COMPETITION for positions will ensure defending Heathcote District Football Netball League premiers, Leitchville/Gunbower go into tomorrow’s opening round match against rivals, North Bendigo at close to full strength.
New ruckman, Russell De Groot will be the only Bombers player unavailable for selection for the grand final rematch, with the side to unfurl its premiership flag prior to the opening siren at Leitchville.
The Bombers and Bulldogs have developed a strong rivalry in the past three seasons, with the teams winning five matches each in encounters since the start of the 2015 season.
North Bendigo won two of its three matches against the Bombers in 2015 and 2016 – including their last visit to the Leitchville Recreation Reserve in August 2015 – before Leitchville/Gunbower produced a three-game winning streak between July last year and the grand final.
“We know we have a target on our back as reigning premiers, but I am expecting a much tougher competition than in past seasons,” Bombers coach, Michael Pilcher said.
“Many of the bottom teams have recruited well and the teams near the top of the ladder may drop back to the pack.”
It will be a different looking Bulldogs outfit that will take to the field tomorrow compared to the side that the Bombers faced last September, with three of last season’s key forwards leaving the club during the summer.
Sam Barnes, Brady Herdman and Rhys Ford are all playing elsewhere in 2018, with the trio booting 186 goals between them last season.
Jeremy Mills – who returns to North Bendigo after last playing for the side in 2015 – and Tyson Findlay will need to kick multiple goals to give the visitors the chance to returning south with the points, but this may be difficult against the Ryan Prendergast-led back line.
“North Bendigo will need to look for wider horizons for avenues for goal, as they cannot rely on Brady Herman or Sam Barnes, meaning they may play more defensive. This is something we will need to be aware of,” Pilcher said.
Down the other end of the ground, Matt Perri will be the Bombers’ spearhead in front of goal, with either William Gunter or Callum Tardrew to take on last season’s leading goakicker.
The ruck duel between Pilcher and returning Bulldog Troy Kelm will be one of the battles of the day, but despite North Bendigo having a bulked up midfield compared to last season, the likes of Matt and Brad Ladson, Jack Gleeson and Matt Pollock will give the hosts the edge.
PREDICTION: Leitchville/Gunbower will win by 20 points.
