AFL Barwon writer Wil Spence previews this weekend’s men's football matches across the Geelong and Bellarine FNL competitions.

Geelong Football Netball League

St Joseph’s vs St Mary’s

Anthony Costa Oval, 2:10PM, Sunday 1^st June, 2025

With Geelong Football League split bye round, attention is drawn to BIG FREEZE match between top of the table clash between St Joseph’s and St Mary’s.

Both sides are undefeated with plenty to play for in front of what should be a packed crowd.

Ron Watt has stars around the ground but will look to experienced heads in the crunch moments with Luke Webb, James Gow and Alex Hickey all averaging over 24 disposals per game.

Luke Rayner’s team will use former Essendon footballer, Brayden Ham heavily with his ability to push forward of centre, averaging 1.5 goals per game as a midfielder, as well as swingman Sam Bourke up forward.

Be sure to tune in via Krock Football or the AFL Barwon website.

https://www.aflbarwon.com.au/aflb-tv

https://krockfootball.live/

Bellarine Football Netball League

Torquay vs Queenscliff

McCartney Oval, 2:10PM, Saturday 31^st May, 2025

An inaccurate Tigers were given their first defeat in 5 weeks against Drysdale and will look to respond against an exuberant Coutas’s side.

Heath Jamieson’s squad is looking for it’s fourth victory in a row, with reigning premier, the largest challenge presented with a potential scalp on the cards. Four points could prove vital for either side in a hotly contested BFNL ladder.

Dom Gleeson will look to Tiger star, Paddy Hughes through the midfield, leading his side in contested possessions, ground ball gets and handballs.

Queenscliff will expect Izaac Grant to be potent up forward, averaging a tick under three goals per game.

Anglesea vs Modewarre

Ellimatta Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 31^St May, 2025

A dominant victory against Newcomb has Anglesea in a strong position after seven games.

The Roos are looking for their fourth victory in a row against a very competitive Modewarre outfit.

Mark Hovey’s group has a strong form line considering their current 3-4 win-loss record having knocked off Barwon Heads last round.

Jordan Keras’s squad will continue to move the football with pace, giving former St Joseph’s recruit, Ayden Gras plenty of opportunities up forward.

Warriors midfield group will be heavily relied upon with Josh Finch and Matty McKim both averaging 31 disposals and 19 disposals respectively.

Barwon Heads vs Newcomb

Howard Harmer Oval, 2:10PM, Saturday 31^st May, 2025

Both sides come into this match having lost their last game and look to remain in the midfield of the ladder.

The Seagulls have extra motivation this week with homegrown hero Flynn Young, was drafted Wednesday night to the Carlton Football Club. The Gulls will be looking to put on a show for one of their own after fellow Barwon Heads local, Oli Wiltshire debuted for the Geelong Football Club a month ago.

Tony Mirabella’s young squad will look to respond after being touch up against Anglesea.

Newcomb’s combative brand of footy will be led with experienced ruckman Jarrod Stafford, skipper Ryan Jackman, and improved midfielder, Jarrad Duncan who leads all midfielders averaging 20 disposals per game.

For Sam Schaller’s side, Jack Henderson will be dangerous up forward with 17 goals in seven games, and experienced defender, Kyle Polley who leads their side in intercept possessions with nine per game.

Be sure to tune in from 2:10PM with AFL Barwon’s live stream via the AFL Barwon Website.

https://www.aflbarwon.com.au/aflb-tv

Ocean Grove vs Drysdale

Shell Road Recreation Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 31^st May, 2025

Two very contrasting performances for either sides last week present an intriguing match.

The Grubbers will look to respond after being a class below against early favourites Geelong Amateurs, while the Hawks hope to continue their winning ways after defeating reigning premier Torquay.

Dave Farrell will utilise recruit, Gus Bourke who leads their team with 19 kicks per game, as well as the team’s willingness to apply tackling pressure, averaging 46 effective tackles per game which rates above average.

Ben Carmichael’s Hawks will have identified their midfield as a position of strength with Ben Fennell, James Breust, Lachlan Nelis and Mitch Mcguire all averaging over 10 contested possessions per game.

Portarlington vs Geelong Amateur

Portarlington Recreational Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 31^st May, 2025

Portarlington are looking to answer back after a disappointing performance against a strong Queenscliff outfit, and are staring at a fifth loss in a row but be sure to see the Dees come out firing early.

Ammos responded in the best possible way after their first loss of the season with a clinical performance over Ocean Grove.

Darren Findlay’s squad will look to off-season recruit Nick Lane to be impactful around the ground, leading the league in kicks, averaging 24 per game.

For Riley Kershaw’s outfit, Mitch Day and Sam Lloyd will be dangerous up forward, kicking a combined 54 goals together.