Geelong Advertiser |
INVERLEIGH scored the upset of the season against reigning premiers North Geelong, Queenscliff proved too powerful for Drysdale and Colac made it two from two with a win over St Josephs. Weve got your league covered.
GFL
COLAC continued its giant-killing run, holding off a gallant St Joseph’s to win by 11 points.
The Tigers backed up their upset win over Grovedale, beating Joeys at Central Reserve 13.8 (86) to 11.9 (75).
Colac football manager Chris McGuane stopped short of labelling the win as the Tigers’ best this season.
“To back up after last week and get our defensive game up and running was fantastic,” McGuane said.
“It’s important that you come with the right attitude. If you’re 10 per cent off you get beaten.”
Colac set up the win with a dominant first quarter, booting 6.5 to 1.2.
Joeys stormed back in the third quarter with the first four goals, and won the last term three-goals-to-two, but fell short.
“It was a really good game of footy by both sides,” McGuane said.
James Rowan was impressive for the Tigers down back, while Micah Buchanan produced his best match for the season, according to McGuane.
GROVEDALE bounced back from its thrashing at the hands of Colac, upstaging ladder-leader St Mary’s.
The Tigers inflicted the Saints’ first defeat from eight games, with a 28-point win at Kardinia Park West.
Grovedale coach Grant Tanner was pleased with the result, with a dominant second half securing the points.
“We mixed things up a bit this week, we made five changes and mixed things up with our structures and it worked quite well,” Tanner said.
“I thought we controlled the game for most of it, it was played on our terms, which is important.
“They were probably going to struggle to get us at any stage I would have thought.”
St Mary’s coach Rob Condy admitted the visitors were far too strong after the main break.
“If you look at it at half-time, we were in the game,” Condy said.
“After half-time Grovedale came out and set the standard and we didn’t meet it.
“I think it shows where we are at.”
LEOPOLD has skipped to second on the GFL ladder, thanks to a comfortable 74-point win over Geelong West-St Peter’s.
The Lions, fourth entering today’s clash against the Roosters, climbed two places on the back of Colac’s 11-point win against St Joseph’s.
Leopold is undefeated through five weeks and coach Steve Clark was pleased post match.
“You can physically see our effort by looking at the ladder, but it’s not something that we talk about during the week,” Clark said.
Roosters coach Terry Bright took positives from the loss.
“We looked at our game next week against Lara and we wanted to come off the ground winning the last quarter. I’m happy to say we did just that.”
IN other matches, a gallant St Albans went down to NEWTOWN & CHILWELL by 14 points at St Albans Reserve, SOUTH BARWON produced a dominate second half to thrash Lara by 71 points and Bell Park kept its slim finals hopes alive with a 35-point win over North Shore.
GDFL
INVERLEIGH coach Mark McDowell has described today’s upset over reigning premier North Geelong as “a game changer”.
The Hawks stunned the competition, upstaging the highly fancied Magpies on their home turf at Keith Barclay oval, winning by 32 points.
“Today just before the game I felt that they were going to put in a good performance, I could just see it in them that they were really looking forward to it, they weren’t scared of it,” McDowell said post match.
“It’s a crucial win. I think in the end we just out worked them, we tackled harder, harassed more.”
Inverleigh led by 17 points at the first change, forcing Magpies coach Darren Ryan to change tactics and demand his players go back to basics.
The two teams split the second quarter with two goals apiece, but a six-goal-to-nil third term from the Hawks blew the match wide open.
North Geelong dominated the final quarter but managed only five behinds, with James Huybens putting the icing on the cake with a memorial goal.
The Hawks have now climbed to equal second on the ladder with the Magpies.
They sit two games behind BELL POST HILL, who recorded a 69-point win over Belmont Lions.
In the match of the round, WERRIBEE CENTRALS inflicted more pain on East Geelong, with a stirring come-from-behind win at Galvin Park.
Trailing by 11 points at quarter time, 25 points at half-time and 19-points at the final change, the Centurions stormed home to steal an eight-point win.
In other matches, ANAKIE downed Thomson by 60 points, WINCHELSEA won the battle between fifth and sixth against Geelong West by 21 points at Eastern Reserve and BANNOCKBURN recorded a 23-point win against Corio.
