GFNL Football Preview | Round 14
AFL Barwon writer Wil Spence previews this weekend’s Senior Football matches in the Geelong Football Netball League.
Bell Park vs St Mary’s
Hamlyn Park, 2:10PM, Saturday 2nd August, 2025
A must win game for the home side against one of the form teams of the competition, the past month.
A loss this weekend for James Saker’s squad could impact their finals hopes if South Barwon win this weekend against Newtown.
For St Mary’s, they’re eyeing off a top spot finish, sitting a game outside Newtown and St Joseph’s, however, they have the strongest percentage of the competition.
The Dragons ability to win the footy, particularly the past two weeks, has seen a stark decrease,
Averaging 274.5 disposals per game, compared to their season average of 333.5.
An improvement in this area could see plenty of opportunities going inside 50 for the Dragons.
Geelong VFL-listed player, Hamish Lucas if required should have an enormous impact, averaging 16.2 disposals per game, while averaging 1.5 goals per game.
In tricky conditions last week, St Mary’s were able to total 102 marks for the game,
If Luke Rayner’s side can win the football through contested possessions, their ability to control the ball could pose a threat for the dragons.
Key figures, Jarryd Garner and Jack Blood should see plenty of the footy, averaging 13.0 and 11.2 kicks respectively.
Lara vs Colac
Lara Recreation Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 2nd August, 2025
The home side might find this test challenging, coming up against Colac who are currently on a four-game winning streak.
The Cats kicking efficiency has been below average the past three weeks, averaging 42%, a clean-up in disposal by foot could improve their overall chances.
Brett Henderson will call upon Ryan Bell and Brodie Cambridge to have an impact for their side.
The Tigers produced a season high 113 intercept possessions last weekend,
Evidently, Jason Armistead’s system is working behind the ball and could create issues for the Cats if they’re pressured when disposing of the ball.
Jarrod Walters currently averages 5.6 intercept possessions per game.
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Newtown & Chilwell vs South Barwon
Elderslie Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 2nd August, 2025
Big ramification’s for either side this weekend.
Newtown can look to hang on to top spot, while South Barwon are looking to extend their gap on Bell Park to six points.
The Towners ability to win the football the past fortnight has produced averages of 470 total disposals.
Any number remotely close should go a long way in Steve Johnson’s side coming out on top.
The Swans ability to create space inside 50 has been evident over the past month, averaging 20 marks inside 50.
Mark Neeld’s forwards are getting quality supply from his midfield and defense, a similar outing this weekend could pose a threat for Newtown’s defense.
Skipper, Matthew Caldow and key forward Fraser Fort, average 3.8 and 3.6 marks inside 50 respectively.
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St Albans vs Grovedale
St Albans Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 2nd August, 2025
The last time these two sides played each other in round three, St Albans finished on top.
Grovedale entered half-time with a crucial lead but were overrun by the Saints.
Expect an exciting game of football, with both sides looking to take bragging rights.
St Albans have won two of their past three games, in those games they won, they totalled 73 uncontested marks in both games.
If Rick Munn’s squad can produce numbers similar to this, the Tigers may struggle gaining control of the game.
Tom Higgins and Brock McDonald lead their side, averaging 4.3 and 3.8 marks respectively.
Jacob Spolding’s side average an elite 47.1 clearances per game, last week, they were down on this number, totalling 36 clearances.
The Tigers on-ball brigade could provide headaches for St Alban’s midfield if they can get on top early.
Sean Abbott and William Ford should be influential.
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St Joseph’s vs Leopold
Herne Hill Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 2nd August, 2025
An important game for both sides.
St Joseph’s are currently on a two-game losing streak, while the reigning premiers finals hopes, hang in the balance of their performance this weekend.
If results go either sides way, St Joseph’s could find themselves back on top of the ladder.
Leopold could find themselves equal on points with South Barwon for fifth position.
St Joseph’s currently average a tick under 15 goals per game, that number was significantly down, the past two weekends.
Albeit in tough conditions, Joeys scoring efficiency was 29%, compared to a season average of 58.1%.
Ron Watt’s men will be looking to change this statistic, Paddy De Grandi averages a team high 9.0 score involvements.
Leopold’s past two weeks have been a drastic change, the Lions totalled 111 total turnovers against South Barwon.
Followed by 72 total turnovers against Geelong West Giants, if Luke Kelly’s side can maintain their total turnover rate to a number similarly to last week’s performance.
The Lions may be able to control the football and create opportunities going inside 50.
Mitchell Burgess should be influential with his precision kicking, averaging 15.8 kicks and 5.2 rebound 50’s.
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Geelong West Giants vs North Shore
West Oval Reserve, 2:10PM, Sunday 3rd August, 2025
Either side hasn’t won for a month, which should excite supporters.
Geelong West Giants have averaged 273.75 total disposals per game, the past month, which is well below their season average of 341.3 disposals per game.
Greg Mallor’s squad will look to gain the football in the middle of the ground and look to score from stoppages.
Ethan Liddle, Lachlan Taylor and Tanner Lewis lead their squad, all averaging six or more clearances per game.
North Shore has averaged 90 total turnovers, the past two weeks.
A number Mark Hounslow would be looking to improve for this week, if the Seagulls can minimise this number, their inside 50 and scoring rate could improve.
