Strathfieldsaye Storm’s court at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane.
After a bye in the first week because Castlemaine is not fielding an A-grade team, Sandhurst charged to a 14-5 lead by quarter-time in Storm territory.
By half-time the Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst led 28-11.
The maroon and blue won the next two quarters, 17-6 and 15-6.
Golden Square had a rest in A-grade, but played all other grades on Castlemaine’s courts in Camp Reserve.
Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:
Kangaroo Flat 252 per cent, 8 points; Sandhurst 260, 4; South Bendigo 98, 4; Gisborne 87, 4; Eaglehawk 68, 4; Golden Square 71, 0; Strathfieldsaye 56, 0.
Gisborne 44 d South Bendigo 33, Strathfieldsaye 29 lt Sandhurst 57, Eaglehawk 22 lt Kangaroo Flat 39, Castlemaine 49 d Golden Square 34.
Gisborne 57 d South Bendigo 27, Strathfieldsaye 32 lt Sandhurst 43, Eaglehawk 36 lt Kangaroo Flat 52, Castlemaine 29 lt Golden Square 44.
Gisborne 44 d South Bendigo 33, Strathfieldsaye 29 lt Sandhurst 57, Eaglehawk v Kangaroo Flat, Castlemaine 49 d Golden Square 34.
Gisborne 40 d South Bendigo 27, Strathfieldsaye 31 lt Sandhurst 41, Eaglehawk 24 lt Kangaroo Flat 57, Castlemaine 16 lt Golden Square 56.
Gisborne 46 d South Bendigo 19, Strathfieldsaye 37 lt Sandhurst 40, Eaglehawk 40 dr Kangaroo Flat 40, Castlemaine 16 lt Golden Square 59.
Sandhurst 208 per cent, 8 points; Gisborne 132, 4; Kangaroo Flat 108, 4; Eaglehawk 100, 4; Castlemaine 77, 4; Strathfieldsaye 74, 4; South Bendigo 85, 0; Golden Square 66, 0.
Sandhurst 179 per cent, 8 points; Gisborne 169, 8; Golden Square 110, 4; Kangaroo Flat 103, 4; Eaglehawk 90, 4; South Bendigo 76, 4; Strathfieldsaye 76, 0; Castlemaine 52, 0.
Sandhurst 364 per cent, 8 points; Gisborne 128, 8; Golden Square 158, 4; Kangaroo Flat 138, 4; Strathfieldsaye 104, 4; Eaglehawk 70, 4; South Bendigo 68, 0; Castlemaine 13, 0.
Golden Square 381 per cent, 8 points; Gisborne 204, 8; Sandhurst 183, 8; Strathfieldsaye 212, 4; Kangaroo Flat 74, 2; Eaglehawk 53, 2; Castlemaine 28, 0; South Bend
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThis beautiful family home presents the perfect opportunity for those wanting a lifestyle of space and convenience
The impressive and refined design offers the quality and style necessary to appeal to families
The home features a very spacious open-plan kitchen
formal lounge provides a separate area for relaxation
the main retreat features a large walk-in robe and ensuite
while the remaining bedrooms enjoy fitted robes
There is also great storage throughout the home
this property is designed to accommodate a family's living and entertaining requirements
the fenced rear yard is private and secure
and the low-maintenance garden is a lovely spot for pot plants and vegetables
There's also a double garage with direct access into the home and a small garden shed for the mower
the property is within minutes of everything Strathfieldsaye offers
Digital subscribers now have the convenience of faster news, right at your fingertips with the Bendigo Advertiser app. Click here to download
GISBORNE and Golden Square will be keen to mark home-court victories in Saturday’s finale to round three in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s A-grade netball competition.
After banking a 16-goal win against South Bendigo in last Saturday’s play at home, Gisborne is back on its court at Gardiner Reserve to play Strathfieldsaye.
The red, white and blue bounced back from 28-goal loss in the season opener on Kangaroo Flat’s court at Dower Park.
The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne will start favourite against a Storm line-up which has faced South Bendigo and Sandhurst in the opening two rounds.
Gisborne’s squad includes Charlee Kemp, Sheridan Townrow, Tori Skrijel and gun defender Zoe Davies.
It’s another big test for the Jess Mangan-coached Storm against the premier of the past two seasons.
Strathfieldsaye’s squad includes Brooke Mangan, Claire Gibbs, Paynton Jolliffe, Rachelle Mangan, Siarne Cass and Steph Freemantle.
The A-grade match between Gisborne and Strathfieldsaye starts at 2.30pm.
Golden Square renews its rivalry with Sandhurst on the Bulldogs’ court in Golden Square’s Wade Street.
Massive challenge for a young Golden Square team which is coached by Teigan Redwood.
Key players in the Golden Square squad include Daisy Stringer, Holly Swatton and Mia McCrann-Peters.
It’s been a tough start to ’25 for the Bulldogs who met Eaglehawk in round one and then had a bye in A-grade last round because Castlemaine is not fielding a team in the top flight.
Stung by missing last year’s grand final, Sandhurst has started this season in fine style.
The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst won last Saturday’s match on Strathfieldsaye’s court in Triple M Park by 37 goals.
As impressive as the Dragons’ attacking play was to net 60 goals, Gilchrist would have been rapt with the defensive intensity to hold Storm to a tally of 23 goals.
Players to watch for Sandhurst include Heather Oliver, Meg Williams, Bec Smith, Sophie Shoebridge and Kelsey Meade.
The A-grade match between the blue and gold against the maroon and blue starts at 3.20pm.
It’s a bye for the ladder-leading Kangaroo Flat in A-grade, but the Roos take on Castlemaine in all other grades.
Kangaroo Flat 252 per cent, 8 points; Sandhurst 260, 4; South Bendigo 98, 4; Gisborne 87, 4; Eaglehawk 71, 4; Golden Square 71, 0; Strathfieldsaye 56, 0.
Sandhurst 208 per cent, 8 points; Gisborne 132, 8; Kangaroo Flat 108, 4; Eaglehawk 100, 4; Castlemaine 77, 4; Strathfieldsaye 74, 4; South Bendigo 85, 0; Golden Square 66, 0.
Sandhurst 179 per cent, 8 points; Gisborne 170, 8; Golden Square 110, 4; Kangaroo Flat 103, 4; Eaglehawk 90, 4; South Bendigo 76, 4; Strathfieldsaye 76, 0; Castlemaine 52, 0.
Golden Square 381 per cent, 8 points; Gisborne 204, 8; Sandhurst 183, 8; Strathfieldsaye 212, 4; Kangaroo Flat 74, 2; Eaglehawk 53, 2; Castlemaine 28, 0; South Bendigo 26, 0.
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueLAST SEASON: 3rd (12-7
145.5%) - lost to Sandhurst in preliminary final
VFL-LISTED PLAYERS: Bode Stevens (North Melbourne)
LAST FLAG: 2019 - defeated Eaglehawk by 14 points
Let's start with the health of the list heading into round one
"We do have a few key injuries at the moment that are long-term
We are really happy in terms of the list we've got
but certainly our depth and ability to be adaptable is going to be tested through the early part of the season
Jed Brereton (osteitis pubis) are on that injured list and unfortunately
James Schischka has just broken his foot again
so that's our three big talls who are all going to miss a chunk of the season
"James' injury is the same that he suffered last year; he did it during a drill at training (last Thursday night) and it has definitely flattened the group feeling for him and knowing how important he is and what a difference-maker he is
Strathfieldsaye forward James Schishka."We found ways to play without him last year (Schishka broke his foot in round 14)
but we were always better with him out there
so it's always hard to see someone go through the challenges that he did last year and be looking down the barrel of those challenges again this year
"Moments like that have a big impact on the group
We'll have to find ways from within to make it work for us up forward
with a foot issue and will potentially miss the first two thirds of the season; Ethan Featherby will miss the first half of the year with a shoulder; Zebb Murrell will miss the year after injuring his Achilles in a practice match; and we have Darcy Mulquiny recovering from an ACL last year
but you can look at it either as a negative in terms of the quality of the players out or look at it in the sense that we saw last year when you give opportunities to guys that they can stand up and have big moments in games and we're confident we have the talent from within to play important roles."
Strathfieldsaye coach Luke Freeman.With no Schishka
what does an early forward line look like for the Storm
"We've obviously spoken about lots of different options
but they were all based around James being out there
so we're going to have to be really creative in what we do and how we can adapt to make a forward line work."
Cooper Jones had a stellar year in the back half last season as an intercept defender
How difficult will it be to resist the temptation to shift him out of defence and swing him up the other end as a tall forward
"We know how important a role Cooper plays in our back six
but it will obviously be discussed in terms of him being a forward option
"He'll be one of a few we'll talk about who might play that role."
Strathfieldsaye on-baller Daniel Clohesy.Clearly the forward structure poses some early headaches
Down the other end though the defensive half looks sound with the likes of Cooper
"Our back six is the area from both an experience and injury point of view that is looking pretty good heading into the year
"We've made a few tweaks to our defensive structure on the back of our strength down there and we're looking forward to seeing how they work during the season."
We've made a few tweaks to our defensive structure on the back of our strength down there and we're looking forward to how they work during the season
The list of departures includes Lachie Gill
who were all key cogs through the midfield last year
There are some big voids there that need to be covered
"They are quality players and we'd always love to have them running around in the hoops for us
but bringing Sam Heavyside back in from Kerang has had a massive impact on the group with his knowledge
"Sam has had a really good pre-season and leads by example with his intensity at the footy and training and his body is holding up well
"He's looking forward to running back out with Strath and showing the league that he still has more good footy ahead of him
"Jye Formosa has been away for a few years and he's come back really energised and motivated and is looking really good on the track as well
"We had a lot of midfielders last year who were our locks and were playing through there regularly
but we've got guys who we believe can come in and have an impactful role in the midfield and while they aren't the calibre of names that you have just mentioned
we're hoping in time with more exposure they will be names you will be talking about in the future."
Strathfieldsaye's 2024 season summary.Can't imagine there being too many players in country Victoria over the past few years who have done it as tough as Kya Lanfranchi has playing key back from Maryborough
"He has been a great addition both on and off the field and his character has been amazing and it would be great to get some wins for him
"He has been an amazing servant to Maryborough over the years and we have seen from an opposition point of view how good and damaging he can be
He has fitted into our system really well and we're hoping he can enjoy singing the song this year."
For the past two years the Storm has led the preliminary final at three quarter-time
How much does those missed opportunities to make a grand final fuel this group this year
I suppose you always weigh up whether to leave it behind you or face it head-on
"You can't shy away from what has happened and all you can do is learn from it and make sure that if we get in that situation again it doesn't happen again
along with the realisation that we need to look at making some changes
"We came up against some experienced sides in both those preliminary finals
but we think we are becoming more experienced ourselves."
Obviously there's going to be some personnel challenges early in the season
but what is your level of optimism that when the whips are cracking in September the Storm will again be there as it has been so often throughout its history
we're confident with where it sits and we know we're going to be playing our better footy in the back half of the year
"We acknowledge it will be challenging early
but you never know when you give guys chances who may not have had them in lieu of these injuries just what you can uncover
"While there will be challenges early we'll be hoping we'll still be close enough in the back half of the year to have an impact come finals time."
HOW IS YOUR TEAM SHAPING UP: Keep up to date with our 2025 season previews
STRATHFIELDSAYE Storm is well-represented across all groups in this season’s Bendigo Bank Bendigo Junior Football League action.
Storm has 10 teams taking to the field each weekend.
There were some great results for Strathfieldsaye across the league’s round 14 action.
Among the highs was a 53-all draw between Storm and South Bendigo in the undr-16 seniors match at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.
Storm led 31-21 at half-time and scored three goals as it held the Bloods to a tally of 1.5 in the third quarter.
In the last it was South Bendigo which dominated play to score 3.3 as Storm added four behinds.
At the final siren the teams were locked on 7.11 (53).
Goalkickers for Storm were Aydan Hand, Cooper Lacey 2; Seamus Doherty, Charlie Elliott, Will Mayes.
Strathfieldsaye’s best were Jake Schubert, Archie Stevens, Will Mayes, Seamus Doherty, William Bartlett and Tyce Griffin.
It was a thrilling finish to the under-14 reserves, division one match between Strathfieldsaye and Kangaroo Flat at Enterprise Oval in Strathfieldsaye on Sunday.
Storm led 48-35 at half-time and then scored 4.2 to 3.3 in the last.
The Kangaroos bounced back brilliantly to kick 3.2 in the final term, but Storm’s tally of 1.1 was enough to clinch an 81-76 victory.
Goalkickers for Strathfieldsaye were Clifford Fitzgerald, four; Archer Horan and Jimi Read, two; Harry Evans, Kirk Garley, Tadhg O’Keefe and Kayden Storer.
Best for Storm were Clifford Fitzgerald, Jimi Read, Nash Kipping, Lenny Hancock, Tadhg O’Keefe and Archer Horan.
It was a seven-goal win for Strathfieldsaye in the under-16 reserves, division one match against Winslow White Hills Demons at White Hills.
Storm surged to a 32-9 lead by quarter-time.
The Demons fought back to win the second, 14-13.
A 28-point buffer for Storm at the start of the last became 42 by the end as it score 3.3 to 2.1 in the final term.
Goalkickers for Storm in an 85-43 victory were Ned Browell, Kaleb Hodgskiss 3; Mannix Grieve, Owen Perry 2; Flynn Maddren, Lucas Sharam, Tyson Turner.
Storm’s best were Nicholas Loorham, Nathan Jones-Stibbe, Jack DeAraugo, Jay Garley, Owen Perry and James Balic.
Strathfieldsaye was in great form in the under-15 girls seniors match against Kangaroo Flat.
The Storm won 133-13 at Enterprise Oval in Tannery Lane.
Dempsey McDonnell led Storm’s attack on four goals as Jorja Cunningham, Leila-Jean Fleming-Marsh, Seonah McGregor and Marlie Skinner added two each.
Other goalkickers were Chella Fitzgerald, Olivia Fitzpatrick, Rania Jackson-Leahy, Louise Khodja, Jordan O’Bree and Jasmin Wood.
Best for Strathfieldsaye were Rania Jackson-Leahy, Chella Fitzgerald, Jorja Cunningham, Louise Khodja, Seonah McGregor and Jordan O’Bree.
It was a tough morning for Storm in the under-15 girls reserves match against Kangaroo Flat at Enterprise Oval.
The Kangaroos leapt clear to lead 32-7 at half-time.
Another seven goals in the second half completed a 78-8 win for the Roos.
Best for Strathfieldsaye were Mikayla Gladman, Isabelle Willows, Isabella Stevens, Molly Doherty, Zarah Peel and Lily Hearps.
A high-scoring match between Strathfieldsaye and Eaglehawk was played in the under-14 reserves, division three competition.
Storm and the Hawks clashed at California Gully.
Eaglehawk led 39-8 at quarter-time and kicked away to lead 72-15 by the long break.
Storm worked hard to score three goals in the second half, but the Hawks added 12.
At the final siren the Two Blues led 152-36.
Storm’s attack was led by Tyler Brown on four goals.
Best for Strathfieldsaye were Isaiah Oataway, Max Dooly, Tyler Brown, Mitchell Khodja, Thomas Oldham and Will James.
In the under-12A competition, Strathfieldsaye played the ladder-leading St Therese’s at Triple M Park.
The Sharks won 65-8 in a match where Solly Baker goaled for Strathfieldsaye.
Best for Storm were Wynn Jackson, Scout Davies, Cale Polson, Phoenix Macrae and Alex Kelly.
Strathfieldsaye marked a 55-3 victory against Eaglehawk Hawks in the under-12C match at Enterprise Oval.
Storm led 27-1 at half-time and then scored 4.4 in the second half.
Lennon Clark and William Martin kicked two goals for Strathfieldsaye as Harper Cregan, Nathaniel Hodgskiss, Bailey Kaye and Raven Menzel added one each.
Strathfieldsaye’s best were Teddy Taylor, William Martin, Lennon Clarke, Jackson Brasher, Nathaniel Hodgskiss and Harper Cregan.
Storm’s under-12E team made its way to Marist College Bendigo to take on Maiden Gully YCW Eagles.
Willis Mannix goaled for Strathfieldsaye as Hudson Steele, Landon Nankervis, Edward Smith, Hartley Resta and Pippa Scott were best.
Strathfieldsaye scored a big win against South Bendigo in the under-14 seniors match at Triple M Park.
Storm led 24-1 at quarter-time and 38-1 by half-time.
A closely-fought third term went Strathfieldsaye’s way, 16-12.
Storm scored three straight goals in the last to complete a 72-15 victory.
Eli Fennell and Spencer Worthington kicked two goals for Strathfieldsaye.
Other goalkickers were Charlie Giddings, Ollie Long, Jed Monaghan, Hudson Svanosio, Kobi Read, Jed Willis and Finn Worthington.
Golden Square 3.6 (24) d St Francis Blue 3.5 (23), Mount Pleasant 6.2 (38) d Marong 0.1 (1), St Therese’s 8.7 (55) d Rochester 1.0 (6), White Hills 14.13 (97) d Kangaroo Flat 0.1 (1), St Francis Green bye.
Golden Square 6.6 (42) d St Kilian’s-St Peter’s 6.5 (41), Maiden Gully YCW 8.8 (56) d St Francis 2.4 (16), St Therese’s 10.5 (65) d Strathfieldsaye 1.2 (8), South Bendigo bye.
Quarry Hill 8.11 (59) d Castlemaine 5.10 (40), Huntly 6.6 (42) d Maryborough 3.1 (19), Eaglehawk Eagles 13.19 (97) d St Therese’s 0.0 (0), White Hills Black bye.
Maiden Gully YCW 3.4 (22) d Golden Square 3.3 (21), Kangaroo Flat 4.4 (28) d Marong Blue 0.3 (3), Strathfieldsaye 8.7 (55) d Eaglehawk Hawks 0.3 (3).
South Bendigo (2) 7.5 (47) d Marong Red 3.10 (28), North Bendigo Blue 9.1 (55) d Heathcote 4.4 (28), St Monica’s 7.7 (49) d Mount Pleasant 3.3 (21), South Bendigo (3) 4.6 (30) d St Francis 0.1 (1).
Maiden Gully YCW 6.6 (42) d Strathfieldsaye 1.1 (7), Eaglehawk Two Blues 13.15 (93) d White Hills Red 2.0 (12), North Bendigo Red bye.
Strathfieldsaye 11.6 (72) d South Bendigo 2.3 (15), Sandhurst 13.16 (94) d Eaglehawk 2.12 (24), Golden Square 17.17 (119) d Maiden Gully YCW 2.0 (12).
Strathfieldsaye 12.9 (81) d Kangaroo Flat 11.10 (76), Castlemaine 5.15 (45) d Rochester 4.11 (35), White Hills 14.14 (98) d Golden Square 2.1 (13).
Huntly 9.9 (63) d Marong 6.5 (41), Maiden Gully YCW 15.16 (106) d Sandhurst 1.6 (12), Maryborough 21.17 (143) d South Bendigo 2.2 (14).
Heathcote 9.17 (71) d Kangaroo Flat 7.4 (46), Golden Square 10.14 (74) d North Bendigo 5.1 (31), Eaglehawk 23.14 (152) d Strathfieldsaye 5.6 (36), White Hills bye.
Eaglehawk 3.10 (28) d Marong 3.3 (21), Sandhurst 5.12 (42) d White Hills 3.2 (20), Strathfieldsaye 19.19 (133) d Kangaroo Flat 2.1 (13), Golden Square bye.
Sandhurst 4.6 (30) d Golden Square 1.1 (7), Eaglehawk 8.12 (60) d Marong 2.8 (20), Kangaroo Flat 12.6 (78) d Strathfieldsaye 1.2 (8).
Strathfieldsaye 7.11 (53) dr South Bendigo 7.11 (53), Sandhurst 10.11 (71) d Maryborough 7.8 (50), Maiden Gully YCW 13.7 (85) d Golden Square 7.12 (54).
Strathfieldsaye 13.7 (85) d White Hills 6.7 (43), Castlemaine 25.5 (155) d Lockington Bamawm United Cats 4.2 (26), Huntly bye.
Rochester 8.19 (67) d Maiden Gully YCW 10.5 (65), Huntly 6.9 (45) d Golden Square 6.6 (42), Marong 11.7 (73) d South Bendigo 10.8 (68), Kangaroo Flat 7.15 (57) d Sandhurst 7.6 (48).
St Therese’s 100 per cent match ratio, 48 points; St Francis Blue 75, 36; White Hills 75, 36; Mount Pleasant 61, 32; Golden Square 61, 32; Rochester 33, 16; Marong 30, 16; St Francis Green 16, 8; Kangaroo Flat 0, 0.
St Therese’s 92 per cent match ratio, 48 points; St Francis 76, 40; Maiden Gully YCW 69, 36; South Bendigo 58, 28; St Kilian’s-St Peter’s 38, 20; Strathfieldsaye 25, 12; Golden Square 16, 8.
Eaglehawk Eagles 76 per cent match ratio, Huntly 73, White Hills Black 70, Maryborough 50, Quarry Hill 46, Castlemaine 33, St Therese’s 8.
Golden Square 44 points, Maiden Gully YCW 36, Strathfieldsaye 32, Eaglehawk Hawks 24, Kangaroo Flat 14, Marong Blue 10.
South Bendigo (3) 68 points, St Monica’s 60, South Bendigo (2) 52, Mount Pleasant 48, North Bendigo Blue 40, St Francis 36, Marong Red 32, Heathcote 16.
North Bendigo Red 77 per cent match ratio, 34 points; Maiden Gully YCW 62, 30; Eaglehawk Two Blues 45, 20; Strathfieldsaye 41, 20; White Hills Red 0, 0.
Sandhurst 52 points, Golden Square 48, Strathfieldsaye 40, Eaglehawk 20, South Bendigo 16, Maiden Gully YCW 8.
White Hills 44 points, Kangaroo Flat 36, Castlemaine 32, Rochester 28, Strathfieldsaye 24, Golden Square 8.
Maryborough 48 points, Huntly 38, Marong 30, Maiden Gully YCW 24, South Bendigo 12, Sandhurst 8.
Golden Square 83 per cent match ratio, White Hills 66, North Bendigo 58, Heathcote 50, Strathfieldsaye 36, Eaglehawk 16, Kangaroo Flat 8.
Sandhurst 100 per cent match ratio, 48 points; Strathfieldsaye 75, 36; White Hills 58, 28; Eaglehawk 41, 20; Golden Square 41, 20; Marong 33, 16; Kangaroo Flat 8, 4.
Kangaroo Flat 48 points, Sandhurst 48, Strathfieldsaye 36, Golden Square 20, Eaglehawk 12, Marong 0.
Sandhurst 96 per cent match ratio, Strathfieldsaye 65, South Bendigo 61, Maiden Gully YCW 35, Golden Square 28, Maryborough 28.
Castlemaine 91 per cent match ratio, Huntly 66, Strathfieldsaye 41, Lockington Bamawm United Cats 41, White Hills 25.
Rochester 85 per cent match ratio, Marong 64, Kangaroo Flat 53, Maiden Gully YCW 50, Sandhurst 50, South Bendigo 42, Golden Square 14, Huntly 7.
David Chalmers is certain there's gold beneath his feet - but he doesn't want it
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueHe hopes mine operators don't get it either
The Strathfieldsaye man lives inside a proposed mining exploration licence stretching from Sedgwick to Longlea
Two community meetings have resulted in a statement rejecting the proposed licence
and the exploration company says they may not break ground
The licence application by mining exploration company Falcon Metals covers parts of Strathfieldsaye
Mr Chalmers is worried the application marks the future establishment of a gold mine near Bendigo
resulting in local disturbance and environmental threats
"We want to stop even the exploration of this area because this is a predominantly built-up area," he said
"The minimum acreage around here is about 10 to 20 acres; as it gets closer to Strathfieldsaye that's housing
Mr Chalmers also fears operations like those at the Fosterville Gold Mine, approximately 20km east of Bendigo, where local residents have complained of noise, earthquakes and diminished air quality
Mining at Fosterville has caused a number of "mine-induced seismic events", including a 3.5 magnitude tremor last year.
