Tasmania sits in fifth place on the VFL ladder and victory next week will also give it the opportunity to finish in the top four so there will be plenty on the line for both sides. Should Bendigo go down, it will rely on top-of-the-table Port Melbourne beating Geelong for it to remain in the top eight.
The Bombers were outstanding in shocking conditions at Windy Hill on Saturday and it set up the win with a terrific first quarter. The Bombers trailed by three points at the first break but having kicked into a very strong wind, it clearly had the ascendancy. A four-goal second quarter saw them go into the main break with a 23-point lead – a more than handy margin given the conditions.
Andrew Lovett was the star for the Bendigo, handling the wet ball superbly. He kicked the all –important first goal of the game and worked hard at both ends. Having been elevated to the senior list last weekend, he will again be in line for senior selection.
Other good players for the Bombers included James Davies who played very well across half back and Sam Hunt who worked tirelessly deep in the back line. Jordan Doering and Nick Carter were good while Gary Moorcroft relished the ‘soft track’ as he has done for his entire career.
Sean Wellman got through his return game in good style and will be pushing for a return to the senior side. Damian Cupido and Ben Haynes both kicked two goals and were solid contributors without being outstanding.
