FULL-FORWARD Mitchell Pickering put in a pearler on Saturday.
The Inglewood youngster booted 12 goals in the Blues’ 164-point victory over Pyramid Hill.
Pickering’s marking skills in front of goal at Mitchell Park produced the first “bag” of the six-team junior competition this season.
“There could have been more goals beside his name but Mitchell showed he is a real team player, his smart handballing helping mates also kick goals,” said Inglewood junior coach Leigh Lamprell.
Pickering, a Year 11 student at East Loddon P12 College, is in his first season with the Blues after a couple of seasons with Marong under 16s in the Bendigo junior competition.
“Inglewood is home, my mates are there and it made sense to go into the next age group with the Blues,” Pickering said.
Pickering has now kicked 23 goals for the season and has been a regular in Inglewood’s best players.
While he has been used as an on-baller at times, Pickering said he enjoyed played at fill-forward.
This season has seen Maiden Gully return to the Loddon Valley competition and the Eagles are on top of the ladder after five rounds. Marong and the Eagles are undefeated while Inglewood has dropped just one game.
According to Lamprell, the return to a six-side junior league has been good for the league. “And all teams have good numbers this year ... that’s another plus for football in the Loddon Valley. 
- CHRIS EARL