Heathcote District: Mt Pleasant starts the season 3-0 with big win against Leitchville-Gunbower

All the action from Mt Pleasant and Leitchville-Gunbower in the Heathcote District league.

Mt Pleasant’s rapid rebound as a premiership contender in the Heathcote District league has been given a further boost with the unplanned on-field return of its 2023 flag coach Adam Baird.

After missing finals last season, Mounts are setting the early pace in 2025 with their latest win coming against Leitchville-Gunbower by 86 points on Saturday.

Baird has returned to Mt Pleasant from Kerang where co-coach Josh Hann has also been recruited from.

Mt Pleasant 2023 premiership coach Adam Baird returned from Kerang this year. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

But the club’s other co-coach Cameron Carter said an off-season focus had been regaining players lost in a talent exodus at the end of 2023.

“With the landscape of country footy these days, those one point players are pretty crucial,” he said.

“We targeted a lot of ex players to bring back.

“It’s early days, but we think we can compete.

“There are a couple of teams we haven’t played yet like Colbinabbin and North Bendigo, but they will come in the back half of the draw.”

Mt Pleasant’s Will Wallace is spoiled by Leitchville-Gunbower’s Bryce Barnstable. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Will Wallace has returned from VFL club Northern Bullants and Bryce Hinneberg, Luke Marchesi and Joe Bell are also back.

Baird planned to return in an off-field role only, but has had a recent change of heart.

“Initially he was going to come back and help out with our mids,” Carter said.

“We’ve got a pretty young midfield and he was happy to offer his experience in that area.

“But thankfully for us he will pull the boots on again.”

Carter said Hann, who played a starring role against Leitchville-Gunbower, was “leading from the front” out on the ground.

“He’s just a great person to have around the club,” Carter said.

“He’s really up and about.

“The boys love what he brings to the table, he’s full of energy and is one of those players who does all those little things you love players doing.”

Hann played in Sandhurst’s 2016 Bendigo league flag before being a premiership player at Kerang.

Mt Pleasant ruckman Chris Down starred against Leitchville-Gunbower. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Ruckman Chris Down was also important in the latest win along with forward Mitch Bennett, who booted six goals.

Mounts play Elmore next round with a showdown against second-placed North Bendigo the following week.

White Hills have gone from premier to 0-3 early in the season with their latest loss being a 170-point thrashing from North Bendigo.

Joey Bell prepares to dish off a handball for Mt Pleasant.

Riley McNamara and Brady Hore compete for a mark in Mt Pleasant-Leitchville-Gunbower clash.

Blake Dye takes the ball for Leitchville-Gunbower.

Jack Teasdale flies over a pack to mark strongly for Mt Pleasant.

Bailey White in celebration mode for Mt Pleasant.

Leitchville-Gunbower’s reigning Sam Cheatley Medal winner Jobee Warde soars for a mark.

Mt Pleasant’s Michael Whiting and Leitchville-Gunbower’s Darcy Elliott in pursuit of the ball.

Adam Baird flicks off a handball in his comeback match for Mt Pleasant.

Mt Pleasant’s Jack Teasdale lays a strong tackle on opponent Will Brereton.

Brodie Montague marks strongly on his chest for Mt Pleasant against Leitchville-Gunbower.

Bryce Hinneberg has returned to Mt Pleasant this season.

Mt Pleasant high flyer Deklan Wille pulls in a screamer.

Adam Baird made a comeback for Mt Pleasant on Saturday.