Matt Osborne thought Jindera was on the verge of something special when he returned from a stint with Caloundra last year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
While Osborne couldn’t play due to a shoulder injury he suffered in the 2015 elimination final against Noosa, he was a regular at matches and liked what he saw.
It was tough watching especially as Jindera charged into the grand final before losing to Brocklesby-Burrumbuttock.
“I reckon we’re in with a real shot of going all the way this season,” Osborne, 27, said.
“I got itchy feet watching the boys in the finals last year.
“When we decided to move back home, I was always going to go back to Jindera.
“It’s good to be five-zip but Saturday will tell us where we’re at against Brock-Burrum.”
Osborne is one of four players from Jindera’s 2011 premiership side still playing along with Tom Weldon, Nathan Chamings and Michael Blomley.
Despite missing 12 months, he has slotted straight back into the Bulldogs’ midfield and more than held his own.
“It’s a different looking side to when I left in 2013,” he said.
“I’m one of the older blokes now.
“We have some quick young blokes like Ryan Speed, Daniel Middleton, Julian Hayes and Will King and it’s been a good start to the season.”
Osborne, who arrived at Jindera as a 17-year-old after playing juniors at Lavington, is nearing 100 senior matches for the Bulldogs.
Brocklesby-Burrumbuttock is set to regain several players after last weekend’s inter-league bye with Nico Sedgwick shaping as a key inclusion.
The Saints were overpowered by unbeaten Osborne in their last outing and will be tested by Jindera’s young legs.
Osborne do battle with Henty at Osborne.
The Swampies have been waiting for a test to come along and tackling Matt Rava’s unbeaten Cats on their home turf is their biggest.
Brent Ohlin’s battle with Hayden Gleeson and Jamie Parr will be vital in the ruck while Marty Bahr and Heath Ohlin look set to tangle in the midfield.
Howlong and Murray Magpies clash at Howlong.
The Spiders have been winning without setting the world on fire and must step up to stay undefeated.
CDHBU will be looking to end their drought against Rand-Walbundrie-Walla at Rand.
The Power have been much better than the ladder suggests and Tim Cooper, Nathan Rhodes and Mick Collins will put the home team under enormous pressure.
Holbrook should open its winning account against Billabong Crows and Culcairn look too strong for Lockhart.