Match Previews

AFL Barwon writer Wil Spence previews this weekend’s Senior Football matches in the Bellarine Football Netball League.

Drysdale vs Ocean Grove

Drysdale Recreation Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 2^nd August, 2025

Plenty to play out with Drysdale looking to respond after a tough defeat to the reigning premier, as they fight for a top three spot.

While Ocean Grove are after back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

The Hawks average 74.1 marks per game, in tough conditions last week, they totalled 38 marks, a number Ben Carmichael would like to forget quickly.

If they can get back to their normal ways this weekend, which has seen them win games, the Hawks could give the Grubbers some headaches around the ground.

VFL listed player, Luke Preece and Tom Ruggles average 5.4 and 4.9 marks per game.

The Grubbers ability to be well set behind the ball has been evident, averaging 91.7 intercept possessions per game.

If Dave Farrell’s side can continue to be positioned well behind the ball, the Grubbers may be able to move the footy in attacking ways out of the back half of the ground.

Jamison Hallam and Gus Bourke average 9.2 and 6.0 intercept possessions per game.

Geelong Amateur vs Torquay

Queens Park Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 2^nd August, 2025

A top of the table clash that will be sure to bring supporters, in which should be the match of the round.

Geelong Amateurs can sure up top spot on the ladder with a win.

For the reigning premier, a win against Ammos could give a pulse for finishing on top of the ladder.

Sam Lloyd’s side average 109.4 marks per game, which ranks elite for the competition.

If Ammos can get first use with the football, look for a high kick-mark brand of football,

Which was successful last time these two sides played each other in round one.

Midfielders, Tom Gribble and Riley Ferguson average 5.6 and 5.2 marks per game respectively.

Torquay ranks elite for total handballs per game, averaging 151.3 handballs per game.

Last time the Tigers faced Ammos, they produced 122 handballs.

Expect newly signed Dom Gleeson to have an added focus towards moving the ball with speed through overlap handballs.

Both Ham brothers, Charlie and Sheldon should have an influence on the game, averaging 10.8 and 6.5 handballs per game.

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Modewarre vs Anglesea

Mount Moriac Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 2^nd August, 2025

Massive implications for this weekend’s game, regarding which side may play finals.

A win for Modewarre would bring them back within a game of Anglesea, however a loss would end their finals hopes.

For Anglesea, a win this week would ensure they maintain fifth spot.

If Barwon Heads were to lose against Newcomb, the Roos would build an eight-point buffer for fifth position.

The Warriors totalled a season high 57 total hard ball gets, with finals on the line, expect Mark Hovey’s men to be desperate to win the football in contested situations.

Callen Farrell and Josh Finch average 11.6 and 7.5 total ground ball gets per game respectively.

The Roos laid a season high 108 tackles last weekend, expect nothing less of Jordan Keras’s squad this weekend, as they’ll be desperate to apply the early heat in the midfield, as their season is on the line.

Harrison Ling leads his side averaging 7.5 tackles per game.

Tune into AFL Barwon TV from 2.10pm on Saturday to watch live coverage of this big clash! 

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Portarlington vs Queenscliff

Portarlington Recreation Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 2^nd August, 2025

Last weekend’s result for Queenscliff hurt their chances of consolidating a top three position.

Currently, level with Drysdale on points, the Coutas will be hoping to put on a strong performance against a tough Portarlington squad.

The Dees will be looking to bounce back after a tough month with an important win this weekend to finish off a strong season.

The past two weeks, Heath Jamieson’s side has averaged 93 turnovers per game, a number he would like to reduce heading towards a finals campaign.

Important ball users, Jordy Mcivor-Clark and Jake Lindrea should have an influence averaging 19.5 and 12.5 kicks per game.

The Dees past month, they have averaged 61.8 marks per game, down on their season average of 78.4 marks per game.

Expect a high priority of Nathan Storer’s this weekend to maximise their number of marks per game.

Teia Miles and Nicholas Sing average 6.8 marks per game each.

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Newcomb vs Barwon Heads

Grinter Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 2^nd August, 2025

Finals implications are high on the agenda for this weekend’s game.

Last weekend’s heartbreaking loss should fuel Newcomb this weekend as they look to take some momentum into next season.

Barwon Heads finals hopes are on the line, after a disappointing second half last week against Anglesea.

The Seagulls need to win to either stay within four points of Anglesea or potentially leapfrog them back into the top five.

The Powers ability to win the football the past month has been much higher than their season average of 308.9 total disposals, averaging 347 disposals per game.

