Third term surge boosts Magpies to victory

North Geelong have kicked off their 2026 Geelong & District Football League campaign with a three-goal win over Bannockburn at Victoria Park.

A seven-goal third quarter proved decisive from the reigning premiers in windy conditions against a persistent Tigers outfit.

Jasper George was named best on ground for the Magpies, while coach Peter Riccardi’s sons, Boston and Oscar, both impressed in their first senior game together.

Reigning grand finalist East Geelong made an early statement, dismantling Corio by 101 points at Shell Reserve.

Zac Smith managed a whopping 12 goals in the victory and Jack Beardsell added four more.

Werribee Centrals set up its 19-point win over Winchelsea with a six-goal-to-none opening term at Eastern Reserve. The Blues responded across the final three quarters, but the early damage proved too great.

Bell Post Hill also recorded a convincing win, overcoming Geelong West by 91 points at the newly named Scaada Stadium.

Lachlan Wilson kicked five goals and was named best on ground.

Inverleigh beat Thomson by 37 points in an impressive four-quarter effort to begin their season on a positive note, thanks to seven goals from Mason Dickson.

Belmont capitalised against an inaccurate Anakie outfit to win by 43 points at AA Semi Trailers Oval.

This weekend will see Inverleigh host Corio, Bell Post Hill host Anakie, North Geelong host Thomson, East Geelong host Geelong West, Werribee Centrals host Bannockburn, and Winchelsea host Belmont.