LEITCHVILLE/GUNBOWER’S will open its 2016 Heathcote District Football Netball League premiership campaign tomorrow against the only side to have defeated last season’s grand finalists in 2015.
The Bombers will travel to Atkins Street Oval for the highly-anticipated opening round clash against reigning premiers, North Bendigo.
The Bulldogs were the only team to defeat the Bombers last season, with Leitchville/Gunbower’s two losses coming in a three-match period.
Leitchville/Gunbower defeated North Bendigo by 23 points at Atkins Street Oval in round nine last year, but lost to the Bulldogs by 32 points at Leitchville in round 18, as well as by 10 points in the grand final.
Both teams have rejuvenated their lists in readiness for a new season, with key players to make their debut tomorrow.
“I think both sides will be missing a few key players in round one so we won’t see both sides at their best. In saying that, it will be a good test of the depth of both teams early in the season,” Bombers coach, Matt Hawken said.
“Both teams have had some changes in personnel from last year’s grand final, but the bulk of the list remains intact.”
The Bombers will unveil new recruits Drew Bartram, Daniel Coates, Jason Dal Santo, Tom German, Matt Giorgianni, Brendan Meroli and Ryan Prendergast, who will aim to cover the loss of Brendan Hancock, Tom Shepherd and Jake Truefeldt.
Del Santo will give the Bombers extra ruck strength against a Bulldogs line-up that will miss last season’s grand final best on ground player, Troy Kelm.
Prendergast and Bartram will provide extra support in the back half of the ground, linking up with Hoby Bussey to contain a Bulldog forward line led by Brady Herdman, whilst young players Adam Decicco and Jackson McEwen will feed the ball to a strong Leitchville/Gunbower forward line that will feature 2015 leading goalkicker, Matthew Perri.
Hawken also predicted tomorrow’s side could include Will Brereton and Ayden Walton, who have produced strong pre-seasons following long-term injuries last year.
“Expect a high pressure contest, one with a lot of early mistakes,” he said.
“The team that settles quickly and uses the ball well will be hard to beat on the small confines at North Bendigo.”
PREDICTION: Leitchville/Gunbower will open its season with a 10-point win.
OTHER HDFNL MATCHES: Elmore v Heathcote; Lockington Bamawm United v Mount Pleasant; Colbinabbin v Huntly. Bye – White Hills.