However, their high turnover rate has hurt their chances of scoring when inside 50.

The return of Jack Duke this week for Tony Mirabella’s side should provide some support inside 50, Duke currently averages 2.7 goals per game.

Heading into last weekend’s game, the Seagulls were averaging 56.5 pressure acts per game over their last six games.

That number dropped to 37 against Anglesea, as their overall pressure dropped in the second half for Sam Schaller’s side.

Expect Barwon Heads overall pressure to improve this week as they push for a finals spot.

Sammy Baker and Lachlan Wilson lead their side, averaging 3.9 and 3.4 pressure acts per game.

AFL Barwon writer Wil Spence previews this weekend’s Senior Football matches in the Geelong Football Netball League.

Colac vs St Joseph’s

Central Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 26^th July, 2025

A top four clash that could have big ramifications for the loser,

St Joseph’s were handed their second loss of the season last week, out classed by St Mary’s in tricky conditions.

Colac on the other hand where able to stretch away in the second half against a gallant St Albans.

A win for Ron Watts squad would come close to guaranteeing a finals spot and improve their top three credentials.

However, a loss could widen the top of the ladder with Newtown breathing on their necks for a week one finals bye.

For Jason Armistead’s men, a win would keep them well in the hunt for a top three spot.

Although, a loss could bring them back vying for a top five spot.

Important figure, Cooper Hayes, should receive plenty of attention, averaging 22.8 disposals per game, 14.8 of those being kicks.

Unheralded Zac Knights should have a major impact, averaging 18.5 disposals per game, while averaging 5 marks per game.

Leopold vs Geelong West Giants

Leopold Memorial Park, 2:10PM, Saturday 26^th July, 2025

Last week’s crazy finish for reigning premier, Leopold has made things a little bit harder.

Sitting six points behind fifth place Bell Park, winning their remaining six games is paramount for the Lions.

The Giants put in a strong performance last weekend against Bell Park, but faded in the last quarter, a four-quarter performance this week could make for an exciting game of football.

The Lions total marks per game, currently sits at 81.8 per game, rating below average, a statistic Luke Kelly would be looking to improve on.

Billy Ritchie, Riley Stone and Darcy Brislane all average 4.7 or more marks per game.

The Giants clearance numbers have been below average this season, averaging 40.6 clearances per game,

Greg Mallor would love to improve this number with Finley O’Keefe and Max Kelly both averaging 5.0 and 4.4 clearances respectively.

Newtown and Chilwell vs Grovedale

Elderslie Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 26^th July, 2025

Newtown gained some much-needed percentage after defeating North Shore by 195 points,

They now sit a game and roughly four percent behind last year’s minor premiers St Joseph’s.

If results go their way this week, they could find themselves on top of the ladder.

Grovedale find themselves back on the winners list for the first time since round six.

Contested possessions have been a statistic Steve Johnson’s squad would like to clean up heading into the latter parts of the season,

Averaging 150.7 contested possessions per game, ranking below average in the competition,

Key figures Ned Harris, Liam Nash and Gennaro Bove should lead the way, all averaging 11.5 or more per game.

The Tigers totaled 92 marks in last weeks game against Lara, 90 seems to be the magic number for Jacob Spolding’s side, winning three out of four games.

Rory Quinn and Eward Adams both average five or more marks per game.

North Shore vs St Albans

Windsor Park, 2:10PM, Saturday 26^th July, 2025

Both sides were handed tough defeats, North Shore were outclassed while St Albans were held scoreless until the last quarter.

The Seagulls totaled 102 turnovers last weekend; while kicking the footy at 42% efficiency, a number Mark Hounslow would clearly want to improve.

Leaders, Lachlan Hayes and Harry Purcell both average 20.2 and 18.1 kicks per game respectively.

St Albans will look to put speed on the ball through overlap handballs, a number they rate below average for.

Rick Munn will look to contested bulls, Jim Botsaris and Jacob Russell, who both average 9.0 and 8.7 contested possessions per game.

South Barwon vs Bell Park

McDonald Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 26^th July, 2025

There should be a final-like atmosphere this weekend.

Huge ramifications regarding ladder positioning for either side,

A win for Bell Park will bridge a six-point buffer between South Barwon.

However, a win for the Swans would catapult the Dragons back into the top five by two points.

Although tricky conditions, Mark Neeld’s side totaled 102 turnovers last weekend, the most before this was 94.