BFL
DRYSDALE coach John Fitzgerald as adamant his team can bounce back from today’s loss to Queenscliff.
Fitzgerald admitted the Hawks were sorely beating in the midfield, going down to the Coutas by 49 points.
It is Drysdale’s second successive loss but the coach is not worried about his teams’ campaign.
“I don’t know if it (the loss) strikes fear, but it’s not ideal,” Fitzgerald said post match.
“I think we were a lot better this week than we were last week; we were a lot more competitive for longer this week and we really did have our chances.
“In the context of the whole day they had probably 20 minutes in the third quarter where they were all over us. Their midfield was just too good for us.
“If you go into the last quarter and you’re six or seven goals down, you’ve got to have everything go right, you can’t miss and it’s pretty hard to peg that back.”
Fitzgerald said his team was motivated to perform after being thrashed by the Tigers last round.
“I think to some extent our level of effort was pretty good,” he said.
“We’re just not as skilful as probably the teams we’ve played the last two weeks. Next week will be another challenge for us as well. Ocean Grove are flying and playing really good footy, and they beat us the first time round, again used the ball a lot better than us.”
Coutas coach Tom Limb was rapt with his teams’ performance.
“We felt like we were starting to get back on track after that win against Torquay,” he said.
“Credit to the way Modewarre played … they really took it up to us and hurt us that game, and beat us. We needed to reset, so probably our last four weeks — apart from that Modewarre game — we’ve really been pretty happy with where we’re at.
“The guys really had a crack today and that’s all you can ask. They ‘bodylined’ the ball and were first into the footy, and if you do that then you’re going to take the opportunities when they come.”
IN other matches, BARWON HEADS held off a fast-finishing Anglesea to win by 11 points.
The Roos piled on six goals in the final term — and held Barwon Heads goal-less — to fall shy of a major upset at Howard Harmer Oval.
The Seagulls were inaccurate, booting 12.21 in wet weather.
The slippery conditions failed to slow OCEAN GROVE, who trounced Newcomb Power by 179 points at Ocean Grove Memorial Park.
The Grubbers booted 34 majors and looked set for a 200-plus victory before the Power slammed home four goals in the final term.
Porarlington also copped a hammering, going down to a rampant GEELONG AMATEUR by 156 points.
FINAL SCORES
GFL —
Colac 13.8 (86) def St Joseph’s 11.9 (75)
Leopold 16.13 (109) def Geelong West-St Peter’s 5.5 (35)
South Barwon 18.13 (121) def Lara 7.2 (44)
St Albans 7.5 (47) def by Newtown & Chilwell 8.13 (61)
St Mary’s 7.7 (49) def by Grovedale 10.17 (77)
North Shore 5.7 (37) def by Bell Park 9.18 (72).
BFL —
Drysdale 5.10 (40) def by Queenscliff 13.14 (92)
Barwon Heads 12.21 (93) def Anglesea 12.11 (83)
Ocean Grove 34.18 (222) def Newcomb 4.11 (35)
Portarlington 2.6 (18) def by Geelong Amatuer 26.18 (174)
GDFL —
Anakie 12.14 (86) def Thomson 3.6 (26)
Winchelsea 16.13 (109) def Geelong West 13.10 (88)
Werribee Centrals 13.13 (91) def East Geelong 12.11 (83)
Belmont Lions 9.6 (61) def by Bell Post Hill 19.16 (130)
North Geelong 4.16 (40) def by Inverleigh 11.6 (72)
FOURTH QUARTER SNAPSHOTS
GDFL — James Huybens strolls into an open goal to the delight of the Hawks supporters, icing what is an enormous win over North Geelong.
GFL — Winners are Colac by 11 points over St Joseph’s, Leopold over GWSP by 74 points, South Barwon by 77 points against Lara, Newtown by 14 points over St Albans, Grovedale by 28 points over St Mary’s and Bell Park by 36 points over North Shore.
BFL — A five-goal-to-two final term has brought Anglesea to within 11 points of Barwon Heads at the 26-minute mark. The Seagulls have been inaccurate, booting 12.21.
GDFL — North Geelong has held Inverleigh scoreless, but has managed just four behinds and will go down.
