Seagulls primed for this weekend’s BFL grand final against Torquay

BARWON Heads will enter this weekend’s Bellarine Football League Grand Final against Torquay quietly confident that their 26-year premiership drought can be broken.
The Seagulls will take on the Tigers in the ultimate “Battle of the Breaks” this Saturday at McCartney Oval in Torquay at 2.10pm.
Barwon Heads football director Brendan Curry said the 2019 season had been very different to the 2018, when the Seagulls had a dominant home and away season with a 16-win, two loss season and finished four games clear on top of the ladder.
“In 2019, we were out of the top five at the half way mark of the season with a five-win four-loss record, before winning eight of our last nine games and the final game away to top side Geelong Amateurs to claim a double chance,” Mr Curry said.
“In the first two finals, Barwon Heads has defeated Torquay and Geelong Amateurs at Portarlington, but now Torquay will have the advantage of playing the Grand Final at their home ground.
“It is an exciting opportunity to potentially win a premiership at a tough venue against a tough opponent who are playing in their third Grand Final in five years.”
Mr Curry said Barwon Heads would enter the Grand Final with a healthy list with Brad Harvey, Dylan Holland and Lachlan Slorach, all a chance to return to the final 22.
Co-coaches Troy Mitchell and Mitch Herbison will select the best balanced side to take on the experienced Tigers side.
“We are looking forward to huge numbers of supporters attending this Saturday to not only barrack for our senior footballers but also our Colts side who play Ocean Grove at 9.30am and six of our netball sides who are all contesting grand finals this Saturday.
“The Barwon Heads senior footy side has played in a tough aggressive manner all season with quick ball movement and a non-compromising ‘team first’ attitude – this game will be a great contest and let’s all hope come Saturday night, Barwon Heads can emerge as Premiers.”
Meanwhile, the netball sides contesting grand finals this Saturday comprise the division one under 13s, division one under 15s, division one under 17s, 19s, B Grade and E Grade.
Netball President Kylie Rawson said after a weekend of good wins, the girls were excited to bring their best again this weekend.
“We as a club have faced many challenges this season, with injuries and absences across the board, but in the face of adversity, last weekend proved we have great depth in our teams,” Ms Rawson said.
“The girls have a determination this year that I haven’t seen before.
“This is our third big representation at the grand finals, and we have ensured that we mentally and physically prepared as best we can.”
See pages 56, 57, 59 and 61 for more coverage.