Match Previews | A clash of Saints and Bulldogs highlights Saturday’s 17th round of senior footy in the Bendigo Bank Heathcote DFNL season when Heathcote hosts North Bendigo.

Heat will be high as first takes on second on Heathcote’s turf at Pigeon Park in Barrack Reserve from 2.30pm.

The ladder-leading Heathcote is unbeaten at home this season and the Rob Bennett-coached North Bendigo is one of just two teams who have beaten the Saints.

Among the leading contenders for the Sam Cheatley Medal as league fairest and best are Heathcote star Braden Padmore and North Bendigo midfielder Nic Waterson.

When these clubs met in round eight it was the Bulldogs who took charge in the third quarter on their way to a 98-81 victory at Hibo Hotel Oval in Atkins Street.

The Andrew Saladino-coached Saints have since won six in a row.

The league’s top two are stacked with plenty of scoring power, so pressure through the midfield and on-ball contests will be a priority.

Click here to read the full article