Hawks ready for “massive” Heads clash

DRYSDALE Football Club’s senior skipper says his side’s clash this week against Barwon Heads is a “massive” contest, as the second half of the Bellarine Football League (BFL) season gets under way.

The fourth-placed Hawks, led by captain Mitch McGuire, sit precariously in fourth position on the ladder at the moment after nine rounds, following losses in two out of its last three outings.

Following a disappointing loss to Modewarre, who now sit on the fringe of the top five, McGuire emphasised the importance of this week’s game at Howard Harmer Oval.

“It’s a massive one for us, especially with how we sit now and at this point of the season,” McGuire said.

“Everything’s tightening up ladder-wise and it’s always shaped up to be an entertaining contest over the years.

“We’ll certainly be locked in for that one and we’ll be looking for the four points for sure.”

The Hawks have struggled to piece together four strong quarter across the season.

Though, Ben Carmichael’s list has had its fair share of highlights to this point, headlined by a dominant five-game winning streak, as well as a dominant performance against second-placed Anglesea in Round 3.

Hawks forwards Jake Hargreaves and Joel Watson have also provided highlights in front of goal, kicking 23 and 18 goals respectively to both rank inside the BFL’s top 10 goal-getters.

McGuire says he has been impressed in recent weeks by a pair of Hawks, in particular defender Luke Preece and his vice-captain in Jack Jenkins.

“Luke Preece has probably been getting a lot of outside attention over the past few weeks and rightly so.

“He’s so reliable when it comes to those intercept marks and committing to those extra efforts around the ground, we love what he brings to the team.

“We’ve had a few guys put in some exceptional performances, Jack Jenkins plays really well wherever we put him, if he’s in the midfield or down back he does a great job, he’s been one for me.

“The group is travelling nicely, and we’re keen to keep improving.”

Drysdale and Barwon Heads lock horns tomorrow (Saturday, June 8) from 2.10pm with the winner possibly moving into the top three.