The Grasshoppers are a real chance to go through the entirety of the home-and-away season unbeaten after extending their winning streak to 15 thanks to a dominant showing over finals-bound Huntly
For a team heading into the finals, the Hawks didn’t look in the contest as Colbinabbin not only dominated possession but doubled Huntly’s score.
You can’t knock the Hawks for their performance too much, they still managed 40 goals across four quarters, but the sheer velocity at which Colbo was scoring was untouchable.
The Grasshoppers ended their day with 81 goals to their name, which isn’t even close to their highest total for the season — that honour belongs to the 98 goals they dropped on L-G in round 13.
Regardless, Colbo looks to be an unstoppable force in 2025 with Mount Pleasant the only team standing in the way of a perfect home-and-away season record.
Lockington-Bamawm United v North Bendigo
Despite its recent form and good start to round 17, LBU couldn’t cut it against North Bendigo once the Bulldogs got going.
Hosting North Bendigo at Lockington Recreation Reserve, the Cats started strongly, finding the net seven times while limiting the Bulldogs’ flow to 10.
Unfortunately, that form was unable to last as North Bendigo exploded for 15 goals in the second period and almost completely shut down LBU’s attack, with the host adding four goals to the tally by the half-time whistle.
The Cats looked much stronger in the second half, outscoring the Bulldogs nine goals to eight to shave the visitors’ lead to 13 with a quarter to play.
LBU managed to put in another nine-goal performance down the stretch, but it was to no avail as North Bendigo nailed a staggering 17 goals in the final quarter to sink the host.
The final score was 29-50.
With two wins to their name, the Cats won’t be playing A-grade finals in 2025, but will look to finish their season on a high note when they play the flag-contending Demons at White Hills Recreation Reserve in round 18.
Leitchville-Gunbower v Elmore
Despite losing to the Bloods, the Bombers put up a good fight at Gunbower Recreation Reserve.
With Elmore sitting fourth on the ladder and locked in to contend for the flag, it was no wonder it got a win over an L-G side with three wins to its name.
However, it wasn’t easing pickings, as the Bombers kept up with the Bloods for the majority of the contest.
Unfortunately for lovers of an underdog story, it wasn’t to be for L-G, which found itself 15 goals short of Elmore in round 17.
The final score was 44-59.
The Bloods will have the final bye of the home-and-away season in round 18 before the finals, while the Bombers will play their last game against the Bulldogs at North Bendigo Oval.
