Sport
21 March, 2026
Bridgey bullish about young crop hopes
BRIDGEWATER and Macorna have got through their first practice matches unscathed, with both coaches happy with their squad’s hitouts.
The Mean Machine played at home against North Central premiers Calder United, coming up against a familiar face in a different guernsey.
Frank Harding medallist of 2024, Justin Laird, was having his first outing after joining the Lions from Bears Lagoon Serpentine in one of the biggest transfers of the summer.
Bridgewater coach Lachlan Sharp said the match was particularly useful for some of the club’s younger players, who got to test themselves against quality opposition.
He said there were 10 juniors who could potentially step up this season and was bullish about Bridgewater’s playing depth for 2026.
Wedderburn is next up for the Mean Machine on Saturday.
Macorna’s Fergus Payne said up to a dozen first-choice players were missing when the Tigers travelled to Elmore on Friday night. This had given a chance to younger players who had worked hard over the summer to have a trial match in which they could begin adapting to a new game plan.
Payne said the first quarter was chaotic, but the players did well thereafter. “It was the first time I’ve ever seen our guys under full pressure, and it was really good to see some of our kids show me their traits,” he said.
Four key recruits – Seb Erharter who came from Inglewood with Payne, Alex Cockerell from Boort, and Spiros Sklavenitis and Kieran Foley from Bentleigh – played and impressed the coach with their competitive debuts.
Macorna hosts Boort this Saturday, with Stanhope to come on March 28.
Inglewood’s 150th season celebrations officially start after practice games against Hepburn on Saturday when AFL chief Andrew Dillon is guest at a special function.
Next week sees all Loddon Valley teams in action, with highlights including Pyramid Hill’s annual practice match series to raise money for the local fire brigade, during which the Bulldogs will play Kerang.