Anzac Day battle shapes as early test for Surf Coast

SURF Coast Football Club’s senior men will meet cross-town rivals Geelong Rangers in an Anzac Day clash at Myers Reserve.

Sitting seventh in the men’s State League division 2 competition with a 1-2-1 record, Surf Coast face a Rangers outfit just below them in ninth, making the result an important one in a tightly packed ladder.

Surf Coast come in off a 3-3 draw with Whittlesea Ranges in what was a back-and-forth contest.

Riku Sukenaga struck twice early before Jack Corrigan put his side ahead in the 76th minute. Whittlesea Ranges drew level in the 83rd minute, after a late own goal from Bradley Verrall.

Despite being newly promoted from division 3, Surf Coast have held their ground in the middle of the table. They will need a win against Geelong to stay within reach of the leading pack.

Geelong Rangers, meanwhile, are looking to respond after a 3-1 loss to Uni Hill, having opened the scoring before conceding three unanswered goals.

In the reserves, Surf Coast sit fifth with a 2-1-1 record and carry momentum from a 3-2 win over Whittlesea, sealed by Xander Stojanovski’s 88th-minute goal.

The reserves will begin the day with a 1pm kick off, with the seniors to follow at 3pm.