Joeys keen to play well in blockbuster

ST JOSEPH’S will be eager to keep the momentum rolling when they venture to McDonald Reserve for their 2.15pm Anzac Day clash today (Friday, April 25) against South Barwon.

Joeys have had the chance to freshen up during the Easter break following their 63-16 drubbing of Leopold in the Geelong Football Netball League A Grade.

Coach Riley Richardson said the group was looking forward to continuing the long-standing tradition against the Swans, who beat Grovedale 72-30 in their season-opener.

“It does mean a lot and we really want to do the club proud and represent ourselves well in that game,” he said.

“They have a particularly formidable attacking end but we are probably, if anything, slightly defensively inclined so it always leads to a really good contest.”

Joeys bounced back after falling 43-41 to Newtown & Chilwell in round 0, the team they finished runner-up to last year.

Richardson said the team was looking forward to taking on the Eagles again this season and would look to better retain possession.

“They just play such a high standard game, their combinations and ball movement is so slick so to know that we’re at about that level already is really pleasing,” he said.

“We’re not resting on our laurels, we’re really looking to further level up our game as the season progresses and make sure that everyone on the team feels confident and capable when they step on the court.”

Joeys picked up goaler Ella Closter (Darley) and defender Kiahna Fallon (Barwon Heads) during the off-season and promoted midcourter Larni Howard from B grade.

All other round two matches will be tomorrow (Saturday, April 26) with St Mary’s hosting Newtown and Chilwell, Leopold welcoming Colac, Geelong West playing St Albans and Lara meeting Grovedale.