GFL — Colac is headed for victory, leading Joeys by 17 points at the 26-minute mark.
GDFL — Centrals have hit the front. They lead East 91-83 30 minutes into the quarter.
GDFL — North Geelong is all-but gone. It trails Inverleigh by 29 points at the 10-minute mark. The Magpies have scored the only point for the quarter.
GDFL — Scores are level between Werribee Centrals and East Geelong. 23 minutes gone. 83 apiece.
GFL — Joeys keep coming. They trail Colac by 11 points at the 20-minute mark.
BFL — In the other relatively close match of the round so far, Anglesea trails Barwon Heads by 19 points halfway through the last quarter. The Roos just won’t lie down.
GFL — Newtown holding off a stubborn St Albans. The Eagles lead by 14 points seven minutes in.
GDFL — The Centurions and Eagles are playing out a thriller at Galvin Park. Werribee trail by just seven points 16 minutes in. North Geelong is facing defeat, 30 points adrift of Inverleigh, while Anakie, Winchelsea and Bannockburn have comfortable leads.
BFL — Barwon Heads is in control against Anglesea. The Seagulls lead by 26 points. The other BFL matches are blowouts, with Queenscliff 43-points up on Drysdale, Ocean Grove trouncing Newcomb by almost 30 goals and Ammos thrashing Port by 137 points.
GFL — Colac gets the all-important goal of the final term. The Tigers lead Joeys by 23 points 5 minutes in.
THIRD QUARTER SNAPSHOTS
GDFL — A huge goal in the dying stages to the Hawks, who lead by 30 points over North Geelong.
BFL — Coutas have just about put this game to bed. They lead 10 goals to 3 and have handled the conditions better. They have a wide spread of goalkickers.
GFL — Joeys are right in the hunt against Colac, according to Tigers football manager Chris McGuane. The visitors booted the first four goals of the third term and trail by just 17 points. Joeys have the aid of a slight breeze in the final term.
GDFL — Winchelsea and Geelong West have each added five goals as we near three-quarter time. The Blues lead 88-56 and seem home. Centrals has edged with 13 points of East as we begin the final stanza.
GFL — Leopold assistant coach Jason Tom has starred with a couple of goals in that term. Leopold leads 12.13 to GWSP 2.3 at the final break.
GFL — St Albans still in the hunt against Newtown, trailing the Eagles by 8 points at the 28-minute mark. South Barwon has held Lara goal-less to lead by 27 points, Colac is holding on against a gallant Joeys, who has booted four goals to one in the quarter to trail by 17 points, Grovedale has slotted the only three majors of the term and leads by 35 points deep in the quarter.
BFL — Anglesea coach Lucas Murphy crunched late in the third term. He has left the field cradling his left arm. He has goe straight into the rooms.
GDFL — North Geelong has dominated the first 10 minutes but added just two behinds. Inverleigh scored against the flow of play and leads by 23 points.
GFL — South Barwon stretches its lead to 15 points over Lara. The Swans have kicked the only two goals of the term.
BFL — Barwon Heads recruit Chris Martin assisted from the ground with a knee injury, according to Geelong Advertiser sports journalist Meagan Rooth. It’s the middle of the third term, freezing conditions and Barwon Heads lead 62-47.
GDFL — An upset is brewing, with Inverleigh stretching its lead to 19 points three minutes into the quarter against North Geelong.
BFL — Barwon Heads has kicked six points, while Anglesea has failed to add to its half-time score. The Seagulls lead 55-47.
GFL — St Joseph’s has burst out of the blocks, booting the first three goals to cut the margin to 17 points three minutes in.
HALF-TIME SCORES
GFL —
Colac 10.5 (65) to St Joseph’s 4.6 (30)
Leopold 8.6 (54) to Geelong West-St Peter’s 2.3 (15)
South Barwon 6.8 (44) to Lara 7.2 (44)
St Albans 3.1 (19) to Newtown & Chilwell 4.10 (34)
St Mary’s 3.6 (24) to Grovedale 5.8 (38).