David Chalmers lives on land within a proposed mining exploration licence. Picture by Enzo Tomasiello Locals taking noteThe Bendigo and District Environmental Council (BDEC) held two information meetings on the licence late last year, with another planned for January 21. Wendy Radford, secretary of the group, said they were both well-attended.
At the December 17 meeting in Strathfieldsaye, attendees endorsed a statement requesting the "government and parliament ban any mining exploration or the placement of a mine" within the licence boundaries.
"Our area is earmarked for residential expansion by the state government and as such is completely unsuitable for mining of any description," it said.
BDEC has also started a petition against the exploration licence, which is "well on the way" to getting 1000 signatures, according to Ms Radford.
She said a campaign group to oppose the licence may officially form at the January 21 meeting.
Ms Radford herself lives an estimated two kilometres from the licence boundary.
"We've lived here for many years. We didn't know there was going to be mining anywhere near us of this nature, or even proposed," she said.
The mining exploration licence stretches from Longlea to Sedgwick. "You don't know whether very toxic tailings ponds will be put at any point within the borders of that licence.
"If underground mining does go ahead, there will need to be ventilation shafts. They will possibly be in areas of park that we used to walk in."
In a statement, Falcon Metals said the exploration licence has been previously held by other groups that have undertaken exploration, "which would have had little to no impact on any of the residents".
"Our application is in the normal course of business and is no different to the dozens of other applications currently in process throughout the state," it said.
Read Falcon Metals Ltd's statement to the Bendigo Advertiser.
According to the statement, less than one per cent of mining exploration leads to potentially viable gold deposits.
The company said it does not own any mining licences and applying for one is "an entirely separate, comprehensive approval process".
Falcon Metals' chief financial officer Pradeep Subramaniam said the difference between exploration and mining was "pivotal".
According to the CFO, their initial work would involve a desktop review of the historical mining and exploration data, as well as land use and zoning. Future exploration programs would be entirely dependent on the results of this work.
"It is possible the ground could be relinquished at this stage if no compelling targets are generated," he said.
"Under low-impact exploration, there is virtually no impact on the community or the environment."
If works are planned, Mr Subramaniam said the company would undertake community engagement, which might include nearby letter drops.
"If drilling is planned on private land, consent to access private property will be required ahead of undertaking any work. Similarly roadside drilling will require approval from the shire," he said.
Resources Victoria director of regulatory operations Chris Webb said the Earth Resources Regulator is yet to grant the exploration licence.
He said exploration typically involves "low impact" activities such as desktop studies, field surveys and collecting rock samples.
"An exploration licence does not permit mining activity or guarantee that a mining licence will be granted in the future," he said.
Picture by Enzo TomasielloGRANT Waldron and Sam Johnston have delivered two of the great individual grand final performances with bat and ball in Bendigo District Cricket Association history to spearhead the Suns to another first XI flag
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueStrathdale-Maristians defeated Strathfieldsaye by 139 runs at the QEO over the weekend to win not only its second flag in a row
Suns' coach Waldron was awarded the Taylor Walsh Medal as man of the match for his batting masterclass on Saturday when he made a brilliant 149
View +23 PhotosPictures by Enzo TomasielloComing in at 1-17 in the sixth over of the day
Waldron's 149 was the backbone of the Suns' 8-354 after they won the toss and batted
It's the second grand final in a row the Suns have made 350-plus on day one after plundering 7-363 in their win over Kangaroo Flat last season
GRAND FINAL DAY 1 WRAP
Following his batting heroics on day one Waldron received some stiff Taylor Walsh Medal competition from teammate Johnston on Sunday as he bowled the Suns to victory
Johnston finished with a haul of 7-64 off 22.5 overs
Johnston struck three times in his first six overs
Zoltan Smyth (5) and Pat Felmingham (24) to have the Jets 3-49
Chathura Damith (69) and skipper Campbell Love (58 to go with 3-104 with the ball) both made half-centuries for the Jets and put on 100 for the fourth wicket in what was the best stand of the Strathfieldsaye innings
Johnston secured the match-winning wicket when he bowled Cameron Clayton (19) at 3.51pm in the 68th over for not only his seventh scalp of the grand final
Johnston's 7-64 ranks equal 10th for the best bowling figures in a BDCA grand final
is the fifth highest score in a grand final
the way it all unfolded yesterday and then today Strathfieldsaye put up a fight with some good partnerships
but the cricket we play and the people we can always rely on were just outstanding today," Suns captain Cameron Taylor said
Strathdale-Maristians' Sam Johsnton after taking one of his seven wickets on Sunday
Picture by Enzo Tomasiello"We backed up a big yesterday with no complacency and it's just a really good feeling."
Johnston's seven wickets in the grand final followed on from his four-for in last week's semi-final against Sandhurst
"I had a bit of a chat to Sam last night and basically said
'I could use a big one from you tomorrow'," Taylor said
"All this season he has been about getting himself ready for finals and making sure he was right to go for this time of the year
"He really delivered last week and then again today; that seventh wicket today has also got him to 400 in his BDCA career
so that's a really special accomplishment for him."
While the Suns are celebrating their 10th premiership in the past 17 years - Ben DeAraugo has played in all 10 of them and John Hewitt has scored all 10 of them - Strathfieldsaye's last flag remains 2001
Strathdale-Maristians coach Grant Waldron and captain Cameron Taylor
Picture by Enzo TomasielloThe Jets have now lost three grand finals to the Suns over the past 10 years
"We didn't come here today thinking we couldn't get it done; to be honest
so we thought at tea we were right in it," Jets' skipper Love said
"But after tea we lost a couple of quick wickets and we just couldn't get going
Picture by Enzo Tomasiello"We didn't have anyone that did what Grant Waldron did yesterday or burst through with the ball like Slammer (Johnston) did today
"Two really good individual performances did us over."
MORE GRAND FINAL COVERAGE TO COME TOMORROW
Picture by Luke WestSTRATHFIELDSAYE has won its way back into the top division of Bendigo weekend pennant lawn bowls
Strathfieldsaye edged out East 80-76 and will take the place of Kangaroo Flat in premier league next season after the Roos finished on the bottom of the ladder without a win
Next season will be Strathfieldsaye's first in the top division in weekend pennant since 2012-13
View +24 PhotosPictures by Luke WEstThe division one game at South Bendigo was one of three grand final thrillers played on Saturday
In division two Eaglehawk clinched a two-shot victory over Bendigo
And there was also only two shots the difference in the division six grand final with Castlemaine defeating North Bendigo 57-55
Seven grand finals were contested on Saturday
with six clubs celebrating premierships - Strathfieldsaye (two)
Kristian Toomey 19 def Peter McMaster-Smith 16
Picture by Luke WestSTRATHFIELDSAYE key forward James Schishka has been dealt a cruel injury blow
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueAt training last Thursday night Schishka broke the same foot as he did in round 14 last season in what's a huge blow for the Storm
whose key forward stocks are depleted ahead of round one of the Bendigo Football Netball League season this weekend
Schishka - a BFNL inter-league forward last year who kicked 47 goals in 12 games - joins fellow key forwards Malik Gordon (shoulder) and recruit Jed Brereton (osteitis pubis) on the sidelines ahead of the Storm's round one game against what's expected to be a hugely improved South Bendigo at Harry Trott Oval on Saturday
"James' injury is the same that he suffered last year; he did it during a drill at training and it has definitely flattened the group feeling for him and knowing how important he is and what a difference-maker he is," Storm coach Luke Freeman said
"We found ways to play without him last year
Schishka kicked four goals and was among the BFNL's best players in last year's inter-league loss against the VAFA three weeks before suffering his season-ending broken foot in round 14 against Castlemaine
Picture by Luke WestStrathfieldsaye's inaccuracy (10.19.79) and slow start might have consigned them to a first-up loss
but despite the heartbreak of a one-point defeat
it was a performance they can build something around
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueWhile they didn't get what would have been a crucial four points with 2024 grand finalists Sandhurst and Gisborne to come in the next fortnight
Strathfieldsaye should have the belief they can storm home (pardon the pun) from anywhere this season
Midway through the third quarter against South Bendigo on Saturday
By three-quarter-time, the margin had been reduced to 14 points, and after three early final term goals, they'd hit the front, having kicked 6.5 (41) to 0.0 (0) in just over half a quarter of game time
It's the sort of footy they'll need to produce more consistently if they want to replicate their preliminary final seasons of the past two years in what is a far more even BFNL in 2025
But while the Bloods steadied to record a thrilling one-point victory
Storm coach Luke Freeman said he was happy with the footy his side produced overall
Picture by Luke West"I'm proud of how the boys gritted their way back into the game
and I told them that in the rooms," Freeman said
"And I'm not just proud in the sense of how far back we came from on the scoreboard
"We controlled the game in general play for large portions
but South Bendigo is so dynamic up forward when they got it in their front half
"South Bendigo's ability to kick goals from anywhere is going to be one of their strengths this year
One of the most intriguing storylines heading into round one was what would be the makeup of the Storm's forward 50
who had surgery for a broken foot on Monday
and Jed Brereton (osteitis pubis) have all fallen victim to an injury crisis at Tannery Lane
Freeman and his coaching staff flipped the script
going down the direction of what has been working so well in the AFL recently - a small forward line
The Storm began with Zach Charles as their focal point
"We played small with Zach as our lone tall and rotated a few of our midfielders up forward," Freeman said
Picture by Luke WestLachlan Gill (32 disposals) kicked two goals in what will be a rare appearance for him in Storm colours this year after joining SANFL club South Adelaide
while Riley Wilson (26 disposals) and Jye Formosa also kicked goals
we were still hesitant to throw Cooper Jones (31 disposals
two goals) forward as he was excellent down back in the first half
and he gave us a different dynamic late in the game," Freeman continued
Storm ruckman Timothy Hosking prepares for a set shot
Picture by Luke West"Hosko (ruckman Timothy Hosking) kicked an important goal for us late in the third quarter
but we're going to need to be creative with what we've got at our disposal."
Small forward Riley Mulquiny (nine tackles) provided good ground-level pressure
midfield recruit Sam Heavyside collected 25 disposals
seven clearances and nine tackles in his first game back in Storm colours
Picture by Luke WestHunter Lawrence was the leading possession getter on the ground
The Storm will be without co-captain Daniel Clohesy for the remainder of the season after he suffered a grade 5 AC (acromioclavicular) Joint separation - a serious shoulder injury that required surgery on Sunday
Daniel Clohesy uses his jumper as a makeshift sling
Picture by Luke WestFreeman's men return to action in the game of the round and a replay of last year's preliminary final against Sandhurst on Good Friday at Tannery Lane
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe left-arm fast bowler
who made his first XI debut in round two this season
took 5-20 as he ran through Sandhurst's middle order
Only coming into the attack in the 13th over
Bell first removed Dragons in form all-rounder Taylor Beard (5)
who smacked a pull shot straight to Zoltan Smyth
it was Pat Dillon's (1-19) breakthrough of Thomas Starr (28)
While the first XI ladder leaders began poorly, losing Ashley Gray for a golden duck and Jasper Langley (4), both to Chathura Damith (2-21) to be 2-9
an excellent 86-run partnership by Starr and skipper Dylan Gibson (70) had them right on top until Dillon's intervention
From needing a more than manageable 64 of 51 deliveries with eight wickets in hand
losing 8-40 to be bowled out for 135 with an over to spare
who had put together a masterclass in controlling a Twenty20 innings
Gibson was coming back for the second after pulling Jets marquee player Riley Vernon to the leg side
side on throw from Weerasinghe ended his innings
Vernon (4) was bowled cheaply by Gibson (1-41 off 4) to give the Dragons a solid start
including eight boundaries and a trio of sixes
Campbell Love also played a crucial knock for the Jets
His 40 from 38 balls put them in front in the game before being dismissed by Taylor Beard (3-23 off 4) with three balls left in the innings
The momentum of the Jets innings swung back in their favour in Liam Bowe's final over
The best bowler in BDCA cricket so far this season was again spinning a web and had taken 1-3 off three overs before Love and Damith (11) hit him for 12 in his final over
While Sandhurst was eliminated from this season's Twenty20 competition at the opening hurdle
Strathfieldsaye will now face Bendigo United in the quarter-finals on December 18
EVCA side United is through to the next round of the Kookaburra Cup Twenty20 tournament
They defeated Seymour District Cricket Association side Tallarook by seven wickets
United restricted Tallarook to 9-72 from its 20 overs
They chased the target down with 43 balls to spare and three wickets down
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThis large family home
nestled on approximately 3/4 of an acre of peaceful bushland
offers the perfect rural lifestyle close to all amenities
The brick residence has been well looked after and is in outstanding condition
with stunning tall timber cathedral ceilings
and two oversized living rooms - one of which could become a large fourth bedroom
you're greeted by characterful handmade bricks set off in dark cement
The centre of the home is the high-quality
you can access the two huge living rooms with lovely large windows and beautiful timber ceilings
StrathfieldsayeAll of the oversized bedrooms are serviced by a generous three-piece bathroom and a convenient separate toilet
The main bedroom is complete with a walk-in robe and ensuite
This wing also has a good-size laundry with excellent storage
It's the perfect setting for pets and children to play with views of the bush beyond
The property is a short drive from Bendigo
perfectly balancing peaceful country living and city convenience
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueTHE PATH TO THE FINAL:HUNTLY NORTH - 3-182 def White Hills 4-160; 5-155 def Golden Square 97; 7-168 def Bendigo 99
STRATHFIELDSAYE - 7-158 def Sandhurst 135; 9-155 def Bendigo United 5-143; 6-189 def Strathdale-Maristians 7-185
HUNTLY NORTH - All-rounder Sandun Rathnatunga leads the Power's runs with 154 from three hits
He's also the leading run-scorer for the tournament
Rathnatunga opened the T20 season with an unbeaten 84 against White Hills before following up with knocks of 35 in the wins over Golden Square and Bendigo
Marquee player Regis Chakabva (108) also has more than 100 runs for the Power with a top score of 57 against Bendigo
while skipper Milton Shumba's 90 runs include 54 n.o
Shumba also leads the Power bowling with his spin bowling having claimed six wickets
while medium-pacer Harry McCormick is coming off a starring role in his side's win over Bendigo to advance to the grand final when he took 4-18
STRATHFIELDSAYE - The hard-hitting Pat Felmingham (109 runs) and Chathura Damith (101) are both keys at the top of the order for the Jets
Damith's 71 last week against Strathdale-Maristians was hugely influential in the Jets' record run chase to knock off the Suns and qualify for the grand final
Skipper Campbell Love has been consistent with the bat in scoring 40
The emerging Jack Bell has been the Jets' leading wicket-taker through the tournament with six
with the next best Jets' bowler the on-the-spot Ben Devanny with three scalps
Bell did the bulk of his damage with the ball in round one when he captured 5-16 in the Jets' win over Sandhurst
Both Huntly North and Strathfieldsaye have won two Bendigo Advertiser Shields as Twenty20 champions
The Power won in 2014 (def Strathdale) and 2020 (defeated Kangaroo Flat)
And the Jets were T20 premiers in 2013 (defeated Huntly North) and 2023 (defeated Bendigo United)
when they last met in the grand final in 2013 only Devanny will be part of the Jets' team that plays in tonight's grand final
And only Ryan Grundy will be part of tonight's Huntly North team from that 2013 grand final team
Huntly North and Strathfieldsaye's last meeting in a Twenty20 match was round four last season when the Power (2-130) defeated the Jets (6-129)
Leaning towards the Jets to continue on the momentum from their stunning win over Strathdale-Maristians last week
154 - Sandun Rathnatunga (Huntly North Epsom)
61 - Andrew Chalkley (Strathdale-Maristians)
Picture by Enzo TomasielloESSENDON coach Brad Scott labelled them a "necessary evil" last month
and Strathfieldsaye's Luke Freeman would be in agreement after one of his recruits suffered a season-ending injury in the Storm's first practice match on Saturday
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueFollowing six years at Mount Pleasant where he won a Heathcote District league flag with the Blues in 2023 Zebb Murrell has returned to Strathfieldsaye this year
Murrell is now facing the 2025 season on the sidelines after injuring his Achilles in the Storm's practice match against Ballarat league side East Point at Tannery Lane on Saturday
"It was Zebb's first game back with the club today and he was playing some really good footy in the first half and then did his Achilles just before half-time
so it's terrible for him," Storm coach Freeman said
"He played junior footy with us and has some good senior experience under his belt now out at Mounts
but it was the classic thing you hear about Achilles injuries
He said he felt like someone had kicked him
"That's the thing about practice matches isn't it - you need to play them
but you just hope you can get through them without any injuries and unfortunately for Zebb he will be out for the season
That's the thing about practice matches isn't it - you need to play them
we're happy with a lot of the things we saw."
It was the first hit-out of the pre-season for both the Storm and East Point
"They probably beat us by a couple of goals in the end
but kicked something like 3.15 and turned the footy over a bit," Freeman said
"I really liked the way our leaders played in defence; Lachie Ratcliffe
Cooper Jones and Patty Blandford organised our back six really well and it was good to have Sam Heavyside back
back and midfield and his leadership and experience really stood out
taking on Goulburn Valley league club Shepparton United at Canterbury Park
The Hawks were up by about six goals at half-time before bringing a handful of key players off at the break and getting run over in the second half
Picture by Enzo Tomasiello"I thought in the first half we saw plenty of things that we wanted to see," Eaglehawk co-coach Travis Matheson said
"I thought Jack Donat playing his first game for us looked really sharp off half-back as did another of our new players in Tyh Evans
"Clayto (co-coach Clayton Holmes) really straightened us up inside 50 and gave us a good target
"Muffin (midfielder Joel Mullen) was looking really good until he came off the ground with an ankle and I thought Dyl Hanley in defence was probably our best player until he came off at half-time."
Kangaroo Flat coach Tyrone Downie was pleased with the improvement his side showed in its second practice match against reigning Heathcote District league premier White Hills at Scott Street
"I felt the boys went better than last week (v Red Cliffs)
so that was a positive out of today," Downie said
"I felt there was good improvement from across the board in terms of the boys understanding their roles and the gameplan and we executed better than we did last week
Picture by Enzo Tomasiello"It looked like we had a really good spread of even contributors more than last week
After rolling his ankle last week Nick Lang
who has returned to the Roos following two seasons at Kerang
took to the field again in what' shaping as a new role for the veteran this season as a defender
The Roos will play their final practice match next Saturday against what promises to be stiff opposition - last year's Ovens and Murray runner-up Yarrawonga at Yarrawonga
"It was planned for us to play two games where we felt we would be a chance to compete really well (v Red Cliffs and White Hills) and then one where we would really test ourselves," Downie said
"Yarrawonga has been a very strong side in the O and M for a few years now
so it will be great to challenge ourselves against them and then stay up there as well for a bit of bonding."
While it's still only the practice match circuit
South Bendigo co-coach Troy Coates is buoyed by his club's performance across all three grades of football against Kyabram being a sign of the improvement to come for the Bloods this year
Last year the Bloods got belted by Kyabram in the senior
But on Saturday at Elmore the Bloods' seniors were competitive in a four-goal defeat to what's tipped to be one of the top contenders in the Goulburn Valley league this year
while South Bendigo's reserves and under-18s both won
In the senior game Kyabram won 13 goals to nine
Picture by Enzo Tomasiello"We were down 0-6 in centre clearances in the first quarter just having so many new midfielders rolling through
but we did end up getting on top in there," Coates said
"We took some stats for the day and they pipped us by two for inside 50s (56-54) and we broke even around the stoppages
but probably just our skill errors and a couple of undisciplined free kicks let us down a bit
"Apart from the first quarter when they jumped us I thought we matched them very well; they were quality opposition that had four or five league medalists playing for them today."
The Bloods had about six of their best 22 missing
including newly-signed full back Luke Darling
He hasn't played for the past two years; he has been doing a doctor's degree and just moved to town and played Pioneers with a few of our boys
so he is going to be really good for us at full-back," Coates said
"He's about 25 now and been very impressive at training
He had a bit of tightness today and will play next week
"It was one of those games with a lot of quality players out there where everyone chipped in and played their part
"I thought our backline held up really well
Tait Poyser played on (Tom) Holman who is a star and I thought Tait contested really well
"The pleasing thing for us is both our reserves and under-18s won today and we were really competitive in the senior game
Last year when we played Kye our reserves and under-18s got done by 100 points and the seniors got done by about 130
Golden Square took on another Goulburn Valley league side in Rochester at Rochester
"We got beaten by about eight points in what was a really good hit-out," Golden Square coach Brad Eaton said
"We had a bit stronger side compared to last week and probably what was most pleasing is our pressure and intensity was really good
we also went away for periods from what we've been working on through the pre-season in the way we want to move the ball
Picture by Enzo Tomasiello"We kicked four goals in the third quarter and put Rochy on the backfoot based on adapting around the footy and getting our structure outside the contest a bit better and that allowed our forwards to get into the game."
Among the players to impress for the Bulldogs was young defender Xavier Carter when moved onto Rochester forward Mitch Cricelli
"Mitch is a big lad and a very good player and I thought Xav did a really good job on him when we switched the match-up for half-a-game," Eaton said
"It's always really good to see those younger guys when they have to take on a bigger role do the job and show the signs of what they are capable of
Reigning Ballarat league premier Melton proved too strong for Gisborne by about 10 goals in what was the Bulldogs' first practice match
"Our first game against opposition proved to be a tough day
with a number of them on restricted game time," Gisborne coach Rob Waters said
"Although not the result we were after we had a lot of young fellas get the chance to play against quality
"We worked really hard on our structures ensuring our young players get an understanding of what we are after
we take a lot of learnings out of the game and can implement them next week against Sunbury."
Also in action over the weekend was Castlemaine against Noble Park on Sunday
KANGAROO FLAT - v Yarrawonga at Yarrawonga
SOUTH BENDIGO - v Mount Pleasant at Harry Trott Oval
Picture by Darren HoweIT'S hard to think of too many more tougher roles in country football in recent years than playing key back for Maryborough in the Bendigo Football Netball League
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe Maryborough defence was constantly under siege during its 62-game losing streak that began in early 2021 and still hasn't ended with rarely any reprieve
This year Maryborough's opposition drove the ball inside 50 an average of 80 times per game
Last year in 2023 it was an average of 73 times per game according to Premier Data
Among the pillars of the Magpies' defence in recent seasons has been Kya Lanfranchi - a born and bred Maryborough player who loyally stuck with the club through its struggles both on and off the field that have ultimately led to it going into recess next year
With no home club to play for next season and with a desire to remain in the BFNL
Lanfranchi will play for Strathfieldsaye in 2025 in a move that was set in motion on a highly emotional last day of the home and away season for the Magpies when they played the Storm at Tannery Lane in round 18
"What attracted me to Strathfieldsaye was when we were walking off after that last game just about every Strathfieldsaye supporter came across and clapped all us Maryborough players off the ground," Lanfranchi said
"That really did leave a mark on me and showed me that it was a club that gets around everyone
It has a big community following and that helped draw me to the club
That really did leave a mark on me and showed me that it was a club that gets around everyone
"I'm looking forward to getting involved in the club
meeting the boys and learning a whole new system
"From a young age it was always put to me that you want to play the best footy you can for as long as you can and that's why I was keen to stay involved in the Bendigo league
"I really enjoy the challenge of playing against some of the best players in country Victoria and believe the Bendigo league is the best spot for me to continue to develop as a player."
