In the lead-up to the 2018 local footy league seasons, SEN will be dissecting a number of competitions. Today, we take a look at the Bendigo Football League.
Super signings: Brad Eaton, Jayden Burke (Golden Square), Jake Ward, Gareth Bowes (Kyneton), Dylan Atkins, Fabian Brancatisano (Castlemaine), Jack Fallon, Dillon Williams (Eaglehawk), Jack James, Ross Celano (Gisborne), Tom Harbrow (Kangaroo Flat), Luke Bucknall (Maryborough), Josh Thurgood, Quade Johnstone (South Bendigo), Hugh Robertson (Strathfieldsaye), Daniel Connors, Jake Pallprat (Sandhurst).
Coaching merry-go-round: Clinton Young (Gisborne), Troy Coates (Strathfieldsaye), Andrew Collins (Sandhurst), Ben Lavars (Maryborough).
League Insider says:
Premier: Strathfieldsaye.
Watch out for: A retooled Gisborne to book its first finals ticket since 2014 as talents such as Ryan Baker and Jack Reaper come into their own.
SEN says:
Premier: Eaglehawk.
Watch out for: Kyneton to slide following the off-season departures of goalkickers Ben Weightman and Mitch Scholard, who slotted 151 majors between them in 2017.
As it was:
2017 ladder:
- Eaglehawk
- Strathfieldsaye (premier)
- Golden Square
- Sandhurst
- Kyneton
- South Bendigo
- Gisborne
- Kangaroo Flat
- Castlemaine
- Maryborough
As it will be?
Projected 2018 ladder:
- Strathfieldsaye
- Eaglehawk
- Sandhurst
- Golden Square
- Gisborne
- South Bendigo
- Kyneton
- Kangaroo Flat
- Maryborough
- Castlemaine
Just for openers:
Eaglehawk vs Strathfieldsaye (Saturday, April 14)
South Bendigo vs Sandhurst (Saturday, April 21)
Kyneton vs Strathfieldsaye (Saturday, April 28)