North Shore 3.5 (23) to Bell Park 6.11 (47)
BFL —
Drysdale 2.8 (20) Queenscliff 6.5 (41)
Barwon Heads 7.7 (49) to Anglesea 7.5 (47)
Ocean Grove 15. 11 (101) to Newcomb 1.2 (8)
Portarlington 1.2 (8) Geelong Amatuer 14.7 (91)
GDFL —
Anakie 10.11 (71) to Thomson 1.5 (11).
Winchelsea 8.8 (56) to Geelong West 3.5 (23)
Werribee Centrals 4.6 (30) to East Geelong 8.7 (55)
Belmont Lions 3.5 (23) to Bell Post Hill 9.6 (60)
North Geelong 3.9 (27) to Inverleigh 6.4 (40)
Bannockburn 10.6 (66) to Corio 8.2 (50)
SECOND QUARTER SNAPSHOTS
GFL — Colac and Joeys are playing out a quick, end-to-end game of football in wet conditions. Jake Carmody has three goals for the Tigers. Joeys got a run on during that quarter but Colac stemmed the flow with late goals to have a 35-point lead at the main buffer.
GDFL — North Geelong was wasteful in that second term. You expect the Magpies to continue to press but the Hawks have been fantastic thus far.
BFL — The Hawks have been wasteful. They had the ball in their half 70 per cent of the time but failed to hurt the Coutas on the scoreboard. Both quarters have been upwards of 33 minutes. Don’t be surprised if this game finishes in darkness.
GFL — St Mary’s started the second quarter with plenty of inside 50s but couldn't convert. And the Saints didn’t score a goal for the quarter. Grovedale started slowly but took a 14-point lead in the main break. In the conditions, it’s worth double, according to Nick Brown.
GFL — Half-time sees Leopold lead West by 39 points. GWSP winning more of the ball in the second quarter. Chris Moreland was being worked on for an injury to his right leg. Lion Jye Walker has two goals and set up two in that term.
GDFL — Corio has booted the last five goals to trail Bannockburn by 16 points. The Margin was 35-points.
BFL — Anglesea has hit the front. It leads Barwon Heads by three points in a thriller.
GFL — Is South Barwon headed for another draw. Scores are locked at 43 apiece against Lara 22 minutes into the second term.
GFL — Joeys have clawed their way back into the contest at Colac, reducing the margin to 24 points. Remember, the rain is holding off at Central Reserve and conditions are OK.
GDFL — Hawks up and about, according to Dan Short. Their tackling pressure has the Magpies shocked. A goal from a holding the ball decision gives Inverleigh a 23-point lead again. They are outplaying the Pies.
BFL — In the 15 minute mark of the second quarter, Queenscliff defender Declan Cashin stretchered off with possible concussion after he suffered a knock to the head in a marking contest.
BFL — Drysdale has kicked two of the last three goals to trail Queenscliff by 13 points — 20-33, Anglesea and Barwon Heads are level 40 apiece after the Roos slotted the last four goals of the match, Ocean Grove lead Newcomb 82-2 and Ammos and downing Port by 68 points.
GFL — Colac has a six-goal lead over Joeys, 54-14, Leopold leads West 51-14, South Barwon has a five-point edge over Lara 30-25, Newtown has grabbed the lead over St Albans 26-19, Grovedale has maintained its two-point edge over St Mary’s and Bell Park has a 25-point buffer over North Shore.
GDFL — Anakie leads Thomson 56-9, West has clawed its way back to trail Winchelsea 39-20, East Geelong is beating Werribee Centrals 53-21, Bell Post Hill is trouncing Belmont Lions 58-13, North Geelong trails Inverleigh 17-32 and Bannockburn is well clear of Corio 53-37.
BFL — Anglesea has fought back against Barwon Heads, trailing the Seagulls by seven points early in the second quarter.
BFL — Drysdale has had no real passages to goal. Its three behinds coming from tough set shots. Queenscliff has been a lot more opportunistic in its forward 50 entries and its hunger for the ball is superior.
GDFL — Blake Miller leaves the ground nursing his shoulder. He has gone straight into the rooms.
GFL — St Albans and Newtown is all tied up six minutes into the second quarter, 19 apiece. Grovedale has a two-point lead over St Mary’s.
FIRST QUARTER SNAPSHOTS
GFL — Grovedale booted the first goal of the match against St Mary’s and lead by that margin in the early minutes.