It will certainly be a new experience for Lanfranchi moving from Maryborough to Strathfieldsaye given he's crossing from a perennial battler - albeit his home club - to one that is regularly at the pointy end of the ladder contending
Kya Lanfranchi marks against Strathfieldsaye in round 18 this year
Picture by Darren HoweYou've certainly got to admire the loyalty of Lanfranchi and respect his willingness to stick with the Magpies given just how tough a grind it has been on the field during his senior career with the club
has played 70 senior games for Maryborough and won just two of them
He played in the club's last senior win in round two of 2021 when the Magpies beat Castlemaine by 113 points
16 rounds and top-five retained for what will be eight-club BFNL in 2025
And he was also part of the Maryborough team that beat Kangaroo Flat by 25 points in round 17 of the 2019 season
Lanfranchi played in every one of the 62 losses in a row the Magpies endured before confirming the decision last month to go into recess for the 2025 season
especially when the ball was coming in 70 or 80 times a game
but if I was playing anywhere else then I don't think I would have developed into the player I have become," Lanfranchi said
Strathfieldsaye's social media post announcing the signing of defender Kya Lanfranchi
Picture Strathfieldsaye FNC"I loved the challenge every week of playing on the best forwards like Lachlan Sharp when you know they are looking to kick it to them every time
but I always went out there with the attitude every week of trying to win the game
but unfortunately things haven't gone to plan with the club going into recess next year
"To have been at a club since you were 10 playing footy and to have it taken away is a strange feeling and sad that a club with more than 150 years of history won't be there next year."
Lanfranchi's investment in Maryborough was evident in him not just sticking with the club through the lean years
but also coaching the club's under-18 team this year
But with continuing with the Magpies next season not an option - Maryborough hopes to be back competing in 2026 - Lanfranchi is all-in on helping Strathfieldsaye in its push to get back to the top next year
The Storm have been beaten in the past two preliminary finals and Lanfranchi has been an admirer of the club from afar
but still has a real country feel to it as well..
it gives that great country vibe of a club that gets around not just its senior teams
"So that was another factor that drew me there
It's going to be an exciting move and to not have to play that lockdown role every week
there will be a chance to play a bit higher up the ground as well which will be good
"There's a lot of high calibre players at the club
Lanfranchi joins Coby Perry and Tom Myers at Castlemaine and Joel Swatton at South Bendigo as Maryborough players from this year who have signed with BFNL clubs for next season
Lanfranchi indicated he would return to Maryborough in 2026 should the club be successful in re-emerging for recess
"I'd definitely go back and try to help Maryborough get back on its feet and do whatever I can," he said
Picture by Darren HoweTHE opportunity to get itself back up and mixing it with the big guns of Bendigo lawn bowls is one Strathfieldsaye is desperate to capitalise on this Saturday
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueFor more than a decade Strathfieldsaye has been out of the top division of Bendigo's weekend pennant competition
The Kookas last competed in the top division of weekend pennant in the 2012-13 season when their skippers featured Liam Crapper
Twelve years on the Kookas are now just one win away from promotion back into what's now known as premier league
The Kookas will play Bendigo East in this Saturday's division one grand final at South Bendigo
If the Kookas triumph they will take the place of Kangaroo Flat in premier league next season
if they fall short - like they did two years ago when beaten by Eaglehawk by five shots - their dream of getting back into the top division will have to wait at least another 12 months
"Over recent seasons we've had a focus on recruiting more experienced bowlers who are proven performers
our new clubrooms (opened in October) helps to attract new members and we've worked hard to develop our promising players within the club," Strathfieldsaye president Vik Sabaliauskas said this week
"We've seen a lot of positive development and progress from our younger bowlers
"We're a growth area in Strathfieldsaye; people like success and I want us playing in the top division
As far as I'm concerned we've been out of the top division for too long
so we're really excited for the chance to try to get back there this weekend."
We've seen a lot of positive development and progress from our younger bowlers
This season the Kookas have been led by coach Aaron Tomkins
one of the most accomplished lawn bowlers in Bendigo who previously enjoyed enormous success at Bendigo East
Tomkins is not exactly sure how many premierships he won at East: "it's seven or eight" he estimates
while the Kookas also have former Kangaroo Flat coach Cameron Wilson helping to lead their promotion push
Tomkins and Wilson are two of the Kookas' division one skippers along with Kevin Probert and Josh Moloney
who also both have experience in the top division previously at Bendigo East
division one skipper Kevin Probert and president Vik Sabaliauskas
Picture by Darren HoweWilson and Probert are both assistant coaches at the Kookas
who finished on top of the division one ladder and have lost just one game en route to the grand final
Probert is now into the second phase of his sporting career on the lawn bowls green having formerly been a long-time basketballer with the Bendigo Braves
"My nana played lawn bowls; she passed away
so the family came down to barefoot bowls at Strathfieldsaye and put a team together and from there it was just a case of falling in love with bowls," Probert said
"I went to Bendigo East for the opportunity to play in premier league and then came back three years ago hoping to be able to help Strathfieldsaye try to get up into premier
"There are some things with lawn bowls that are comparable to basketball in terms of strategy with the way the head is set up and having to think one or two plays ahead
the wide range of ages and abilities where you get together and enjoy each other's company and that's what the sport does - it brings people together."
Strathfieldsaye also has its division five and seven teams playing in grand finals this Saturday
Division 1 - Strathfieldsaye v Bendigo East at South Bendigo
Division 2 - Bendigo v Eaglehawk at Golden Square
Division 3 - Marong v Heathcote at Bendigo East
Division 4 - Bendigo v White Hills at Golden Square
Division 5 - Strathfieldsaye v Bendigo at South Bendigo
Division 6 - Castlemaine v North Bendigo at Bendigo East
Division 7 - Bendigo East v Strathfieldsaye at South Bendigo
Premier - Moama v Golden Square at Eaglehawk
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe Storm were down to 18 fit men by midway through the second quarter and went into half-time trailing the Dogs by nine points
Everything pointed to a Golden Square victory
Kicking with the wind in the third quarter they added 6.6 to 2.0 to turn a nine-point deficit into a 21-point lead
The question was would 21 points be enough to hold off a Square side that had the breeze and fresh legs
The gutsy Storm defended stoutly and their midfielders
despite some of them spending the entire second-half on the ground
The margin was still 21 points entering time-on in the final quarter before Square kicked the final two goals of the game
The 10.18 (78) to 10.10 (70) result saw the Storm advance to a preliminary final clash with Sandhurst
while Square's season ended in disappointing fashion
but in terms of what we had left to run out there
that was an incredible win,'' Storm coach Luke Freeman said
"It's hard to make the finals and then they're even harder to win
The message at half-time was there's going to be times in the second-half where your body says 'no'
but your mind is going to have to say 'yes'
"The bottom line was it came down to do we want to play again next week
"We put a lot of acid on our midfielders each week to lead from the front and set us up
For them to keep going on pure will in the second-half today was an enormous effort."
View +48 PhotosStrathfieldsaye v Golden Square
Pictures by Darren HoweThe Storm lost Charlie King and Darcy Mulquiny to game-ending injuries inside the first half
while Shannon Geary and Jaidi Jackson-Leahy played on bravely despite being injured
Veteran Geary had his left hamstring heavily strapped and he played deep in the forward line
so that his team-mates could get short breaks on the bench
In the third quarter he used his footy smarts to find space and took an uncontested mark 20m out
Much to the delight of the Storm players and fans
Geary kicked truly to extend his side's lead
If it was Geary's last game of senior footy with the Storm
the performance encapsulated his stellar BFNL career
Golden Square's Ricky Monti handballs in between Storm duo Bode Stevens and Shannon Murphy
Picture by Darren HoweBode Stevens was inspiring
Daniel Clohesy's work rate was astronomical
forward Zach Charles didn't touch the ball a lot
but his contested mark and goal against the wind in the final quarter was one of those moments that defines finals
Cooper Jones and Mitch Hallinan under immense pressure took four intercept marks between them
Riley Wilson and Matt Harvey played critical roles in the middle and inside forward 50 and key position players Malik Gordon and Caleb Ernst stood up for the Storm in crucial moments in the second half
Ernst also spent some time on the wing in the third quarter surge
they were left to lament a missed opportunity on Sunday
the Dogs had the game at their mercy at half-time
Jordan Rosengren kicked four goals for the Bulldogs
Picture by Darren HoweMaybe that was their biggest problem - they thought they'd done enough considering the Storm had so many injury concerns
When the Storm lifted their intensity in the third quarter the stunned Dogs faltered
They had enough of the ball in the final quarter to make a run
but their ball use and system going forward was poor
When Tom Toma and Jordan Rosengren (four goals) got their hands on the footy the Dogs looked dangerous
but ultimately Square had no answer to the Storm's fighting spirit
Strathfieldsaye wanted it more than Golden Square
Picture by Luke WestWHEN it comes to Ben Devanny's cricketing career at Strathfieldsaye he has accomplished just about all there is to be done
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueBar one glaring admission - that elusive first XI premiership he has long been chasing with the Jets
No player has played more BDCA first XI games for the Jets than Devanny
life member and one of only two Strathfieldsaye players to win the BDCA Cricketer of the Year
The 41-year-old captained the first XI side for 11-straight seasons
but what he craves most has now twice eluded him
Devanny - who made his first XI debut in January of 2003 - has twice captained losing grand final sides against Strathdale-Maristians in 2015 and 2022
This weekend he gets his third opportunity at adding a premiership to his brilliant cricketing resume when Strathfieldsaye plays in the grand final at the QEO
Ben Devanny bats in a Twenty20 game earlier this season at the QEO.And just as was the case in 2015 and 2022
Strathdale-Maristians will again be the Jets' grand final opponent
"I was in the under-17s when the club won its last premiership (2001) and we've had a couple of cracks over the past 10 years," Devanny said this week
"It's now getting towards 25 years for the club trying to get to where we want to get to this weekend
so it would be huge for the club if we could get there."
This year marks 10 seasons since the Jets were on the wrong end of one of the most remarkable comebacks in grand final BDCA history
It was the 2014-15 grand final at Kangaroo Flat's Dower Park when
the game looked looked all but over on day two with Strathdale-Maristians on the ropes at 8-159
But history will show brothers Ben DeArauago (78 n.o.) and Jacob DeAraugo (28 n.o.) defied the odds with a stunning partnership to of 69 to lift the Suns over the line by two wickets with three balls to spare
Which begs the question of 10 years on and the Jets' premiership drought continuing to linger
does that missed opportunity still cause the odd sleepless night for Devanny
READ MORE: Like father like son? Smith's chance to emulate the flag deeds of his dad
"We got to the grand final playing a particular way of the areas we bowled in that had worked for us through the year
"Ben took it on late in the game and they were able to hit us off lines where we had been so consistent
so what got us there in the end probably brought us undone in that last hour
but I find it easier to accept because we got beaten by a really good partnership at the end rather than us messing it up."
Ben Devanny has taken 11 wickets for Strathfieldsaye this season.While that game is well and truly in the past being a decade ago
the lessons from it still ring true heading into this weekend for the Jets in terms of the Suns' deep batting depth and ability to win from even the seemingly most precarious of positions
"You just know that Strathdale bats so deep; you could have them 7-70 and know they still have someone who can come in and turn the game," Devanny said
READ MORE: Strathdale-Maristians legend the BDCA's best player again
"You know you're never done with them until you've got the 10 wickets."
As the Jets prepare for another crack at the flag against the Suns
Devanny is confident Strathfieldsaye is much better equipped this time around with the gained experience from its last grand final in 2022
The Jets lost that game - a one-dayer during one of the BDCA's three all one-day seasons - by six wickets
This weekend's side will include six players who were part of that team beaten in 2022: Devanny
wicket-keeper Stubbs also endured the heartbreak of the 2015 grand final defeat
"We're a very experienced side this year," Devanny said
"We've got Jack Bell who is 18 and Lovey who is 22
but everyone else is 30 or above and there's five of us who have played over 100 A grade games (Devanny
If you look back over the past few weeks every one of our top six has had some time out in the middle and made some runs
we've been bowling well and we've got matchwinners."
This season has seen a changing of the guard at Strathfieldsaye in terms of captain
we've been bowling well and we've got matchwinners
Devanny had captained the Jets since 2013-14 after taking over from Ben Gunn before handing the reins over to another all-rounder in Campbell Love
"Myself and Dash as coach (Dale Ashby) had been looking for a couple of years to find someone to take over and Lovey coming back to the club this season was perfect," Devanny said
"It has been good to basically bowl when I'm told and bat where I'm told
but for Lovey to only be 22 and take on the role has been really good for the club."
Medium-pacer Devanny remains one of the most economical bowlers in the BDCA
and conceded just 262 runs at an economy rate of 2.22
which includes 79 against Bendigo United in round three at CMC when he and Love shared in a Jets' club record partnership of 202
Picture by Darren HoweSTRATHFIELDSAYE has produced the greatest run chase in Bendigo District Cricket Assocation Twenty20 history to advance to next week's grand final
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe Jets beat T20 powerhouse and defending champions Strathdale-Maristians by four wickets with one ball to spare at the QEO on Wednesday night in the second of the semi finals
Strathfieldsaye's brilliant against-the-odds victory propels the Jets into next Wednesday's final against Huntly North where the Bendigo Advertiser Shield will be up for grabs
The Jets chased down Strathdale-Maristians' 7-185
which has now become the highest losing score in the history of the BDCA Twenty20 competition that dates back to 2008-09
the highest losing T20 score in a BDCA game had been Sandhurst making 5-182 in reply to Strathfieldsaye's 4-210 during the 2015-16 season
The Jets had started the final over of their chase to be bowled by the Suns' Will Purcell (1-38) at 6-176
needing 10 to win with the experienced pair of Dale Ashby and Ben Devanny at the crease
The first ball of the final over was a leg-side wide
before Ashby hit the next delivery through the off-side for two to progress the score to 6-179
Ashby then hit the second ball down to third man
with the pair pushing hard to get through for three and move the score to 6-182 with Devanny taking strike and the equation down to four needed off four balls
On the third delivery Devanny worked the ball out to mid-wicket for two and then scores were level on the fourth ball after one leg bye
The winning runs were hit off the fifth delivery when an Ashby cut shot went through backward point for four to cap the historic run chase as the Jets reached 6-189
Strathdale-Maristians' opener James Vlaeminck made 34 off 21 against Strathfieldsaye
Picture by Darren HoweWhile it was Ashby (11 n.o.) and Devanny (15 n.o.) who remained calm under pressure late
earlier the Jets' Chathura Damith unleashed a barrage of attacking shots against the new ball to make early inroads into the daunting run chase
Opener Damith blasted a brilliant 71 off just 38 deliveries
which included 60 of his runs coming in fours (nine) and sixes (four)
at which stage the Jets had 123 on the board when he was dismissed and it was game-on
Earlier fellow opener Pat Felmingham played an entertaining 13-ball cameo that featured three sixes and one boundary in his 24
while the Jets also got handy contributions of 30 off 20 from captain Campbell Love and 17 off 16 from Cameron Clayton before Devanny and Ashby joined forces at the crease with the Jets' 6-163 and needing 23 off the last four overs to win
Strathfieldsaye skipper Campbell Love bowls during Wednesday night's T20 victory at the QEO
Picture by Darren Howe"I thought it was a bit of a long shot at the innings break for us to chase it down
but Chatty batted unbelievably well at the top of the order and we were able to keep the momentum when wickets fell," Jets' skipper Love said
"We were able to keep the pressure on and didn't soak up too many dots and that's what gave us a shot at the back end of the innings
"A win like this will give us plenty of confidence next week if we have to chase again."
The Suns felt the loss of star all-rounder Sam Johnston
who was sidelined and will be for the coming weeks with a side strain
In total the Jets hit eight sixes and 16 boundaries in their successful run-chase against a Suns' attack who had five of its six bowlers used all have economy rates of at least eight per over
View +24 PhotosPictures by Darren HoweThe only bowler who didn't was veteran Ben DeAraugo with a tidy 1-20 off four overs
Leg-spinner Cameron Taylor's 3-44 included the wickets in consecutive deliveries of Clayton and Darcy Hunter (0) off the last two balls of the 17th over - his final over of the match - while he also removed man-of-the-match Damith
keeper-batsman Matt Wilkinson top-scored for the Suns with 52 after coming in with his side 4-75 in the eighth over having just lost two quick wickets with the dismissals of opener James Vlaeminck (34) and James Barri (0) by Devanny within three balls of each other
As well as his three wickets with the ball
Taylor also made 34 with the bat for the Suns with he and Wilkinson adding 58 for the sixth wicket
which had followed a 49-run stand for the fourth wicket between Wilkinson and skipper Daniel Clohesy (31)
Devanny with 2-27 off four overs was the standout bowler for the Jets
and while spinner Savith Priyan took the new ball and copped some tap in going for 51 off his four overs
he did get the big wicket of Suns' marquee player Andrew Chalkley for 18
Both the Jets and Power have certainly earned their way into the grand final given neither of the the sides were among the six teams that had a bye in the first round of the knockout competition and both have had to win three games to qualify for the decider
Next week will be Strathfieldsaye's fifth T20 grand final having won in 2023 and 2013 and lost in 2010 and 2011
And it will be the Power's fourth T20 grand final after wins in 2020 and 2014 and a loss in 2013
There are now just four teams left standing in the EVCA Twenty20 competition after Tuesday night's final round of preliminary matches
T20 power United and Marong have advanced to next Tuesday's semi finals
It's a noteworthy achievement for the Bendigo Strikers to advance to the final four given not only are they a division two side
but prior to this season had been 0-7 in their previous two seasons playing in the T20 competition
The highlight performance with the bat of Tuesday night's final round was United's Harry Whittle smashing 101 off just 46 balls with 15 fours and four sixes in the Tigers' 90-run win over Axe Ceek at Longlea
And with the ball Whittle's team-mate Kane Goldsworthy took a phenomenal 6-19 off four overs before also making an unbeaten 66 with the bat
Tuesday night also featured Marong's Alex Gorrie taking 5-15 in his side's win over Spring Gully
where the victor would keep their season alive
Bendigo Strikers 4-197 def California Gully 6-193
Picture by Google MapsPlans have been revealed for a 35-lot subdivision in Strathfieldsaye
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueDevelopers want to turn eight parcels of land at Tannery Lane and Guys Hill Road into a "diversity of housing"
The site bordered Sheepwash Creek at the north and contained a number of houses and a nursery
The plan was consistent with the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme
and the land was located near the edge of the City's general residential zone
All 35 houses would be built in the blue border
Image suppliedThe zone called for "development that respects the neighbourhood character of the area"
and encouraged "housing growth particularly in locations offering good access to services and transport"
Developers said the plan was also consistent with the Strathfieldsaye Township Plan
which identified the suburb as a "development area that can accommodate large scale residential growth"
The proposed development is on the edge of the general residential zone
with low-density residential zone to the west and a rural living zone to the south
Image by VicPlan"It is submitted that the Development will positively respond to the design objectives of the Strathfieldsaye Township Plan
through the provision of allotment sizes that complement the existing character of the area and that is consistent with recent land development within Strathfieldsaye," developers said
"The proposed layout aims to facilitate a modern living environment that is community based
A shared walking and cycling path would be created along Sheepwash Creek
connecting to a existing path along the creek line northeast of Guys Hill Road
An ecological report stated remnant red gum trees on the site would be protected
however retention of all vegetation on site was "not practical" due to the lot densities envisaged
Jonathon has been living and working in Bendigo since March 2021, currently working as a general reporter. Contact him on jonathon.magrath@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
Community centre: The concept plan for Strathfieldsaye's new town square. Image: SUPPLIED
WORK has started on the new town square at Strathfieldsaye on the corner of Apsley Lane and Wellesley Street.
The $1.5 million project is a key part of the Strathfieldsaye Urban Development Framework, which was prepared with community consultation and adopted by City of Greater Bendigo councillors in 2017.
It’s designed to be a commercial hub where residents can shop, gather, meet and attend events.
“The project also includes construction of shared paths, public space infrastructure and landscaping within the currently unmade grassy and treed road reserve of Wellesley Street located between Apsley Street and Strathfieldsaye Road,” city presentation and assets director Brian Westley said.
“The new public space will feature a range of amenities and facilities to enhance the quality of life and sense of place for both residents and visitors to Strathfieldsaye.
“It will also encourage future development of active retail and commercial spaces at ground level and apartment living on upper levels.”
Mr Westley said the town square would have links to other public facilities that showcased Strathfieldsaye’s identity, provide a gathering place for the community, adn stimulate private investment and land redevelopment.
Flexible paved gathering spaces for markets and cultural events, a shared path for walking, running and cycling, and a raised garden area with shade and seating are among the features.
A hardscape commercial breakout area aims to allow businesses to extend their services and products into the public space, and perimeter footpaths will service future commercial frontages and provide opportunities for slower-moving pedestrians while connecting the site to surrounding streets.
Open green spaces and native garden beds are also part of the plans.
The design was prepared in partnership with Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Owners, and construction work is expected to be finished by the end of this year.
STRATHFIELDSAYE outplayed Golden Square in Sunday’s 18th and final round of home-and-away matches in the Champions IGA-backed CVFL under-18 girls footy action.
It was fourth against second as Storm faced Golden Square at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.
Four straight goals as it kept Golden Square scoreless in the opening term gave Strathfieldsaye’s team a sizeable lift in confidence.
The Bulldogs fought back to win the second term, 8-6.
Both line-ups added 1.3 in the last as Strathfieldsaye marked a 47-23 victory rolling into next Sunday’s first semi-final at Queen Elizabeth Oval.
Storm’s attack was led by Evie Nuttall on two goals.
There were no multiple goalkickers for Golden Square.
Best for Strathfieldsaye were Tessa Skipper, Mikayla Davis, Layla Morrison, Scarlett War and Annabelle Edwards.
Ava Barker, Lily Mansfield, Ella Meharry, Summer Lowther, Alex Filsell and Bella Eddy played well for the blue and gold.
There were big wins for Woorinen and White Hills in the lead-up to their finals campaigns.
Woorinen marked a 121-7 victory on Eaglehawk’s turf at Canterbury Park.
Nevaeh Roberts led the Tigers’ attack on four goals as Grace Ayars and Issy Boulton kicked three.
The team in yellow and black also had Ruby Butler and Meg Young chip in with two goals.
Woorinen’s best were Hollie Everett, Nevaeh Roberts, Tyler Arnett, Charli Conway, Lauren Clarke and Ruby Butler.
Isabelle James, Jayda Mathews-Shanley, Shayla Daffy, Lilly Stevenson, Neve Nisbet and Mary Fisher played well for the Hawks.
The Winslow White Hills Demons won 86-13 on their Scott Street ground against Castlemaine.
The Demons charged to a 28-nil lead by quarter-time.
Castlemaine lifted its play to score 1.1 in the third and held the Demons to a score of 1.2.
The ladder-leading White Hills then added four goals in the last for an 86-13 result.
Mia Clark kicked four goals to be best for the Demons as Amelie Haigh and Ella Henery kicked two majors.
Best for White Hills were Mia Clark, Jorja Morrison, Sophie Sarre, Ella Henery, Lily Rochester and Tahlia Kendall.
Olivia Muscat, Chelsea Cole, Chloe Butcher, Shania Kitchingham, Kate Batchelor and Shelby Kitchingham were best for the Magpies.
Champions IGA-backed CVFL under-18 girls footy ladder:
White Hills 268 per cent, 52 points; Golden Square 237, 40; Woorinen 144, 40; Strathfieldsaye 127, 36; Sandhurst 140, 28; Castlemaine 53, 20; Eaglehawk 9, 0.
Semi-finals will be played next Sunday at Queen Elizabeth Oval in View Street, Bendigo.
White Hills takes on Golden Square in the second semi-final at 9am.
It’s a showdown between the Tigers and Storm as Woorinen faces Strathfieldsaye in the first semi-final from 10.50am.
Strathfieldsaye fights on to end Golden Square’s run
STRATHFIELDSAYE Storm showed plenty of fighting spirit to win the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s senior footy first semi-final against Golden Square on Sunday.
Storm and the Bulldogs were in a clash to keep their premiership dream alive on Queen Elizabeth Oval.
After Storm surged to a 25-9 lead by quarter-time it was the Bulldogs who capitalised on the breeze in the second to score 4.3 as Strathfieldsaye added just two behinds.
