GFNL Football Preview | Round 17
AFL Barwon writer Wil Spence previews this weekend’s Senior Football matches in the Geelong Football Netball League.
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Leopold vs North Shore
Leopold Memorial Park, 1:10PM, Saturday 23rd August, 2025
The reigning premier’s finals hopes are on thin ice.
A win against a developing North Shore squad is required to stay in the hunt for a finals berth.
A loss this weekend and their hopes of a third successive flag is over,
They will also need games to fall their way, wins from Bell Park and St Mary’s would put the Lions out of the finals race.
The Lions turnover rate the past two weeks has dropped to an average of 55.5, a figure Luke Kelly would be hoping to continue this weekend, and potentially into September.
The Lions inside 50 rate has jumped significantly, with Marcus Thompson and Tate Porter leading their side, averaging 5.9 and 4.2 inside 50’s respectively.
The Seagulls last week laid 63 tackles, their second highest recorded count for the season,
However, their percentage of those tackles effective, was 53.97 percent, a number Mark Hounslow would be bullish can improve.
Connor Walmsley and Bradlee Tregenza average 6.7 and 5.7 tackles per game.
Bell Park vs Grovedale
Hamlyn Park, 2:10PM, Saturday 23rd August, 2025
Huge stakes this weekend for both clubs. Bell Park mathematically can still finish in the top three if results go their way and can still fall out of the five with untimely results over the next two weeks.
Grovedale have faced their challenges over the back end of the season but have blooded fresh faces as they look to season 2026.
With four points as crucial as ever, expect plenty of passion to be left on the oval.
Contested possessions has been an area the Dragons have faced challenges. Averaging 144.8 contested possessions per game, rating below average in the competition.
Last weekend the Dragons totalled 170 contested possessions, demonstrating an emphasis ahead of a potential September campaign for James Saker’s men.
The Tigers have struggled to control the football the past month averaging 275.5, a number below their season average of 299.4 which rates below average in the competition.
Jacob Spolding would be finding avenues to see an increase in this number ahead of an important game.
Rory Quinn and Ryan Abbott lead their club, averaging 5.2 and 5.1 marks per game.
Geelong West Giants vs St Mary’s
West Oval Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 23rd August, 2025
St Mary’s had an opportunity to solidify their finals credentials last weekend.
They now face the risk of missing finals entirely. A potential danger game is on the cards with Geelong West Giants eager to respond from their 82-point defeat last time, these two sides played in round one.
The Giants rank below average for inside 50’s averaging 47.1 per game, their inability to kick accurately has hurt Greg Mallor’s side, particularly last week.
An uptick in efficiency going inside 50 could give some headaches to the St Mary’s defense.
Lachie Horniblow averages a club high 4.1 marks inside 50.
St Mary’s rank elite for total disposals per game, averaging 372.3 per game.
Last weekend, they totalled their second lowest count of the season, St Mary’s pride themselves on being first to the football and winning the contested possessions.
Expect a major response from Luke Rayner’s squad ahead of a potential log jam for positions in the top five.
Key figures, Brayden Ham and Jarryd Garner should lead from the front, averaging 28.6 and 27.4 disposal per game.
Lara vs Newtown & Chilwell
Lara Recreation Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 23rd August, 2025
Newtown can sure up a top three position with a win this weekend, and more importantly have top spot almost locked in.
Lara has faced their challenges as they look to the positives of blooding fresh players.
After a tough loss back in round eight against Newtown, they may find this encounter challenging.
The Cats totalled their second most inside 50’s in a game this season against premiership contender St Joseph’s last weekend.
A number Brett Henderson would be pleased with and hoping to buck the trend against the Towners.
Darby Henderson leads their side, averaging 5.5 inside 50’s per game.
Steve Johnson’s squad average 88.0 marks per game, which ranks above average in the competition.
Their past four games they have averaged 107.8 marks per game, it seems as though, 100 marks is the magical number, they’re yet to lose.
Braden Hocking leads his club averaging 7.5 marks per game.
South Barwon vs Colac
McDonald Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 23rd August, 2025
Major September implications ahead of a must-win game for both clubs.
South Barwon’s season is in their own hands, a win this weekend and finals is well and truly on the cards.
A loss this weekend and both, St Mary’s and Bell Park win their respective games, and it is curtains for Mark Neeld’s squad.
Colac can basically lock in a top three spot with a win this weekend, however a loss could add more puzzles to the make-up of September.
The Swans pressure on the ball carrier last week was pivotal in their win against St Mary’s.
They laid a total of 48 tackles, of which 43 of those were effective.
If the Swans bring the same pressure and intent from the first bounce, their chances may be supported.
Last year’s Mathieson Medal Winner, Doyle Madigan leads his club, averaging 5.3 tackles per game.
The Tigers contested brand of footy has been a barometer for Seb Ross’s squad.
Averaging 167.8 over their last month ranks above average.
Key figure, Ryan Monaghan, averages 10.0 contested possessions per game.
Tune into AFL Barwon TV from 2.10pm on Saturday to watch live coverage of this big clash!
St Joseph’s vs St Albans
Herne Hill Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 23rd August, 2025
A win this weekend for St Joseph’s guarantees a top three position come September.
They also stay in the hunt for a week one finals bye with Newtown, currently in control.
St Albans were handed a tough loss last week, and will be looking to respond, particularly from the first bounce.
In back-to-back games, Ron Watts side has totalled over 100 marks, they currently average 97.8 marks per game.
In the eight games they have totalled over 100 marks, they have won all eight games.
Rebounding defender Luke Webb, leads his club averaging 7.7 marks per game.
Rick Munn’s midfield has seen major improvements in their clearance game.
However, the past month they have struggled for avenues out of stoppage and centre bounces.
Averaging 34.8, well below their season average of 43.5 clearances per game.
Expect a big response from key midfielders, Fletcher Keck and Jed Warrin, who average 6.9 and 5.0 respectively.
