GCA1 bottom four rue a tough year

Grovedale were narrowly edged out of a finals berth. Photo: Rusty's Sport Shots

WITH the GCA1 home and away season all wrapped up, four sides are left licking their wounds after missing out on the finals.

GROVEDALE – 5th (6-6)

Consecutives losses at either end of the season has proved very costly for Grovedale, who fell short of the top four by the slightest of percentages.

While they put together some strong performances through the middle of their campaign, the Tigers went down to North Geelong and East Belmont in both the early and late rounds to put them just out of touch with the sides above them.

Individually, paceman Sam Coutts enjoyed a strong season, taking 30 wickets, whilst Jordan Moran made 577 runs to take out the league Champion Player award.

SOUTH BARWON – 6th (5-7)

The Swans spent most of the season in check with the top four, but dropped five of their last six hit outs to see them drop to seventh.

The loss to Grovedale in Round 14 was the final blow, with fourth spot within reach should they have come out winners. A finals berth beckons should they capitalise on more opportunities next season.

ST JOSEPH’S – 7th (4-6)

Despite an impressive squad, St Joseph’s were never able to get fully firing throughout their 2025/26 campaign.

Showed glimpses of what they were capable of, particularly in their commanding opening round win over East Belmont, but were ultimately unable to string consecutive wins together in consistent fashion all season.

NEWTOWN & CHILWELL – 8th(2-10)

After finishing runners-up last season, the True Blues will move down to Division Two in season 2026/27 after a horror campaign.

Their lineup looked significantly different to that of the 2025 Grand Final, but never looked like a finals outfit and endured two five-game losing streaks.