Lockington-Bamawm United pushed North Bendigo all the way in its Heathcote District Football League semi-final, falling by eight points. Photos: Christian Marchetti.
Lockington-Bamawm United’s 2026 season was ended in heartbreaking fashion by North Bendigo in the second week of the Heathcote District Football League finals series.
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The Cats were underdogs facing last year’s runner-up at Toolleen Recreation Reserve, but stayed right in the contest throughout a fierce, high-octane four quarters.
Lockington’s Tyler Phillips is tackled by North Bendigo’s Liam Dillon.
North Bendigo made the better start, kicking four goals to three in the opening term, and there were ominous signs for LBU as the Bulldogs created five more scoring shots.
But an even second period saw both sides kick the same score, 3.2, with the Bulldogs maintaining their 10-point quarter-time buffer at half-time, leading 7.8 (50) to 6.4 (40).
Noah Filo is caught holding the ball in a tackle from James Brentnall.
Lockington took control of its contest against Heathcote in the first week of finals during the third quarter, and seemed set to do the same in Toolleen.
The Cats came firing out of the blocks in the second half, booting the first three majors to suddenly lead by eight points early in the third term.
Nick Smart watches the ball on to his boot.
But they were unable to add any more in the period after the early flurry, with North Bendigo quickly responding.
The Bulldogs booted the next three to reinstate their lead, going into the final quarter up 68-60.
LBU needed to make another push to start the fourth but instead fell further behind, as its higher ranked opponent was up 76-62 early in the period.
Jordan Hargreaves and Tyler Phillips in the ruck contest.
Each time Lockington seemed set to make inroads into the margin, the Bulldogs found a quick response, later leading 88-74 down the stretch.
The Cats would eventually make their move, but they’d fall agonisingly short of a miraculous turnaround in the dying stages.
Patrick Keele looks to block Jordan Ford’s handball.
Brady Trotman executed an effort from distance that cut the margin to eight, and LBU won the centre clearance from the following bounce.
It found Nick Smart in the forward line, who quickly converted a set shot to suddenly put the Cats down only two points with just over two minutes on the clock.
Dylan Klemm crashes in for a huge spoil over Eddie Dudley.
Unfortunately for LBU, the Bulldogs won the next centre clearance, and the ball eventually found Liam Dillon in the forward line, who expertly slotted a sealing goal to end Lockington’s late surge.
Jordan Ford shrugs off Brodie Collins’ attempted tackle.
The 13.8 (86) to 14.10 (94) loss for the Cats brought their improved campaign to a close.
Jayden Howe’s side finished up only two wins from a grand final, having only just ended a four-year hiatus from the post-season altogether.
Lockington-Bamawm United: Brayden Hull 3, Charlie Hinks 2, Thomas Leech 2, Tyler Phillips 2, Edward Brentnall, Jack O’Callaghan, Nick Smart, Brady Trotman
North Bendigo: Jake Dean 3, Cody Riddick 3, Liam Dillon 2, Ryan Hartley 2, Dylan Klemm 2, Ryan Alford, Jordan Ford
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