Storm looked to be in all sorts after injuries put Charlie King and Darcy Mulquiny out of the game in the second quarter.
Despite injuring his hamstring, Shannon Geary switched from defence to play deep in the forward 50m arc to ensure Storm had some rotations off the bench in the second quarter.
Talented youngster Jaidi Jackson-Leahy also played on through injury.
Their efforts inspired team-mates as the Luke Freeman-coached Strathfieldsaye won the third quarter, 42-12.
Playing into the breeze and limited by just 18 fully-fit players raised concerns for some in the Storm camp.
Led by the play of Bode Stevens, Daniel Clohesy and Riley Wilson, Strathfieldsaye scored 1.3 in the last and more importantly kept the Brad Eaton-coached Bulldogs to a score of 3.4.
At the final siren Strathfieldsaye celebrated a 78-70 victory in one of the club’s most memorable finals matches.
Best for Golden Square were Jordan Rosengren, Tom Toma, Terence Reeves and Jack Threlfall.
Strathfieldsaye’s next target is Sandhurst in Saturday’s preliminary final.
The Dragons were outplayed for a lot of the second semi-final showdown with Gisborne.
At one stage the Rob Waters-coached Bulldogs had gained a 38-point lead against the Dragons.
Although Sandhurst won the last term, 28-13, it was Gisborne which was first to qualify for the September 21 grand final as it claimed an 89-66 victory.
The Bulldogs are in the box seat to claim the Bendigo Advertiser premiership cup.
Zac Denany led the Bulldogs’ attack on three goals as Brad Bernacki and Matt Merrett added two each.
Sandhurst’s leading goalkickers were Fergus Greene and Cobi Maxted on two.
Gun on-baller Flynn Lakey was best afield for Gisborne as Zach Vescovi, Brad Bernacki and Macklan Lord won plenty of contests.
Best for Sandhurst were Lachlan Tardrew, Cooper Smith, Harrison Free and Noah Walsh.
After finishing the home-and-away series on top of the ladder the Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow-coached Dragons now have plenty of work to do to gain another crack at Gisborne.
There will be at least one change to Gisborne’s team for the grand final after Shane Clough sustained a season-ending broken jaw.
In the reserves competition, Strathfieldsaye won the first semi-final against Golden Square by 25 points to set up a preliminary final showdown with Gisborne.
The Sandhurst Dragons fired up for an eight-point win against the Bulldogs in the second semi-final as Wil Pinniger, Darcy Mills, Rory Ellett and Brodie Montague were best.
Sandhurst is first to the SporstPower under-18s grand final after a two-point victory against Golden Square in the second semi-final.
The Jarrod Bateson-coached Dragons led 25-13 at half-time, but the Bulldogs bit back to win the third term, 16-7.
The final quarter went Square’s way, 2-1, but the Dragons led 33-31 at the final siren.
Oscar Cail kicked three goals for Sandhurst as Jaxon Howard, Will Bassett and Charles Duke were best.
The Bulldogs’ attack was led by James Wilkinson with two goals as Oliver Eaton, Lincoln McKern, Riley Dillon and Jack McMahon.
It’s an all-Bulldogs clash in the preliminary final after Gisborne won Sunday’s first semi-final against Castlemaine by 15 points.
Bendigo FNL footy first semi-finals scoreboard:
GOALS – Strathfieldsaye: Lachlan Gill, Matt Harvey 2, Zach Charles, Daniel Clohesy, Shannon Geary, Malik Gordon, Shannon Murphy, Riley Wilson. Golden Square: Jordan Rosengren 4, Jack Stewart, Tom Toma 2, Jayden Burke, Hugh Freckleton.
BEST – Strathfieldsaye: Bode Stevens, Daniel Clohesy, Riley Wilson, Matt Harvey, Malik Gordon, Lachlan Ratcliffe. Golden Square: Jordan Rosengren, Tom Toma, Terence Reeves, Jack Threlfall, Jon Coe, Dylan Hird.
GOALS – Strathfieldsaye: Siologa Siu, Jye Stephens 2, Hugh Behrens, Ned Hayes, Carson James. Golden Square: Paul Symons 3, Lachlan Monti.
BEST – Strathfieldsaye: Ned Hayes, Carson James, Dermott Bell, Hugh Behrens, Charles Dole, Charlie Morrison. Golden Square: Lachlan Monti, Rory McCrann-Peters, Zac Tickell, Bailey Rackstraw, Dean Norris, Noah Warfe.
GOALS – Gisborne: Harrison Bryant, Wilhem Mackay 2, James Bullen, Lucas Hannon, Campbell Johns, Diesel Lewis, Jack Rutten. Castlemaine: Chaz Holman 3, Jackson Balcombe, Kyan Martin, Mitchell McKnight, Jack Nuttall.
BEST – Gisborne: Campbell Johns, Jacob Floreani, Baden Dickins, Thomas Dawson, Diesel Lewis. Castlemaine: Thomas Ford, Archie Rixon, Chaz Holman, Mitchell McKnight, Alton Bracken, Jackson Balcombe.
Bendigo FNL footy second semi-finals scoreboard:
GOALS – Gisborne: Zac Denahy 3, Brad Bernacki, Matt Merrett 2, Braidon Blake, Shane Clough, James Gray, Dylan Johnstone, Harry Luxmoore, Pat McKenna. Sandhurst: Fergus Greene, Cobi Maxted 2, Bryce Curnow, Cooper Smith, Lachlan Tardrew, Dayten Uerata, Lachlan Wright.
BEST – Gisborne: Flynn Lakey, Zach Vescovi, Brad Bernacki, Macklan Lord, Frank Schipano, Liam Spear. Sandhurst: Lachlan Tardrew, Cooper Smith, Harrison Free, Noah Walsh, Cobi Maxted, James Coghlan.
GOALS – Sandhurst: Luke Crawford, Jack Keating, Brodie Montague, Oscar Perez, Alex Wharton. Gisborne: Hayden Doricic, Luke Weber, Tom Wood.
BEST – Sandhurst: Wil Pinniger, Darcy Mills, Rory Ellett, Brodie Montague, Oscar Perez, Jack Keating. Gisborne: Boyd Nalder, Ed Williams, Rohan Nicol, Jacob Murphy, Tom Wood, Kane Minns.
GOALS – Sandhurst: Oscar Cail 3, Joseph Artavilla, Finlay Lockhart. Golden Square: James Wilkinson 2, Archie Eaton, Jack McMahon.
BEST – Sandhurst: Jaxon Howard, Will Bassett, Charles Duke, Oscar Cail, Deakin Andrews, Shannon Tardrew. Golden Square: Oliver Eaton, Lincoln McKern, Riley Dillon, Jack McMahon, Melvic Pambai.
Schedule for Saturday’s preliminary finals at Queen Elizabeth Oval:
Under-18s at 10.45am: Golden Square v Gisborne.
Reserves at 12.45pm: Gisborne v Strathfieldsaye.
Seniors at 2.50pm: Sandhurst v Strathfieldsaye.
Picture by Enzo TomasielloSTRATHFIELDSAYE has the biggest total to defend in round 11 of the Bendigo District Cricket Association as it fights to regain a position in the top four
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueSitting half-a-game outside the top four the Jets posted 9-249 against White Hills on an unusually chilly and windy February Saturday afternoon at Tannery Lane
The groundwork for the Jets was laid with a 56-run opening stand between Pat Felmingham (40) and Savith Pryan (16)
Felmingham again showed why he's one of the most dangerous top-order batsmen in the competition with his 40 off 30 balls featuring four sixes
After getting the Jets to 0-56 both openers fell on that score
with Felmingtham removed by Josh Ansell and Priyan bowled by Rhys Irwin (1-37)
The Jets were later 7-148 in the 49th over and under threat to be bowled out for less than 200 before a fighting 84-run stand for the eighth wicket between Ben Devanny (68 n.o.) and experienced inclusion Cameron Clayton (48) at No.9
Stalwart Devanny occupied the crease for 155 balls and struck six boundaries
while Clayton hit five fours as the pair steered the Jets not only past 200
but the home side was on the cusp of 250 before declaring after 75 overs
allowing a seven-over crack at White Hills before stumps
View +26 PhotosPictures by Enzo TomasielloThe Demons
who elevated the pair of Ollie Geary (15 n.o.) and Gavin Bowles (7 n.o.) to open
got through the tricky period unscathed to close play at 0-26
the Demons' pair of spinner Michael Nalesnyik (4-40) and Englshman Ansell (3-37) combined to take seven wickets during the Strathfieldsaye innings
the only other team batting first on Saturday to make more than 200 was top-of-the-ladder Strathdale-Maristians
The Suns were bowled out for 202 by Kangaroo Flat at Dower Park in an innings that was held together by a determined Grant Waldron with fine support late from Jack Smith
At 8-117 in the 54th over getting beyond 200 looked a long shot for the Suns
no matter how precarious a situation may be
No.10 Smith joined Waldron at the crease and the mix of youth and experience combined to put on a vital 72 for the ninth wicket
hung in at the crease for 75 balls in making 36
while the workload of captaining the BDCA at Melbourne Country Week didn't deter Waldron
The gun No.3 started his knock on the 10th ball of the day with the score 1-0 after Daniel Clohesy (0) was caught by wicket-keeper Riley Burns off Brent Hamblin and batted throughout the rest of the Suns' innings in finishing 87 n.o
It was Waldron's fourth score above 50 in his past six innings and he now has 466 runs for the season at an average of 51.7
Kangaroo Flat spread its wickets around with four players taking multiples - Adam Burns (3-46)
In his 200th BDCA first XI game Sam Johnston was trapped lbw by Burns for eight
* In front of a crowd at Harry Trott Oval that included cricket legend Lord Ian Botham
Bendigo United was bowled out for 183 by Eaglehawk
Eaglehawk celebrates an early wicket against Bendigo United at Harry Trott Oval on Saturday
Pictures by Enzo TomasielloBotham - the former star all-rounder in 102 Tests and 116 One-Day Internationals for England - was this year's guest for Bendigo United's annual Redbacks Day
Botham tossed the coin - which Eaglehawk captain Nathan Walsh won and opted to bowl - before addressing the Bendigo United players and then entertaining the audience in the Harry Trott Oval social tooms
Cricket legend Lord Ian Botham speaks at Bendigo United's Harry Trott Oval on Saturday.On field the Hawks' attack was well led by the duo of Cam McGlashan (4-57) and left-armer Shaun Knott (3-23)
while the ball followed around James Patton in slips all afternoon like a manget
Patton took six catches - three off McGlashan
two off Knott and one off Nick Farley (1-5)
Bendigo United opener Marcus Mangiamteli dug in for 130 balls in top scoring with 41 for the Redbacks
batting through until he was the fifth wicket to fall in the 45th over with the score on 87 when Hawks' skipper Walsh and Knott combined at the bowler's end to run him out
* Spin combined to take eight wickets for Sandhurst in its match of the round against Golden Square at Weeroona Oval
In the pivotal battle between second and third on the ladder with plenty riding on it as far as hosting a semi-final
Golden Square was bowled out for 176 after being sent in by the Dragons
The Sandhust spinning trio of Liam Stubbings (4-33)
Liam Bowe (3-49) and skipper Dylan Gibson (1-11) took a combined 8-93 off 51.3 overs
Golden Square's innings hit the skids when it slumped from 2-76 to 6-85
with Stubbings capturing three of the quick wickets to fall when he dismissed Golden Square captain Liam Smith (8)
followed by Tom Campbell (6) and Scott Trollope (0) in consecutive deliveries during the 40th over
Golden Square coach Tim Wood scored the first 40 runs of his side's innings
Wood cracked six fours and one six in his 35-ball innings before he was out for 40 with the score on 40 when caught by Matthew Scott at mid-off off Rylea Jones (1-38)
Square was later 8-119 before the pair of veteran Scott Johnson (28 n.o.) and Ben Derrick (35) defied the Dragons with a 56-run stand for the ninth wicket
* Huntly North needs 192 against Bendigo to continue its push towards a return to the finals off the back of three-consecutive wooden spoons
Sent into bat at Strauch Reserve Bendigo compiled 9-191 led by a half-century to No.4 Kyle Humphrys
Left-hander Humphrys top-scored with 52 from 97 deliveries
while inclusion Sam Moran opening the innings scored 34
Spinner Sandun Rathnatunga was outstanding with the ball for the Power in taking 4-27 off 18 tidy overs
Meanwhile, Eaglehawk 2005-06 premiership captain and former Huntly North captain-coach Linc McRae will be farewelled at a funeral service this Thursday at the Bendigo Baptist Church in Junortoun from 1pm. McRae died aged 47 on February 6.
MANDURANG's Corey Dickins scored his second century of the season as his side took apart the Emu Creek bowling attack on the opening day of round 11 in the Emu Valley Cricket Association on Saturday
yet didn't use their full allotment of 75 overs
Mandurang declared after 65 overs and then sent the Bush Chooks to stumps in strife at 2-16
The cornerstone of the Rangas' dominant batting display were knocks from Dickins and Linton Colclough
backing up his earlier ton against Axe Creek (117) in round five
bounced back to his pre-Christmas form with 92 from 84 balls laced with 13 boundaries and two sixes to take his season tally to 634
off 53) also ticked the scoreboard over in a knock that featured four sixes
Mandurang scored at a run-rate of 5.44 per over and in total its innings included 46 boundaries and six sixes
Connor Strawbridge (2-70) took two of the four wickets to fall for Emu Creek
which has now conceded scores of 4-354 and 418 (v Spring Gully) in its past two games
* United's hot form with the bat continued against California Gully
Coming off a massive 441 against Axe Creek last round the Tigers amassed 9-335 against the Cobras at California Gully
Mac Whittle provided plenty of lusty hitting with 79 off 52 balls with five fours and four sixes
while the other chief run-scorers for the Tigers included Pat Hartney (48)
skipper Harry Whittle (41) and Damien Whan (37 n.o.) in his division one debut
United's Pat Hartney bats during his innings of 48 against California Gully
Picture by Enzo TomasielloThe Tigers were 5-164 in the 53rd over before scoring 4-171 over the remaining 22 overs of the day
Jakk Trenfield (3-43) and Geoff West (2-111) were multiple wicket-takers for the Cobras
* Marong's bowlers have the task in front of them as the Panthers strive to hold their position in the top four and play finals for the first time in more than a decade
The Panthers - clinging onto their position in the top four by just percentage - were skittled for 145 by Spring Gully at home
Rhys Webb (2-23) and Beauden Rinaldi (2-42) led the charge with the ball for the Crows against a Marong side that wasn't able to generate any momentum after falling to 2-13 early
Brodie Pearce with 30 top-scored for the Panthers
who are celebrating the 200th game of Duane Anderson
* Axe Creek has given itself a chance of breaking through for its first win of the season
The Cowboys posted a competitive 8-268 against Sedgwick at Longlea with openers Alan Hatcher (59) and Ash Dixon (57) both making half-centuiries
Hatcher and Dixon put on 101 for the first wicket
while the Rams' Alec Robson produced the day's best bowling figures of 5-74 off 14 overs
Picture by Darren HoweIn the final three quarters of Sunday's BFNL first semi-final
All articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxInteractive Crosswords, Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueWhat the pure stats don't show is that he was one of the key figures in Strathfieldsaye's stirring eight-point win over Golden Square.
With Strathfieldsaye reduced to no fully fit players on the bench
Geary had his injured left hamstring heavily strapped and he returned to the field so that his team-mates could get short breaks on the interchange bench
While Golden Square regularly rotated in groups of four for the remainder of the game
the Storm's bench was a flashback to footy in the 1980s when interchanging players was used sparingly
Geary and his young team-mate Jaidi Jackson-Leahy
Jaidi Jackson-Leahy kicks for goal in the first quarter of the first semi-final
Picture by Darren HoweHad they not sacrificed their bodies for the betterment of their team would have the Storm won
Storm coach Luke Freeman has watched Geary throughout his 250-odd senior games at BFNL level and continues to be amazed by his performances
"It just showed the intestinal fortitude of the man
and how tough he is mentally and physically
because he had no right to be on that footy field,'' Freeman said of Geary
"He came to the coaches and said 'if it helps with rotations
"He knows his body well and he knew how bad it was
but he put himself into a vulnerable position and allowed us to win the game
"We were already really proud of what Shannon has done for this club over a long period of time
but what he did in that game was just enormous
"He wasn't just a body out there on the field
While some of the Storm's A-grade talent - Bode Stevens
Matt Harvey - were key contributors in the win
the efforts of some of the club's lower profile players were just as important
Defender Pat Blandford took more intercept marks (six) than any player across the league's two finals
With Jones required to fill a hole in defence
the Storm needed forward Zach Charles to stand up inside 50 and he answered the call
but that doesn't justify the impact he had for the Storm
His contested mark and goal into the wind in the final quarter sealed victory
"He's underrated by so many outside of the club,'' Freeman said of Charles
"He's a workhorse for us and he's the guy that you know what you're going to get - he gives effort
he gives grunt and he gives every single bit of himself
"There's been times this year where he's really stepped up for us in key moments
He loves competing and loves the contest."
Now the Storm have to come down from a huge emotional high to tackle Sandhurst in the preliminary final.
as you should after a final,'' Freeman said
we don't want our season to finish and we're in preparation mode for Sandhurst
"They'll have their back up after their loss
so it will be a tough game and we'll be up for the fight."
Strathfieldsaye$650,000 - $690,000AGENCY: Elders BendigoCONTACT: Patrick Skahill 0401 722 581INSPECT: 11.30am August 24In a quiet neighbourhood and with a rural outlook to the rear
this home sits on a block of about 915 square metres
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueAgent Patrick Skahill describes it as a superb home with an excellent design and broad market appeal
with a double garage attached at the front and a long separate shed for workshop and storage space out the back along with a large yard
The front portico entrance leads past a study (and past a short hall to the main bedroom which has a lovely ensuite) into a formal lounge room which has access to the garage and to one of the outdoor entertaining areas
Inside you'll also notice the 2700mm high ceilings and appreciate the ducted evaporative cooling and ducted gas heating
Click here to read this week's view.com.au emag
View +8 PhotosThe next room is a large open plan kitchen
meals and living area with access to the other outdoor entertaining area (this one sheltered under the main roof) and to the rest of the home
The kitchen has a central island with a breakfast bar
and stainless steel appliances including an electric oven
an undermount rangehood and a double-bowl sink
The family bathroom and a separate toilet are between the other bedrooms (both of which have a built-in robe)
and there's a nicely-cabineted separate laundry
The City of Greater Bendigo has adopted the new Managed Growth Strategy, to guide its residential development of the next 30 years.
Increased life expectancy amongst existing residents, local birth increases and new residents moving to the region all contribute to an expected 87,000 new residents calling Greater Bendigo home by 2056.
The Managed Growth Strategy sets out a framework for how a long-term supply and diversity of housing will be delivered to cater for the growing number of smaller households and to promote housing in well serviced locations free from constraints.
The strategy establishes a policy position that over the long term 70 per cent of all dwellings in urban Greater Bendigo will be located in the established areas (existing suburbs), with 30 per cent in potential growth areas including in Marong, Huntly, Maiden Gully and Strathfieldsaye.
Councillors also approved the Council resolution to adopt the Managed Growth Strategy with the inclusion of land in Ravenswood (on the east side of the Calder Highway) as an investigation area but noted that City of Greater Bendigo officers will prioritise the planning of identified potential growth areas including Huntly, Maiden Gully, Marong and Strathfieldsaye.
Based on an assumed growth rate of 1.6 per cent each year, it will mean 38,000 additional dwellings will be needed with around 32,000 of these located in urban Bendigo. The strategy is designed to ensure the city is well positioned to meet the housing growth needs for a leading regional municipality.
The Managed Growth Strategy has been informed by a number of background studies including the new Housing and Neighbourhood Character Strategy.
Also presented at the Council meeting was an amendment package to implement the Managed Growth Strategy and Housing and Neighbourhood Character Strategy into the planning scheme. Any proposed rezonings recommended through this amendment would be the subject of a separate formal exhibition process, with anyone potentially impacted by the amendment having an opportunity to provide a submission.
City of Greater Bendigo Mayor, Andrea Metcalf, said the Managed Growth Strategy was critical to plan for future growth over the next three decades.
“We all want Greater Bendigo to remain a great place to live into the future and our direction has changed to accommodate the predicted growth,” Mayor Metcalf said.
“In the past, the preferred solution was to rezone land for housing on the outskirts of urban Bendigo to accommodate population growth. Houses delivered in these areas are nearly all detached dwellings of three or more bedrooms.
“This form of housing has met market demand and will continue to meet it in the short to medium term, but a greater diversity of housing types is needed to meet future community needs.
“The strategy brings a fresh direction to managing growth. It has been prepared to make best use of existing infrastructure, to limit development in areas of environmental risk, particularly the potential impacts of flooding and bushfire, and better enable residential development in well serviced locations to reduce the need for residents to drive to access shops, facilities and public spaces.
“With this strategy, more residents will be living in various types of housing around existing commercial centres, along major transport corridors and near train stations.”
An action plan has been developed to support the newly adopted strategy:
Image: Francesco Scatena/shutterstock.com
Disaster recovery support is now available to flood impacted communities in Bourke, Brewarrina and Walgett in northern New South Wales....
Australia’s 537 councils have called on the next Federal Government to ensure that the financial sustainability of local government is...
With the federal election approaching fast and renewables still a critical issue for government, the Local Government Association of Queenland...
© 2025 All Rights Reserved. All content published on this site is the property of Prime Creative Media. Unauthorised reproduction is prohibited
© 2025 All Rights Reserved. All content published on this site is the property of Prime Creative Media. Unauthorised reproduction is prohibited
THE Lockington Bamawm United Cats clawed their way to another victory in the weekend’s 15th round of the Bendigo Junior Football League season.
LBU’s rising stars were on home turf at Lockington to play Strathfieldsaye Storm in the under-16 reserves, division one match.
The LBU Cats won 75-48 and hold third place on the ladder at one round to go in the home-and-away series.
Goalkickers for the Cats were Colby Roberts with three, and Harrison Condliffe, Nicholas Mitchell and Oscar Palmer on two.
LBU also had Axel Dixon and William Hann on target.
Best for Lockington Bamawm United were Axel Dixon, Ted Voss, Charlie Byrne, Harrison Lees, Cory Rowlands and Aziyah Gibson.
The Cats make their way to Huntly’s Strauch Reserve this Sunday for the clash of the Cats and second-placed Hawks from 11am.
A near neighbour of Lockington Bamawm, Rochester leads the under-16 reserves, division two ladder.
The Rochester Tigers won last Sunday’s home game at Windridge Oval against Kangaroo Flat by seven goals.
Morgan Boyack and Jimmy Otto kicked three goals and Kade Pearse added two in a 76-34 victory for the yellow and black.
Best for Rochester were Sam Seabrook, Mitch Munro, Darby Martin, Darcey Pump, Kade Pearse and Cale James.
Rochester will be back at Windridge Oval next Sunday to play South Bendigo.
The showdown of the Tigers and Bloods starts at 11.30am.
The Bendigo Junior Football League is proudly supported by Bendigo Bank, IGA, Cavalier Homes and La Trobe University Bendigo.
Rochester 86 per cent match ratio, Marong 66, Maiden Gully YCW 53, Sandhurst 53, Kangaroo Flat 50, South Bendigo 40, Golden Square 13, Huntly 7.
St Therese’s 4.3 (27) d White Hills 0.1 (1), St Francis Blue 8.7 (55) d St Francis Green 3.3 (21), Golden Square 11.8 (74) d Marong 3.3 (21), Rochester 13.13 (91) d Kangaroo Flat 1.0 (6), Mount Pleasant bye.
Strathfieldsaye 9.2 (56) d St Kilian’s St Peter’s 5.7 (37), St Francis 5.8 (38) d Golden Square 0.5 (5), Maiden Gully YCW 9.12 (66) d South Bendigo 1.0 (6), St Therese’s bye.
