Grubbers need to win this weekend

Modewarre (1st) vs. Drysdale (5th) @ Community Bank Oval – Saturday, 2:10 pm

AFTER claiming the “scalp” it so desired before the interleague break in beating 2018 runner-up Barwon Heads, Drysdale will look to take down last year’s premier Modewarre to further enhance its BFL premiership credentials. However, the Hawks will have to defy recent history to beat the Warriors. Modewarre has won the last five meetings – and seven of the previous eight – between the two clubs. The Warriors have won five consecutive matches since losing the grand final rematch to Barwon Heads in Round 1, including a 121-point mauling of Portarlington in Round 6. Modewarre has plenty of players in form, with a number performing well in the Bellarine league’s win over the Geelong & District. Matt Farrelly, John Meesen, Morgan Fenton and four-time Ash medallist Josh Finch were all named among the Sharks’ best.

Last time they met: Round 11, 2018 – Modewarre 15.16 (106) def. Drysdale 10.8 (68) @ Mortimer Oval

Prediction: Modewarre by 17 points

Barwon Heads (3rd) vs. Newcomb (7th) @ Howard Harmer Oval – Saturday, 2:10 pm

BARWON Heads will look to bounce back from its pre-bye loss against Drysdale when it hosts Newcomb at Howard Harmer Oval. The Seagulls fell from atop the BFL ladder to third spot with the defeat by the Hawks. Co-coach Mitch Herbison has missed Barwon Heads’ last two matches with a shoulder injury. The Seagulls will be hoping he returns to take on the Power. However, they will definitely be without key defender Dylan Holland after he dislocated his elbow in the BFL’s win over the GDFL. After starting the season with three consecutive wins, Newcomb has dropped out of the top five with three straight losses, including an 84-point hiding by Torquay in Round 6.

Last time they met: Round 18, 2018 – Barwon Heads 27.17 (179) def. Newcomb 4.5 (29) @ Howard Harmer Oval

Prediction: Barwon Heads by 42 points

Geelong Amateur (2nd) vs. Anglesea (6th) @ KFC Oval – Saturday, 2:10pm

GEELONG Amateur can consolidate its spot inside the BFL top three if it can overcome Anglesea at KFC Oval. Ammos have been the surprise packet of the 2019 season after many predicted them to come back to the pack following the departure of some key players at the end of last year. However, new coach Kane Tenace has been able to bring together a bunch of impressive youngsters with some veterans who are still playing good football. Among them are Wade McSparron, who impressed for the BFL last week, and St Mary’s recruit Patrick Killen. Anglesea has been hit by injuries to some key players, including Ryan Dahlhaus and Dale Kerr. However, the Roos have the league’s leading goalkicker in Jordan Erskine that Geelong Amateur will have to stop.

Last time they met: 1st Semi-Final, 2018 – Anglesea 12.15 (87) def. Geelong Amateur 10.10 (70) @ Ron Evans Oval

Prediction: Geelong Amateur by 11 points

Portarlington (10th) vs. Ocean Grove (8th) @Ron Evans Oval – Saturday, 2:10pm

BASED on its opening six rounds of the season, Portarlington isn’t going to have too many opportunities to record a win in 2019.

However, the Demons may see a home fixture against Ocean Grove, which has just one victory to its name, as their best chance. Kicking enough goals to win games has been the issue for coach Jesse Smith. Portarlington is averaging just 32.5 points per game while conceding just under 125 points. No Demons has kicked more than three goals for the season. If the Grubbers are to salvage their season, they need to win and  win well. Newcomer Cory Connor looms as the wildcard for Ocean Grove. He has 14 goals in three games.

Last time they met: Round 13, 2018 – Ocean Grove 16.23 (119) def. Portarlington 7.7 (49) @Ron Evans Oval

Prediction: Ocean Grove by 29 points Queenscliff (9th) vs. Torquay (4th) @ Queenscliff Recreation Reserve – Saturday, 2:10pm

TORQUAY and Queenscliff will do battle in a match-up of two teams that have had contrasting fortunes when it comes toinjuries in 2019. The Tigers have used just 28 players through the opening six rounds of 2019, with 15 of those playing every game. The Coutas are already up to 31 players, with only 12 playing every game. Coach Steve Clark is hoping to have veteran midfielder Tom Limb back after he avoided serious damage to his knee in the loss to Geelong Amateur in Round 5. Quality forward Jayden Durran is also likely to play his first match since hurting a hamstring in Round 1, while Justin Maher is a chance to return. Queenscliff won both match-ups in 2018, including by 32 points at McCartney Oval in Round 9.

Last time they met: Round 9, 2018 – Queenscliff 15.13 (103) def. Torquay 10.11 (71) @ McCartney Oval

Prediction: Torquay by 32 points