BFNL Football Preview | Finals Round 1
AFL Barwon writer Wil Spence previews this weekend’s Senior Football matches in the Bellarine Football Netball League.
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Torquay vs Queenscliff – Qualifying Final 1
Portarlington Recreation Reserve, 2:00PM, Saturday 23rd August, 2025
The reigning premier has faced their challenges the past two weeks. However, the opportunity for a historic third consecutive premiership has fans expecting a major response.
The young, exciting Queenscliff outfit which has fast rose to prominence has had the wood over Torquay this season.
Winning both their encounters in close affairs, with their latest win coming against the reigning premiers.
Heath Jamieson has been involved in plenty of finals campaigns and you get the feeling the pressure for his young squad may be eased by his presence.
In round 17 when both sides faced each other, Dom Gleeson’s squad laid a season low 39 tackles, the Tigers ability to win the football was evident, totalling 417 disposals.
However, their inability to apply pressure on the ball-carrier for four quarters hurt their chances.
An experienced side like Torquay, come September, you expect a major response, particularly their hunt and pressure.
Skipper James Darke leads his squad averaging 6.6 tackles per game.
Queenscliff ranks elite for inside 50’s, averaging 54.0 per game. The Coutas scoring efficiency in games against Torquay this season was 48.5 percent, a number that won them many games this season.
If the Coutas can consume the pressure of the environment, their ability to score under pressure, inside 50 could be supported.
Jayden McHenry and Jonty Rush average 2.7 and 2.4 marks inside 50 per game.
Tune into AFL Barwon TV from 2pm on Saturday to watch live coverage of this big clash!
Drysdale vs Anglesea – Elimination Final
Portarlington Recreation Reserve, 2:00PM, Sunday 24th August, 2025
Both sides split the bill in terms of head-to-head this season.
Just over a year ago both sides played each other, albeit in a qualifying final, expect plenty of feel in this encounter.
Drysdale come off a disappointing loss which was attributed to their slow start against Barwon Heads.
Anglesea come in under crazy circumstances with a draw saving performance which sees their season well and truly alive.
There’s plenty of optimism for the Hawks having won two out of their last three games.
The Hawks rank average for inside 50’s averaging 50 per game. Their forward 50 efficiency last weekend was not up to scratch for Ben Carmichael’s squad, going at 37 percent.
The Hawks have a plethora of finals experience; you’d expect a clean-up in this area under high pressure stakes.
Ben Fennell leads his side averaging 7.1 score involvements per game.
Anglesea’s tackling pressure has been a major component in their season resurgence, averaging 73.2 tackles over their last six games for Jordan Keras’s men.
In a high-pressure situation like an elimination final, can the Roos keep their hunt and pressure levels to a standard that could cause issues for Drysdale.
Harrison Ling leads his side averaging 7.0 tackles per game.
Tune into AFL Barwon TV from 2pm on Sunday to watch live coverage of this big clash! Listen to live call of the game via K rock Football.