BFL — It is bucketing down during the clash between Drysdale and Queenscliff. The Addy’s roving reporter Matt Gibbs says the ball is very heavy and slippery and it looks like the game is going to be an arm wrestle.
GDFL — Dan Short says the game is an “absolute scrap” between North Geelong and Inverleigh as the rain pours. Wet weather has set in.
GDFL — Anakie has bolted out of the blocks against Thomson and leads 33-1 15 minutes into the first quarter. Bannockburn has also started strongly against Corio and leads 35-0. East Geelong is on top of Werribee Centrals by eight points.
GFL — Colac had made a strong start against St Joseph’s at Central Reserve and is up by 20 points 14 minutes into the opening term.
BFL — Ocean Grove leads a hapless Newcomb 34-1, Queenscliff has a 10-point edge over Drysdale, Anglesea trails Barwon Heads by 20 and Ammos lead Port 49-2
GDFL — Winchelsea has burst into the first term and enjoys a 35-point lead in the battle between fifth and sixth at Eastern Reserve. West has just one behind after the Blues banged on six majors.
GFL — St Albans is a shock leader over Newtown & Chilwell late in the first term. The Supersaints have an 11-point advantage at St Albans Reserve.
GFL — South Barwon has the edge over Lara, 7 points, while Leopold leads Geelong West-St Peter’s 26-1.
GDFL — The Hawks have adapted far better in the conditions. Inverleigh’s tackling pressure has been immense. They take a 17-point lead into quarter time. Dalton Grundell has been superb up forward.
GFL — Tom Ruggles has been fantastic in defence, allowing for the ball to be in the Lions’ half 80 per cent of the time. Wet weather has allowed for the green and gold soccer theme to continue, with many kicks off the ground. Lions lead 5.3 (33) to GWSP 0.1 (1).
GFL — At the first bounce the rain started to come down heavy and the first 10 minutes was very physical. Grovedale got the first two majors, then the Saints the next two. Romain Grenville very lively and has two goals. Jordan Erskine held well early until the last 10 minutes of the term when he slotted two. A close encounter according to Nick Brown.
GFL — At Colac the rain has cleared — for now — and the Tigers have jumped clear. Kaden Newton, playing as a defensive forward for the Tigers, has slotted three goals. Colac has the aid of two-to-three goals breeze, which Joeys will now have, to the city end of Central Reserve.
GDFL — North coach Darren Ryan strips it back to basic one-on-one footy at the quarter-time break. Dalton Grundell bags his fourth and the lead is out to 23 points.
PREVIEWS
ST MARY’S will be made to prove its worth on top of the GFL table when it hosts Grovedale on Saturday.
The Saints stole pole position from St Joseph’s last weekend, when just four points separated the two, while Grovedale trounced Colac.
GFL writer Alex Tigani has tipped St Mary’s to win by nine points.
Other matches between Colac and St Joseph’s and St Albans and Newtown & Chilwell should be just as close.
In the BFL, teams will meet familiar opposition as the fixture completed its first rotation last week.
Drysdale will want a similar outcome against Queenscliff as their initial encounter, which the Hawks won by 48 points.
But Coutas tall forward Daniel DeGois, who kicked 14 last week, will have other thoughts.
Across the peninsula, Barwon Heads and Anglesea should play a tight encounter.
In the GDFL, second-ranked North Geelong hosts third-ranked Inverleigh.
Meanwhile, East Geelong and Werribee Centrals will want to redeem themselves after upset losses last weekend.
Join the conversation on social media using #ADDYFOOTY
MATCH PREVIEWS
GFL
Round 9
Colac v St Joseph’s
Colac has nine of its last ten at home, however its last was a defeat to Leopold. St Joseph’s will hope to march back to the top of the ladder in promising form, having won their last three away games by an average margin of 66-points.
Player to watch: Tiger Jake Carmody showed improvement last week, kicking seven goals.
Last time: Rd 5, 2013. Colac 12.17 (89) d St Joseph’s 10.11 (71).
Addy says: St Joseph’s by 1 point.
South Barwon v Lara
Swans fans couldn’t bare a third draw in four weeks however as these two 2013 finalists play off with much at stake, nothing is out of the question. Last week the Cats won the opening quarter for the first since Round 4, expect another strong start.
