BFNL Football Preview | Round 18
AFL Barwon writer Wil Spence previews this weekend’s Senior Football matches in the Bellarine Football Netball League.
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Torquay vs Ocean Grove
McCartney Oval, 2:10PM, Saturday 16th August, 2025
With a top two position locked in, Torquay are looking to bounce back after a slow start against Queenscliff, proved costly last weekend.
Ocean Grove almost claimed a major shock of the competition last week, leading Geelong Amateur’s at half-time, however fading late.
A sign of their late season improvement is evident, you get the feeling they aren’t finished either as they look ahead to season 2026.
Torquay have prided themselves on their pressure and endeavour around the contest,
However last week, they laid there least amount of tackles in a game all season, totalling 39 tackles, 29 of those effective, also their lowest count.
Expect Dom Gleeson’s squad to bring back their highly contested brand of footy.,Nathan Mifsud and James Darke lead their squad, averaging 6.3 and 6.2 tackles per game.
The Grubbers gradual improvement has seen their handball tally’s increase, The past five matches, Dave Farrell’s side has averaged 123.2 handballs per game, plus twelve on their season average.
An emphasis on fast ball movement by hand could increase the Grubbers chances of an upset. Joseph McDonald leads his side, averaging 11.7 handballs per game.
Anglesea vs Queenscliff
Ellimatta Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 16th August, 2025
Anglesea was sent a major scare to their final’s hopes last weekend, holding on in a tight tussle against Newcomb.
The equation is simple for the Roos, win and you’re playing Queenscliff in an elimination final.
A loss and finals is out of their hands, with Barwon Heads the club that can jump them for an elimination final berth.
Queenscliff sent a friendly reminder to the competition they’re a genuine premiership contender defeating reigning premier Torquay.
A win for the Coutas and a loss for Drysdale would jump them into the top three, and a qualifying showdown against Torquay.
The Roo’s past five weeks have been ultra-impressive, however Jordan Keras would be finding ways to avoid turning the football over as much as his side did last week.
The Roo’s totalled their second most turnovers for the season, In a must-win game, ball security could prove vital. Ryan Baker averages 75 percent disposal efficiency.
Tune into AFL Barwon TV from 2.10pm on Saturday to watch live coverage of this big clash!
Geelong Amateur vs Newcomb
Queens Park Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 16th August, 2025
A week one bye is locked in for Geelong Amateur’s as they look to go deep into September.
You get the feeling Sam Lloyd will bring out a full squad and look to start strongly against a young Newcomb squad.
Newcomb’s second half of the season, hasn’t resulted in any wins but has gained plenty of fans with their ability to be in contests.
A similar showing to last weekend, would have Tony Mirabella optimistic for season 2026.
Both squads love to possess the football through marks, Ammos rank elite averaging 110.2 marks per game,
Last week they totalled 171 marks for the game, if they come close to this figure, they should be difficult to stop.
Key figures, Tom Zeitz and Luke Hillier average 9.2 and 7.6 marks per game, respectively.
Newcomb won’t stop playing their brand of footy, averaging an above average 86.2 marks per game,
Last time they played each other, the Power totalled 119 marks, a sign they will want to control the game.
Finn Anscombe and Blake Ritchie in defense average 8.2 and 5.6 marks per game, respectively.
Modewarre vs Portarlington
Mount Moriac Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 16th August, 2025
Both squads will be looking to claim bragging rights as they look to next year and beyond.
Modewarre will be ruing their chances after opening a three-goal lead at three-quarter time against Barwon Heads, only to be overrun in the final term. Expect Mark Hovey’s squad to come out with pressure and intent.
Portarlington can claim a sweep of wins against the Warriors this season, after the announcement of newly appointed senior coach, Sam Scott for season 2026.
Plenty of optimism buzzing around at the Dees.
The past month the Warriors have struggled to control the football, averaging 59.7 marks per game.
Well below their season average of 75.9 marks per game. To see a response from the Warriors, an increase in controlling the football is paramount.,Oscar Hocking and Oscar Cooke should lead the way, averaging 5.5 and 5.4 marks per game, respectively.
The Dees rank below average for contested possessions per game, averaging 141.6 contested possessions per game.
Last weekend, they recorded their lowest count of the season, totalling 112. Pressure and contest around the stoppages would be a clear area Nathan Storer would be looking to improve for their final game of the season.
Leading from the front, Scott Greenhough and Teia Miles average 15.6 and 12.7 contested possessions per game, respectively.
Barwon Heads vs Drysdale
Howard Harmer Oval, 2:10PM, Saturday 16th August, 2025
Alike to the Anglesea-Queenscliff game, Bellarine Football Netball League fans will be keeping close attention on playhq to the Barwon Heads/Drysdale game regarding finals positions.
A win for Barwon Heads would give their finals chance a major boost, barring the outcome of Anglesea.
A win for the Seagulls and a loss for the Roo’s would catapult them into finals, However, wins for both clubs will keep the current ladder positioning as is.
Drysdale’s impressive goal-kicking display last week has them in a prime position to claim a qualifying match against the reigning premier after a major percentage increase.
The equation is simple for the Hawks, win and they’re Torquay bound, A loss and a Queenscliff win would cause the Hawks to play Barwon Heads in an elimination final.
If both Drysdale and Queenscliff lose this weekend, ladder positioning would stay as is, dependent on the deficit margin.