White Hills Black 6.5 (41) d Quarry Hill 5.9 (39), Castlemaine 11.9 (75) d St Therese’s 4.1 (25), Eaglehawk Eagles 11.5 (71) d Maryborough 2.6 (18), Huntly bye.
Strathfieldsaye 6.8 (44) d Maiden Gully YCW 5.10 (40), Eaglehawk Hawks 2.5 (17) d Marong Blue 1.4 (10), Golden Square 6.8 (44) d Kangaroo Flat 0.0 (0).
St Monica’s 6.8 (44) d South Bendigo (2) 2.5 (17), South Bendigo (3) 6.3 (39) d Marong Red 1.1 (7), Mount Pleasant 13.6 (84) d North Bendigo Blue 5.6 (36), St Francis 12.6 (78) d Heathcote 0.0 (0).
Eaglehawk Two Blues 12.12 (84) d Strathfieldsaye 5.6 (36), North Bendigo Red 11.18 (84) d White Hills Red 0.0 (0), Maiden Gully YCW bye.
Golden Square 9.8 (62) d Strathfieldsaye 7.5 (47), Eaglehawk 21.14 (140) d Maiden Gully YCW 5.7 (37), Sandhurst 25.21 (171) d South Bendigo 0.0 (0).
Castlemaine 7.8 (50) d Kangaroo Flat 4.8 (32), White Hills 16.11 (107) d Strathfieldsaye 6.2 (38), Rochester 18.12 (120) d Golden Square 3.0 (18).
South Bendigo 5.9 (39) dr Sandhurst 5.9 (39), Marong 8.12 (60) d Maiden Gully YCW 1.6 (12), Maryborough 17.20 (122) d Huntly 5.2 (32).
Heathcote 15.14 (104) d White Hills 11.4 (70), Eaglehawk 9.8 (62) d Golden Square 2.7 (19), Kangaroo Flat 15.23 (113) d Strathfieldsaye 9.5 (59), North Bendigo bye.
White Hills 4.6 (30) d Strathfieldsaye 3.5 (23), Eaglehawk 5.14 (44) d Golden Square 1.2 (8), Marong 6.11 (47) d Kangaroo Flat 2.2 (14), Sandhurst bye.
Golden Square 13.11 (89) d Marong 2.1 (13), Kangaroo Flat 3.6 (24) d Sandhurst 0.2 (2), Strathfieldsaye 15.19 (109) d Eaglehawk 0.0 (0).
Maryborough 9.11 (65) d Maiden Gully YCW 8.9 (57), Strathfieldsaye 10.8 (68) d Golden Square 4.7 (31), Sandhurst 13.8 (86) d South Bendigo 4.11 (35).
Huntly 10.11 (71) d White Hills 9.8 (62), Lockington Bamawm United Cats 11.9 (75) d Strathfieldsaye 7.6 (48), Castlemaine bye.
Rochester 11.10 (76) d Kangaroo Flat 5.4 (34), Sandhurst 8.11 (59) d South Bendigo 6.6 (42), Marong 27.16 (178) d Huntly 0.1 (1), Maiden Gully YCW 14.10 (94) d Golden Square 7.9 (51).
St Therese’s 100 per cent match ratio, 52 points; St Francis Blue 76, 40; White Hills 69, 36; Golden Square 64, 36; Mount Pleasant 61, 32; Rochester 38, 20; Marong 28, 16; St Francis Green 15, 8; Kangaroo Flat 0, 0.
St Therese’s 92 per cent match ratio, 48 points; St Francis 78, 44; Maiden Gully YCW 71, 40; South Bendigo 53, 28; St Kilian’s-St Peter’s 35, 20; Strathfieldsaye 30, 16; Golden Square 15, 8.
Eaglehawk Eagles 78 per cent match ratio, White Hills Black 73, Huntly 73, Maryborough 46, Quarry Hill 42, Castlemaine 38, St Therese’s 7.
Golden Square 48 points, Strathfieldsaye 36, Maiden Gully YCW 36, Eaglehawk Hawks 28, Kangaroo Flat 14, Marong Blue 10.
South Bendigo (3) 72 points, St Monica’s 64, Mount Pleasant 52, South Bendigo (2) 52, St Francis 40, North Bendigo Blue 40, Marong Red 32, Heathcote 16.
North Bendigo Red 79 per cent match ratio, 38 points; Maiden Gully YCW 62, 30; Eaglehawk Two Blues 50, 24; Strathfieldsaye 38, 20; White Hills Red 0, 0.
Sandhurst 56 points, Golden Square 52, Strathfieldsaye 40, Eaglehawk 24, South Bendigo 16, Maiden Gully YCW 8.
White Hills 48 points, Kangaroo Flat 36, Castlemaine 36, Rochester 32, Strathfieldsaye 24, Golden Square 8.
Maryborough 52 points, Huntly 38, Marong 34, Maiden Gully YCW 24, South Bendigo 14, Sandhurst 10.
Golden Square 76 per cent match ratio, White Hills 61, North Bendigo 58, Heathcote 53, Strathfieldsaye 33, Eaglehawk 23, Kangaroo Flat 15.
Sandhurst 100 per cent match ratio, 48 points; Strathfieldsaye 69, 36; White Hills 61, 32; Eaglehawk 46, 24; Golden Square 38, 20; Marong 38, 20; Kangaroo Flat 7, 4.
Kangaroo Flat 52 points, Sandhurst 48, Strathfieldsaye 40, Golden Square 24, Eaglehawk 12, Marong 0.
Sandhurst 96 per cent match ratio, Strathfieldsaye 67, South Bendigo 57, Maiden Gully YCW 33, Maryborough 33, Golden Square 26.
Castlemaine 91 per cent match ratio, Huntly 69, Lockington Bamawm United Cats 46, Strathfieldsaye 38, White Hills 23.
Picture by Adam Bourke For a BFNL season that was going almost precisely to script only a month ago
we now seem to be getting a ladder-shaping upset each week
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueIn round 16
it was Strathfieldsaye's turn to make a statement
The 14.8 (92) to 10.9 (69) victory over top-of-the-table Gisborne was their biggest of the season
and the doom and gloom surrounding Tannery Lane a fortnight ago following a historic loss to Castlemaine is now long in the rear-view mirror
It pretty much locks away third spot for the Storm and the vital double chance that goes along with it
However, the Bulldogs' stay atop the BFNL ladder has only lasted seven days after Sandhurst rebounded convincingly against Eaglehawk
View +19 PhotosPictures by Adam BourkeStorm coach Luke Freeman was thrilled with the scalp he has been so desperately craving
"It feels like today was a reward for the effort the boys have put in," Freeman said
"We've played some good games throughout the year, then hit a bad patch, but felt against Kangaroo Flat last week
our game was back in order and that showed today
"We matched them in the areas they're strong in around contested footy and clearance
but there's been phases this year our clearance work hasn't been as good as it can be
"But today was one of the first times this year we did what we wanted at stoppage consistently for four quarters."
Strathfieldsaye coach Luke Freeman adressing his players
Picture by Adam BourkeThe Storm dominated arguably the competition's premier midfield brigade from the get-go
It was a slight wake-up call for Rob Water's superstar on-ballers Brad Bernacki
Waters said they'll review the game heavily throughout the week
so we'll go through the vision with every line and see what went wrong," Waters said
"We just got beaten in all facets of the game
"They locked us down from the start and pressured us when we had the footy
which forced us to give up a lot of turnovers
whereas Cooper Jones and Malik Gordon's look-ins were chalk and cheese
which came through their midfield working a lot harder."
Gisborne coach Rob Waters in the three-quarter-time huddle
Picture by Adam BourkeJames Schischka's season-ending foot injury in that upset to Castlemaine has forced gun defender Cooper Jones forward in the past fortnight
Jones came into BFNL senior footy as a forward but has since made a home in defence
But he has reacquainted himself with his forward craft quickly
slotting five goals last week and four more on Saturday
"Cooper has had an outstanding season at half-back
so it was a massive call to move him up forward
we knew we required a different avenue," Freeman said
"He adds a bit of presence and is just a skillful and crafty player who knows how to find the goals and bring his teammates into the game
"Having Mitch Hallinan come back was timely as it filled the gap Cooper left at half-back."
who continues to impress as one of the standout youngsters in the BFNL
"His ability to be a massive presence up forward and then use his physicality in the midfield is remarkable for a kid
Freeman also enjoyed the work of fellow youngsters Jye Chambers and Hugh Behrens
The Bendigo Pioneers listed Chambers came across from Kyneton this season but has battled stress fractures in his foot
which saw him have to wait until round 15 to make his Storm senior debut
"Jye is another one of our under-18 kids who are impressing," Freeman said
"He and Hugh Berens had big impacts on the game today
so it's not always our experienced guys getting the job done for us at the moment but our kids."
It was as close to a four-quarter effort as possible from the Storm
They gradually built their lead throughout the day and opened up a 33-point buffer by the final break
While they had to withstand some Bulldogs momentum in the final term
their defence held up strongly and was never seriously challenged by Gisborne's last push
The Storm travel to the QEO next Saturday while Gisborne faces a resurgent Castlemaine
STRATHFIELDSAYE Storm has surged to second on the Champions IGA-backed under-18 girls footy ladder following last Sunday’s win against Golden Square.
Storm took on the blue and gold in the round 12 showdown at Enterprise Oval in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.
Golden Square led 8-2 at quarter-time, but it was Storm which controlled most of the next three quarters.
Strathfieldsaye scored 3.1 and held the visitors to a tally of 1.1 in the second term.
A one-goal lead for Storm at half-time became 11 points at a quarter to play.
Strathfieldsaye then won the last term, 13-3, on its way to a 41-20 victory.
Maddie Dunn and Evie Nuttall led Storms’ attack on two goals each as Grace Doherty and Tessa Skipper were also on target.
Both of Golden Square’s goals were off the boot of Ruby Demeo.
Strathfieldsaye’s best were Chella Fitzgerald, Maddie Dunn, Tessa Skipper, Scarlett Ward, Evie Nuttall and Sophie Ryan.
Best for the Bulldogs were Niamh Hobbs, Lily Mansfield, Makayla Roberts, Ella Gourley, Alex Filsell and Ava Barker.
White Hills withstood a spirited challenge from Sandhurst to keep its unbaten run intact.
The Demons won a graet match at Winslow Constructors Oval in Scott Street, White Hills by seven points.
Mia Clark, Chelsea Edwards, Amelie Haigh, Ella Henery and Nadia Peebles all goaled as the Demons fought for a 38-31 victory.
Goalkickers for Sandhurst were Olivia Lacy, two; Scout Carmody and Amelia Grist.
Best for the Demons were Kiara Field, Ella Henery, Eve Cail, Jayda Alford, Tayla Stringer and Tahlia Kendall.
Olivia Lacy, Charlotte Scanlon, Georgia Garlick, Lily Franklin, Leni Brown and Eilish Grieve played well for the maroon and blue.
Woorinen marked another trek south by scoring a 72-27 win on Eaglehawk’s turf at Canterbury Park.
The Tigers led 19-nil at quarter-time and then added 3.2 to a goal in the second.
The yellow and black won the third quarter, seven-nil.
Best term was the last in which Woorinen added 4.2 and the Hawks fought on to score 3.3.
The Tigers’ attack was led by Issy Boulton and Hollie Everett on two goals each.
Lilly Stevenson kicked two goals for the Two Blues.
Best for Woorinen were Lanie Somerville, Erin Johnston, Tyler Arnett, Madison Johnston and Meg Young.
Neve Nisbet, Hayley Fitt, Jayda Mathews-Shanley, Shayla Daffy, Dekoda Fitzpatrick and Isabelle James played well for the Hawks.
White Hills 329 per cent, 36 points; Strathfieldsaye 160, 28; Golden Square 231, 24; Woorinen 107, 24; Sandhurst 105, 16; Castlemaine 66, 16; Eaglehawk 7, 0.
The league takes a break next weekend for school holidays.
Round 13 will kick off Friday, July 12 when night games are played at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street, and at Eaglehawks’ Canterbury Park.
Golden Square will be on home turf to play Castlemaine from 5.30pm.
A showdown between Eaglehawk and Strathfieldsaye in the Borough starts at 6.30pm.
On Sunday, July 14 it will be Woorinen against Winslow White Hills Demons from 11.15am at Woorinen Recreation Reserve.
IT WILL be Sandhurst or Strathfieldsaye which qualifies for the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy grand final by winning Saturday’s preliminary final at Queen Elizabeth Oval.
A later starting time of 2.50pm applies at the View Street ground to allow for the Bendigo Junior Football League’s under-16 grand final being played on the iconic turf.
Victorious in both home-and-away matches with Storm, the Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow-coached Sandhurst will start favourite against Strathfieldsaye.
At stake is a place against Gisborne to vie for the Bendigo Advertiser premiership cup.
Although it finished on top of the ladder, Sandhurst could not halt Gisborne’s run to 23-point victory in last Saturday’s second semi-final.
The Dragons have added Darcy Mills to their squad of 23.
Strathfieldsaye showed plenty of fighting spirit to overcome injuries and playing into the breeze in the final quarter to score a 78-70 victory against Golden Square in the first semi-final.
Storm’s depth will be tested as Shannon Geary, Charlie King and Darcy Mulquiny are all out because of injury.
Strathfieldsaye coach Luke Freeman and the match committee have promoted Hugh Behrens, Charles Dole and Carson James for the big clash.
A key factor in Saturday’s contest will be the on-ball and midfield duels.
After facing Braidon Blake last week, Sandhurst ruckman Connor Sexton takes on Tim Hosking.
Their tapwork at centre clearances and boundary throw-ins will be crucial.
Hosking racked up 58 hit-outs against Golden Square.
At ground level Sandhurst has captain Lachlan Tardrew, Noah Walsh and Caleb Connick.
It’s been a big week for Tardrew who was cleared of a striking charge at Wednesday night’s tribunal hearing.
The gun on-baller/midfielder has starred in many of the Dragons’ matches and is among the favourites to claim the Michelsen Medal as league fairest and best on Sunday night.
A talented on-ball group for Storm includes Daniel Clohesy, Lachlan Gill and Matt Harvey.
The firepower of Sandhurst’s attack led by Fergus Greene who claimed the Ron Best Medal, along with Lachlan Wright and Cobi Maxted will test Storm.
At ground level there is Joel Wharton who brilliantly swoops and rarely missing goalscoring chances.
Storm defenders Lachlan Ratcliffe, Patrick Blandford, Caleb Ernst, Ben Lester and Mitch Hallinan face a huge challenge.
At the other end of the ground, Dragons’ defenders Liam Ireland, Bryce Curnow, Isaac Ruff and James Coghlan will be opposed to Malik Gordon, Cooper Jones, Zach Charles and Riley Wilson in Storm’s attack.
B: Isaac Ruff, Liam Ireland, Isaac Carracher.
Hb: Harrison Free, Bryce Curnow, James Coghlan.
C: Cooper Smith, Noah Walsh, Caleb Connick.
Hf: Matt Wilkinson, Lachlan Wright, Jake McLean.
F: Fergus Greene, Cobi Maxted, Joel Wharton.
Foll: Connor Sexton, Lachlan Tardrew, Lachie Hood.
Inter (from): Nick Stagg, Tanner Nally, Zach Pallpratt, Darcy Mills, Dayten Uerata.
B: Patrick Blandford, Caleb Ernst, Charles Dole.
Hb: Mitch Hallinan, Lachlan Ratcliffe, Daniel Clohesy.
C: Lachlan Gill, Caleb Sheahan, Jye Chambers.
Hf: Zach Charles, Cooper Jones, Carson James.
F: Riley Mulquiny, Malik Gordon, Riley Wilson.
Foll: Tim Hosking, Matt Harvey, Bode Stevens.
Inter: Ben Lester, Shannon Murphy, Hugh Behrens, Jaidi Jackson-Leahy.
In the Drummond Golf reserves competition, Gisborne takes on Strathfieldsaye from 12.45pm.
The Bulldogs are on the rebound from an eight-point loss to Sandhurst in the second semi-final.
A big week for Gisborne kicked off with Jacob Murphy claiming the Alan McDonald Medal as league fairest and best for a second time.
Murphy and his team-mates will be desperate to gain a chance to play for a premiership medal.
They take on a Strathfieldsaye line-up which won the elimination final against Eaglehawk by 16 points and then beat Golden Square in the first semi-final by 25 points.
In this season’s meetings, Gisborne beat Storm by 22 and 73 points.
Key players for the Bulldogs include ruckman Boyd Nalder, Elijah Brereton at full-back, Adam Brancastisano in the centre, Jarrad Lynch on a wing, Matthew Barake at full-forward.
Storm’s line-up includes Declan Lowther at centre half-back, James Blood in the centre, Jai Featherby at half-forward, Abe Sheahan, Siologa Siu, and ruckman Ned Hayes.
It’s the battle of the Bulldogs as Golden Square tackles Gisborne in the Sportspower under-18 from 10.45am.
Most recent meeting was the qualifying final which Golden Square won by 47 points.
The blue and gold went down in a 33-31 thriller against Sandhurst in the second semi-final.
Gisborne won last Sunday’s first semi-final against Castlemaine by 15 points.
Runner-up for the George Symons Medal as league fairest and best, Melvic Pambai will play a crucial role for Golden Square.
Best for the blue and gold in the second semi-final were Oliver Eaton, Lincoln McKern, Riley Dillon and Jack McMahon.
Golden Square’s squad includes Archie Eaton, Lachlan Ross and Bailey Warfe.
Gisborne’s line-up includes captain Lachlan Evans, Brodie Clarke, Campbell Johns, Jye Zerafa, Jacob Floreani and Charlie Ozanne.
Action kicks off with the Bendigo JFL’s under-16 grand final at 8.45am between Sandhurst and Strathfieldsaye.
Sandhurst fights for victory against Storm
SANDHURST capped a brilliant final quarter fightback to beat Strathfieldsaye in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s senior footy preliminary final on Sandhurst.
The Dragons were down by 15 points at the start of the final quarter on Queen Elizabeth Oval.
With a place in the grand final against Gisborne to be won it was Sandhurst which lifted its play dramatically in the windy conditions.
Both teams had struggled for accuracy in attack.
The Dragons had scored 4.11 across the opening three terms as Storm had surged to a score of 7.8.
In the last it was Sandhurst which took control at many of the stoppages and centre breaks.
Led by the play of James Coghlan, Lachlan Wright and Noah Walsh, Sandhurst scored 4.5 and kept Storm to a tally of four behinds in the final term.
A 64-54 victory meant the Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow-coached Sandhurst was through to another grand final where it will meet the Rob Waters-coached Gisborne.
The experienced Joel Wharton was Sandhurst’s only multiple goalkicker on two.
Strathfieldsaye key forward Malik Gordon played a superb game to kick a match-high four goals.
The Dragons’ showed it does not always have to be captain and gun on-baller/mid Lachlan Tardrew dominating play.
Tardrew still featured in Sandhurst’s best, but had great support from Cobi Maxted and Isaac Ruff.
Strathfieldsaye’s best were the athletic Caleb Ernst, Charles Dole, Carson James, and multiple premiership winner Ben Lester.
In the Drummond Golf reserves competition, Gisborne marked a seven-goal win against Strathfieldsaye.
The Bulldogs had kicked off the week with Jacob Murphy winning the Alan McDonald Medal as the competition’s fairest and best player for a second time.
An inaccurate Gisborne scored 1.5 and kept Storm scoreless in the first term of the preliminary final.
A tally of 3.2 in quarter two put the Bulldogs up by 29 points at half-time.
Gisborne scored another four goals in the second half as Storm replied through Jack Lacey and Jye Stephens.
A Bulldogs’ attack led by Hayden Doricic and Tom Wood on two goals apiece proved too strong in a 57-15 victory.
Best for the Bulldogs were Kane Minns, Lachlan Nesbitt, Zach Paterson and Tom Wood.
Strathfieldsaye Storm’s best were Dermott Bell, Charlie Morrison, Luke Marchesi and Jack Lacey.
Gisborne will now take on Sandhurst in the grand final.
It was a two-point thriller in the Sportspower under-18s preliminary final between Gisborne and Golden Square.
The Gisborne line-up charged to a 20-4 lead by quarter-time.
In the second it was Golden Square which hit back to score 2.2 as Gisborne added two behinds.
A closely-fought third quarter went Gisborne’s way, 12-9.
Golden Square did plenty of attacking in the last.
As the blue and gold scored 1.6, Gisborne added 1.1.
The team in red, white and blue led 41-39 at the final siren.
Jack Rutten and Jye Zerafa both kicked two goals for Gisborne.
Golden Square had four individual goalkickers in a match where it led the scoring shots, 19-11.
Best for Gisborne were August Stelma, Jack Rutten, Baden Dickins and Campbell Johns.
Golden Square’s best were Riley Dillon, Jesse Gill, Melvic Pambai and Bailey Warfe.
Grand final day kicks off with the under-18s clash between Sandhurst and Gisborne.
Bendigo FNL footy preliminary finals scoreboard:
GOALS – Sandhurst: Joel Wharton 2, James Coghlan, Jake McLean, Zach Pallpratt, Cooper Smith, Lachlan Tardrew, Noah Walsh. Strathfieldsaye: Malik Gordon 4, Bode Stevens 2, Zach Charles.
BEST – Sandhurst: James Coghlan, Lachlan Wright, Noah Walsh, Cobi Maxted, Isaac Ruff, Lachlan Tardrew. Strathfieldsaye: Caleb Ernst, Charles Dole, Carson James, Ben Lester, Matt Harvey, Malik Gordon.
GOALS – Gisborne: Hayden Doricic, Tom Wood 2, Matthew Barake, Michael Steinbach, Luke Weber, Ed Williams. Strathfieldsaye: Jack Lacey, Jye Stephens.
BEST – Gisborne: Kane Minns, Lachlan Nesbitt, Zach Paterson, Tom Wood, Luke Weber, Jacob Murphy. Strathfieldsaye: Dermott Bell, Charlie Morrison, Luke Marchesi, Jack Lacey, Ethan Featherby, George Simpson.
GOALS – Gisborne: Jack Rutten, Jye Zerafa 2, Charlie Ozanne, Marcus Trakosas. Golden Square: Archie Eaton, Liam Hanley, Lachlan Ross, James Wilkinson.
BEST – Gisborne: August Stelma, Jack Rutten, Baden Dickins, Campbell Johns, Lachlan Evans, James Bullen. Golden Square: Riley Dillon, Jesse Gill, Melvic Pambai, Bailey Warfe, Lincoln McKern, Oliver Eaton.
Schedule for Saturday’s grand finals at Queen Elizabeth Oval, View Street:
Sportspower under-18s at 9.15am: Sandhurst v Gisborne.
Drummond Golf reserves at 11.50am: Sandhurst v Gisborne.
Bendigo Bank seniors at 2.20pm: Gisborne v Sandhurst.
