July 19th Preview: Top Contenders Meet
AFL Barwon writer Wil Spence previews this weekend’s Senior Football matches in the Geelong Football Netball League.
Geelong West Giants vs Bell Park
West Oval Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 19th July, 2025
Both sides should be fresh and raring to go as we are near the pointy end of the season.
Bell Park currently sits outside the top five on percentage to South Barwon.
Their current form line reads well with previous wins against Leopold and Newtown, any similar showing from James Saker’s squad could cause trouble for the Giants.
The Dragon’s tackling pressure has been evident all season, rating elite with Fraser Marris, Jett Bermingham and Hamish Dawson all averaging over five tackles per game.
The Giants are looking to bounce back after back-to-back loses heading into the bye.
Greg Mallor’s side will continue to utilize a high mark-handball style that rates them above average in disposals.
Expect gun midfielders, Lachlan Taylor and Ethan Liddle to lead the charge, both averaging over 26 disposals per game.
Efficiency inside 50 could be the defining factor between the outcome of the result.
Grovedale vs Lara
Burdoo Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 19th July, 2025
Both sides have had challenges recently, Grovedale have come close in recent games and faded.
For Lara, the potential loss of Darby Henderson could cause some headaches for Brett Henderson’s squad.
With different byes scheduled, the first bounce could be intriguing to see who gets the jump.
Jacob Spolding’s scoring ability has been nullified for much of the season, with the return of Tom Gillett, the Tigers will be hoping to get the ball in his hands as much as possible.
Currently averaging 3.3 goals per game.
The Cats more than likely will lose Darby Henderson for this week’s game, other key figures, Sam Purdy, Thomas Gunther and Brodie Cambridge should be influential.
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Leopold vs South Barwon
Leopold Memorial Park, 2:10PM, Saturday 19th July, 2025
An eight-point game in footy terms, a win for South Barwon and a two-game buffer is created against Leopold.
For the Lions a win would put them on the same points as the Swans and kore importantly closer to a potential top five spot.
The Lions are looking to rectify a two-game losing streak, as opposed to the Swans who are hoping to make it four wins in a row.
Luke Kelly’s side the past two weeks has struggled to hit the scoreboard, going at under 45% forward 50 entries.
Fixing this statistic could help the likes of Connor Giddings and Samuel Scott get dangerous inside 50.
The Swans haven’t conceded more than seven goals in their past three outings, on the back of their disposal efficiency being such an impressive number.
Mark Neeld will be hoping to again control the football and look to score from defensive 50 transitions.
Dylan Starkie will be leading the charge averaging 6.4 rebound 50’s per game.
North Shore vs Newtown and Chilwell
Windsor Park, 2:10PM, Saturday 19th July, 2025
Both sides will be looking to bounce back in a big way, North Shore have conceded over 70 goals in their past two outings, a number Mark Hounslow would like to reduce.
Newtown are sitting comfortably, second on the ladder, a strong showing in front of goals could give Steve Johnson’s side the percentage they have been after.
Harry Purcell and Bradlee Tregenza should see plenty of the football for the Seagulls both averaging over 17 disposals per game.
For the Towners, Cameron Wilkinson should be influential with his tap work averaging 42 hit outs per game, with the ability to spread from the contest.
St Albans vs Colac
St Albans Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 19th July, 2025
Saint Albans find themselves back on the winners list after a long layover between wins.
The challenge is now against a Colac outfit that has been dominant their past two outings.
The Saints young midfield brigade has fought hard all season, rating above average for clearances.
Fletcher Keck, Jed Warrin and Bailey Brogdon will all need to have an impact either in the coalface or around the ground.
The trio are averaging over 17 disposals per game.
The Tigers’ ball winning ability is evident, rating above average for total disposals, elite for both marks and inside 50.
Expect the footy to be moving with pace for Jason Armistead’s squad.
Particularly through star midfielder, Ben McCarthy who averages 28.4 disposals per game and 8.3 clearances per game.
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St Joseph’s vs St Mary’s
Herne Hill Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 19th July, 2025
In round six, both clubs played each other on the Big Freeze MND Day, which turned out to be one of the matches of the season.
If their previous outing was anything to go by, then we’re in for a cracking game of footy against the arch-rivals.
Ron Watt’s side are looking for their fifth win in a row.
Their current scoring ability, particularly their capacity to have a range of players hit the scoreboard is an imposing feat.
With Paddy De Grandi, Oscar Morrison, Mitch Chafer and Hunter Lewis all averaging over two goals per game.
Much like St Joseph’s, Luke Rayner’s squad’s scoring ability is a compelling force, averaging 19 goals per game.
However, in their past month, their scoring numbers have been down from their season average.
Sam Bourke and Patrick Dowling could give headaches to Joeys defenders both averaging three or more goals per game.
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