AFL Barwon writer Wil Spence previews this weekend’s men's football matches across the Geelong and Bellarine FNL competitions.
Geelong Football League
Bell Park vs St Albans
Hamlyn Park, 2:10PM, Saturday 14th June, 2025
A hotly contest expected between both sides who sit either side of the ladder, Bell Park looking for a fourth consecutive win, and St Albans looking to bounce back after a tough assignment against South Barwon.
Expect James Saker’s squad to apply the heat early, ranking elite for effective tackles, with Fraser Marris, Jeff Bermingham and Hamish Dawson all leading the way, contributing five or more tackles per game.
Rick Munn’s clearance game has been evident over the course of the first seven rounds for the Saints, rating above average.
Key players, Jed Warrin and Fletcher Keck both average 6.6 clearances per game, expect the Saints inside 50 counts to be supported by this statistic.
Colac vs St Mary’s
Central Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 14th June, 2025
Both sides are coming off strong victories against their respective sides.
Sitting fourth and second, Colac and St Mary’s respectively, expect a great viewing for supporters of either side.
The Tigers contested possession and marking game rates elite in the competition, expect Seb Ross’s squad to be strong in the contest and control the football.
Tigers gun Jarrod Walters will be heavily relied upon in the coal face with his quick hands, averaging 16.6 handballs per game.
Luke Rayner’s outfit bounced back after a devastating defeat to St Joseph’s with a commanding win against North Shore, expect their scoring prowess to be an important part of their game, averaging 24 goals per game, to go with 64 inside 50’s.
Off-season returnee, Pat Dowling, expect to be his dynamic self, after kicking an astonishing 11 goals last week, he’s currently averaging an extraordinary 170 ranking points, to go with a tick under 28 disposals, and 4.8 goals per game.
The match is live on aulbarwon.com.au/tv
Leopold vs Grovedale
Leopold Memorial Park, 2:10PM, Saturday 14th June, 2025
The Lions got their season back on track with a dominant performance against Lara and find themselves in the top five.
The Tigers were left licking their wounds after a devastating loss, almost overcoming a 22-point deficit at three quarter time against Bell Park.
Plenty to play out for both sides which should excite the competition.
Luke Kelly’s Lions play a high disposal brand of footy, ranking elite for both kicks and handballs.
The forward brigade could be dangerous with six players averaging over a goal a game, with Connor Giddings the main focal point, averaging 3.6 goals per game.
Jacob Spolding’s Tiger’s clearance game has been a dominant feature in the early part of the season.
Expect Ryan Abbott and William Ford to lead the charge, both averaging a whooping 9.9 and 7.8 clearances per game, respectively.
Newtown & Chilwell vs Lara
Elderslie Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 14th June, 2025
Newtown was after another large scalp of the competition, fortunately for Steve Johnson, his wish was granted with a hard-fought victory against top of the table, St Joseph’s.
A stark contrast for challenged Lara outfit, who were heavily defeated against Leopold, expect a bounce back from the Cats.
Steve Johnson’s side has put on a defensive masterclass, in the early parts of the season, conceding 8.5 goals per game.
Braden Hocking and Werribee-listed player Charlie Byrne are leading the way in the back half with intercept possessions, and intercept marks.
For Brett Henderson’s squad, turnovers by foot have punished their chances of controlling the football, and creating more opportunities inside 50, with a discrepancy of minus 82.4 effective kicks against opposing sides.
North Shore vs Geelong West Giants
Windsor Park, 2:10PM, Saturday 14th June, 2025
Either side comes into this game with disappointing losses, the Giants trailed Bell Park by 13 points at three quarter time but faded late.
The Seagulls are still looking for their first win of the season and would like to claim a scalp.
Mark Hounslow’s developing side will look to improve their forward 50 entries, averaging a mire seven effective kicks going inside 50, compared to 50.1 against opposing opposition.
An improvement in this statistic may contribute to more shots on goal, time spent in forward half.
Look to Greg Mallor’s side to utilize their kick to handball game to open the ground and create overlap against the Seagulls, rating above average in handballs and marks.
Giants gun Tanner Lewis returned for his first game of the season and was mammoth in the coal face with his clean hands, 21 handballs and tackling pressure, 10 tackles, expecting his presence to be felt.
St Joseph’s vs South Barwon
Herne Hill, 2:10PM, Saturday 14th June, 2025
In tough conditions, St Joseph’s were given their first loss of the season against Newtown.
South Barwon on the other hand are coming off a strong showing against St Albans and are looking to continue their winning ways, currently sitting just outside the top five, in sixth.
Ron Watt’s sides efficiency going inside 50 reflected their current position on the ladder, going at 56% inside 50 compared to the competition average of 44%, deeper entries inside 50, their plus two and rate elite for marks inside 50.
Off-season recruit, Mitch Chafer is starting to hit his straps and will be dangerous up forward, averaging 1.8 goals per game.
Mark Neeld’s squad are after a big victory to give the competition a scare, the Swan’s scoring prowess is evident, averaging 16 goals per game, rating above average, while rating above average for contested possessions.
