LEITCHVILLE/GUNBOWER will take to the field tomorrow for the first time since last season’s Heathcote District Football Netball League grand final loss to North Bendigo.
The Bombers go into their opening round match against Colbinabbin at the Leitchville Recreation Reserve as strong favourites, thanks to a 7-2 record against the Grasshoppers in the past four seasons.
Matt Hawken’s men have gone through yet another rejuvenation, with eight of last season’s grand final side finding new homes in the pre-season, but a number of key inclusions will be pivotal during the season.
The return of Mitch Bruns, Joel Donehue and Matt Pollock will give Hawken extra options to choose from, with assistant coach, Michael Pilcher – who played in the ruck during Strathfieldsaye’s 2014 and 2015 Bendigo Football Netball League premiership victories – to fill the void left by Cam Ross.
The recruiting of Brad and Matt Ladson from neighbouring Golden Rivers Football League side, Macorna will boost the midfield, whilst Matt Perri could have another big season in front of goal after kicking 81 goals in 2016.
The prospect of Bruns and Matt Ladson controlling the Bombers’ half-back line would be a concern for Grasshoppers coach, Nick Knight, with new recruits, Jordan Wilson and Mitch Booth to headline the visitors’ midfield.
However, it is the retirement of renowned forward, Grant Weeks that will give the Bombers a significant advantage tomorrow.
The spearhead had to give the game away earlier this year following a back injury, leaving Knight with the challenge of finding new goalkicking options.
The Bombers defeated the Grasshoppers by 34 points when the teams last met in round 11, 2016, with Colbinabbin’s 41-point win almost 12 month to the day being the last time Leitchville/Gunbower has lost a home and away match.
PREDICTION: Leitchville/Gunbower will win by 30 points.