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe alleged thief targeted a number of vehicles on Wanjel Street
and Yirrilil Way during the early hours of June 13
Police say the person of interest is a Caucasian man of medium size
The man is suspected of being involved in multiple theft cases from motor vehicles
Police are appealing to the public for information regarding any CCTV or dashcam recordings from the night in question
Authorities are also encouraging Bendigo or Strathfieldsaye residents to call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or leave an anonymous tip online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
WA boy in Bendigo, happy to be in Central Victoria.
after surviving a one-goal thriller against Gisborne in an epic grand final at the QEO on Saturday
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueA goal after the siren by Siarne Cass delivered the Storm a breathtaking 40-39 victory against the previously undefeated minor premiers and red-hot premiership favourites
It was the Storm's first netball premiership success since their B-reserve win in 2019
A see-sawing contest was marked by many lead changes
with the Bulldogs holding a two-goal lead at quarter time and the Storm in front by three-goals at half-time
before scores were tied at three-quarter time
In a frenetic finish to a fiercely contested encounter
Cass scored the last two goals of the match
The Storm's Victoria Carroll was the winner of the best on court medal for an uncompromising performance in defence
The club's first A-reserve premiership was hard won
after the Storm lost midcourter Amaya Schmidt early in the contest with a knee injury
Their misfortune was compounded when goaler and captain Lucy Spalding hit the court late in the second quarter
the joint winner of the league's Holborn Medal alongside Kangaroo Flat's Emma Moroney this season
but was able to return to the court in the final quarter to play an influential role in the win
Best on court medal winner Victoria Carroll
Picture by Kieran IlesEven getting to the grand final was a battle in itself
who finished the regular season in second place
were beaten by 11 goals in the qualifying final by Sandhurst
They rebounded to defeat a pumped-up Maryborough by 10 goals in the first semi-final
before turning the tables on the Dragons in the preliminary final in a three-goal thriller
Taking the hard road to a premiership only made it more special
"Gisborne has been undefeated for the whole season and have been really strong competitors
but we just knew our style of play and kept to our guns
"That's really produced the goods for us today
But I think it worked to our advantage in the end
Pollock was quick to declare the premiership 'for everyone at the club' and a thank you for their support
they have been behind the netballers the entire time," she said
"We had training on Thursday night and all the footballers and all the netball players came down to get behind us
"We all had dinner together and we'll all celebrate together
It's been such an amazing atmosphere at the club this season
"The culture is great and one that is supportive of everyone."
Grand final wins don't come any more nerve-racking than having to wait for a shot on goal after the siren
Pollock insisted she had full confidence Cass would convert the winner
"Siarne shoots at close to 90 per cent every single game and she has worked so hard this season to get her mindset right and her accuracy right," she said
"She is so great to coach and so great to play with
Pollock said being able to get Spalding back onto the court in the final quarter had helped steady the side
"She's our captain and she absolutely drives this team and they all get behind her," she said
"She's had a very big year - a league best and fairest and a premiership winner
Gisborne was not spared from the high-attrition rate
with goaler Alex Russ taking no further part in the game after going off with an ankle injury in the second quarter
Pollock praised a sterling performance in defence by best on court medallist Carroll as pivotal to the win
which makes it very hard for an attacker to play against," she said
She is so clean-cut and so athletic and just keeps giving."
Others to shine for the Storm included impressive young defender Layla O'Shea and midcourter Lainey Pollard
both members of last season's 17-and-under team
Storm defender Steph Freemantle prepares to send her side into attack during Saturday's A-reserve grand final
Picture by Enzo TomasielloAmong the proudest aspects of the triumph for Pollock was the premiership medal dangling around the neck of defender and the Storm's A-grade coach Steph Freemantle
While the Storm were unable to advance past the elimination final in their first A-grade finals series since 2015
Pollock said it was satisfying to see the club's netball leader win some reward for her enormous contribution and efforts not only this season
but throughout her tenure as A-grade coach
"Steph is amazing in the sense that she never stops; she is such a workhorse throughout the court," she said
she is inspirational to all the players and all the supporters
Today's top stories curated by our news team
Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation
Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening
Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters
tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe
Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs
Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday
Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over
reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert
Your digital replica of Today's Paper
Test your skills with interactive crosswords
Info overload: The Strathfieldsaye transfer station is one of three within COGB planned for a name change
THE City of Greater Bendigo has decided to rename and register its transfer stations at Strathfieldsaye’s Wellington Street
Goornong’s Englishs Road and Heathcote’s Golden Gully Road as “recycling centres” in an attempt to make their purpose clearer to members of the community
COGB resource recovery and education manager Bridgette McDougall said it is the City’s position that the term “transfer station” no longer reflects the purpose of the facilities and the services they offer and provide to the community
“The proposed name change will help encourage the community to identify reusables and recyclables at home and maximise resource recovery at the three local centres,” she said
“It will also help reframe the Strathfieldsaye and Heathcote centres as places to find and buy items for re-use or re-purposing.”
Members of the community are invited to provide submissions of support or objections to the proposed new names via the Let’s Talk Greater Bendigo website
All submissions must comply with Naming rules for places in Victoria – Statutory requirements for naming roads
submissions or objections should explain the person’s or group’s interest in the naming proposal – for example if their address is affected or whether they have a personal link with the place and/or name
Reasons for the name being appropriate/inappropriate
suitable/unsuitable or supported/unsupported must also be supplied
All submissions must be received by February 23
Make a submission by calling 1300 002 642 or emailing [email protected]. Visit letstalkgreaterbendigo.com.au/registration-city-place-names.
has been signed by the Melbourne Renegades for BBL14
Picture by Getty ImagesSTRATHFIELDSAYE'S Xavier Crone is poised to get another opportunity in the Big Bash League
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueAhead of the start of BBL14 this weekend the Renegades have signed bowling all-rounder Crone
Crone previously had a taste of the BBL back in January of 2022 with the Renegades' crosstown rivals
when he was called up to help replace 10 regular squad members who had tested positive for COVID-19
joins the Renegades having taken 10 wickets for Victoria in three Sheffield Shield games so far this season
while he's also playing Premier Cricket with Carlton
BDCA round five player rankings: Sandun Rathnatunga slays Demons again
"I'm excited to get this opportunity with the Renegades
can't wait to be involved this season," Crone told the Melbourne Renegades website
"I feel like I'm really ready this year to get in and have a crack."
Crone joins opening batsman Marcus Harris as the Renegades' latest signings.with the season just around the corner
"Xavier is a rising talent with the ability to make a real difference with both bat and ball and we're excited to see him thrive in the Big Bash environment," Melbourne Renegades general manager James Rosengarten said
The Renegades' first match of BBL14 will be next Monday against the Sydney Sixers at the SCG
The Bendigo Strikers celebrated a breakthrough win in the Emu Valley Cricket Association's Twenty20 competition on Tuesday night
The Strikers had been winless in their first two seasons in the Twenty20 competition and lost their opening match of their 2024-25 campaign in round one last week
But they shrugged the monkey off their back with a five-wicket win over Axe Creek at Albert Roy Reserve
Chasing the Cowboys' 122 the Strikers answered with 5-126
Kyle Humphrys lived up to his marquee player status for California Gully with a lone hand innings in the Cobras' eight-wicket loss to United
Sent into bat by the Tigers at California Gully
the Cobras were all out for 91 of which opener Humphrys scored 76 off 47 deliveries
Humphrys hit nine fours and three sixes in an innings where apart from Humphrys and captain Tom Staniforth (11)
the other nine California Gully batsmen combined for just four runs
Defending champion United needed just 10.5 overs to answer with 2-92
The round's best batting performance was delivered by Marong marquee player Ash Gray
The hard-hitting No.3 plundered 97 off 55 balls with nine fours and five sixes as the Panthers (5-183) beat Sedgwick (5-142) by 41 runs
And there was a rare T20 five-wicket haul snared by Mandurang's Ashley Murtagh
Murtagh bagged 5-12 off four overs as the Rangas routed Spring Gully for just 87 and needed only 34 balls in reply to answer with 0-91 and win by 10 wickets
MARGIN at the end of four of the weekend’s preliminary finals across the Bendigo Junior Football League was under a goal.
There were dramatic finishes to the under-12 Girls, under-12B, under-12D, and under-15 Girls, reserves in week three of the La Trobe University-backed finals series.
Preliminary final weekend kicked off with Friday night’s under-12 Girls match between St Francis Blue and Golden Square at Mercy Junortoun Sports Precinct.
St Francis Blue won a great match, 22-21, as Pippa Fishley, Bella Hope and Zara Grieve led the way.
Maiden Gully YCW’s run in the under-12A series rolled on.
The Eagles defeated the ladder-leading St Therese’s by 11 points on Sunday at Weeroona Oval.
It was a two-point thriller between White Hills Black and Huntly in the under-12B match at East West Oval in Marong’s Malone Park.
White Hills led 13-6 at quarter-time and 16-8 by half-time.
The Hawks fought back to win the third quarter, 8-2.
Both teams scored a goal in the last as the Demons led 24-22 at the final siren.
Best for White Hills Black were Liam Gladman, Declan Mills and Oliver Clark.
Huntly’s best were Ollie Wright, Nash Campbell and Riley Stevens.
In the under-12C competition, Golden Square marked a 23-15 win against Strathfieldsaye at East West Oval in Marong’s Malone Park.
Travis and Lucas Smith, and Alfie Uren were Golden Square’s best.
Cohen Matthews, Sam Green and Will Martin played well for Storm.
St Monica’s marked a one-point win against South Bendigo (2) in the under-12D preliminary final played on Eaglehawk’s turf in Canterbury Park.
The St Monica’s line-up led 15-nil at quarter-time.
The young Bloods fought back to score two goals in the second as St Monica’s led 15-12 by half-time.
It was a goal the difference going into the final quarter.
St Monica’s scored 1.3 as the red and white added 2.2.
The Kangaroos from St Monica’s jumped about as they led 34-33 when the siren sounded.
Best for St Monica’s were Mason Roulston, Lewis Harrington and Nate Hargreaves.
Ben Baker, Daniel Williams and Archie Clarke were South Bendigo’s best.
Although it was on Eaglehawk’s turf in Canterbury Park, Maiden Gully YCW won three of four quarters in a 49-10 win against Eaglehawk Two Blues in the under-12E match.
Best for the Eagles were Tommy Clapp, Dusty Balic and Jax Noonan.
The Two Blues’ best were Koby Shelton, Levi Horton and Dominic Allan.
Strathfieldsaye kicked away in the second half to record a 54-28 win against Golden Square in the under-14 seniors match at East West Oval in Marong.
Storm led 28-19 at half-time and then scored four straight goals as the wayward Bulldogs added seven behinds in the third quarter.
Darcy Tyler, Dominic Gormly and Ollie Long led Storm’s charge.
Best for Golden Square were Will Donnelly, Jake Rosa and Jack Allen.
Rochester advanced to the under-14 reserves, division one grand final after a 61-38 win against Kangaroo Flat in Sunday’s match at Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park.
Harvey Keating, Asher Rasmussen and Hugh Acocks were best for the Tigers.
Kangaroo Flat’s best were Harley Nelson, Oliver Salau and Oliver Bird.
Marong kicked on for a 54-33 win against Huntly in the under-14 reserves, division two match at Marong’s Malone Park.
The Panthers led 31-20 at half-time and 44-33 at a quarter to go.
Marong added 1.4 and kept the Hawks scoreless in the final term.
Best for the Panthers were Cooper Bray, Will Hope and Jack Metherell.
Huntly’s best were James Clark, Lachlan Norman and Caden Wheelhouse.
A big weekend for White Hills included a 77-16 for the Demons in the under-14 reserves, division three match against Golden Square at Weeroona Oval.
Best for Golden Square were Tim Byrne, Kyden Graham and Noah Smith.
Strathfieldsaye was too strong for White Hills in the under-15 Girls, seniors match at Weerona Oval.
The Storm line-up surged into the grand final on the back of a 32-8 victory.
Sandhurst marked an 18-14 victory against Strathfieldsaye in the under-15 Girls, reserves match at Weeroona Oval.
Georgia Bray, Poppy Carter and Poppy Wainwright were Sandhurst’s best.
Strathfieldsaye fought from three goals down at half-time to beat South Bendigo by 23 points in the under-16 seniors preliminary final at Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park.
It was the Bloods who dominated most of the first half and led 34-16 at the break.
Storm worked hard to score 2.2 in the third, but South scored a goal to hold a 10-point lead going into the final term.
Strathfieldsaye slammed on six unanswered goals in the last to win 66-43 and charge into the grand final.
Best for Storm were Seamus Doherty, Tyce Griffin and Will Bartlett.
Jack Bell kicked four goals and was best for the Bloods along with Rylan Newman and Louis Eddy.
The Huntly Hawks turned a five-point deficit at half-time into a 39-point win against Strathfieldsaye in the under-16 reserves, division one match at Marong’s Malone Park.
Storm led 28-23 at half-time, but Huntly took charge after the main break.
As the Hawks added 8.6 they kept Storm to a tally of 1.4.
Huntly led 77-38 at the final siren in a contest where Zethan Jensen, Joseph Buchanan and Oscar Davies were best for the brown and gold.
Strathfieldsaye’s best were Sam Whitford, Jack DeAraugo and Lucas Sharam.
It was a great match between Rochester and Kangaroo Flat in the under-16 reserves, division two match at Canterbury Park in Eaglehawk.
The Tigers won the third term, 16-13, against the accurate Roos who had scored 7.1 in the opening three quarters.
Led by the play of Sam Seabrook, Cale James and Mitch Munro it was Rochester which won the last term, 13-2, and the match, 59-45.
Clayton Smith, Brayden Franken and Lachlan Coghill were best for the Kangaroos.
Operations manager for junior/women’s football for AFL Central Victoria, Nathan Williams said the Bendigo JFL’s grand final weekend kicks off with Friday night’s under-12 Girls match at Mercy Junortoun Sports Precinct in McIvor Road.
On Saturday it will be Sandhurst against Strathfieldsaye in the under-16 seniors match at Queen Elizabeth Oval from 8.45am as a lead-in to the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL preliminary finals.
Grand finals for under-12 B-E divisions will be on Saturday at Harry Trott Oval in Neale Street, Kennington.
The under-12A, under-14, under-15 Girls and under-16 matches will all be on Sunday on Triple M Park or the adjacent Enterprise Oval in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.
“There are 16 of 22 clubs represented in grand finals,” Williams said.
“Sandhurst has four teams to play, and Maiden Gully YCW, Strathfieldsaye and White Hills all have three teams to compete.
“Other clubs to mark multiple appearances in grand finals are Marong, North Bendigo and Rochester on two.”
Scoreboard from the Bendigo JFL’s preliminary finals in week three of the La Trobe University-backed finals series:
St Francis Blue 3.3 (21) d Golden Square 3.2 (20).
GOALS – St Francis Blue: Scarlett Woodmore 2, Millie Balic. Golden Square: Willow Dellar 2, Stella Tully.
BEST – St Francis Blue: Pippa Fishley, Bella Hope, Zara Grieve, Cammie Fitzgerald, Emmalene Pollock, Colbie O’Bree.
Maiden Gully YCW 7.7 (49) d St Therese’s 6.2 (38).
White Hills Black 3.6 (24) d Huntly 3.4 (22).
GOALS – White Hills Black: Chase Kelson, Patrick Millar, Hudson Ruffell. Huntly: Nash Campbell, Isaac Plant, Riley Stevens.
BEST – White Hills Black: Liam Gladman, Declan Mills, Oliver Clark, Jensen Sawyer, Tobi Nichols, Chase Kelson. Huntly: Ollie Wright, Nash Campbell, Riley Stevens, Thomas Barlow, Cooper Bateson, Kyan Manson.
Golden Square 3.5 (23) d Strathfieldsaye 2.3 (15).
GOALS – Golden Square: Jarrod Carmichael, Issac Taylor, Steven Wellington. Strathfieldsaye: Lennon Clarke, Will Martin.
BEST – Golden Square: Travis Smith, Lucas Smith, Alfie Uren, Conor Elliott, Issac Taylor, Jarrod Carmichael. Strathfieldsaye: Cohen Matthews, Sam Green, Will Maritn, Nathaniel Hodgskiss, Jackson Brasher, Raven Menzel.
St Monica’s 4.10 (34) d South Bendigo 5.3 (33).
GOALS – St Monica’s: Lewis Harrington, Mason Roulston 2. South Bendigo: Ben Baker 3, Archie Clarke, Max McClure.
BEST – St Monica’s: Mason Roulston, Lewis Harrington, Nate Hargreaves, Spencer Salathiel, Tayden-Jamieson Clements, Mitchell Bird. South Bendigo: Ben Baker, Daniel Williams, Archie Clarke, Calvin Jones-Moore, George Conroy, Navarre Blake.
Maiden Gully YCW 7.7 (49) d Eaglehawk Two Blues 1.4 (10).
GOALS – Maiden Gully YCW: Dusty Balic 2, Riley Butt, Scott Davis, Mac Doherty, Andrew Teece (only names supplied). Eaglehawk Two Blues: Xavier Rayner.
BEST – Maiden Gully YCW: Tommy Clapp, Dusty Balic, Jax Noonan, Andrew Teece, Blair Coghill, Connor Wyatt. Eaglehawk Two Blues: Koby Shelton, Levi Horton, Dominic Allan.
Strathfieldsaye 7.12 (54) d Golden Square 3.10 (28).
GOALS – Strathfieldsaye: Spencer Worthington 2, Ted Brandt, Eli Fennell, Charlie Giddings, Keelan McInerney, Levi van Dillen. Golden Square: Jack Allen 2, Carter Andrews.
BEST – Strathfieldsaye: Darcy Tyler, Dominic Gormly, Ollie Long, Nicholas Hietbrink, Spencer Worthington, Charlie Giddings. Golden Square: Will Donnelly, Jake Rosa, jack Allen, Ryan McLean, Aiden Lear, Oisin Dunne.
Rochester 9.7 (61) d Kangaroo Flat 6.2 (38).
GOALS – Rochester: Mason Mundie 2, Hugh Acocks, Declan Carmichael, Makore Dickinson. Harvey Keating, Heath Kyne, Archer Rasmussen, Harry Rasmussen. Kangaroo Flat: Beau Blythman, Astin Clayton, Hale McIntosh, Oliver Salau, Sebastian Sharpe, Jackson Thatcher.
GOALS – Marong: Will Hope 3, Jack Metherell 2, Lachlan Bennett, Kobi Mensforth. Huntly: Ryder Marriott 3, Rhys Pitson, Jacob Rothacker.
BEST – Marong: Cooper Bray, Will Hope, Jack Metherell, Ash Curnow, Caden McCurdy, Finn Neivandt. Huntly: James Clark, Lachlan Norman, Caden Wheelhouse, Callum Fahy, Jacob Rothacker, Flynn Corboy.
White Hills 11.11 (77) d Golden Square 2.4 (16).
Golden Square: Tim Byrne, Kyden Graham, Noah Smith, Max Bennallack, Jacob Davies, Tyler Worbs.
Strathfieldsaye 5.2 (32) d White Hills 1.2 (8).
Sandhurst 2.6 (18) d Strathfieldsaye 1.8 (14).
GOALS – Sandhurst: Georgia Bray, Shyleeka Wellington.
BEST – Sandhurst: Georgia Bray, Poppy Carter, Poppy Wainwright, Shyleeka Wellington, Verity Greenwell, Kiara Daly.
Strathfieldsaye 10.6 (66) d South Bendigo 6.7 (43).
GOALS – Strathfieldsaye: Tyce Griffin 3, Charlie Elliott 2, Harrison Bennett, Seamus Doherty, Cooper Lacey, Jordan Mathews, Jake Schubert. South Bendigo: Jack Bell 4, Max Kornmann, Maysen Pettersen.
BEST – Strathfieldsaye: Seamus Doherty, Tyce Griffin, Will Bartlett, Charlie Elliott, Archie Stevens, Will Mayes. South Bendigo: Jack Bell, Rylan Newman, Louis Eddy, Harry Purcell, Harry Warne, Anthony Gray.
Huntly 11.11 (77) d Strathfieldsaye 5.8 (38).
GOALS – Huntly: Oscar Davies 5, Zayver Marwood 2, Hudson Archer, Joseph Buchanan, Mitchell Lawrence, Harley Matthews. Strathfieldsaye: Jack DeAraugo 3, Kaleb Hodgskiss, Nathan Jones-Stibbe.
Rochester 8.11 (59) d Kangaroo Flat 7.3 (45).
GOALS – Rochester: Jimmy Otto 3, Ben Hewes 2, Cale James, Darby Martin, Kade Pearse. Kangaroo Flat: Jye Clarke 2, Logan Barton, Ryan Mitchell, Trae Richardson, Tyler Sanders, Cooper Scholes.
BEST – Rochester: Sam Seabrook, Cale James, Mitch Munro, Darcey Pump, Jimmy Otto, Amon Riordan. Kangaroo Flat: Clayton Smith, Brayden Franken, Lachlan Coghill, Ryan Mitchell, Jye Clarke, James Goudge.
Schedule for this weekend’s Bendigo JFL grand finals:
Friday at Mercy Sports Precinct Junortoun:
St Therese’s v St Francis Blue, 5.30pm on O’Keefe Oval 2.
Saturday at Queen Elizabeth Oval, View Street, Bendigo:
Saturday at Harry Trott Oval, Neale Street, Kennington:
North Bendigo Red v Maiden Gully YCW at 8.45am.
Maiden Gully YCW v Golden Square at 10.15am.
South Bendigo (3) v St Monica’s at 11.45am.
Eaglehawk Eagles v White Hills Black at 1.15pm.
Sunday at Triple M Park, Tannery Lane, Strathfieldsaye:
St Francis v Maiden Gully YCW Eagles at 8.45am.
Sunday at Enterprise Oval, Tannery Lane, Strathfieldsaye:
GRAND finalists Gisborne and Sandhurst led the voting tallies for this year’s Michelsen Medal in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy fairest and best award.
It was a dramatic finish to calling of votes cast by umpires across the 18-round home-and-away series.
The Gisborne tally of 77 was led by joint winners Brad Bernacki and Braidon Blake on 20 votes, as on-baller Flynn Lakey polled 18 votes to be runner-up.
Completing the medal trifecta was Sandhurst captain and on-baller/mid Lachlan Tardrew on 20 votes.
Sandhurst’s tally of 74 votes in the medal race included 12 for Fergus Greene who kicked 80 goals to claim the Ron Best Medal.
A group of 15 Dragons featured in Michelsen Medal voting.
Leading vote-getters from Golden Square were Jordan Rosengren and Ricky Monti on 12 and 11.
Eaglehawk’s tally of 56 votes was led by Billy Evans on 17, ruckman Brayden Frost and on-baller Ben Thompson with nine each.
A consistent workload by Strathfieldsaye Storm was shown by a group of 11 polling votes.
Best for Strathfieldsaye were Lachlan Gill on 10; Daniel Clohesy, eight; and Riley Wilson, seven.
The play of Castlemaine’s Bailey Henderson and Kalan Huntly in the Magpies’ flight to a sixth-place finish meant they lead the team’s tally on 14 and 13 votes.
A first-year player at Kangaroo Flat, Luke Ellings polled nine votes from a wing.
On-ballers Anthony Zimmerman and Brody Haddow were South Bendigo’s highest vote-getters on nine and seven.
Maryborough’s tally was led by key defender Kya Lanfranchi.
Rundown of club-by-club voting for the Michelsen Medal:
14 Bailey Henderson; 13 Kalan Huntly; 6 Michael Hartley; 5 Brodie Byrne; 3 Ryan Eyre, Zavier Murley; 2 Lloyd Butcher, Matt Filo; 1 Jack Chester, John Watson.
17 Billy Evans; 9 Brayden Frost, Ben Thompson; 6 Joel Mullen; 5 Bailey Ilsley; 4 Sam Thompson; 3 Kallen Geary; 1 Marcus Angove, Charlie Langford, Jack Thompson.
20 Brad Bernacki, Braidon Blake; 18 Flynn Lakey; 4 Ryan Bourke; 3 Macklan Lord, Pat McKenna, Jack Scanlon; 2 Shane Clough, Zac Vescovi; 1 Jackson Cardillo, Patrick Trotta.
12 Jordan Rosengren; 11 Ricky Monti; 9 Tom Toma; 8 Kai Daniels; 4 Jayden Burke; 3 Macey Eaton, Melvic Pambai, Zack Shelton, Tom Strauch; 2 Terence Reeves, Jack Stewart, Zac Wescott; 1 Hugh Freckleton.
9 Luke Ellings; 5 Jack Lefroy; 3 Toby Roberts; 2 Justin Bateson, Josh Halsall, Kyle Symons; 1 Ethan Roberts.
4 Kya Lanfranchi; 2 Coby Perry; 1 Josh Britten, Bailey Edwards.
20 Lachlan Tardrew; 12 Fergus Greene; 8 Cobi Maxted; 6 James Coghlan, Nick Stagg; 5 Noah Walsh; 4 Caleb Connick; 3 Zach Pallpratt, Lachlan Wright; 2 Ollie Hannaford; 1 Jake McLean, Connor Sexton, Alex Wharton, Joel Wharton, Matt Wilkinson.
