Hawks try to keep finals hopes alive

INVERLEIGH will look to keep its GDFL finals hopes alive as it takes on an in-form North Geelong at Osborne Park tomorrow (Saturday, July 26th).

The sixth-placed Hawks, who beat Bannockburn by 22 points at the weekend, sit one game behind Bell Post Hill and must win to remain in reach of fifth spot with five rounds to go.

But, the Magpies are coming off an upset win against East Geelong in Round 13 and now sit equal-second by one game, so will be well aware that every match counts from here.

The last time the two sides met was in Round 2, when North Geelong prevailed by four points in a thriller.

Ladder leaders Belmont will host Bell Post Hill at Winter Reserve, looking to get back on track after an upset loss against Thomson before a bye at the weekend.

Meanwhile, the Panthers will also hope to return to the winners’ list after a disappointing loss to the eight-placed Werribee Centrals. A loss against the Lions could see Bell Post Hill drop out of the top five, should Inverleigh beat the Magpies.

Fourth-placed Thomson can make it six wins in a row if it beats the seventh-placed Anakie, who lost to Geelong West before the bye. The reigning premiers may just be hitting their straps again at the right time of the year.

East Geelong will look to turn things around after a loss to North Geelong last weekend, as the side takes on the Werribee Centrals at Galvin Park.

Bannockburn will host last-placed Corio and look for its fifth win of the season.

Winchelsea can achieve consecutive wins for the first time this year should it defend its home ground against the second-last-placed Giants.

BY TIMES NEWS GROUP