sport
Bendigo Teams Prepare for Crucial Basketball and Football Clashes
Previews highlight defensive form, coaching changes and upcoming derbies for local sides.
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The Bendigo Spirit women's basketball team enters the WNBL20 campaign after finishing the previous season with an equal-worst record of 5 wins and 16 losses, relying on key players Carley Ernst and Tessa Lavey to drive improvement.
Bendigo Spirit WNBL outlook
The side's recent record places emphasis on building consistency in the new campaign, with Ernst and Lavey providing experience in the WNBL lineup. This preparation aligns with broader league developments where defensive structures are tested early.
U18 defensive strength on show
Bendigo rivals the league's best defense in the WNBL U18 competition by surrendering only 68 points per contest, a mark that will be examined when the team faces the Jayco Rangers at Bendigo Stadium.
Regional football blockbuster
In regional football the Strathfieldsaye Storm, sitting third, host the Gisborne Bulldogs, who occupy first place, in a Round 12 match at Triple M Park following a bye week for the Storm.
South Bendigo overhaul details
The 2025 South Bendigo Football Netball Club season features new co-coaches Jack Fallon and Troy Coates guiding a group that includes major recruits Josh Nitschke and Macgregor Cameron, reflecting an off-season focus on roster and leadership renewal.
Netball pre-season at Red Energy Arena
The upcoming 2026 Suncorp Super Netball pre-season includes an inaugural standalone derby between the Melbourne Vixens and Melbourne Mavericks at Red Energy Arena in Bendigo, giving local fans an early look at high-level netball action.
These fixtures provide the immediate on-field context for Bendigo teams as schedules progress through their respective competitions.