Player to watch: Cat Matthew Spence has been an emerging talent for Lara, starring in last week’s contest with Leopold.
Last time: Rd 14, 2013. South Barwon 20.8 (128) d Lara 11.14 (80).
Addy says: South Barwon by 20 points.
Leopold v Geelong West-St Peters
GWSP has been a surprise packet over the Lions these last two seasons, particularly in 2012 when the bottom three side defeated a 2nd placed Lions side under interim Coach Darren Forsmann. However the Lions depth has strengthened since and will no doubt be favourites.
Player to watch: VFL recruit Simon Close (Leopold) has seemed to be the competition’s most exciting player post-interleague round.
Last time: Rd 18, 2013. Leopold 19.10 (124) d GWSP 9.9 (63).
Addy says: Leopold by 36 points.
St Albans v Newtown & Chilwell
Former St Albans player and Newtown & Chilwell club legend Lenny Alford was honoured by the queen this week through the OAM title. It’s ironic these two sides face each other immediately after nevertheless the Eagles remain superior favourites.
Player to watch: SANFL recruit Billy Laurie may feature in the Eagles forward line again this week.
Last time: Rd 17, 2013. Newtown & Chilwell 16.21 (117) d St Albans 4.11 (35).
Addy says: Newtown & Chilwell by 11 points.
North Shore v Bell Park
The Seagulls may have only won four quarters for the entire season however three of those have come in the past two weeks. A tough fixture has seen the Dragons winless since Round 5 therefore this meeting could not have taken place at a better time.
Player to watch::Teenager Harry Purcell consistent up forward for the Seagulls, kicking two goals in his second game.
Last time: Rd 8, 2013. Bell Park 20.18 (138) d North Shore 6.2 (38).
Addy says: Bell Park by 70 points.
St Mary’s v Grovedale
The Saints are marching into September nicely having won their last seven in a row and welcomed back Brenton Snowdon and Romain Grenville to a top of the table win last week. Grovedale has slipped in some aspects the last fortnight and was unable to win a single quarter last week (first time that has happened to the Tigers in 2014).
Player to watch: Second year Grovedale recruit Thomas Hunt needs to secure his spot in the side through his high marks.
Last time: Rd 9, 2013. Grovedale 16.21 (117) d St Marys 10.6 (66).
Addy says: St Marys by 9 points.
BFL
Round 10
Drysdale vs. Queenscliff
One cannot read much into the Coutas’ gigantic win over Newcomb last week, but Drysdale’s loss came as something of a shock and makes it vulnerable for this match-up. Both teams can score quickly which will make this game an exciting one.
One to watch: Daniel DeGois (Que.) — The powerful tall forward is hitting his strides in the middle of the season; after kicking 14 last week he’ll be raring for another bag tomorrow.
Last time they met: Rd 1, 2014: Drysdale 10.17 (77) d Queenscliff 3.11 (29)
Tip: Drysdale by 23 points
Barwon Heads vs. Anglesea
Brought back to earth somewhat by the raging Ammos last week, but Barwon Heads is still where it wants to be. Nestled in the top five, a win today would keep it on target for its first finals finish in half a decade. The Seagulls will be pushed today, but should hold out.
One to watch: Jed Holland (BH) — Always a challenge for opposition ruckmen to beat Holland when he is on song. Physically strong and skilful below his knees.
Last time they met: Rd 3, 2014: Anglesea 18.10 (118) d Barwon Heads 7.14 (56)
Tip: Barwon Heads by 31 points
Ocean Grove vs. Newcomb
A handy opportunity presents itself for Ocean Grove to boost its percentage as it takes on Newcomb this weekend. The reality is that the Grubbers will notch up their eighth win of the year, one that will keep them in close check with the Ammos above them in first place.
One to watch: Patrick Maloney (OG) — A quiet achiever for the Grubbers, regularly does a job down back and has grasped his place in the seniors this season.
Last time they met: Rd 1, 2014: Ocean Grove 32.18 (210) d Newcomb 5.7 (37)
Tip: Ocean Grove by 80 points
Portarlington vs. Geelong Amateur
Port gave the Ammos a fair push earlier in the year, kicking nine goals of their own, and are actually the sixth-best performed side against the top team. But Amateur would be putting aside those stats and hoping for another big win today.
