Bendigo will take form and confidence into this weekend's match. Over the past five weeks they have defeated Port Melbourne, Geelong, Springvale, Werribee and Sandringham - four of these sides are above Bendigo on the ladder. In its remaining four matches Bendigo faces two teams in the top eight and development coach David Flood said to be assured of a finals berth the team needs to win all four games. ""The bottom line is we just need to keep winning if we want to make the finals. The aim is to make the finals, but the pleasing thing has been how the team has continued to work hard and improve as the season has progressed. Peter Banfield has done a great job with bringing the two groups of players together,"" Flood said.
Several Essendon players were unlucky to miss senior selection after strong performances for Bendigo last week. Ted Richards was close to best on ground kicking five goals against Sandringham and looked certain to be rewarded with a senior recall. However, the 20-year-old will take his spot this week for Bendigo. ""Ted was fantastic for us last week. He has been working really hard on the track, so it is great to see him in such good form. He provides a solid marking target for the team at centre half forward and his second and third efforts always gives us opportunities,"" Flood said.
Cory McGrath has been one of Bendigo's most consistent performers this season. He finished with 27 disposals last week and his form continues to put him in contention for senior selection. ""Cory's work rate has been fantastic this season. He always has a good attitude and is a fine example for our young players,"" Flood said. Paul Barnard returns to the Bendigo team this week after being relegated from the seniors. Flood said it is always good to get experienced players back into the team. ""Barney has been a fantastic influence on the younger players and his inclusion definitely strengthens the line-up,"" Flood said.
Youngster Darren Walsh continues to improve this season. He has been playing on the wing and Flood said the 18-year-old has plenty of pace. ""Darren has a big future with the club. His speed is one of his biggest assets and he also has good skills."" Another player that has been in career best form this season in rookie Ken Hall. He is in peak physical condition and has been playing through the mid-field. ""Ken is the best shape I have seen him in. He is playing better footy than this time last year when he played his first senior game.""
Bendigo Bombers team:
B: Lovett-Murray, Hunt, T. McGrath
HB: Howard, Henneman, Davies
C: Forster-Knight, C.McGrath, Walsh
HF: Cail, Laycock, Richards
F: M.Brown, Barnard, Hall
Ruck: O'Keefe, Harvey, Carter
Int: Johns, Cartledge, Rosa. Hawkins, Bowen, Doherty, Bovalino, Jones
Northern Bullants team:
B: Watson, Manton, Simpson
HB: Gibson, Merrington, Zorzi
C: O'Keeffe, Penn, Vansittart
HF: Eccles, Matthews, Stinear
F: French, Sautner, Sporn
Ruck: Allan, Fletcher, Plunkett
Int from: McKenzie, Hedge, Saad, Croad, Raso, Stevenson, Summers, Ramsay.
