Warriors set for Seagull attack

Barwon Heads (1st) vs. Modewarre (3rd) @ Portarlington Recreation Reserve, Saturday 2:10pm
THE first spot in the BFL Grand Final goes on the line when Barwon Heads meets Modewarre at Portarlington Recreation Reserve. After enjoying the luxury of a week off following their first minor premiership in 25 years, the Seagulls will look to book a berth in the decider for the first time since winning the flag in 1993. However, they face a Modewarre line-up full of confidence after overrunning Anglesea to the tune of 25 points in the qualifying final. The Warriors were one of only two teams to defeat Barwon Heads during the home-and-away season, recording a 49-point win in Round 17 thanks to five goals from small forward Josh McDonald and an impressive display from the versatile Daniel Sturzaker. All eyes will be on whether Mark Corrigan will line-up for the Seagulls. The former South Barwon and Geelong VFL star, who is now part of Essendon’s AFL coaching staff, is due to fly in from Adelaide on Saturday morning after the Bombers’ Friday night clash with Port Adelaide. Modewarre was able to restrict Barwon Heads to its lowest score of the season in their previous meeting. However, the Seagulls were missing the likes of co-coach Mitch Herbison, Ed Mitchell and Nathan Horbury that afternoon. Despite limited opportunities, league-leading goal kicker Mitch Phelps still managed four goals. Morgan Fenton has been a star in defence for the Warriors and likely have the first crack at curbing Phelps’ influence.

2018 meetings:
Round 10: Barwon Heads 15.9 (99) def. Modewarre 13.8 (86) @ Howard Harmer Oval
Round 17: Modewarre 16.9 (105) def. Barwon Heads 9.2 (56) @ Community Bank Oval

Prediction: Barwon Heads by 7 points

Anglesea (2nd) vs. Geelong Amateur (4th) @ Portarlington Recreation Reserve, Sunday 2.10pm
ANGLESEA will look to avoid a straight-sets exit from the finals for the second time in three years when it clashes with Geelong Amateur. After leading Modewarre in last week’s qualifying final by as much as 19 points during the third quarter, the Roos let go of a golden opportunity to have the first crack at Barwon Heads in the second semi-final. In a contrasting performance, Geelong Amateur overcame a slow start against Queenscliff to pull away for a 36-point win and keep its season alive. The Roos will have to defy recent history to beat Ammos. The last time they saluted against the men from Queens Park was the opening round of the 2011 season. But, if Anglesea fans are looking for an omen, the Roos progressed to a preliminary final that year. Jordan Erskine was held to a combined three goals across the two meetings with Ammos during the home-and-away season. He is likely to have Daniel Grose for company on Sunday. Anglesea had a crucial win earlier in the week when Ash Caldwell’s report for a sling tackle was thrown out by the AFL Barwon Match Review Panel. The Roo ruckman was offered a two-week set penalty, which the club was planning to challenge at the tribunal. However, it never got that far.

2018 meetings:
Round 1: Geelong Amateur 14.12 (96) def. Anglesea 13.10 (88) @ Alcoa Oval
Round 9: Geelong Amateur 16.12 (108) def. Anglesea 4.9 (33) @ Queens Park

Prediction: Geelong Amateur by 14 point