Key clashes headline BFL round 2

Modewarre (7th) vs. Anglesea (1st) @ Community Bank Oval, Saturday, 2:10 pm

REIGNING premier Modewarre will look to bounce back quickly from last week’s loss to grand final opponent Barwon Heads when it hosts Anglesea at Community Bank Oval. The Warriors were no match for the Seagulls after half time, kicking just three goals on their way to a 45-point defeat. They were missing premiership pair Nathan Ablett and Josh McDonald, who will add more potency up forward when they return. Anglesea had few issues in wiping aside Portarlington to the tune of 138 points. Jordan Erskine kicked his second 10- goal haul since arriving at Alcoa Oval, while Ryan Williams contributed four majors. Northcote Park recruit Joel Donaldson also made an immediate impact.

Previous meeting: 2018 Preliminary Final: Modewarre 15.13 (103) def. Anglesea 9.11 (65) @Mortimer Oval – Drysdale
Prediction: Modewarre by 11 points

Barwon Heads (4th) vs. Torquay (2nd) @ Howard Harmer Oval, Saturday, 2:10 pm

AFTER exacting some small revenge for last year’s grand final loss to Modewarre, Barwon Heads has turned its attention to a clash with 2017 premiers Torquay at Howard Harmer Oval. The Seagulls were impressive after half time against the Warriors, with Mitch Herbison (four goals) and reigning Ash medallist Mat Dyer (three goals) starring in the 45-point win. After a year overshadowed by the salary cap sanctions handed out on the eve of 2018 season, the Tigers started 2019 in style with a 63-point victory over Geelong Amateur under lights at McCartney Oval. Free of injury, Ben Raidme gave the BFL a reminder of his undoubted talent with an impressive midfield display, while Jack Heathcote, who kicked just one goal from 10 senior appearances in 2018, finished with four goals.

Previous meeting: Round 12, 2018: Barwon Heads 17.17 (119) def. Torquay 7.9 (51) @ McCartney Oval
Prediction: Barwon Heads by 9 points

Geelong Amateur (9th) vs. Portarlington (10th) @ KFC Oval – Queens Park, Saturday, 2:10pm

THE only meeting of two teams who started 2019 without a win. Geelong Amateur was slow out of the blocks in former Geelong speedster Kane Tenace’s first game in charge. Ammos found themselves in a 68-point hole at half time against
Torquay. However, they will take some momentum into the meeting with Portarlington after outscoring the Tigers after the main break. In some positive signs for the Tigers, recruits Guy Hardiman, Sam Hosking and Paddy Killen all played well, while teenage debutant Fionn Holten kicked two goals. The Demons were outpointed by Anglesea to the tune of 138 points, with their first goal not coming until after half time. Gisborne recruit Ross Celano battled hard for Portarlington, which is expected to be without star defender Luke Williams in the short term with a hand injury.

Previous meeting: Round 17, 2018: Geelong Amateur 21.20 (146) def. Portarlington 5.1 (31) @ KFC Oval – Queen’s Park
Prediction: Geelong Amateur by 45 points

Drysdale (3rd) vs. Ocean Grove (6th) @ Mortimer Oval, Saturday, 2:10 pm

DRYSDALE was quick to make a statement that many BFL followers were expecting in putting awayQueenscliff to the tune of 61 points. Despite being without co-coach Daniel Jull, returning skipper Mitch McGuire, and BFL representative Josh
Hopgood, the Hawks were always in control of the contest. Former Bell Park spearhead Jarrod Garth kicked a goal inside the opening 90 seconds and finished with four goals. Harley Pearce, who played his early junior football at the Hawks, returned from a stint at Ocean Grove and also finished with four majors. Garth’s former Bell Park teammate Chris Lynch was also impressive in defence. The Grubbers were slow to start before giving up a 14-point lead late in a four-point loss to Newcomb. Coach Jordy Jones did all he could to drag Ocean Grove across the line despite playing with a perforated eardrum.

Previous meeting: Round 17, 2018: Ocean Grove 20.14 (134) def. Drysdale 8.9 (57) @ Mortimer Oval – Drysdale

Prediction: Drysdale by 28 points

Newcomb (5th) vs. Queenscliff (8th) @ Newcomb Sand & Soil Oval, Saturday 2:10pm

NEWCOMB will enter its first home game of 2019 full of confidence after coming from 14 points down late in its opening round clash with Ocean Grove to snatch a five-point victory. The Power, who hadn’t beaten the Grubbers since the 2007 grand final, stormed out of the blocks before being slowly reeled in by the home team. However, this appears to be a different Newcomb in Rory Nicol’s fourth season as coach, and the Power wouldn’t be denied as Andrew Steele calmly slotted the winning goal with less than two minutes remaining. Queenscliff will be keen to bounce back quickly from a disappointing 61-point loss to Drysdale. The Coutas were playing catchup from the start and will be keen to avoid a slow beginning this week.

Previous meeting: Round 13, 2018: Queenscliff 17.13 (115) def. Newcomb 9.8 (62) @ Newcomb Sand & Soil Oval
Prediction: Queenscliff by 19 points