Match Previews | It's a must-win situation for South Bendigo against Eaglehawk in Saturday’s ninth round of senior footy in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

Knocked out by Eaglehawk in last year’s elimination final, South Bendigo’s hopes of a top-five finish could be dashed by the halfway mark of this season.

The Steven Stroobants and Isaiah Miller-coached Bloods go into Saturday’s clash at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington on a win-loss tally of two-five and in seventh place.

The Bloods are two wins and significant percentage behind the fourth and fifth-placed Eaglehawk and Golden Square.

Both of South Bendigo’s wins have been at Kennington, but Eaglehawk is a strong opponent.

Pressure from the Bloods will have to be high to halt the Hawks’ run.

It’s a markedly different team South Bendigo has to take on Eaglehawk than last year’s elimination final.

The Bloods still have ruck-rover Brody Haddow, captain Zac Hare, gun forward Brock Harvey, Tait Poyser and Will McCaig.

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