Qualifying Final 2: Torquay vs Barwon Heads
When Barwon Heads managed to outlast Drysdale in the first week of finals, one would think that an intriguing contest would ensue against Torquay. This was not the case. The Tigers gained control in the first quarter with little difficulty, and once that happens, Torquay are extremely hard to catch.
Callum Currie was the standout for the Tigers with eight goals to his name. Four-time Les Ash medalist James Darke was named among the best for Torquay alongside Nick O'Farrell and Chase Loftus. Barwon Head's Sammy Baker had another solid performance but couldn't replicate his four-goal haul from the previous week. Forward Dylan Holland managed to kick three majors for the Seagulls, but unfortunately dislocated his shoulder.
While the Tigers have punched in their Grand Final ticket, Barwon Heads will meet Drysdale in the Preliminary Final.
Best
Torquay: C. Currie, N. O'Farrell, C. Loftus, J. Darke, M. Burns, S. Ham
Barwon Heads: M. Philp, B. Eddy, K. Maher, R. Harvey, W. Jacobs, S. Baker
Goals
Torquay: 8 C. Currie, 3 L. Anderson, 3 P. McMahon, J. Dawson, D. Gleeson, S. Ham, J. Ireland, C. Page
Barwon Heads: 3 D. Holland, 2 N. Brown, J. Wills, L. Wilson
Final Score
Torquay: 19.11 (125)
Barwon Heads: 7.8 (50)
Semi-Final: Drysdale vs Modewarre
After Drysdale fell behind to Barwon Heads in the week one Qualifying Final, fans and experts expected the Hawks to bounce back. They were correct. Drysdale was on top early, but Modewarre managed to pinch the lead heading into halftime.
The game would quickly turn in Drysdale's favour in the second half as the Hawks kicked eight majors to Modewarre's one. James Breust kicked four snags with Tom Ruggles just behind with three. Morgan Fenton was named Modewarre's best, Connor Joseph was their only multiple goal scorer with two.
Drysdale won two victories last Sunday. The first was knowing they were off to the Preliminary Final. The second was that their win over Modewarre, is their first finals win since 2013.
Best
Drysdale: L. Dalgleish, J. Breust, J. Jenkins, B. Fennell, T. Ruggles, N. Egan
Modewarre: M. Fenton, D. Schilder, O. Butler, J. Finch, Z. May, M. Overman
Goals
Drysdale: 4 J. Breust, 3 T. Ruggles, F. Chisholm, B. Fennell, M. Hebbard
Modewarre: 2 C. Joseph, J. Finch, T. Hornsey,
Final Score
Drysdale: 10.12 (72)
Modewarre: 4.7 (31)
Preliminary Final: Barwon Heads vs Drysdale
This one is going to be one tough contest. Drysdale is looking at getting some key personal back with Jarrod Garth, Tevan Nofi and Josh Rushton, but the Seagulls lose Dylan Holland to a shoulder injury.
That being said, Drysdale will still have to contend with Barwon Head's stars Sammy Baker and Nathan Brown. Last time this pair wreaked havoc in the first Qualifying Final, kicking four goals apiece. Not that Drysdale is short on firepower with the likes of Mat Hebbard and James Breust up forward. This will be an all-star clash.
One thing is certain, the three teams in contention for the flag have been the dominant teams all year. There are no underdogs here, it’s just survival of the strongest.
Venue
Grinter Reserve / PlasterCom Oval
Saturday 27 August 22, 02:00pm