9 Anthony Zimmerman; 7 Brody Haddow; 5 Brock Harvey; 2 Zaydyn Lockwood, Isaiah Miller; 1 Steven Stroobants.
10 Lachlan Gill; 8 Daniel Clohesy; 7 Riley Wilson; 5 Cooper Jones, Caleb Sheahan; 4 Malik Gordon, Tim Hosking, James Schischka; 3 Caleb Ernst; Jed Daniels, Bode Stevens.
ST KILDA legend Leigh ‘Joey’ Montagna will inject 287 games of AFL experience into Castlemaine’s team for this Saturday’s round 16 action in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy season.
Montagna will play for Castlemaine as part of the Carlton Draught-backed Carlton Draft promotion.
A big crowd is expected to roll up at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve as the in-form Magpies take on Kangaroo Flat from 2.20pm.
Wins in its past two hit-outs against Eaglehawk, home, and Strathfieldsaye, away, has kept the Michael Hartley-coached Castlemaine in the hunt for a finals berth.
The Magpies start this round a win and significant percentage behind the fifth-placed Eaglehawk.
A hat-trick of victories has not been achieved by a Castlemaine team for many years.
That’s among the goals as it takes on the Kangaroos.
A dual All-Australian who played in three AFL grand finals across two seasons, Montagna is likely to start in attack for Castlemaine.
The Magpies also have the marking power of Hartley and Zac Greeves in the forward 50m arc.
Driving forces in Castlemaine’s winning run include Brodie Byrne, captain Bailey Henderson, Kalan Huntly, Callum McConachy, Zavier Murley, Harrison Sheahan, Declan Slingo and Liam Wilkinson.
Massive test for the Michael Ellings-coached Kangaroo Flat to halt Castlemaine’s run.
The Kangaroos will look to captain Ethan Roberts, Luke Ellings, Harry Whitty, Daniel and Luke Stagg, Jack Leersen, Toby Roberts and Corey Ash to fire up for this contest.
Two other big games will be played at Strathfieldsaye’s Triple M Park and Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park.
Strathfieldsaye Storm takes on a Gisborne line-up which is on a 12-game winning streak and moved to top of the ladder.
When these clubs met in round seven the Rob Waters-coached Gisborne marked a 28-point win on its turf at Gardiner Reserve.
There are plenty of crucial match-ups between Storm and the Bulldogs this time.
The Luke Freeman-coached Strathfieldsaye has Tim Hosking, Lachlan Gill, Daniel Clohesy and Bode Stevens to oppose Braidon Blake, Jackson Cardillo, Flynn Lakey and Brad Bernacki at centre ball-ups.
In defence, Storm has Lachlan Ratcliffe, Patrick Blandford, Ben Lester and Shannon Geary to take on Harry Luxmoore, Pat McKenna, Zac Denahy and Matt Merrett.
Kicking enough goals to challenge the visitors will be a huge task for Storm.
Key targets in Strathfieldsaye’s attack are Malik Gordon, Zach Charles and Riley Wilson.
Will not be easy against a tight-knit Dogs’ defence led by Jack Reaper, Zac Vescovi and Jed Denahy.
Eaglehawk tackles Sandhurst on the Borough’s turf at Canterbury Park.
The Travis Matheson-coached Hawks are up against an opponent on the rebound from just its second defeat of the season.
A 7-6 record has the Hawks in fifth place, but they marked a 10-goal win at home against Strathfieldsaye in the 12th round.
The play of Hawks’ on-ballers Billy Evans and Joel Mullen will be crucial to their team’s chances.
Huge plus for the Borough is the return of Charlie Langford to defence, and Ben Thompson.
Both were injured in the loss at Castlemaine in round 13.
Other key players for Eaglehawk include ruckman Brayden Frost, Bailey Ilsley and Jack O’Shannessy in attack, Kallen Geary, Jonty Neaves and Clayton Holmes.
Limiting the impact Sandhurst captain and gun on-baller/mid Lachlan Tardrew has on the match will be a priority for the Two Blues.
A talented Dragons’ team coached by Ash Connick, non-playing, and Bryce Curnow, playing, includes Fergus Greene, Cobi Maxted, Joel Wharton and Lachlan Wright in attack.
The classy Noah Walsh will play his first match since round five, and Cooper Smith also returns for the maroon and blue.
Bendigo Pioneers captain Dayten Uerata will also mark his first senior match for the Dragons this season.
The in-form Golden Square will play Maryborough at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.
The Brad Eaton-coached Bulldogs played superb footy to beat Sandhurst at Queen Elizabeth Oval last round.
Tom Toma’s return to an on-ball role with Golden Square is a huge plus for younger team-mates such as Kai Daniels, Macey Eaton, Harrison Kelly and ruckman Tanner Rayner.
Key players for the blue and gold include Harrison and Jayden Burke, Jordan Rosengren, Jack Stewart, Jack Coe, Ricky Monti and Tom Strauch.
Another huge challenge for a young Maryborough team jointly coached by Coby Perry and Matt Johnston.
No matter who his opponent will be, Perry is capable of winning plenty of the footy.
His hard-at-it approach inspires team-mates.
Maryborough has Seb Collins in the ruck, Kya Lanfranchi, Alex Brown and Aidan Medlyn leading the defence.
A key will be the Magpies’ play through midfield and around the ground.
Not allowing the Bulldogs easy transition from defence to attack will be a goal for the likes of Joel Swatton, Cobie Read, Ash Humphrey and Mitch McClure.
The Magpies also have Tom Myers in for his fifth senior game of the season.
Gisborne 223 per cent, 48 points; Sandhurst 306, 44; Strathfieldsaye 155, 36; Golden Square 133, 32; Eaglehawk 142, 28; Castlemaine 106, 24; South Bendigo 71, 16; Kangaroo Flat 56, 12; Maryborough 15, 0.
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueHeavyside played his junior football at Strathfieldsaye and is a dual senior premiership player with the Storm where the 30-year-old will next season provide some added midfield experience and class to this year's Bendigo league preliminary finalist
Heavyside had been weighing up his 2025 future between the Storm and Heathcote District league club Mount Pleasant, which has just appointed his Kerang premiership team-mate Josh Hann as its new co-coach.
"I'm good mates with Josh who has the co-coaching role at Mounts and that was something to consider
but I'm really happy to be heading back home to the Storm," Heavyside said on Thursday
Heavyside has played the past four seasons with Kerang
winning premierships in 2022 and 2023 before the Blues were denied a Central Murray three-peat last month when beaten by Nyah Nyah West United in the grand final
Prior to his move to Kerang Heavyside was part of the Storm's 2017 and 2019 premiership teams
MORE BFNL OFF-SEASON NEWS
He also played in Strathfieldsaye's 2018 grand final team that was beaten by Eaglehawk
Heavyside's footballing resume also includes Bendigo Pioneers' best and fairest in 2011
while he also has VFL experience with both Essendon and the Bendigo Gold
Sam Heavyside playing for Strathfieldsaye in the 2018 BFNL grand final."I'm looking forward to getting back into the Bendigo league next season and it will be a different Strathfieldsaye side to last time I was there," Heavyside said
"It's a very young and exciting group to get involved with next year
I watched them play a couple of finals this year and the young players are fit and quick
"Going home at this stage of my career feels like it's the right decision to be able to help develop a few of those younger boys."
Strathfieldsaye coach Luke Freeman says the experience Heavyside will provide his midfield group next season will be invaluable
"It was obviously a big decision for Sam to make on where to play his footy next year and we couldn't be happier that he is coming home," Freeman said
"He has got enormous experience behind him
but he still has a lot to give as well and a lot to teach our young boys
"He's a leader out on the field and we're absolutely stoked to have him back..
our blokes will all certainly look up to him."
Heavyside is the second returning midfielder for the Storm next season
with fellow on-baller Jye Formosa also headed back to Tannery Lane
Formosa has spent the previous two years playing with Longwood in the Kyabram District league
Formosa played 25 senior games for the Storm across the 2021 and 2022 seasons before his move to Longwood
For the second season in a row the Storm bowed out of the premiership race this year when beaten by Sandhurst in the preliminary final
The Storm led the preliminary final by 15 points
who kicked four goals to none against the breeze in the final term to win by 10 points
before going on to beat Gisborne in the grand final the following week
South Bendigo has confirmed the re-signing of Steven Stroobants
Experienced forward Stroobants co-coached the Bloods this year alongside Isaiah Miller
Despite the Bloods winning just four games and finishing seventh on the ladder
Stroobants was one of the competition's top goalkickers
Only Sandhurst's Fergus Greene (83) and the Gisborne duo of Pat McKenna (63) and Harry Luxmoore (59) kicked more goals than Stroobants this year
Stroobants' tally of 52 goals included a season high of 10 against Maryborough in round 15
while he finished runner-up to ball magnet midfielder Brody Haddow in the best and fairest
It will be very much a new-look - and vastly improved - South Bendigo side that takes to the field in the Bendigo league next year with the Bloods having been active on the recruiting front under new co-coaches Jack Fallon and Troy Coates
A FIRST-YEAR player at Castlemaine, Maeve Tupper has earned the Champions IGA-backed CVFL senior women’s footy fairest and best award for the 2024 season.
Tupper polled 25 votes in Monday night’s calling of cards to finish three clear of joint runners-up, Eaglehawk co-coach Molly Metcalf and Golden Square captain Liz Watkins.
A key player in Castlemaine’s unbeaten run as it chases a premiership hat-trick, Tupper polled votes in 12 of 16 matches.
Her victory was declared by AFL CV Region Council Chari, Nicholas Falconer.
A great season for Tupper included being selected as rover in the High Street X-ray Team of the Year.
This Friday night, Tupper and her team-mates from the Jordan Cochrane-coached Magpies will play in the grand final from 7.30pm at Queen Elizabeth Oval in Bendigo.
The Magpies are up against the Nathan Manuel-coached Golden Square.
Leading goalkicker in the senior women’s competition was Golden Square’s Paynton Jolliffe.
A tally of 90 was a league record and included 13-goal hauls in rounds 12 and 15 against North Bendigo and White Hills respectively.
The goalkicking award was presented by La Trobe Bendigo Pioneers girls coach Whitney Kennedy.
It was tie for the CVFL’s under-18 girls fairest and best award.
After the final card was called, Strathfieldsaye’s Alysha Boyd and Castlemaine’s Chloe Butcher were locked on 18 votes.
A run of votes in eight matches for Butcher included the maximum three in five games for the Magpies.
Boyd was adjudged best afield in five of Storm’s matches and gained votes in seven games.
The medals were presented by Nicholas Falconer, chair of the AFL Central Victoria Region Council.
Third placegetter in the medal race, Mia Clark from Winslow White Hills Demons kicked 33 goals to earn the goalkicking award presented by Whitney Kennedy from La Trobe University Bendigo Pioneers.
Highs of Clark’s season included six goals in matches against Strathfieldsaye and Woorinen.
Clark will play a crucial role as White Hills takes on Golden Square in this Friday night’s grand final at Queen Elizabeth Oval in View Street.
The showdown between the Demons and Bulldogs starts at 5.30pm.
CVFL league manager Nathan Williams said the under-18s grand final would cap a successful first year of the competition being run under the CVFL banner.
“The CVFL thanks all at Bendigo Junior Football League for the smooth transition.” said Williams.
On-field there were 10 clubs represented across two competitions.
There were nine teams in the seniors and seven in the under-18s.
Newcomers to the league were Marong FNC, Sandhurst FNC, and White Hills JFC.
“All three clubs have done a fantastic job in their start up,” said Williams.
The league boss also congratulated clubs, players, coaches, officials, volunteers, umpires and supporters for all they had done across the season.
There were 126 matches played across 18 rounds.
Williams said 439 players competed in the CVFL this season.
He also thanked CVFL Advisory Committee members Margaret O’Rourke, Emma Grant, Colleen Rogers, Carol Cathcart and Gavin Hore.
The league major partners in Champions IGA, High Street X-Ray and The Bendigo Club are strong supporters of female football in the region.
Leading votes for the CVFL senior women’s footy fairest and best award:
14 Shae-Lee Murphy-Burke, Bendigo Thunder.
Leading votes for the under-18 girls fairest and best award:
A highlight of awards night was the naming of the High Street X-Ray Teams of the Year.
Selection criteria included votes gained in league fairest and best, amount of times in best club, number of matches played, and consideration of the player of the week award.
All nine clubs in the senior competition feature in Team of the Year selection.
B: Greta Murphy (BT), Taylah Moore (GS), Lily Campbell (Sh).
Hb: Liz Watkins (GS), Kira Gibbons (NB), Rachael Stubbings (Cm).
C: Jemma Finning (Cm), Ruby Campbell (Sh), Lucy El Hage (BT).
Hf: Jaime Sawers (BT), Molly Metcalf (Eh), Brydi Lewis (W).
F: Victoria Winstanley (GS), Paynton Jolliffe (GS), Amanda Carrod (Sh).
Foll: Piper Dunlop (Sh), Katelyn Hazlett (W), Maeve Tupper (Cm).
Inter: Dani Jeffery (M), Tenay Fellows (W), Molly Pianta (Eh), Oakley Turner (WH).
Club legend – BT Bendigo Thunder, Cm Castlemaine, Eh Eaglehawk, GS Golden Square, M Marong, NB North Bendigo, Sh Sandhurst, WH White Hills, W Woorinen.
B: Maddie Dunn (S), Jayda Mathews-Shanley (Eh), Lori Whaley (Cm).
Hb: Jorja Morrison (WH), Chloe Butcher (Cm), Sopie Ryan (S).
C: Meg Young (W), Lily Mansfield (GS), Makayla Roberts (GS).
Hf: Alysha Boyd (S), Hannah Cochrane (Sh), Amelie Haigh (WH).
F: Scarlett Ward (S), Leni Brown (Sh), Ella Gourley (GS).
Foll: Gemma McPhee (GS), Ava Barker (GS), Mia Clark (WH).
Inter: Eva Coffey (W), Evie Nuttall (S), Emilie Ward (W), Olivia Muscat (Cm).
Club legend – Cm Castlemaine, Eh Eaglehawk, GS Golden Square, Sh Sandhurst, S Strathfieldsaye, WH White Hills, W Woorinen.
Qualifying, elimination finals – August 30 and 31
1st and 2nd semi-finals – September 6 and 7
Notes: Indigenous and Pat Cronin features matches to be advised.
General bye for King’s Birthday on June 7.
The Bendigo FNL reserves the right to alter the fixture.
A DOZEN clubs have had at least one team qualify for the Bendigo Bank Bendigo Junior Football League’s grand finals.
There was plenty of great action across week two of the La Trobe University Bendigo-backed finals series as teams contested second semi or first semi-finals.
In the under-12 Girls competition, Golden Square scored a 34-point win against White Hills in Friday night’s first semi-final at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.
A 19-point win by St Therese’s against St Francis Blue in the second semi-final at Golden Square put the Sharks into the grand final.
St Francis won the under-12A second semi-final against St Therese’s by 32 points.
It was close finish in the under-12B second semi-final as the Eaglehawk Eagles clung on for a 32-25 victory against White Hills.
Five points was the difference at the end of the under-12C second semi-final between Maiden Gully YCW and Golden Square.
It was the Eagles who marked a 13-8 victory against the Bulldogs.
South Bendigo (3) won through to the under-12D grand final after a 33-6 win against St Monica’s in the second semi-final.
North Bendigo Red racked up 19 scoring shots on its way to a 44-11 win against Maiden Gully YCW in the under-12E second semi-final.
A great weekend for North Bendigo included a 77-34 victory against Golden Square in the second semi-final of the under-14 reserves, division three competition.
Sandhurst marked wins in three of the league’s second semi-finals.
The Dragons won the under-14 seniors match against Golden Square by 10 points.
It was a 50-point victory for Sandhurst in the under-15 Girls seniors second semi-final against Strathfieldsaye.
A great contest in the under-16 seniors second semi-final between Sandhurst and Strathfieldsaye ended in a 46-38 win for the Dragons.
Also through to play for the premiership cup is White Hils after it won the under-14 reserves, division one clash with Kangaroo Flat by 27 points.
The Magpies from Maryborough and Castlemaine will also be represented on Bendigo JFL grand finals weekend.
Maryborough marked a 58-36 win against Huntly in the under-14 reserves, division two second semi-final.
The second semi-final under-16 reserves, division one went Castlemaine and Huntly went the way of the Magpies, 68-44.
Kangaroo Flat dominated the under-15 Girls, reserves second semi-final to score a 43-7 win against Sandhurst.
Marong scored a 24-point win against Rochester in the second semi-final of the under-16 reserves, division two competition.
The Rochester Tigers will now meet Kangaroo Flat in the preliminary final after the Roos won the first semi against Sandhurst by 83 points.
Scoreboard from week two in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo JFL finals series sponsored by La Trobe University Bendigo:
Golden Square 7.5 (47) d White Hills 1.7 (13).
GOALS – Golden Square: Willow Dellar 4, Preslee Burton 2 (only names supplied). White Hills: not supplied.
BEST – Golden Square: Stella Tully, Jessica Dowdell, Willow Dellar, Lola Allen, Ruby Carter, Preslee Burton. White Hills: not supplied.
St Therese’s 5.1 (31) d St Francis Blue 2.0 (12).
BEST – St Therese’s: Perry Westley, Elsie Gretgrix, Macaila Bannan, Eden Rooke, Emily Harris, Stella Rooke. St Francis Blue: not supplied.
St Francis 7.6 (48) d St Therese’s 2.4 (16).
GOALS – St Francis: Flynn Todd 2, Archie Dickson, Tommy Harrop, Matthew Jennings, Joe Millar, Zachariah O’Meara. St Therese’s: Samuel Davie, Xavier Mulqueen.
BEST – St Francis: Quinn Casey, Samuel Davie, Xavier Mulqueen, Jack Holland, Nathaniel Thompson, Levi Bell. St Therese’s: Will Shadbolt, Matthew Jennings, Tommy Harrop, Lenny Anderson, Hamish Baker, Nate Malone.
Eaglehawk Eagles 5.2 (32) d White Hills 3.7 (25).
GOALS – Eaglehawk Eagles: Xavier Docksey, Jack Hocking 2, Riley Button. White Hills: Kayden Callanan, Hudson Ruffell, Cooper Waegeli.
BEST – Eaglehawk Eagles: Riley Crapper, Dash Abbott, Jaia Richardson, Jack Hocking, Dustin Baines, Beau Ferguson. White Hills: not supplied.
Maiden Gully YCW 2.1 (13) d Golden Square 1.2 (8).
GOALS – Maiden Gully YCW: Billy Austin, Hudson Membery. Golden Square: Issac Taylor.
BEST – Maiden Gully YCW: Mason Fitzgerald, Billy Austin, Thomas Hogan, Mason Barker, Cooper Davis, Jake Wiltshire. Golden Square: Travis Smith, Issac Taylor, Lucas Smith, Conor Elliott, Lucas Collins, Jarrod Carmichael.
South Bendigo (3) 5.3 (33) d St Monica’s 1.0 (6).
GOALS – South Bendigo (3): Jed Hardinge 3, Jaxson Brown, Max Harper. St Monica’s: Mason Roulston.
BEST – South Bendigo (3): Jed Hardinge, Max Harper, Hunter Tomlins, Lenny Moroni, Rupert Marshall. St Monica’s: Rocco Lewis, Sam Colbert, Mitchell Bird, Say ku Shwe, Tayden-Jamieson Clements, Spencer Salathiel.
North Bendigo Red 5.14 (44) d Maiden Gully YCW 1.5 (11).
GOALS – North Bendigo Red: Harry LeFevre, Steele Sims 2, Chaise Cook. Maiden Gully YCW: Harry Lowe.
BEST – North Bendigo Red: Cody Stannard, Steele Sims, Levi Bright, Toby Collins, Harry LeFevre, Noah Ryan. Maiden Gully YCW: Tommy Clapp, Connor Wyatt, Jax Noonan, Scott Davis, Will Isaacs, Riley Butt.
Sandhurst 10.6 (66) d Golden Square 8.8 (56).
GOALS – Sandhurst: Jamison Westley 4, Tommy Byrne, Luke Cameron 2, Patrick McNamara, Oscar Suckling. Golden Square: Jack Allen 3, Jake Rosa 2, Hugh Casey, Charlie Macumber, Archie Rooke.
BEST – Sandhurst: Luke Cameron, Beau Butler, Jamison Westley, Patrick McNamara, Tommy Byrne, Liam Hubble. Golden Square: Jake Rosa, Jack Allen, Harry Pratt-Baird, Cooper Pannett, William Donnelly, Ryan McLean.
White Hills 7.8 (50) d Kangaroo Flat 3.5 (23).
GOALS – White Hills: Charlie Dickins 3, Roman Middleton 2, Thomas Kelleher, Jack Yates. Kangaroo Flat: Beau Blythman 2, Zac Nicholls.
BEST – White Hills: Miller Polglase, Jackson Mahood, Finnigan Parker, Ari Sawyer, Charlie Dickins, Roman Middleton. Kangaroo Flat: Mitchell Pitson, Harley Nelson, Charlie Scholes, Beau Blythman, Max Gould, Zac Nicholls.
GOALS – Maryborough: Ed Boyes 3, Connor O’Halloran 2, Max Skinner, Cruz Stevens. Huntly: James Clark 2, Nash Hogan, Ryder Marriott, Rhys Pitson.
BEST – Maryborough: Jack Smith, Hayden Bartlett, Max Skinner, Ed Boyes, Connor O’Halloran, Cruz Stevens. Huntly: Ryder Marriott, Mitchell McCashney, James Clark, Blake Maher, Jacob Rothacker, Harry Mill.
North Bendigo 11.11 (77) d Golden Square 5.4 (34).
GOALS – North Bendigo: Zachariah Edwards 6, Anthony Callanan 4, Kruz Randall. Golden Square: William Stedman 3, Jesse Pidoto, Tyler Worbs.
BEST – North Bendigo: Zachariah Edwards, Jaxson Challis, Jett Mulcahy, Anthony Callanan, Malakai Challis, Kruz Randall. Golden Square: Jesse Pidoto, Sam Morgan, Romulus Milsom, Tyler Worbs, William Stedman.
Sandhurst 8.10 (58) d Strathfieldsaye 1.2 (8).
GOALS – Sandhurst: Alannah Prowse 3, Etta Place, Chloe Tweed 2, Tully Place. Strathfieldsaye: Jorja Cunningham.
BEST – Sandhurst: Etta Place, Mia Maxted, Kyah Spiteri, Zara Mould, Evie Gretgrix, Alannah Prowse.
Kangaroo Flat 6.7 (43) d Sandhurst 1.1 (7).
GOALS – Kangaroo Flat: Matilda Rose 4, Kayla Guthrie, Miller Lindrea. Sandhurst: Shyleeka Wellington.
BEST – Kangaroo Flat: not supplied. Sandhurst: Harper McDonald, Layla Burn, Kiara Daly, Georgia Bray, Shyleeka Wellington, Clodagh Whelan.
Sandhurst 6.10 (46) d Strathfieldsaye 5.8 (38).
GOALS – Sandhurst: Ned Howe 3, Miller Armstrong, Carter Reid, Noah Willits. Strathfieldsaye: Cooper Lacey 2, Seamus Doherty, Jesse Webster (only names supplied).
BEST – Sandhurst: Carter Reid, Charlie Bannan, Mitchell Brown, Noah Willits, Charlie Bombardieri, Thomas Smith. Strathfieldsaye: Riley O’Donnell, Sam O’Bree, Seamus Doherty, Archie Stevens, Jack Oldham, Aydan Hand.
GOALS – Castlemaine: Oliver Britt 3, Ben Jardine, Max Kay, Harper Kneebone 2, Oscar Giddings. Huntly: Joseph Buchanan, Mitchell Lawrence, Zayver Marwood, Angus McLean, Jack Mullane.
