Bombers stun Bulldogs to clinch grand final berth

By Oliver Shedden

Sep 1, 2024

Blake Dye was key for L-G, kicking three goals in their win over North Bendigo. Photo: Aidan Briggs Photo by Aidan Briggs

Leitchville-Gunbower has overcome their poor season record against North Bendigo when it matters most to lock in a date with the Demons in the HDFL grand final.

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The Bombers had something to prove to make it to the big dance, having been bested by North Bendigo in all three of their match-ups in 2024. Yet the deficit decreased between the two in each contest, boding well for L-G.

Despite the Bombers’ best efforts, North Bendigo managed to get in front at the end of the first quarter. Both teams kicked three goals each, but the Bulldogs’ extra chances gave them a three-point lead at the first break.

However, L-G proved to be the more consistent side of the two, getting more scoring chances this time around. It kicked another trio of maximums and five behinds while holding the Bulldogs to a pair of goals and three behinds, taking a six-point lead at the half.

Much like the first, the third term was a more even-keeled stretch. Both teams drilled three maximums, with North Bendigo squeezing out an extra two behinds to bring L-G’s lead to just four heading into the final frame.

Similarly to the second quarter, the Bulldogs slumped where it mattered, notching only a pair of goals and a behind to finish their day.

Meanwhile, consistency proved key for the Bombers, whose four-goal barrage in the final stretch was their best scoring effort of the game. It granted them a 19-point win and sweet vindication against a side that had their number all season.

The final score was L-G 13.13 (72) to L-G 10.12 (91).

Blake Dye and Billy Hawken, the dynamic scoring duo, combined for six goals in the game, while Fraser Buchanan and Lachlan Sverns had handy cameos, goaling two apiece.

Hawken was named in the Bombers’ best alongside Jye Keath, James Brereton, Jobee Warde, Christopher Horman and Bradley Green for their contributions in the match.

For the first time since 2018, Leitchville-Gunbower will appear in the HDFL grand final, where they will come into the clash as underdogs against league leaders White Hills.

Can the Bombers best the dominant Demons and complete a HDFL fairytale? We will find out on Saturday, September 7, at Strauch Reserve. The first bounce is scheduled for 2.20pm.