Match Previews | CASTLEMAINE and Golden Square will fight to avoid a nil-two start to the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy season when they meet on Good Friday at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve.

The clash of the Magpies and Bulldogs starts at 2.20pm.

Both teams were outpointed in the season opener.

The Michael Hartley-coached Castlemaine could not halt the run by reigning premier Sandhurst to a nine-goal victory at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Golden Square will be determined to hit back after a 10-goal loss to Eaglehawk on the Bulldogs’ turf in Wade Streeet.

There’s been plenty of positivity about Castlemaine’s prospects leading into this season.

After a sixth-placed finish and win-loss tally of seven-nine in ’24, Castlemaine fans are confident of a finals appearance.

The loss to Sandhurst showed Castlemaine’s coaching staff and players there is plenty of work to be done.

The Magpies go into this match without Josh Eyre, hamstring, and Kalan Huntly.

A talented on-ball and midfield in black and white includes Patrik Balta, Ryan Eyre, Hunter Staples, Matt Filo and Callum McConachy.

The versatility of captain Bailey Henderson who could play on-ball, across half-back or in attack is a huge plus.

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