Grubbers need to build on win to stay in touch with five

Barwon Heads (3rd) vs. Anglesea (6th) @ Howard Harmer Oval – Saturday, 2:10 pm
A CRUCIAL clash in the contest of Anglesea’s season. After sharing the points with Geelong Amateur last week, the Roos missed the chance to sneak into the top five. A loss to Barwon Heads and a win for Drysdale over Newcomb this week could see Anglesea six points adrift of the top five. However, a win and other results going their way could have the Roos within half-a-game of the double-chance. The Seagulls were made to battle hard by the Power, escaping with a 13-point win thanks to a couple of late goals. They may be without reigning Ash medallist Mat Dyer and star off-season acquisition Tim McIntyre on Saturday, with the pair due to face the AFL Barwon on Tuesday night. Finding a match-up for Anglesea power forward Jordan Erskine, who sits 21 goals clear on top of the BFL goalkicking table with 42 for the season after seven against Ammos, might be difficult for Barwon Heads co-coaches Mitch Herbison and Troy Mitchell. Interleague representative Dylan Holland will again be sidelined after dislocating his elbow in the Bellarine’s win over the GDFL.

Last time they met: Round 16, 2018: Barwon Heads 20.22 (142) def. Anglesea 8.10 (58) @ Howard Harmer Oval

Prediction: Barwon Heads by 22 points

Geelong Amateur (2nd) vs. Modewarre (1st) @ KFC Oval – Queen’s Park – Saturday, 2:10pm
TOP spot goes on the line when Geelong Amateur and Modewarre meet at KFC Oval. Ammos are coming off a draw against Anglesea, while the Warriors were involved in a tight contest of their own in Round 7 in beating an inaccurate Drysdale by seven points. With a logjam inside the top five, a loss for Modewarre could see it drop to fourth if Barwon Heads and Torquay both win. Sam Hosking is proving to be one of the recruits of the season so far. The forward, who joined Geelong Amateur after finishing runner-up in the GFL’s reserve grade medal last year, finished with five goals last week to give him 17 for the season.

Last time they met: Round 18, 2018: Modewarre 10.7 (67) def. Geelong Amateur 5.7 (37) @ Community Bank Oval
Prediction: Modewarre by 15 points

Newcomb (7th) vs. Drysdale (5th) @ Newcomb Sand & Soil Oval – Saturday, 2:10pm
AN intriguing clash at Newcomb Sand & Soil Oval between Newcomb and Drysdale. After three consecutive wins to start the season, the Power has not lost four consecutive matches. However, two of those losses have to 2018 grand finalists Modewarre (23 points) and last week Barwon Heads (13 points), which indicates Rory Nicol’s men are closing in on a big scalp. The Hawks had their chances against the Warriors before falling by seven points, despite having three more scoring shots. Boom recruit Jarrod Garth battled hard in kicking four goals and will again be Drysdale’s main avenue to goal on Saturday.

Last time they met: Round 9, 2018: Drysdale 18.13 (121) def. Newcomb 10.11 (71) @ Mortimer Oval
Prediction: Drysdale by 31 points

Queenscliff (9th) vs. Portarlington (10th) @ Queenscliff Recreation Reserve – Saturday, 2:10pm
FURTHER additions to an already lengthy injury list have Queenscliff coach Steve Clark wondering why he is so out of luck in season 2019. The Coutas, who suffered a 65-point loss to Torquay in Round 7, will need to make at least three changes for the clash with Portarlington. Daniel DeGois (hamstring) and A.J. Davie (ankle) are facing extended stints on the sideline, while Davie’s former St Mary’s teammate Matt Craig (concussion) will miss at least the meeting with the Demons. Captain Jake Hedley played through the pain of an ankle injury against the Tigers. In better news for Queenscliff, veteran great Tom Limb, lively forward Jayden Durran, and Tasmanian recruit Mitch Donnelly are all a chance to return.

Last time they met: Round 14, 2018: Queenscliff 18.14 (122) def. Portarlington 12.9 (81) @ Queenscliff Recreation Reserve
Prediction: Queenscliff by 23 points

Ocean Grove (8th) vs. Torquay (4th) @ Ray Menzies Oval – Saturday, 2:10 pm
WITH its confidence restored thanks to an 82-point win over Portarlington, Ocean Grove will look to stay in touch with the top five when it hosts Torquay. Inspired by nine goals from teenage forward Tom Richardson, the Grubbers made up some vital percentage in claiming their 51st consecutive win over the Demons. However, Richardson, the son of former Adelaide Crow and two-time BFL leading goalkicker Adam, may find himself back in the Geelong Falcons team on the back of that
performance. The Tigers did what they had to in beating an injury-depleted Queenscliff. The 65-point margin would have been higher if not for some woeful inaccuracy in front of goal. Torquay veteran Roscoe Homes impressed against the club he won three premierships with.

Last time they met: Round 15, 2018: Torquay 19.13 (127) def. Ocean Grove 11.7 (73) @ McCartney Oval
Prediction: Torquay by 29 points