Fourth time’s the charm as Hawks claim GF berth

DRYSDALE Football Club will play in the Bellarine Football League (BFL) Grand Final for the first time in 10 years after an enthralling nine-point win over Barwon Heads at Grinter Reserve earlier today (Saturday, September 2), 8.10.58 to 10.7.67.

Drysdale had yet to defeat Barwon Heads in 2023 on three previous occasions, but the fourth yielded a different result at the most important time of the year.

In a back-and-forth contest, neither side got out to an early advantage in the first quarter, unlike the two sides’ previous meeting in the First Qualifying Final, with the Seagulls holding a slim 2.3.15 to 2.1.13 lead at quarter time.

Drysdale’s Bailey Sykes sidesteps the Barwon Heads defender.

Barwon Heads stayed in front at the main break, leading 4.6.30 to 3.4.22, before Drysdale gathered momentum, cutting the margin down to just one point, trailing 6.7.43 to 6.6.42 at three quarter time.

Both sides hit the scoreboard in the final term. However, of the six majors, the Hawks kicked four, including a crucial mongrel kick by Jake Hargreaves in the dying seconds to put the result beyond the reigning premiers.

Hargreaves’ four goals led the Hawks in the contest, which was bolstered by Tom Ruggles’ three and James Breust’s two.

Hamish Paynter’s lone goal took Drysdale’s total for the day to 10.

Barwon Heads’ Sammy Baker surrounded by Hawks defenders.

Barwon Heads’ small forward Sammy Baker tried to keep his side in the contest through four quarters, kicking three goals.

Oliver Wiltshire was the side’s only other multiple goal-kicker with two. Ned Aulsebrook and playing coach Mitch Herbison nabbed singles each.

The Seagulls’ loss marks the end of its premiership reign dating back to the end of 2019, while Drysdale will get the chance to claim its first flag since 2010, when it secured back-to-back premierships over Geelong Amateur at Spring Creek Reserve.

To do so, it will have to conquer Torquay a second time. Drysdale is the only team this season to defeat the Tigers.

The two teams meet at Grinter Reserve next Saturday (Septemebr 9) with the opening bounce to start at 2pm.