Bendigo’s first match of the 2012 VFL is going to be a much closer contest than experts would have predicted this time a year ago. The wooden spooners of 2011 have improved on their efforts of the previous season, and now appear to be a more structured and competitive football side as Mitchell Woods reports.
The easy beats of yesteryear embarked on a strong recruiting drive in the off-season, recruiting Casey forwards Ben Waite and Jarrod Matheson to boost their attacking prowess. With a solid pre-season under the belt and a close encounter with last year’s reigning premiers in their opening clash of the season, their sights are set on becoming a much more competitive outfit in 2012.
Bendigo take note - the men from the bayside town have shed the dreaded tag of ‘VFL easy beats’.
The Dolphins stuck with the reigning premiers for three quarters of last week’s match; an anecdote unheard of in recent years. Their willingness to use the ball laterally by hand or foot, their continual spread from stoppages, and their will to break the lines with powerful running, is a sight Frankston supporters are hoping is all a more common occurrence in season 2012.
Luke Potts was instrumental through the midfield while Shaun Marusic was a pillar of strength down back, showing his class and maturity early on in the season. Simon Goosey, now in his third season at the helm, will be hoping his stars are firing again on all fronts for Sunday afternoon’s game.
The newly nicknamed Bendigo Gold on the other hand, will look to start of their premiership season with a win away from home before they meet the reigning premiers in their Round 3 clash. Their most notable off-season signing, Hawthorn premiership player Rick Ladson, will add class and an ever penetrating left boot to the Bombers midfield. Ladson, who was on the radar of the GWS late last year, will be instrumental with his use of the football and must be earmarked by Frankston Coach Simon Goosey, as the ‘man to stop’ for the Gold.
Bendigo appears to have the edge in the ruck division with Bellchambers and former Richmond listed player Dean Putt clearly boasting greater size and experience. The Bombers will look to exploit the inexperienced ‘Patty’ Ngongo and will aim to get first use of the ball down to their notable stars in Reimers, Davey and the consistent full-forward, Matthew Little. If the Gold can gain first use of the ball and release to their players with genuine leg speed, the Dolphins will be hard pressed to stop the charge.
Expect a close contest on Sunday afternoon as Frankston aim to improve on an ‘honourable’ performance against Port Melbourne last weekend. Has Simon Goosey turned the ‘Easybeats’ of the competition into a genuinely competitive side capable of playing finals? Will Bendigo improve and cement a top four position? All will be revealed come 2.00pm on Sunday
Prediction: The Gold by 4 points in a heart-stopper
Last Modified on 30/03/2012 19:59