One to watch: Chris Kangars (GA) — The one-time Geelong-listed ruckman has height, strength and valuable football nous that sees him come out on top more often than not.
Last time they met: Rd 2, 2014: Geelong Amateur 23.13 (151) d Portarlington 9.10 (64)
Tip: Geelong Amateur by 73 points
Modewarre vs. Torquay
The Warriors have improved greatly with their consistency and are now capable of more rounded four-quarter performances, although they may find it hard to deal with an aggressive Torquay today.
One to watch: Aaron Nesbitt (Tor) — The midfielder had an interrupted 2013 but has been one of the Tigers’ most consistent performers since he joined the club three seasons ago.
Last time they met: Rd 3, 2014: Torquay 27.16 (178) d Modewarre 6.9 (45)
Tip: Torquay by 37 points
GDFL
Round 9
Anakie vs. Thomson
Anakie have a great opportunity to claim win number three for 2014 against the bottom of the table Tigers, the Roos were gallant in defeat against Bell Post Hill, pushing the top side for three quarters. While Thomson was soundly beaten by the Magpies, its second thumping in the past three weeks — it will be looking for a far better performance.
Player watch: Roo Jamie Phillis is a class player and one to watch at Anakie Reserve.
Last time they met: Thomson 18.16.124 def Anakie 11.10.76
Prediction: Anakie by 37 points.
Winchelsea vs. Geelong West
Two of the leagues struggling clubs in recent years, find themselves facing off in fantastic form both vying for top five positions. Geelong West produced its best performance of the season, accounting for the Eagles by 50 points in a breakthrough victory. The Blues have won its past two matches and will be eyeing another four points at Eastern Reserve tomorrow afternoon to put some separation between a fellow contender in the Cheetahs.
Player watch: Alex Denham was a dominant figure inside 50 last week with seven goals.
Last time they met: Winchelsea 16.11.107 def Geelong West 8.9.57
Prediction: Winchelsea by 20 points.
Werribee Centrals vs. East Geelong
A huge match for both clubs. East Geelong put in a woeful performance against Geelong West in what was a pivotal game for the make-up of the season, as were the Centrals who lost to Bannockburn at home and consequently drop to seventh on the ladder. Both sides firmly believe it is top five material, the result of this contest will be telling.
Player watch: Central Phil Jones was prominent last time these sides met.
Last time they met: East Geelong 9.16.70 def Werribee Centrals 8.2.50
Prediction: East Geelong to bounce back, by 9 points.
Belmont Lions vs. Bell Post Hill
The Lions meet its fourth successive 2013 finalist in a row, ladder leaders Bell Post Hill. Belmont has been impressive in recent weeks, taking it up to some of the top sides but it now faces its toughest challenge to date. The Panthers continue to produce win after win and remain undefeated, the trip to Jetts Oval is likely to make it nine in a row.
Player watch: Daniel Walve has been a great addition to the Panthers line up in 2014.
Last time they met: Bell Post Hill 14.12.96 def Belmont Lions 7.8.50
Prediction: Bell Post Hill by 60 points.
North Geelong vs. Inverleigh
The Magpies flexed its muscles upon its return to Keith Barclay Oval following its first loss of the season, destroying Thomson by 118 points. A young and on the rise Hawks side now make the trip to the fortress, this will be a huge test for the third-placed Inverleigh, its performance will give a gauge on its ability to match it with the best.
Player watch: Jarrod Bryant headed a list of 14 goal kickers for the Pies last week with five majors.
Last time they met: North Geelong 19.11.125 def Inverleigh 7.11.53
Prediction: North Geelong by 34 points.
Bannockburn vs. Corio
Bannockburn kept its season alive last week with a brilliant 25-point win over the Centrals; it now plays a Devils side with just one win to its name — a great opportunity to build some momentum into its season. Corio will take some solace in what been a far better month of football than its opening four weeks.
Player watch: Daniel Harrison has booted 24 goals in his four matches for new club Corio.
Last time they met: Bannockburn 9.16.70 def Corio 9.13.67
Prediction: The Tigers by 51 points.
