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BELMONT has recorded its third win in a row, in what is unfolding as a very promising second half to the year.
Key victories against Inverleigh and now a 34-point victory over Geelong West on the road have coach David McKiernan confident the young group has turned the corner as the nucleus of a successful club continues to develop.
“I said when I first got appointed to the club, I want to build for today but tomorrow also,” McKiernan said.
“To win the last three games, you’ve got to say they’ve turned the corner as a club.
“We’ve got to continue to work hard to develop; we want to get to that successful side but are we anywhere near a Bell Post Hill or North Geelong? No. We might be a year off, we might be two, but the pleasing thing is that these guys want to get to that.
“I think we’re heading that way. We won’t get ahead of ourselves by any means ... we’ll develop the club and the work ethic to continue winning.”
Anakie vs. Werribee Centrals
A tight contest for the opening three quarters until the Centrals broke the game open to claim a valuable 23-point victory. Given its percentage it remains well in contention for the top five despite sitting seventh on the ladder. Brad McNicol and Matt Smith the Centrals best.
Bell Post Hill vs. Corio
Bell Post Hill obliterated the Devils for the second time in 2014. A relentless four-quarter performance by the ladder-leaders rewarded it with a mammoth 136-point victory. Justin Tarr booted four goals, topping the list of 13 goal kickers while Daniel Walve was the Panthers best as he continues his quality form.
Winchelsea vs. North Geelong
North Geelong put in another dominant effort, inflicting another loss on Winchelsea as finals action is quickly escaping it given the Blues extremely tough run home. While North Geelong have the luxury of casting an eye towards finals already, sitting 11-2 and set for another tilt at the premiership.
East Geelong vs. Inverleigh
A big victory for the Eagles as it closes in on the top three, now just one game off the Hawks after its convincing 55-point win. East Geelong produced a great first half and continued on with the momentum throughout the match; Tyler Jones kicked five goals while experienced midfielder Kaine Marsh was influential.
Bannockburn vs. Thomson
An inaccurate first quarter as Bannockburn kicked 1.7 to nothing before keeping Thomson goal-less for the first half and taking a five-goal lead into the main change. Thomson fought back hard in the third but the class of Bannockburn prevailed with a massive last term kicking 4.9, now marginally outside the top five.
RACE TO THE FINALS
With five rounds to go the GDFL ladder looks to again be going down to the final moments of round 18.
The top two Bell Post Hill and North Geelong are clear cut but East Geelong and Inverleigh are in a close battle to claim the remaining top three position while three other clubs fight for finals action.
Winchelsea, Bannockburn and Werribee are all in strong contention with just a game and marginal percentage separating the three.
