Rivalries, finals battles and grand final replays headline Bendigo’s fixture release

We’ve cast our eyes over the 2023 Bendigo Football Netball League fixture to find the 10 must-watch games.

Bendigo football fans received the ideal Christmas present this week with the announcement of next year’s BFNL fixtures.

Teams will play 18 games before finals with the season starting on April 15 and the grand final to be held on September 23.

You can view the draw here.

But what are the standout games to look out for and which game must you mark on your calendar?

We list 10 you can’t miss.

Gisborne v Strathfieldsaye – Round 1

We won’t have to wait long for the best two teams of last season to face each other. The two grand finalists battle in round one with the Storm looking to bounce back over the Bulldogs. Gisborne has had the last laugh recently, winning four of the past six contests between the two teams, dating back to 2020. With both teams retaining most of their players from last year, another epic battle is expected.

Maryborough v Castlemaine – Round 1

The two Magpies teams battle each other in what could be a crucial match to start the season. Both teams have been at the bottom in the past few years with the opening round a chance for one team, at least, to be inside the top five for a period of time. It could provide a boost to get a team’s season on track. For Maryborough, it might be their best chance early on to break their winless streak in the competition. It currently stands at 28 with their last win coming against Castlemaine in 2020.

Sandhurst v Golden Square – Round 3

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the two teams battling in the 1973 grand final, which Sandhurst won. From 1973 to 1979 both teams would face each other in five grand finals with the Dragons winning three and Golden Square winning two. It was a rivalry for the ages. Expect their battle in round three to be similar as celebrations are held for the anniversary. With both teams also strong last year and plenty expected this year, it could be a good battle on the field as well.

South Bendigo v Sandhurst – Round 5

Sandhurst Dragons player Andrew Collins. The team will play some important matches next season. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

There could be plenty in this contest as the two finalists face each other. In the two contests during last season, the margin was less than 10 points as South Bendigo won both matches. The Bloods then smashed the Dragons in the finals by 59 points to win their first final in a decade. Sandhurst is sure to have this game on its radar as a must-win next year.

Kyneton v Castlemaine – Round 6

The two country rivals will renew their battle early in the season with the Magpies looking for their first win against the Tigers since 2016. Since then the Tigers have had the upper hand, winning 10 in a row. The teams will battle for the Des Kelly Memorial Challenge Cup.

Kangaroo Flat v Golden Square – Round 9

The two teams geographically are rivals but on the field it is anything like it at the moment. Kangaroo Flat will be looking for their first win in years over Golden Square in the BFNL. Not since 2001 have the Kangaroos defeated the Bulldogs in the competition. In matches, it is an incredible 37 in a row. Can Kangaroo Flat cause an upset in 2023?

Kyneton v Golden Square – Round 10

Will Nicholas Brazil and Kyneton celebrate next season? Picture Yuri Kouzmin

In the two contests last year between the two teams, both were decided by less than 10 points. Kyneton won their first contest by seven points with Golden Square beating the Tigers by eight points towards the end of the season. With both teams expected to be in the hunt for finals next season, expect another tough tussle between the two.

Sandhurst v Kyneton – Round 11

Last year only percentage separated both teams from finals with Sandhurst getting the edge of Kyneton. The Tigers, coached by former Geelong premiership great Paul Chapman, will be looking to make amends and will have this game marked as one to win to get into finals this season.

Eaglehawk v Strathfieldsaye – Round 14

New Eaglehawk recruit Kallen Geary will face his former team, Strathfieldsaye, twice next year but the focus is on the round 14 clash. It could be an important clash for the team as it battles for finals. Can the Geary brothers, if former Saint Jarryn Geary plays, deliver an important win against one of the premier teams in the competition?

Sandhurst v Eaglehawk – Round 18

Last season both teams needed wins in the final round to make the finals. Next year both teams face each other in the final round, which could be a decisive match in deciding the top five. Expect it to be a close contest with both matches this year decided by less than 20 points. The match, between two foundations clubs, could be one of the battles to watch out for in the last few rounds.