An area he would want to fix for this upcoming match.

Key figure, Jack Driver and Sam James should lead the way, averaging 5.8 intercept possessions and 24.2 disposals respectively.

The Dragons have won seven of their last eight games, Euriah Holland and Jack Sarcevic have been important, Holland averaging 14.5 disposals per game, while Sarcevic is averaging 3.2 goals per game.

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St Mary’s vs Lara

Kardinia Park West, 2:10PM Saturday 26^th July, 2025

St Mary’s made a statement last weekend defeating top of the table St Joseph’s by 48 points.

Every game counts now as they fight for a top three spot.

Some wayward kicking hurt Lara’s chances of their first win of the season.

St Mary’s scoring prowess is evident, averaging an astonishing 18.7 goals per game, ranking elite in the competition.

Luke Rayner’s trust in his forwards to all be on the same page has resulted in Patrick Dowling and Sam Bourke to be first and sixth respectively in the competition’s goal kicking.

The Cat’s kicking efficiency has let them down in recent weeks, averaging 41% in their last two outings,

An area of concern for Brett Henderson’s men, which he’d like to clean up.

William Nicholls and Banjo Hickey should have impacts averaging 14.0 and 12.4 disposals per game.

AFL Barwon writer Wil Spence previews this weekend’s Senior Football matches in the Bellarine Football Netball League.

Torquay vs Drysdale

McCartney Oval, 2:10PM, Saturday 26^th July, 2025

With a top three spot at stake for both clubs, this shapes like the match of the round.

A win for the Tigers would give themselves an eight-point buffer on the Hawks.

For the Hawks, a win would draw them level with the Tigers and dependent on results jump Queenscliff to reclaim third spot.

Torquay currently ranks elite for total handballs per game,

Averaging 153.1 handballs per game, Dom Gleeson’s key figures, James Darke and Nathan Mifsud average 18.6 and 11.9 handballs er game.

Drysdale average 50.6 inside 50’s per game, ranking only average in the competition,

Last time they played the Tigers, Ben Carmichael’s side totaled 36 inside 50’s and won the game,

Efficiency going inside 50 this weekend could be an important factor.

Ben Fennell leads his side, averaging 7.2 score involvements per game.

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Anglesea vs Barwon Heads

Ellimatta Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 26^th July, 2025

Anglesea got their season back on track with an important win against Portarlington.

Barwon Heads answered with a tough win, overcoming cross-town rival Ocean Grove in the last quarter.

Both sides currently sit on 28 points with the Seagulls, supported by an extra 14% on the Roos.

A win for either side ensures fifth position, and an important one game buffer on the opposing side.

The Roos rate average for contested possessions, averaging 156.8 per game, last weekend, they were plus 10 a number Jordan Keras would like to see more often.

Max Virgona and Declan Everett have been important, both averaging 9.8 contested possessions per game.

Barwon Heads average 39.4 clearances per game, rating below average in the competition.

However, the last two weeks have seen an uptick bettering their season average in both games, which have led to back-to-back wins.

Clearly, an area Sam Schaller’s has addressed and seen an improvement in.

Finn Cornell and James Syddall average 3.1 and 2.7 clearances per game.

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Geelong Amateur vs Portarlington

Queens Park Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 26^th July, 2025

A tough fought win for Geelong Amateur’s last weekend has their sights on the minor premiership.

Portarlington trailed for much of the game last weekend but were gallant in defeat.

Ammos currently average an elite 108.5 marks per game, in tricky conditions last weekend, they totaled 76 marks.

Clearly Riley Kershaw’s men have found other avenues to move the football playing to all types of conditions.

Sam Lloyd and Daniel Weigl lead the way, averaging 9.5 and 7.5 marks per game.

Over the past three weeks, the Dees have averaged 40.6% for forward 50 entries an area Nathan Storer would be looking to improve on.

Kelly Pickard and Max Ruiter both average 12.7 and 11.2 kicks per game respectively and should be influential by foot.

Queenscliff vs Modewarre

Queenscliff Recreation Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 26^th July, 2025

Queenscliff displayed a mature performance last weekend defeating Newcomb who earlier in the season defeated them.

Modewarre displayed some impressive signs against the reigning premier,

However, a last quarter fade hurt their chances of upsetting.

The past month, the Coutas have averaged 78.3 marks per game, ranking below their season average of 85.6.

Heath Jamieson would be working his magic to improve this number, with losses against Drysdale and Geelong Amateur’s to show from it.

