Match Previews | St Kilda legend Leigh ‘Joey’ Montagna will inject 287 games of AFL experience into Castlemaine’s team for this Saturday’s round 16 action in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy season.

Montagna will play for Castlemaine as part of the Carlton Draught-backed Carlton Draft promotion.

A big crowd is expected to roll up at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve as the in-form Magpies take on Kangaroo Flat from 2.20pm.

Wins in its past two hit-outs against Eaglehawk, home, and Strathfieldsaye, away, has kept the Michael Hartley-coached Castlemaine in the hunt for a finals berth.

The Magpies start this round a win and significant percentage behind the fifth-placed Eaglehawk.

A hat-trick of victories has not been achieved by a Castlemaine team for many years.

That’s among the goals as it takes on the Kangaroos.

A dual All-Australian who played in three AFL grand finals across two seasons, Montagna is likely to start in attack for Castlemaine.

The Magpies also have the marking power of Hartley and Zac Greeves in the forward 50m arc.

Driving forces in Castlemaine’s winning run include Brodie Byrne, captain Bailey Henderson, Kalan Huntly, Callum McConachy, Zavier Murley, Harrison Sheahan, Declan Slingo and Liam Wilkinson.

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