Jonty Broughton and Sam James will be strong in the contest, both averaging over 10 contested possessions per game, to go with over 4.5 clearances per game.
Bellarine Football League
Drysdale vs Barwon Heads
Drysdale Recreation, 2:10PM, Saturday 14th June, 2025
The Hawks are looking for a fifth consecutive victory after a clinical win against Modewarre.
The Gulls on the other hand were outclassed against the form team of the competition in Queenscliff and will be after a win to stay at a touching distance from the top five.
Ben Carmichael’s contested brand of footy has been evident over the past month, currently rating elite in contested possessions and handballs.
Expect the Hawks efficiency going inside 50 to be high, they’re currently plus 1.5 marks inside 50 across the competition. Tom Ruggles and Lachlan Dalgleish are leading the way for their forward line.
Sam Schaller’s stoppage game will be vital if they’re to match the Hawks strong on-ball brigade, currently the Gulls are plus 2.5 for scores from stoppages.
Look at Charlie Hurst, averaging 8.1 contested possessions, and Jake Whybrow to be dangerous in congestion and inside 50 respectively.
Geelong Amateur vs Modewarre
Queens Park Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 14th June, 2025
A fourth consecutive victory is on the cards for the Amateur’s, after a tight tussle against Anglesea, all cylinders a firing with fans hoping to see continued success.
Modewarre are looking to rectify a difficult two weeks, with a strong performances against a quality outfit, a major scalp is required if Modewarre wants to push for finals aspirations.
Player coach, Sam Lloyd’s squad’s uncontested brand of football has demonstrated their willingness to open the ground and move the ball with pace.
Ammos are currently plus 7.7 for inside 50 marks, and plus 18.9 uncontested marks, expect Mitch Day to have plenty of opportunities inside 50, averaging 4 goals per game.
Mark Hovey’s side has given up 31.3 effective disposals to either side, if they can rectify their turnover game by hand expect the Warriors system to be working in transition.
Veteran Joshua Finch will lead the charge averaging just under 30 disposals per game.
Be sure to tune in via Krock Football or the AFL Barwon website.
https://www.aflbarwon.com.au/aflb-tv
Queenscliff vs Anglesea
Queenscliff Recreation Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 14th June
What shapes like the match of the round, Queenscliff comes in to this match as the form team of the competition, astonishingly looking for an eight consecutive victory.
Anglesea are looking to respond after a tough loss to ladder leader, Geelong Amateur, after leading by two points at three quarter time.
Heath Jamieson’s squads forward half pressure has been evident over the last two months, currently plus 3.8 for forward 50 tackles, and plus 3,2 for forward pressure acts.
Coutas forwards, Jordan Monahan and Jonty Rush will look to be dangerous, averaging 2.6 goals, and 1.4 goals respectively.
Jordan Keras’s teams contested brand of football will be on display, the Roos currently are plus 13 for ground ball gets, and plus 27 for effective handballs.
Expect plenty, chain of handballs around the ground to punish the Coutas on the rebound, with Lachlan Smith and Max Virgona leading the way, both averaging 11.7, and 9.9 handballs per game.
Ocean Grove vs Torquay
Shell Road Recreation Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 14th June, 2025
Ocean Grove were gallant in defeat against Portarlington last week and will be looking to put in another consistent performance.
Torquay got their season back on track last week, defeating the developing Newcomb.
With percentage on their side, the Tigers will look to consolidate a spot in the top five with another strong performance this week.
Dave Farrell’s side will look to improve a key statistic which has hurt them for much of the season, turnovers around the ground, they’re minus 62.
If the Grubbers can improve their disposal by foot and hand, the brand of footy we know they can play may be put on display.
Veteran Jye Walker will lead the charge with a young developing group, averaging one goal per game.
Dom Gleeson’s squad looked much like their usual selves last week, their controlled brand of footy has greatly benefitted their efficiency going inside 50, the Tigers rate elite for inside 50’s, and plus four, for marks inside 50.
Expect young gun, Charlie Ham to play a pivotal role for the Tigers, averaging 23.2 disposals per game, and 4.3 inside 50’s per game.
Newcomb vs Portarlington
Grinter Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 14th June, 2025
Both sides played each other earlier in the season, with Portarlington taking bragging rights.
Coming off a win, the Dees will look to continue their momentum and make it a sweep of wins against undermanned Newcomb side who hope to get some crucial players back from injury.
Tony Mirabella’s squad have emphasized a tough contested brand of football; the Power are plus 1.6 in centre clearances but lack polish with disposal by foot. They’re currently minus 33.8 effective kicks, hurting their efficiency going inside 50.
Veteran duo, Finn Anscombe and Jack Duke will lead the charge at either end of the ground, Anscombe averaging 8.3 intercept possessions, and Duke averaging 3.2 goals per game.
Nathan Storer’s outfit will look to continue their high-pressure style of play, ranking above average for inside 50’s and effective tackles.
Disposal efficiency has been an area the Dees have looked to improve, cleaner looks going inside 50 will put pressure on the Powers’ backs.
Key ruckman, Scott Greenhough will play a major role in the midfield, averaging 43.3 hit outs per game, and nine clearances per game.