Kai Keenan and Joseph Cincotta average 5.8 and 4.5 marks per game respectively.

Modewarre currently rank below average for total handball per game, averaging 115.6 per game.

However, in the past six of their past seven games, they have exceeded this number.

Mark Hovey clearly wants to put some speed on the ball.

Matthew Fitzgerald and Damon Hemphill average 7.6 and 7.0 per game.

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Ocean Grove vs Newcomb

Shell Road Recreation Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 26^th July, 2025

Both sides are trending in the right direction, with four quarters’ performance being their biggest hurdle

Ocean Grove were disappointing in the last quarter against Barwon Heads, scoring one point.

We’ve seen with Newcomb they too can fade in the final quarter, recently fading when they threatened to defeat Drysdale in round thirteen.

The last three weeks, the Grubbers have averaged 89.7 turnovers per game, a major area Dave Farrell would be finding ways to improve on the track.

Hugo Walsh and Harry Cashin should be key figures, both averaging 13.6 and 12.7 kicks per game, respectively.

Over the past month, the Power has averaged 106.5 marks per game, a baseline which usually generates wins.

However, they have turned the football over, an average of 85.3 per game over the past month, a key indicator Tony Mirabella would be looking to improve on.

Rebounding defender Blake Ritchie and off-season recruit Joe Clarke average 12.1 and 10.6 kicks per game.

Tune into AFL Barwon TV from 2.10pm on Saturday to watch live coverage of this big clash! 

AFL Barwon writer Wil Spence previews this weekend’s A Grade Netball matches in the Bellarine Football Netball League.

Torquay vs Drysdale

McCartney Oval, 1:50PM, Saturday 26^th July, 2025

A four-game winning streak has Torquay timing their run perfectly as we get closer to the pointy end of the season.

Drysdale is looking to rectify back-to-back losses and take momentum into next season with finals unlikely.

Joint reigning best and fairest winner, Kiralee Collings will look to control the speed of play in centre, creating opportunities for her teammates on court.

For the Hawks, goal defense, Elkie Turner will look to intercept the ball and transition from defense to attack.

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Anglesea vs Barwon Heads

Ellimatta Reserve, 1:50PM, Saturday 26^th July, 2025

Only half a game separates both clubs, shaping for a hotly competitive game.

Anglesea are currently on a six-game losing streak, which they would like to change.

Barwon Heads have shown, the past month they can match it with the best sides, falling six goals short of reigning premier Ocean Grove, and they also came close against Geelong Amateur’s and Torquay.

The Seagulls Krystal Baker has averaged 22 goals, her past three matches and should receive plenty of opportunities in front of goals.

Captain, Ariana Luamanu has shot 228 goals this season and will be at her attacking best.

Geelong Amateur vs Portarlington

Queens Park Reserve, 1:50PM, Saturday 26^th July, 2025

Geelong Amateurs are looking to make it eight wins in a row as they look to go deep into September.

Portarlington are mathematically still a chance to play finals, however sitting two and half games behind Newcomb, a lot of results must go their way.

In defense, Elyse Boyer should continue her intercepting ways, while Kayla Donnellon will remain dangerous in front of goals for Ammos.

If the Dees finals hopes are to remain alive, they’ll need Tully Bethune to continue shooting accurately, having shot 89.7% last weekend.

Queenscliff vs Modewarre

Queenscliff Recreation Reserve, 1:50PM, Saturday 26^th July, 2025

An incredible come from behind win for Queenscliff last weekend, has them raring to go, as they head towards finals.

Modewarre has been challenged for the majority of the season and will be tested against a strong Coutas outfit.

Alex Booker should remain dangerous in attack for the Coutas with her ability to work around the court.

As for the Warriors, Sophie Brumby will remain important moving the ball from end to end as a centre/wing attack.

Tune into AFL Barwon TV from 1.50pm on Saturday to watch live coverage of this big clash! 

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Ocean Grove vs Newcomb

Shell Road Reserve, 1:50PM, Saturday 26^th July, 2025

Ocean Grove was tested in the battle of the bridge; however, the reigning premier showcased their ability to control the game and cope under high pressure.

For Newcomb, they were not able to cope with the pressure of Queenscliff last week, leading at every break only to be overrun in the last quarter.

For the Grubbers, Arlee Bennett should continue her dominate shooting run, having shot 373 goals for the season.

The Power will look to underrated wing defense Chloe Hoyle to control the pace of the game and look to create opportunities for those in attack.