Match Previews | BRIDGEWATER will be striving to deny Marong a fourth consecutive senior footy premiership on Saturday when they clash in the Bendigo Bank Loddon Valley FNL grand final in Newbridge.

The Mean Machine and Panthers will fight for glory from 2.30pm at Deepcore Drilling Riverside Oval.

An eight-point by Bridgewater against Marong in the second semi-final at Gadsden Finance Serpentine Reserve meant the Mean Machine earned a week’s rest.

The Mean Machine powered to a 120-76 win against Pyramid Hill in the qualifying final.

Marong struck back to win last Saturday’s preliminary final against Inglewood at Calivil by 61 points.

It was one-all in the home-and-away series between the grand finalists.

Marong scored a nine-goal win at Bridgewater in the fourth round.

A 13-match winning streak for Bridgewater includes the 99-70 victory in round 13 in the Panthrs’ den at Jackal Oval in Malone Park.

There will be many crucial match-ups in the grand final.

The ‘X-factor’ for Bridgewater is coach Lachie Sharp who has already earnt the Harding Medal as league fairest and best, and also passed the century mark once again to be back-to-back winner in the goalkicking race.

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