ANOTHER chapter in a growing rivalry between two of the top Heathcote District Football Netball League sides during the past two seasons will be added tomorrow.
Leitchville/Gunbower will be aiming for a seventh consecutive win of the season when the 2015 grand finalists host reigning premiers, North Bendigo at Gunbower.
The Bombers, who are third on the ladder after dropping the opening two games of the season, will aim to record their first victory against the Bulldogs since round nine last year.
Matt Hawken’s men will go into the game in ideal form, thanks to last weekend’s 100-point win against Elmore.
The Bulldogs – aiming for a fourth consecutive win against the Bombers – came from behind to defeat Huntly by seven points last weekend, with fatigue a potential barrier to recording an eighth win of the season.
Cam Ross will be the Bombers’ main selection dilemma, with the ruckman in doubt after suffering a knock to the knee last weekend, with a decision on his selection made last night.
“Players pushing for selection include Jason Dal Santo and Dan Meroli, who are both back from injury, Will Brereton, Jye Keath and Riley Keath,” coach, Matt Hawken said.
If Ross plays, he will link up with Lee Pollock to try and stop Ryan Gow and Brett Strange – who missed last weekend’s win against the Hawks – in the ruck.
Alex Shiphard will try to stop Matt Perri from leading the way in the Bombers’ forward line, with Tyson Findlay and Arryn Craig and to take on experienced Leitchville/Gunbower pair, Daniel Couwenberg and Tim Lincoln in the midfield.
“Limiting the supply to forwards Sam Barnes and Brady Herdman and or backman curbing their influence will be the key to winning the match,” Hawken said.
“Conditions are expected to be heavy as we play our second game in a row at Gunbower which has seen substantial rainfall during the past fortnight.”
The Bulldogs prevailed by 35 points in round one, with the Bombers unable to rebuild after a dominant opening half by the reigning premiers.
PREDICTION: Leitchville/Gunbower will win by six points.
OTHER HDFNL MATCHES: Heathcote v Elmore; Huntly v Colbinabbin; Mount Pleasant v Lockington Bamawm United. Bye – White Hills.
