5th July Preview: Finals on the line
AFL Barwon writer Wil Spence previews this weekend’s A Grade Netball matches across the Geelong and Bellarine FNL competitions.
Geelong Football Netball League
St Mary’s vs Leopold
Kardinia Park, 6:00PM, Thursday 3rd July, 2025
Last time these two sides played each other in round five, Leopold won by six goals.
Sitting fifth and sixth on the ladder, two points separating both sides, expect a hotly contested game with finals right in the mix for both teams.
The Lions are staring at a fourth win in a row, while St Mary’s are looking to continue their winning ways after a comprehensive victory against St Albans.
Bell Park vs Newtown & Chilwell
Hamlyn Park, 1:40PM, Saturday, 5th July, 2025
Both sides played each other in round one, with Newtown winning comprehensively.
The Towners are on top for a reason with one loss and will be difficult to beat.
The last month, the Dragons have played some competitive netball coming close to Leopold who’re sitting in the five.
A strong start from the Dragons in the first quarter could make things interesting.
Colac vs Grovedale
Central Reserve, 1:40PM, Saturday 5th July, 2025
Colac are currently winless after eight matches and are desperate for a win.
Grovedale sit one spot higher on the ladder with two wins, both clubs haven’t played each other which makes this contest very intriguing.
Colac can bridge the gap on the ladder or Grovedale can extend, will a be very interesting result.
Geelong West Giants vs South Barwon
West Oval Reserve, 1:40PM, Saturday 5th July, 2025
Geelong West Giants are sitting in a strong position, fourth on the ladder with good percentage.
Similarly, one spot above, South Barwon also have a strong percentage in what shapes as one of the matches of the round.
Last time these sides played each other in round five, the Giants come out victorious by 20 goals.
Expect the Swans to play with a chip on their shoulder as they look to respond.
Lara vs St Albans
Lara Recreation Reserve, 1:40PM, Saturday 5th July, 2025
Both sides haven’t played each other since round one when Lara come out on top, in convincing fashion.
St Albans are currently winless looking to shake the competition with a win.
The Saint’s scoring power has lacked in front of goals, scoring over 40 goals once this season, a consistent performance in front of the goals could provide optimism.
The Cat’s last month has been very competitive playing three of the top five sides, one of those drawing against Leopold.
Bye – St Joseph’s
Bellarine Football Netball League
Portarlington vs Barwon Heads
Portarlington Recreation Reserve, 11:50AM, Saturday 5th July, 2025
Both sides played each other in round one when Portarlington finished on top.
The Dees form the past month has been a little shacky with a few heavy defeats, albeit against finals contender sides.
A performance similarly to their game against Newcomb Power could provide plenty of optimism.
Barwon Heads currently sit second last on the ladder, with the Dees two games above.
The Seagulls last month has seen them face three of the top four sides, where they were competitive against all of them.
An exciting game this weekend presents with both sides desperate for a win.
Torquay vs Anglesea
McCartney Oval, 1:50PM, Saturday 5th July, 2025
Torquay is after it’s fourth win in five weeks, having come close to top of the table Ocean Grove three weeks ago in a sign of their current form.
Anglesea are looking for their third win of the season after losing by 10 points to the Tigers and round 4.
The Roo’s haven’t scored above 50 goals since they last played Torquay, you’d think a large sum could make things interesting.
Geelong Amateur vs Queenscliff
Queens Park, 1:50PM, Saturday 5th July, 2025
A top three spot is on the line for both sides, particularly Queenscliff who’re equal with Torquay and a game in front of Newcomb.
A win here could continue to consolidate their top three credentials.
Last time these two clubs played, Ammos finished on top winning by 12 goals.
If there form of recent has any thing to go by, five wins in a row might show how they’re tracking now.
Should be a high-pressure environment down the stretch.
Ocean Grove vs Modewarre
Shell Road Reserve, 1:50PM, Saturday 5th July, 2025
Two contrasting seasons thus far, Ocean Grove are currently undefeated, while Modewarre is winless.
Ocean Grove has looked in control for much of the season, defeating Queenscliff who sit third on the ladder in convincing fashion.
Could be a tough ask for Modewarre, however a four-quarter effort could give some confidence among the staff and playing group.
Newcomb vs Drysdale
Grinter Reserve, 1:50PM, Saturday 5th July, 2025
Could be the biggest game of the season, as it stands, Newcomb sit fifth on the ladder two games clear of Drysdale who sit in sixth position.
A win for the Power could make the Hawks chances of playing finals very difficult.
Last time these two sides played, the Power finished victorious by one goal.
If there’s anything to make out of this clash, it’s that it’ll go down to the wire.
The Hawks are currently on a run of four wins in a row, one of those being Queenscliff.
For the Power, they have won, one of their last four games, if the time is to bounce back for the Power, this is the game to do it.
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