Jamieson demands more as ladder-leading Coutas eye finals redemption

QUEENSCLIFF are just two wins away from securing their 2026 finals position, but despite sitting atop the Geelong Football League ladder, coach Heath Jamieson remains wary of the competition.

 

Coming off a dominant 16.25 (121) to 8.6 (54) 67-point win over Barwon Heads, Jamieson said internal competition is driving standards at the Coutas this season.

With the reserves side also sitting top of the ladder, Jamieson said pressure for selection across both grades has lifted the senior group.

Training numbers have been stronger than he has seen in years, with players pushing for a first-grade spot each week.

After disappointment in their 2025 finals campaign, Jamieson said improving over the final six weeks of the season is essential for those hoping to feature in September.

“Our training habits have been really good,” he said. “You can’t take your foot off the pedal when you have that internal competition for spots.

 

“They’re preparing well for training; everyone’s pushing hard against each other.

“Both sides look like they’re going to play finals, but we’ve still got a lot of work to do to get to where we want to.”

Jamieson said the club has welcomed at least 45 players to training, with the coaching group impressed by the commitment shown away from game day.

While players remain focused on weekly matches, Jamieson and his support staff are already preparing for finals.

Reflecting on last year’s campaign, he said this year’s group has a different look.

Strong off-season recruiting and a desire to respond after 2025 will put the side in a stronger position, Jamieson said.

“We’re better prepared; the boys are a year older,” he said.

“It was a very inexperienced team but we went out and recruited pretty well, brought six or seven guys in at the top end that do have finals experience and have played big games, so I think we’ve tidied that up.”

This weekend’s clash with Newcomb will provide another test for the ladder leaders.

 

After a lacklustre stretch before the bye, Jamieson hopes the win over Barwon Heads is a sign of what is to come.

Facing the Power at home will add another challenge.

“They play their ground so well,” Jamieson said.

“They have a lot of top end talent. Logan [Wagener] has probably proven that he’s the best player in the league at the moment. Tommy Webster’s looks like he’s been switched forward to a positive result and Jack Duke is always a challenge.

“They’re littered with stars all over the field and they play their ground so well.”

Newcomb currently sit sixth on the Bellarine Football League ladder.