Eye on the future': New-look Bendigo Pioneers snap program's losing streak

Bendigo Pioneers ended a five-game losing streak with their first program win since April 26, defeating the Murray Bushrangers in Round 15 of the Talent League. The club’s under-16 strategy paid off in Shepparton, where Bendigo won 19.10 (124) to 13.9 (87). Coach Danny O’Bree said prioritizing 16- and 17-year-olds in selection meant some older players missed out, while still giving a majority of those debuted the previous week an opportunity to play. Several players earned maiden Pioneers wins, including Ashton Gowers, Aydan Hand, Charlie Sutton, Nate Wade, Paddy Connelly and Jackson Butterworth, after debuting in a prior 118-point loss to Gippsland Power. Max Thompson led with six goals as Bendigo trailed at the main break but kicked four goals in six minutes in the third term and added two early in the last to pull away. Bendigo returns to the QEO Saturday afternoon against the Geelong Falcons before the mid-year break, and O’Bree also coached the girls, who lost 15.10 (100) to 2.2 (14).