Tigers and Roos clash to decide GF berth

THE Surf Coast will be divided when the region’s two biggest clubs meet in Portarlington tomorrow (Saturday, August 24) to play for a berth in the Bellarine Football League Grand Final.

Tigers premiership coach Dom Gleeson said his group was excited to begin its finals campaign against Anglesea, after enjoying a week off due to a top spot finish.

“The group committed this time last year to playing on in 2024 and staying together and see through potentially another premiership run.

“The group is looking forward to the challenge ahead. They’re a modest group that takes a bit to get them out of their shells, but we’re starting to get things going for this year’s finals, with guys like Lucas Anderson still actively involved and Matt Boag desperate to win a flag for his junior club.

“A lot can happen in finals, so we just need to take things one quarter at a time and make sure we’re doing things right to get ourselves in another Grand Final; nothing’s guaranteed at this point of the season.”

Anglesea defeated Drysdale by 27 points in Saturday’s first qualifying final to set up tomorrow’s meeting.

The Tigers finished the home and away season with 17 wins and one loss, to Geelong Amateur by one point.

Torquay emerged victorious in both its outings against the Roos in 2024, defeating its neighbouring town rivals by 19 points in their annual Anzac Day week clash and then again by 18 points in Round 14 on McCartney Oval.

Gleeson had a lot of praise for Anglesea, who have built on last season’s efforts to emerge as a top contender for the flag in 2024.

“There’s no doubt that they recruited really well for this season. It’s no secret they’ve put themselves in a position to compete from that,” Gleeson said.

James Darke is recovering from hand surgery and earlier this week was in doubt to play against Anglesea.

“Their ball use in the second half last weekend got going, which is one of their strengths. They’re well coached, they’re fit and it’s a pretty healthy list as well, which is so important at this end of the season.

“It should be a great game on Saturday.”

Gleeson said the Tigers had to make decisions on co-captain James Darke, ruck Ed McCoy and Will Tamassy who are all dealing with injuries, while key forward Lucas Anderson went down with a season-ending knee injury back in Round 4 against Geelong Amateur.

On the Anglesea side of the matchup, playing-coach Jordan Keras will welcome back Sam Leeds, possibly Harrison Veale, pending work commitments, and Max Simpson (leg).

Jack Rice suffered a hamstring injury against Drysdale and is unlikely to suit up for the Tigers clash.

Torquay and Anglesea begin play tomorrow at 2pm. Drysdale and Modewarre will play in the semi-final at the same time on Sunday, August 25.