Seagulls look to lock away top spot

Barwon Heads vs. Drysdale @ Howard Harmer Oval, Saturday 2.10pm
BARWON Heads can take another step towards securing its first minor premiership in 25 years when it hosts struggling Drysdale. The Seagulls made light work of Torquay for a second time in 2018 last week, handing the Tigers a 68-point hiding. Barwon Heads recruit Damien Horbury kicked his second bag of five goals against Torquay in what was another even team performance from the premiership favourites. A win over the Hawks will maintain a two-game buffer on second-placed Anglesea, with the Seagulls percentage 88 per cent greater than the Roos – effectively another game. Drysdale was unlucky not to steal the points from Queenscliff in a see-sawing meeting at Mortimer Oval. The Hawks are entering their final six games with Wade Chapman in charge. The club’s longest-serving coach will step down after seven seasons – in two separate stints – at the end of the season.

Last meeting: Round 7, 2018: Barwon Heads 16.11 (107) def. Drysdale 8.1 (49) @ Mortimer Oval

Prediction: Barwon Heads by 37 points

Newcomb vs. Queenscliff @ Newcomb Sand & Soil Oval, Saturday 2.10pm
HAVING negotiated a tricky clash with Round 1 conqueror Drysdale, Queenscliff faces another potential tripwire when it travels up the Bellarine Highway to Newcomb. The Coutas were lucky to escape with a draw on their last trip to Newcomb Sand & Soil Oval in 2017, with a lucky bounce of the ball from a shot at goal by then co-coach Andrew Hodgson getting his team a share of the points. Queenscliff sits on the same win-loss record as fifth-placed Modewarre but nearly 60 per cent behind the Warriors. Some may see this as a potential percentage-booster for the Coutas, however, the Power is slowly putting the days of the horrendous losses behind them.

Last meeting: Round 6, 2018: Queenscliff 20.6 (126) def. Newcomb 9.16 (70) @ Queenscliff Recreation Reserve

Prediction: Queenscliff by 51 points

Portarlington vs. Ocean Grove @ Ron Evans Oval – Portarlington Recreation Reserve, Saturday 2.10pm
ONE of country football’s longest head-to-head winning streaks looks set to continue when Ocean Grove heads across the Bellarine to Portarlington. The Grubbers haven’t lost to the Demons since Round 3, 1994 – an astonishing 48-game run. That is unlikely to be broken on Saturday, with Portarlington on the end of hidings from Anglesea and Modewarre since upsetting Geelong Amateur in Round 10. Ocean Grove, which suffered its second loss to Anglesea for 2018 last week, sits a game and percentage clear inside the top five despite the loss. The Grubbers are also only a game behind third-placed Ammos. They would love to boost their percentage with a big win over the Demons.

Last meeting: Round 1, 2018: Ocean Grove 14.13 (97) def. Portarlington 2.2 (14) @ Ray Menzies Oval

Prediction: Ocean Grove by 62 points

Modewarre vs. Anglesea @ Community Bank Oval, Sunday 2.10pm
A CRUCIAL Sunday clash for both Modewarre and Anglesea in what is turning into a solid rivalry between the Surf Coast Shire club. The Warriors need a win to stay inside the top five with five rounds remaining, while the Roos can further consolidate second spot on the ladder, making a qualifying final berth close to a certainty. Anglesea is full-of-confidence after seeing off Ocean Grove for a second time this year, while Modewarre handed Portarlington a 149-point hiding, in which former Melbourne and Richmond forward Ricky Petterd contributed five goals. Petterd is an assistant coach with VFL club Box Hill, and with the Hawks playing Saturday, he is every chance to roaming the forward 50 for the Warriors.

Last meeting: Round 3, 2018: Anglesea 11.9 (75) def. Modewarre 7.10 (52) @ Alcoa Oval

Prediction: Anglesea by 17 points

Geelong Amateur vs. Torquay @ Queen’s Park, Sunday 2.10pm
A MOUTH-watering meeting between 2017 grand finalists Geelong Amateur and Torquay should draw a decent sized crowd to Queen’s Park on Sunday. Ammos sit third on the ladder after last week’s big win over Newcomb but are just a game clear of Ocean Grove, which should lock away the four points against Portarlington. The Tigers are again square with the ledger after being unable to match it with Barwon Heads for the second time in 2018. The loss sees the reigning premier sitting seventh with six wins and six losses with six rounds remaining. A loss here wouldn’t be fatal, but if Modewarre and Queenscliff both win, Torquay would almost need to win out to ensure its title defence gets to the finals. Stopping Mitch Day, who returned from a broken foot to kick seven goals against Newcomb will be a key.

Last meeting: Round 3, 2018: Geelong Amateur 12.10 (82) def. Torquay 7.9 (51) @ Spring Creek Reserve

Prediction: Geelong Amateur by 11 points