July 19th Preview: Battle of the Bridge
AFL Barwon writer Wil Spence previews this weekend’s Senior Football matches in the Bellarine Football Netball League.
Drysdale vs Geelong Amateur
Drysdale Recreation Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 19th July, 2025
Plenty to play out for both sides with five games left, a win for Drysdale would continue their top three aspirations with Queenscliff right on their heels.
A win for Geelong Amateur’s this weekend, and top spot is almost guaranteed.
Ben Carmichael’s squad are looking to make it a month of wins,
Jack Jenkins, who played a pivotal role against Newcomb in defense, should see plenty of the ball, averaging 7.2 rebounds per game, to go with 6.2 marks per game.
Riley Kershaw’s men are hoping to make it eight wins in a row, with the Hawks being one of the toughest challenges yet.
Averaging an astonishing 111 marks per game, it will take a lot of pressure from the Hawks to gain the footy back from Ammos.
Major ball winners, Tom Zeitz, Riley Ferguson and Joe Maishman will utilize their foot skills, all averaging over 14 kicks per game.
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Modewarre vs Torquay
Mount Moriac Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 19th July, 2025
Modewarre have found some form at the right time of the season as they try and snag a spot in the top five.
However, Torquay’s run of wins, dating back to round nine has them in a strong position to push deep into September.
Mark Hovey’s squad will need to kick more than their average goals of 10.9 per game to beat the Tigers.
In fact, the Warriors have only scored over 100 points once this season, in round five against Newcomb.
The clearance battle will be where scores are created from, Callen Farrell, Josh Finch and Matty McKim will lead the way, all averaging 5 or more clearances per game.
For Dom Gleeson’s side, expect plenty of run through overlap handballs, which could cause the Warriors some problems, the Tigers rate elite for handballs per game.
James Darke, Matthew Boag and Charlie Ham all average 11 or more handballs per game.
Barwon Heads vs Ocean Grove
Howard Harmer Oval, 2:10PM, Saturday 19th July, 2025
The highly anticipated battle of the bridge shapes like an exciting game of football.
Much to play out for both sides, particularly Barwon Heads who currently sit in the top five on percentage.
A dominant showing for Sam Schaller’s side could give some breathing room for outsiders looking in.
The Grubbers’ last six weeks have been a step in the right direction for Dave Farrell’s young squad.
A spot in the limelight will give us an indication of what the future may hold.
Experienced trio, Zach Walter, Damian McMahon and Luke Davis will be influential in stoppages around the ground.
Walter and McMahon currently average 24.9 and 34.6 disposals per game respectively.
With Davis averaging 49 hit outs per game, to go with 6 clearances per game.
The Grubbers midfield brigade of Joseph McDonald and Geelong VFL listed player, Taj Wyburd, both average over 20 disposals per game and will need to lead a young on-ball group.
Queenscliff vs Newcomb
Queenscliff Recreation Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 19th July, 2025
Last time these two sides face each other in round one, Newcomb came out on top.
A lot has changed since this game, however, expect a hotly contested game of football.
The Coutas past month has been a challenging period facing clubs above or around them on the ladder.
Heath Jamieson’s squad currently rates above average for goals and inside 50’s per game.
Expect Sol Bowtell to be dangerous forward of centre, averaging 6.3 score involvements per game.
The Power’s last quarter fades have hurt Tony Mirabella’s squad this season.
However, the round one win against the Coutas, where they come from behind to win brings optimism to the squad.
Combative skipper, Ryan Jackman will lead the charge in the midfield, averaging 17.8 disposals per game.
Portarlington vs Anglesea
Portarlington Creation Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 19th July, 2025
Both sides are still vying for a spot in the top five, shapes as one of the matches of the round.
Portarlington’s form reads well, with three out of their last five matches being wins.
Albeit a loss to fifth place Barwon Heads by 14 points, there’s plenty to like for the Dees.
Anglesea have found themselves in a five-week winless block they would like to get out of.
The great mind of Jordan Keras should help dive into the issues the Roos have faced over the middle part of the season.
Ex AFL listed player, Connor Menadue has started to look dangerous after returning from injury for the Dees.
He’s currently averaging 2.5 goals per game for Nathan Storer’s side.
The Roos average an elite 48.5 clearances per game, their previous match against Torquay had an impressive 53 clearances.
However, a season low six centre clearances could suggest an area Keras would like to bring back to their normal figure.
Lachlan Smith, Harrison Ling and Dale Kerr average four of more clearances per game.
