Hawks swoop on Modewarre to advance to Prelim

DRYSDALE has bounced back from last week’s disappointing defeat to Anglesea to earn a spot in this year’s Bellarine Football League (BFL) Preliminary Final.

The Hawks welcomed back skipper Mitch McGuire in a must-win fixture at today’s Semi-Final against Modewarre, where Drysdale rode a six-goal first quarter to win 15.7 (97) to 6.8 (44) in Portarlington this afternoon (Sunday, August 25).

Ben Carmichael’s line-up was lethal in the opening term as the Hawks opened their account with six goals straight to lead the game 36-7 at the first break.

The situation got worse for Modewarre, who were without 400-gamer Josh Finch due to injury, trailing 59-18 at half time with only two goals from 10 scoring shots.

The third term saw both sides score a combined 26 points, but Drysdale did well to not give the Warriors a sniff in the fourth, pushing the final deficit out to 53 points.

Drysdale forward Jake Hargreaves will return to the lineup for next week’s Preliminary Final against Torquay after serving his one-game suspension for striking Anglesea playing-coach Jordan Keras.

Drysdale tall Cameron Delaney was instrumental for the Hawks, kicking five goals alongside Joel Watson’s four. James Breust added a pair, while star midfielder Ben Fennell scored one as well.

Both Delaney and Watson earned best on ground honours for their respective hauls.

Scott Morter kicked a pair for Modewarre, while Connor Joseph was kept quiet with just one goal. Baxter Anderson also kicked a goal in the second quarter.

Drysdale and Torquay’s Preliminary Final at Leopold Memorial Reserve next Saturday will determine who will meet Anglesea in this year’s Grand Final on September 7.