BEST – Castlemaine: Oscar Giddings, Harper Kneebone, Ben Jardine, Alex Welch, Gabriel O’Sullivan, Morgan McClure. Huntly: Joseph Buchanan, Marshall Archer, Mitchell Lawrence, Lucas Wheelhouse, Oscar Kleinert, Caleb Pellegrino.
Kangaroo Flat 12.15 (87) d Sandhurst 0.4 (4).
GOALS – Kangaroo Flat: Jye Clarke 4, Cooper Scholes, Chad Woolley 2, Jaxon Caruana, Brayden Franken, James Goudge, Kaidyn Higgins.
BEST – Kangaroo Flat: Brayden Franken, Clayton Smith, Jye Clarke, Kaidyn Higgins, Trae Richardson, Cooper Scholes. Sandhurst: Elliot Ryan, Noah Rees, Campbell Fraser, Izaiah O’Meara, William Lacy, Henry O’Callaghan.
GOALS – Marong: Harry Arnett, Mitchell Pickering 2, Liam Henson, Ryan Marwood, Harry Wilson. Rochester: Morgan Boyack, Cale James, Tom McFadzean, Kade Pearse, Amon Riordan.
BEST – Marong: Harry Arnett, Deqlan Radford, Blake Wells, Harry Wilson, Liam Henson, Tyson Wakefield. Rochester: Curtis Howard, Cale James, Darcey Pump, Jackson Morgan, Jack Brennan, Sam Seabrook.
Schedule for this weekend’s preliminary finals:
Under-12 Girls: St Francis Blue v Golden Square, 5.30pm at Mercy Junortoun Sports Precinct, O’Keefe Oval.
Under-12A: St Therese’s v Maiden Gully YCW, 9.30am at Weeroona Oval.
Under-12B: White Hills Black v Huntly, 12.05pm at East West Oval, Marong’s Malone Park.
Under-12C: Golden Square v Strathfieldsaye, 9am at East West Oval, Marong’s Malone Park.
Under-12D: St Monica’s v South Bendigo (2), 9am at Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park.
Under-12E: Maiden Gully YCW v Eaglehawk Two Blues, 12.05pm at Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park.
Under-14 seniors: Golden Square v Strathfieldsaye, 10.20am at East West Oval, Marong’s Malone Park.
Under-14 reserves, division one: Kangaroo Flat v Rochester, 1.25pm at Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park.
Under-14 reserves, division two: Huntly v Marong, 3.10pm at East West Oval, Marong’s Malone Park.
Under-14 reserves, division three: Golden Square v White Hills, 1.30pm at Weeroona Oval.
Under-15 Girls, seniors: Strathfieldsaye v White Hills, 12.10pm at Weeroona Oval.
Under-15 Girls, reserves: Sandhurst v Strathfieldsaye, 10.50am at Weeroona Oval.
Under-16 seniors: Strathfieldsaye v South Bendigo, 10.20am at Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park.
Under-16 reserves, division one: Huntly v Strathfieldsaye, 1.25pm at East West Oval, Marong’s Malone Park.
Under-16 reserves, division two: Rochester v Kangaroo Flat, 3.10pm at Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park.
Strathfieldsaye$950,000 - $990,000LAND: 4,805 square metresAGENCY: McKean McGregor Real Estate BendigoCONTACT: Jayden Donaldson 0437 177 379INSPECT: 10-10.30am September 21Suitable for multiple generations or frequent overnight guests
this property has a substantial amount of accommodation and a fantastic quantity of living space both indoors and out
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThere's a self-contained apartment on the ground level (with its own entry
plus an internal doorway system to the rest of the building) which has a bedroom along with its own combined bathroom and laundry
and its own covered outdoor entertaining area
View +7 PhotosThe main residence has five bedrooms (two of which are upstairs)
plus an office which is half open to the kitchen
The kitchen is also open to a dining and living space
Still inside there's also a very large rumpus (which has an ensuite-size bathroom in the corner)
a separate family room (which has the doorway to the self-contained wing)
a family bathroom with a walk-in shower and a bath tub
and a separate laundry alongside a mudroom
The main residence also has two outdoor entertaining areas; one beside the rumpus and one behind the rumpus
and expansive fully-fenced grounds with mature plants and trees
Scout hall ceremony: The 1st Strathfieldsaye Scout Group's new home has been officially opened. Photo: SUPPLIED
THE Strathfieldsaye Scout Group’s new home has been officially opened by Premier and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan.
The purpose-built hall is part of the Strathfieldsaye Community Hub and was developed using a $125,000 contribution from the State Government, matched by Scouts Victoria.
It is being hailed as a safe, accessible and permanent space for the 1st Strathfieldsaye Scout Group to meet for scouting activities and for young Scouts to participate in adventures the movement offers.
The project has been part of the Government’s $5.5 million funding commitment, again matched by Scouts Victoria, to build, upgrade or refurbish Scout halls across the state.
A total of 23 new or upgraded Scout halls have been established around Victoria since 2020, including facilities that opened earlier this year in South Frankston and Epping North.
When she opened the new hall, Ms Allan said she was proud the Government had invested in the building.
She described it as “a great new facility for local Scouts and the wider Bendigo community”.
“Our support for the construction and upgrades of Scout halls means Scouts in Victoria can participate in activities that enrich their knowledge and leadership skills and foster community connection,” Ms Allan said.
She said access to Scouting activities supports the positive development and growth of young people by creating opportunities for them to work with others, tackle challenges and lead in their communities.
Minister for Youth Natalie Suleyman said: “Scouting teaches young people essential life skills including leadership, self-confidence and problem solving – we’re supporting it to thrive in Victoria.
“The boost to Strathfieldsaye Scout Hall is a significant asset to our local community and delivers on our investment in Scout halls across the state.”
Scouts Victoria is one of Victoria’s largest youth organisations and has a membership of more than 20,000 young people and 5000 adult volunteers.
The number of young people participating in Scouting activities has reportedly grown by 30 per cent in the past 10 years.
EAGLEHAWK teams flew high across many age groups in the weekend’s 16th and final round of the home-and-away series in the Bendigo Junior Football League season.
Hundreds of players took to the field as the BJFL marked Bendigo Bank Round.
A long-time valued sponsor of the BJFL and AFL Central Victoria, Bendigo Bank continues to help clubs and communities in many ways.
The Hawks will have six teams play in this weekend’s start to the finals series.
Eaglehawk Eagles warmed up for the under-12B finals by winning Saturday’s match against Castlemaine at Wesley Hill by 77 points.
The Eagles scored 13.11 (89) on the Magpies’ ground.
George Hillard kicked three goals for Eaglehawk as Riley Button, Jack Hocking, Braxton Safstrom and Jayden Seppings chipped in with two each.
Best for the Eagles were George Hillard, Jack Hocking, Braxton Safstrom, Beau Ferguson, Jaia Richardson and Ku Law Saw.
Fans were treated to a thrilling finish to the under-12B match between Eaglehawk Hawks and Kangaroo Flat at California Gully.
Goalkickers for Eaglehawk were Noah Hill, Alex Hinton and Tate McQueen.
Best for the Borough were Braxtyn Bowd, Tate McQueen, Rori McKerlie, Chaz Boyd, Jake Hocking and Chase Henderson.
Eaglehawk Two Blues took on North Bendigo Red in the under-12E match at Californai Gully.
The Bulldogs warmed up for the finals by scoring a 69-10 victory.
Xavier Rayner goaled for Eaglehawk as was among the best with Dominic Allan, Zannon Kelly, Seth Pilcher and Riley Hobbs.
The Hawks played Golden Square in the under-14 seniors match at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.
Goalkickers for Eaglehawk were Ali Gill, two; Xavier Stone and Sonny Tuckerman.
Eaglehawk’s best were Chace Powley, Corey Larson, Cashius Burke, Taiglan Turton, Riley Hill and Owen Bingham.
The Borough kicked 12 goals on the way to an 88-35 victory against Kangaroo Flat in the under-14 reserves, division three match at Kangaroo Flat’s Dower Park.
The Hawks’ attack was led by Cooper Russell on five goals as Taj Ferguson added four and Kaiden Holborn booted two.
Best for Eaglehawk were Bentleigh Cadzow, Ned Gibbs, Callum O’Brien, Cooper Russell and Jake Bumpstead.
Eaglehawk marked a 33-point win against Kangaroo Flat in the under-15 Girls seniors match at Dower Park.
The Two Blues won 37-4 as Zoe Hodgskiss, Ruby Kelly, Charlise McQueen, Maggie Pollock and Macey Scoble were on target in attack.
Eaglehawk’s best were Imogen Brown, Alexandra Jones, Charlise McQueen, Sezin Lees, Maggie Pollock and Zoe Hodgskiss.
In the under-15 Girls reserves competition, Eaglehawk played Golden Square at at Fur Life Oval.
Rima Shanley kicked both of Eaglehawk’s goals.
Best for the Two Blues were Ella Jefferis, Rima Shanley, Ruby Robinson, Taylah-Jane Bown, Sawyer Smith-McMahon and Shibah Htoo.
St Francis Blue 6.7 (43) d Rochester 1.2 (8), White Hills 7.12 (54) d St Francis Green 0.2 (2), St Therese’s 10.4 (64) d Mount Pleasant 0.2 (2), Golden Square 22.18 (150) d Kangaroo Flat 0.0 (0), Marong bye.
St Francis 5.5 (35) d Strathfieldsaye 3.2 (20), St Kilian’s-St Peter’s 7.2 (44) d St Therese’s 4.5 (29), South Bendigo 10.14 (74) d Golden Square 0.4 (4), Maiden Gully YCW bye.
White Hills Black 4.2 (26) d Huntly 3.7 (25), Maryborough 10.12 (72) d Quarry Hill 4.7 (31), Eaglehawk Eagles 13.11 (89) d Castlemaine 2.0 (12), St Therese’s bye.
Eaglehawk Hawks 3.6 (24) d Kangaroo Flat 3.5 (23), Golden Square 6.3 (39) d Strathfieldsaye 5.7 (37), Maiden Gully YCW 7.12 (54) d Marong Blue 0.0 (0).
St Monica’s 2.3 (15) d South Bendigo 0.3 (3), North Bendigo Blue 6.7 (43) d St Francis 4.3 (27), South Bendigo 7.12 (54) d Heathcote 3.1 (19), Mount Pleasant 11.22 (88) d Marong Red 1.1 (7).
Maiden Gully YCW 4.12 (36) d White Hills Red 1.5 (11), North Bendigo Red 10.9 (69) d Eaglehawk Two Blues 1.4 (10), Strathfieldsaye bye.
Sandhurst 13.9 (87) d Strathfieldsaye 9.12 (66), South Bendigo 9.12 (66) d Maiden Gully YCW 4.3 (27), Golden Square 20.16 (136) d Eaglehawk 4.4 (28).
Kangaroo Flat 8.8 (56) d Rochester 5.10 (40), White Hills 8.9 (57) d Castlemaine 5.7 (37), Strathfieldsaye 18.23 (131) d Golden Square 4.1 (25),
Maiden Gully YCW 8.14 (62) d Huntly 8.5 (53), Maryborough 14.15 (99) d Sandhurst 4.2 (26), Marong 14.16 (100) d South Bendigo 3.3 (21),
Heathcote 7.14 (56) d Golden Square 5.12 (42), North Bendigo 9.8 (62) d White Hills 5.10 (40), Eaglehawk 12.16 (88) d Kangaroo Flat 5.5 (35), Strathfieldsaye bye.
Eaglehawk 5.7 (37) d Kangaroo Flat 0.4 (4), White Hills 8.12 (60) d Golden Square 1.4 (10), Sandhurst 15.16 (106) d Marong 1.2 (8), Strathfieldsaye bye.
Sandhurst 2.5 (17) d Strathfieldsaye 2.3 (15), Golden Square 14.14 (98) d Eaglehawk 2.0 (12), Kangaroo Flat 23.8 (146) d Marong 0.1 (1).
Sandhurst 15.8 (98) d Strathfieldsaye 11.7 (73) , South Bendigo 14.13 (97) d Maiden Gully YCW 8.9 (57), Maryborough 13.8 (86) d Golden Square 6.9 (45).
Huntly 13.15 (93) d Lockington Bamawm United Cats 2.5 (17), Castlemaine 15.22 (122) d Strathfieldsaye 3.44 (22), White Hills bye.
Sandhurst 8.15 (63) d Maiden Gully YCW 6.7 (43), Marong 11.8 (74) d Golden Square 6.4 (40), Rochester 12.11 (83) d South Bendigo 6.9 (45), Kangaroo Flat 14.19 (103) d Huntly 3.6 (24).
St Therese’s 100 per cent match ratio, 56 points; St Francis Blue 78, 44; White Hills 71, 40; Golden Square 66, 40; Mount Pleasant 57, 32; Rochester 35, 20; Marong 28, 16; St Francis Green 14, 8; Kangaroo Flat 0, 0.
St Therese’s 85 per cent match ratio, 48 points; St Francis 80, 48; Maiden Gully YCW 71, 40; South Bendigo 57, 32; St Kilian’s-St Peter’s 40, 24; Strathfieldsaye 28, 16; Golden Square 14, 8.
Eaglehawk Eagles 80 per cent match ratio, White Hills Black 75, Huntly 67, Maryborough 50, Quarry Hill 40, Castlemaine 35, St Therese’s 7.
Golden Square 52 points, Maiden Gully YCW 40, Strathfieldsaye 36, Eaglehawk Hawks 32, Kangaroo Flat 14, Marong Blue 10.
South Bendigo (3) 72 points, St Monica’s 68, Mount Pleasant 56, South Bendigo (2) 56, North Bendigo Blue 44, St Francis 40, Marong Red 32, Heathcote 16.
North Bendigo Red 80 per cent match ratio, 42 points; Maiden Gully YCW 65, 34; Eaglehawk Two Blues 46, 24; Strathfieldsaye 38, 20; White Hills Red 0, 0.
Sandhurst 60 points, Golden Square 56, Strathfieldsaye 40, Eaglehawk 24, South Bendigo 20, Maiden Gully YCW 8.
White Hills 52 points, Kangaroo Flat 40, Castlemaine 36, Rochester 32, Strathfieldsaye 28, Golden Square 8.
Maryborough 56 points, Huntly 38, Marong 38, Maiden Gully YCW 28, South Bendigo 14, Sandhurst 10.
Golden Square 71 per cent match ratio, North Bendigo 61, White Hills 57, Heathcote 57, Strathfieldsaye 33, Eaglehawk 28, Kangaroo Flat 14.
Sandhurst 100 per cent match ratio, 52 points; Strathfieldsaye 69, 36; White Hills 64, 36; Eaglehawk 50, 28; Golden Square 35, 20; Marong 35, 20; Kangaroo Flat 7, 4.
Kangaroo Flat 56 points, Sandhurst 52, Strathfieldsaye 40, Golden Square 28, Eaglehawk 12, Marong 0.
Sandhurst 96 per cent match ratio, Strathfieldsaye 63, South Bendigo 60, Maryborough 37, Maiden Gully YCW 31, Golden Square 25.
Castlemaine 92 per cent match ratio, Huntly 71, Lockington Bamawm United Cats 42, Strathfieldsaye 35, White Hills 23.
Rochester 87 per cent match ratio, Marong 68, Sandhurst 56, Kangaroo Flat 53, Maiden Gully YCW 50, South Bendigo 37, Golden Square 12, Huntly 6.
Finals action kicks off this Friday night when the under-12 girls play at Mercy Junortoun Sports Precinct in McIvor Road.
Draw for week one of the La Trobe University-backed finals series for the Bendigo Junior Football League:
Under-12 Girls, Friday at Mercy Junortoun Sports Precinct:
Elimination final at 5.15pm: Golden Square v Mount Pleasant.
Qualifying final at 6.15pm: St Francis Blue v White Hills.
Under-12A, Sunday at Marist College Bendigo, Maiden Gully:
First semi-final at 11.15am: Maiden Gully YCW v South Bendigo.
Under-12B, Sunday at Harry Trott Oval, Kennington:
First semi-final at 10.50am: Huntly v Maryborough.
Under-12C, Sunday at Marist College Bendigo, Maiden Gully:
First semi-final at 11.20am: Strathfieldsaye v Eaglehawk Hawks.
Under-12D, Sunday at Harry Trott Oval, Kennington:
First semi-final at 9.30am: Mount Pleasant v South Bendigo.
Under-12E, Sunday at Marist College Bendigo, Maiden Gully:
First semi-final at 10am: Eaglehawk Two Blues v Strathfieldsaye.
Under-14 reserves, division one, Sunday at Dower Park, Kangaroo Flat:
First semi-final at 12.50pm: Castlemaine v Rochester.
Under-14 reserves, division two, Sunday at Marist College Bendigo, Maiden Gully:
First semi-final at 9.30am: Marong v Maiden Gully YCW.
Under-14 reserves, division three, Sunday at Dower Park, Kangaroo Flat:
First semi-final at 9.20am: White Hills v Heathcote.
Under-15 Girls, Sunday at Marist College Bendigo, Maiden Gully:
First semi-final at 1.50pm: White Hills v Eaglehawk.
Under-15 Girls reserves, Sunday at Marist College Bendigo, Maiden Gully:
First semi-final at 12.35pm: Strathfieldsaye v Golden Square.
Under-16 seniors, Sunday at Harry Trott Oval, Kennington:
First semi-final at 12.10pm: South Bendigo v Maryborough.
Under-16 reserves, division one, Sunday at Dower Park, Kangaroo Flat:
First semi-final at 11.05am: Lockington Bamawm United Cats v Strathfieldsaye.
Under-16 reserves, division two, Sunday at Dower Park, Kangaroo Flat:
First semi-final at 2.35pm: Sandhurst v Kangaroo Flat.
Gisborne marks another win against Dragons
FOR the second time this season, Gisborne took the points against Sandhurst in the latest round of A-grade netball in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.
The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne was on its court at Gardiner Reserve for the round 11 showdown with the Dragons.
A strong opening quarter ended with Gisborne in front, 14-6.
Both teams scored nine goals in the second term.
It was another closely-fought third stanza which went Gisborne’s way, nine-eight.
The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst kept the pressure on, but the red, white and blue kept its poise to run out 42-31 winners.
Despite the loss, Sandhurst holds top spot going into next weekend’s break for inter-league.
A tally of 60-plus goals by Yolande Miller capped off South Bendigo’s dominance at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve.
Winless since the opening round match at Strathfieldsaye’s Triple M Park, South Bendigo was in superb touch on the Magpies’ court.
The Alicia McGlashan-coached South Bendigo led 17-5 at quarter-time and 34-12 by the main break.
The defence of the Chloe Hughes-coached Castlemaine was under immense pressure as a Bloods’ mid-court led by Holly Gray and Ella Flavell set up chances for Miller and Izzy Coutts.
South Bendigo won the next two quarters, 17-6 and 19-5 to complete a 70-23 victory.
After being outscored in the first quarter, Strathfieldsaye struck back to beat Golden Square at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane.
The Teigan Redwood-coached Golden Square played well to take an 11-10 lead into the first break.
From there it was the Steph Freemantle-coached Strathfieldsaye which took charge.
Storm won the second, 12-7, and the third, 14-6.
A low-scoring final term went the way of the blue and gold, 5-4, but it was Strathfieldsaye which led 40-29 at the siren.
Kangaroo Flat had a rest in A-grade, but the Roos played Maryborough in the lower grades at Dower Park.
Sandhurst 170 per cent, 28 points; Gisborne 138, 28; Kangaroo Flat 180, 24; Strathfieldsaye 95, 20; Eaglehawk 78, 16; South Bendigo 78, 8; Golden Square 62, 8; Castlemaine 60, 4.
There will be no play on July 6 as the Bendigo FNL meets the Victorian Amateurs in the inter-league match at Elsternwick Park in Brighton.
Highlight of round 12 on July 13 will be Eaglehawk against Strathfieldsaye at Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park.
South Bendigo takes on Kangaroo Flat at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington’s Neale Street.
Golden Square meets Castlemaine at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.
It’s a rest for Gisborne in A-grade, but the Bulldogs will play Maryborough in the lower grades at Maryborough’s Princes Park.
Gisborne 45 d Sandhurst 33, Castlemaine 40 lt South Bendigo 41, Strathfieldsaye 45 d Golden Square 13, Kangaroo Flat 37 lt Maryborough 39, Eaglehawk had the bye.
Gisborne 39 lt Sandhurst 46, Castlemaine 35 lt South Bendigo 40, Strathfieldsaye 44 d Golden Square 26, Kangaroo Flat 58 d Maryborough 15, Eaglehawk had the bye.
Gisborne 31 lt Sandhurst 49, Castlemaine 17 lt South Bendigo 62, Strathfieldsaye 47 d Golden Square 20, Kangaroo Flat 68 d Maryborough 18, Eaglehawk had the bye.
Gisborne 35 lt Sandhurst 53, Castlemaine 37 lt South Bendigo 39, Strathfieldsaye 30 lt Golden Square 46, Kangaroo Flat 28 lt Maryborough 43, Eaglehawk had the bye.
Gisborne 201 per cent, 36 points; Strathfieldsaye 134, 32; Maryborough 109, 30; Sandhurst 123, 24; Kangaroo Flat 110, 22; South Bendigo 82, 16; Eaglehawk 70, 8; Castlemaine 69, 8; Golden Square 63, 0.
Gisborne 179 per cent, 32 points; Sandhurst 149, 32; Kangaroo Flat 145, 32; Strathfieldsaye 121, 28; South Bendigo 91, 18; Eaglehawk 85, 14; Castlemaine 77, 12; Golden Square 72, 0; Maryborough 44, 0.
Sandhurst 221 per cent, 40 points; Strathfieldsaye 136, 32; Gisborne 173, 28; South Bendigo 128, 24; Kangaroo Flat 120, 20; Eaglehawk 107, 16; Golden Square 65, 8; Castlemaine 55, 8; Maryborough 34, 0.
Sandhurst 242 per cent, 40 points; Golden Square 169, 36; Maryborough 111, 32; Castlemaine 100, 16; Gisborne 98, 16; South Bendigo 89, 16; Strathfieldsaye 93, 12; Eaglehawk 45, 8; 37, 0; Kangaroo Flat 40, 0.
The 22-year-old has started an online survey to gauge support for the idea
She has placed posters on bus stops encouraging travellers to use a QR code to vote in her online poll and has had more than 500 responses to date
Almost 80 per cent of respondents so far said they would use a Sunday bus service every week
"There are over 7000 residents in Strathfieldsaye and there are houses being built in the Imagine estate which is just a five-minute walk to the bus stop," Ms Spofforth said
A bus service runs from Strathfieldsaye to Bendigo (a trip of about 10 kilometres) six days a week
There are two buses running each day Monday to Friday ensuring residents can catch a ride every half-hour
Ms Spofforth believes a Sunday bus service would be well used
not only for people needing transport for work but also to visit friends and attend church services
"Buses are much better for the environment than private vehicles because they can carry more people at once and offers mobility for everyone in the community," she said
Ms Spofforth has also enlisted the help of Nationals' Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad who has raised the issue in Parliament
Emily Spofforth with Nationals' Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad promoting the bus campaign
Picture suppliedHigh profile support on board"I have urged the Minister for Public and Active Transport to look into the growing need for bus services in Strathfieldsaye on Sundays," Ms Broad said
"A large retirement village is currently being developed in Strathfieldsaye and the population has grown rapidly
with extensive residential housing development in the area
"Public transport services in the area need to be improved as many people do not drive and find it expensive to get a taxi
"I was shocked to learn that no public transport is available on Sundays."
Victorian Premier and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan said she would follow up the issue with people in Strathfieldsaye
"Bus services in a place like Bendigo will only continue to grow," she said during an address at the Rural Press Club of Victoria in Bendigo on Friday
Ms Allan said the government had looked over the years at expansions in Huntly