Lockington-Bamawm United’s reserves completed a hat-trick of Heathcote District Football League lower grade premierships for the Cats on Saturday. Photos: Jordan Townrow.
In what was another surprise result in the Heathcote District Football League lower grade grand finals on Saturday, Lockington-Bamawm United claimed the reserves premiership by beating a North Bendigo side that had been undefeated all year.
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The Cats only started to create separation between themselves and the Bulldogs in the second quarter at Strauch Reserve, though they had signalled warning signs in the first.
Forward Bart Phillips caused problems for the North Bendigo defence from the off, and was the only goal-kicker for LBU in the opening term as it took a 17-8 lead into quarter-time.
Lockington duo Bart Phillips and Jack Jansen celebrate a goal.
The Cats would then begin to exert total control of the contest in the second term, forcing the Bulldogs into turnovers with their forward pressure, and punishing them with goals.
Luke Saligari goaled first in the second quarter with a good finish that was helped by a strong breeze, before Phillips kicked his third, benefiting from a huge tackle by captain Paul van der Sluys that earned a holding-the-ball call.
Matt Cartwright tackles Billy Meade.
Another factor in the Cats turning the game in their favour was the work of Henry Peris and Jordan Cooper around stoppages, with the duo’s speed of movement and thought being too good for North Bendigo.
Lockington was up 5.6 (36) to 2.3 (15) at half-time, and although the Bulldogs goaled first in the second half as the third quarter began as an arm wrestle, the Cats again turned the momentum in their favour.
Henry Peris looks for the clean pickup on the run.
Their defensive efforts saw North Bendigo’s ball movement restricted, and laid the foundations for the forwards to flourish.
Phillips converted after taking a strong contested mark from a high kick into the pocket and then Matthew Cartwright executed a set-shot after winning a free kick.
Lockington had suddenly built a five-goal lead, which was momentarily down to four before Phillips continued his dominance with a fifth before three-quarter time.
James Yosiffidis watches the ball on to his boot.
The Cats entered the final quarter with a 30-point lead, and that increased to as much as 39 when Jack Jansen goaled after a clean pickup and dribble finish in the pocket on a tight angle.
Though LBU was effectively home, North Bendigo was never going to lie down, and it took advantage of a drop-off in intensity from the Cats down the stretch.
Paul Van Der Sluys with the kick.
The Bulldogs booted four straight majors to close the match, as the Cats failed to stick the occasional tackle.
LBU’s lead was cut to just 14 after Adal Zuk goaled for North Bendigo, and the Bulldogs started to push more numbers forward and increase risk in their ball use in a bid to pull off a miraculous late comeback.
Under the cosh until the end, the Cats made key tackles and took a few key contested marks down the stretch to take time off the clock and ultimately secure a hard-fought 9.15 (69) to 8.6 (54) victory.
Gavin Broad boots it forward from the centre.
“They’re always special,” Lockington coach Andrew Cochrane said when asked about the feeling of winning a premiership post-game.
“I’ve won a couple now, but they’re always awesome to win.
“Credit to the boys, there has been about 35 go through the reserves this year, they’ve stuck at it; I reckon there’s a lot of guys that missed today that could have played, and without them, it doesn’t happen.”
The Cats were not only underdogs due to North Bendigo’s 2026 dominance, but also because the defending premier had lost only once since the start of 2025.
Joel Felmingham takes the chest mark.
Cochrane felt a few pre-game factors ultimately worked in LBU’s favour on the day.
“Obviously Bart (Phillips) hasn’t played for six weeks, he’s our leading goal-kicker,” Cochrane said.
“He had a crook ankle, but we rolled the dice with him.
“I thought Jacob Haines down back on (Brodie) Thomson was outstanding too, so apart from that, I thought they’re not a tall side, so I thought our midfield and the ruck should dominate.
“If it was a dry day, it might be a different story because they’re a bit quicker than us, but I think the 10mm of rain helped us overnight.”
Cooper was named best on ground after his stellar performance, which was met with a roar of affection from the gathered Lockington faithful.
Clearly a fan favourite, the midfield maverick showed off with two back-flips upon hearing his name called, with the flag and medal also occurring on his birthday.
