BFNL Football Preview | Round 16
AFL Barwon writer Wil Spence previews this weekend’s Senior Football matches in the Bellarine Football Netball League.
Drysdale vs Ocean Grove
Drysdale Recreation Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 2nd August, 2025
Plenty to play out with Drysdale looking to respond after a tough defeat to the reigning premier, as they fight for a top three spot.
While Ocean Grove are after back-to-back wins for the first time this season.
The Hawks average 74.1 marks per game, in tough conditions last week, they totalled 38 marks, a number Ben Carmichael would like to forget quickly.
If they can get back to their normal ways this weekend, which has seen them win games, the Hawks could give the Grubbers some headaches around the ground.
VFL listed player, Luke Preece and Tom Ruggles average 5.4 and 4.9 marks per game.
The Grubbers ability to be well set behind the ball has been evident, averaging 91.7 intercept possessions per game.
If Dave Farrell’s side can continue to be positioned well behind the ball, the Grubbers may be able to move the footy in attacking ways out of the back half of the ground.
Jamison Hallam and Gus Bourke average 9.2 and 6.0 intercept possessions per game.
Geelong Amateur vs Torquay
Queens Park Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 2nd August, 2025
A top of the table clash that will be sure to bring supporters, in which should be the match of the round.
Geelong Amateurs can sure up top spot on the ladder with a win.
For the reigning premier, a win against Ammos could give a pulse for finishing on top of the ladder.
Sam Lloyd’s side average 109.4 marks per game, which ranks elite for the competition.
If Ammos can get first use with the football, look for a high kick-mark brand of football,
Which was successful last time these two sides played each other in round one.
Midfielders, Tom Gribble and Riley Ferguson average 5.6 and 5.2 marks per game respectively.
Torquay ranks elite for total handballs per game, averaging 151.3 handballs per game.
Last time the Tigers faced Ammos, they produced 122 handballs.
Expect newly signed Dom Gleeson to have an added focus towards moving the ball with speed through overlap handballs.
Both Ham brothers, Charlie and Sheldon should have an influence on the game, averaging 10.8 and 6.5 handballs per game.
View this post on Instagram
Modewarre vs Anglesea
Mount Moriac Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 2nd August, 2025
Massive implications for this weekend’s game, regarding which side may play finals.
A win for Modewarre would bring them back within a game of Anglesea, however a loss would end their finals hopes.
For Anglesea, a win this week would ensure they maintain fifth spot.
If Barwon Heads were to lose against Newcomb, the Roos would build an eight-point buffer for fifth position.
The Warriors totalled a season high 57 total hard ball gets, with finals on the line, expect Mark Hovey’s men to be desperate to win the football in contested situations.
Callen Farrell and Josh Finch average 11.6 and 7.5 total ground ball gets per game respectively.
The Roos laid a season high 108 tackles last weekend, expect nothing less of Jordan Keras’s squad this weekend, as they’ll be desperate to apply the early heat in the midfield, as their season is on the line.
Harrison Ling leads his side averaging 7.5 tackles per game.
Tune into AFL Barwon TV from 2.10pm on Saturday to watch live coverage of this big clash!
View this post on Instagram
Portarlington vs Queenscliff
Portarlington Recreation Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 2nd August, 2025
Last weekend’s result for Queenscliff hurt their chances of consolidating a top three position.
Currently, level with Drysdale on points, the Coutas will be hoping to put on a strong performance against a tough Portarlington squad.
The Dees will be looking to bounce back after a tough month with an important win this weekend to finish off a strong season.
The past two weeks, Heath Jamieson’s side has averaged 93 turnovers per game, a number he would like to reduce heading towards a finals campaign.
Important ball users, Jordy Mcivor-Clark and Jake Lindrea should have an influence averaging 19.5 and 12.5 kicks per game.
The Dees past month, they have averaged 61.8 marks per game, down on their season average of 78.4 marks per game.
Expect a high priority of Nathan Storer’s this weekend to maximise their number of marks per game.
Teia Miles and Nicholas Sing average 6.8 marks per game each.
Newcomb vs Barwon Heads
Grinter Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 2nd August, 2025
Finals implications are high on the agenda for this weekend’s game.
Last weekend’s heartbreaking loss should fuel Newcomb this weekend as they look to take some momentum into next season.
Barwon Heads finals hopes are on the line, after a disappointing second half last week against Anglesea.
The Seagulls need to win to either stay within four points of Anglesea or potentially leapfrog them back into the top five.
The Powers ability to win the football the past month has been much higher than their season average of 308.9 total disposals, averaging 347 disposals per game.
However, their high turnover rate has hurt their chances of scoring when inside 50.
The return of Jack Duke this week for Tony Mirabella’s side should provide some support inside 50, Duke currently averages 2.7 goals per game.
Heading into last weekend’s game, the Seagulls were averaging 56.5 pressure acts per game over their last six games.
That number dropped to 37 against Anglesea, as their overall pressure dropped in the second half for Sam Schaller’s side.
Expect Barwon Heads overall pressure to improve this week as they push for a finals spot.
Sammy Baker and Lachlan Wilson lead their side, averaging 3.9 and 3.4 pressure acts per game.
