Roos win thriller to move to second

Newcomb vs. Anglesea @ Newcomb Sand & Soil Oval – Saturday, 2:10pm

CAN Newcomb play giant-killer for a second straight week? The Power finally got the big scalp it was chasing, and at the same time put a massive dent in Drysdale’s finals hopes, after claiming an eight-point victory. “It was validation to the players that they are good enough, and validation to the club that we are on the right path,” coach Rory Nicol said. “The first win to break the drought was a good one. But, as far as beating someone higher than us on the ladder, so it’s very pleasing for the 22 players and the coaches that have put a lot of hard work in.” A win for Anglesea will not only ensure a finals berth but also keep the Roos hopes of a first minor premiership since last winning the flag in 1999 alive. However, it needs Geelong Amateur to slip-up over the last fortnight.

Last time they met: Round 10, 2019: Anglesea 14.18 (102) def. Newcomb 11.7 (73) @ Alcoa Oval

Prediction: Anglesea by 27 points

Barwon Heads vs. Ocean Grove @ Howard Harmer Oval – Saturday, 2:10pm

OCEAN Grove will enter the second Battle of the Bridge of 2019 with some renewed confidence after scoring its first win under caretaker coach David King last week. The Grubbers used a seven-goal-to-one second quarter to claim a 43-point win over Portarlington and snap a six-game losing streak. However, they will face a Barwon Heads line-up keen to hold onto the double-chance. The Seagulls missed a chance to keep the pressure on Geelong Amateur and make the final round clash against Ammos a playoff for the minor premiership after suffering a two-point loss to Anglesea at Alcoa Oval. It was the second time this year Barwon Heads have lost to the Roos by less than a goal.

Last time they met: Round 10, 2019: Barwon Heads 16.17 (113) def. Ocean Grove 4.4 (28) @ Ray Menzies Oval

Prediction: Barwon Heads by 47 points

Geelong Amateur vs. Drysdale @ KFC Oval, Queen’s Park – Saturday, 2:10pm

DRYSDALE has put itself in the unenviable position of needing to win its last two home-and-away games and have other results go its way if it is to play finals. The Hawks are now a game outside the top five after losing to Newcomb at Mortimer Oval for the first time since early 2007 last week. However, the Hawks, who have lost three consecutive matches to fall from second to sixth, face Geelong Amateur and Anglesea over the next fortnight. Ammos became the first team to lock away a finals berth after seeing off Modewarre to the tune of 22 points. However, Kane Tenace’s men still need one more win to guarantee the double-chance. If Geelong Amateur, which hosts Barwon Heads in Round 18, was to lose its remaining two matches, it could find itself in an elimination final.

Last time they met: Round 10, 2019: Drysdale 9.13 (67) def. Geelong Amateur 8.6 (54)

Prediction: Geelong Amateur by 18 points

Portarlington vs. Torquay @ Ron Evans Oval – Saturday, 2:10pm

TORQUAY can make a finals berth a formality when it travels to Ron Evans Oval for a clash with Portarlington. The Tigers, who saw off an injury-ravaged Queenscliff by 82 points, remain in contention for qualifying final berth. In a couple of positive signs for Torquay, Paul McMahon and Cam Lockwood both returned from injury and kicked seven goals between them. The best-case scenario for Dom Gleeson’s men to finish in the top three is beating the Demons and then Newcomb in the final round, and having Geelong Amateur beat Barwon Heads to end the home-and-away season. Portarlington was competitive for much of last week’s 43-point loss to Ocean Grove. However, the Demons were blown away by the Grubbers’ seven-goal-to-one second quarter.

Last time they met: Round 10, 2019: Torquay 19.20 (134) def. Portarlington 5.5 (35) @ McCartney Oval

Prediction: Torquay by 68 points

Queenscliff vs. Modewarre @ Queenscliff Recreation Reserve – Saturday, 2:10pm

MODEWARRE will head down to Queenscliff knowing a win should be enough to make a fourth consecutive finals appearance a reality. However, a loss to the Coutas would leave the door open for Drysdale to sneak into fifth spot with one round remaining. The Warriors can still snatch the double-chance and a berth in the qualifying final but are relying on teams above them losing. With the top half of the ladder playing the bottom half this week, Modewarre will need to beat Queenscliff and Portarlington in the last fortnight of the home-and-away season, and have two of Anglesea, Barwon Heads or Torquay lose in the final round

Last time they met: Round 10, 2019: Modewarre 26.28 (184) def. Queenscliff 2.5 (17) @ Community Bank Oval

Prediction: Modewarre by 35 points