AFL Barwon writer Wil Spence previews this weekend’s Senior Football matches in the Bellarine Football Netball League.

Torquay vs Drysdale

McCartney Oval, 2:10PM, Saturday 26^th July, 2025

With a top three spot at stake for both clubs, this shapes like the match of the round.

A win for the Tigers would give themselves an eight-point buffer on the Hawks.

For the Hawks, a win would draw them level with the Tigers and dependent on results jump Queenscliff to reclaim third spot.

Torquay currently ranks elite for total handballs per game,

Averaging 153.1 handballs per game, Dom Gleeson’s key figures, James Darke and Nathan Mifsud average 18.6 and 11.9 handballs er game.

Drysdale average 50.6 inside 50’s per game, ranking only average in the competition,

Last time they played the Tigers, Ben Carmichael’s side totaled 36 inside 50’s and won the game,

Efficiency going inside 50 this weekend could be an important factor.

Ben Fennell leads his side, averaging 7.2 score involvements per game.

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Anglesea vs Barwon Heads

Ellimatta Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 26^th July, 2025

Anglesea got their season back on track with an important win against Portarlington.

Barwon Heads answered with a tough win, overcoming cross-town rival Ocean Grove in the last quarter.

Both sides currently sit on 28 points with the Seagulls, supported by an extra 14% on the Roos.

A win for either side ensures fifth position, and an important one game buffer on the opposing side.

The Roos rate average for contested possessions, averaging 156.8 per game, last weekend, they were plus 10 a number Jordan Keras would like to see more often.

Max Virgona and Declan Everett have been important, both averaging 9.8 contested possessions per game.

Barwon Heads average 39.4 clearances per game, rating below average in the competition.

However, the last two weeks have seen an uptick bettering their season average in both games, which have led to back-to-back wins.

Clearly, an area Sam Schaller’s has addressed and seen an improvement in.

Finn Cornell and James Syddall average 3.1 and 2.7 clearances per game.

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Geelong Amateur vs Portarlington

Queens Park Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 26^th July, 2025

A tough fought win for Geelong Amateur’s last weekend has their sights on the minor premiership.

Portarlington trailed for much of the game last weekend but were gallant in defeat.

Ammos currently average an elite 108.5 marks per game, in tricky conditions last weekend, they totaled 76 marks.

Clearly Riley Kershaw’s men have found other avenues to move the football playing to all types of conditions.

Sam Lloyd and Daniel Weigl lead the way, averaging 9.5 and 7.5 marks per game.

Over the past three weeks, the Dees have averaged 40.6% for forward 50 entries an area Nathan Storer would be looking to improve on.

Kelly Pickard and Max Ruiter both average 12.7 and 11.2 kicks per game respectively and should be influential by foot.

Queenscliff vs Modewarre

Queenscliff Recreation Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 26^th July, 2025

Queenscliff displayed a mature performance last weekend defeating Newcomb who earlier in the season defeated them.

Modewarre displayed some impressive signs against the reigning premier,

However, a last quarter fade hurt their chances of upsetting.

The past month, the Coutas have averaged 78.3 marks per game, ranking below their season average of 85.6.

Heath Jamieson would be working his magic to improve this number, with losses against Drysdale and Geelong Amateur’s to show from it.

Kai Keenan and Joseph Cincotta average 5.8 and 4.5 marks per game respectively.

Modewarre currently rank below average for total handball per game, averaging 115.6 per game.

However, in the past six of their past seven games, they have exceeded this number.

Mark Hovey clearly wants to put some speed on the ball.

Matthew Fitzgerald and Damon Hemphill average 7.6 and 7.0 per game.

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Ocean Grove vs Newcomb

Shell Road Recreation Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 26^th July, 2025

Both sides are trending in the right direction, with four quarters’ performance being their biggest hurdle

Ocean Grove were disappointing in the last quarter against Barwon Heads, scoring one point.

We’ve seen with Newcomb they too can fade in the final quarter, recently fading when they threatened to defeat Drysdale in round thirteen.

The last three weeks, the Grubbers have averaged 89.7 turnovers per game, a major area Dave Farrell would be finding ways to improve on the track.

Hugo Walsh and Harry Cashin should be key figures, both averaging 13.6 and 12.7 kicks per game, respectively.

Over the past month, the Power has averaged 106.5 marks per game, a baseline which usually generates wins.

However, they have turned the football over, an average of 85.3 per game over the past month, a key indicator Tony Mirabella would be looking to improve on.

Rebounding defender Blake Ritchie and off-season recruit Joe Clarke average 12.1 and 10.6 kicks per game.

Tune into AFL Barwon TV from 2.10pm on Saturday to watch live coverage of this big clash! 

AFL Barwon writer Wil Spence previews this weekend’s A Grade Netball matches in the Bellarine Football Netball League.

Torquay vs Drysdale

McCartney Oval, 1:50PM, Saturday 26^th July, 2025

A four-game winning streak has Torquay timing their run perfectly as we get closer to the pointy end of the season.

Drysdale is looking to rectify back-to-back losses and take momentum into next season with finals unlikely.

Joint reigning best and fairest winner, Kiralee Collings will look to control the speed of play in centre, creating opportunities for her teammates on court.

For the Hawks, goal defense, Elkie Turner will look to intercept the ball and transition from defense to attack.

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Anglesea vs Barwon Heads

Ellimatta Reserve, 1:50PM, Saturday 26^th July, 2025

Only half a game separates both clubs, shaping for a hotly competitive game.

Anglesea are currently on a six-game losing streak, which they would like to change.

Barwon Heads have shown, the past month they can match it with the best sides, falling six goals short of reigning premier Ocean Grove, and they also came close against Geelong Amateur’s and Torquay.

The Seagulls Krystal Baker has averaged 22 goals, her past three matches and should receive plenty of opportunities in front of goals.

Captain, Ariana Luamanu has shot 228 goals this season and will be at her attacking best.

Geelong Amateur vs Portarlington

Queens Park Reserve, 1:50PM, Saturday 26^th July, 2025

Geelong Amateurs are looking to make it eight wins in a row as they look to go deep into September.

Portarlington are mathematically still a chance to play finals, however sitting two and half games behind Newcomb, a lot of results must go their way.

In defense, Elyse Boyer should continue her intercepting ways, while Kayla Donnellon will remain dangerous in front of goals for Ammos.

If the Dees finals hopes are to remain alive, they’ll need Tully Bethune to continue shooting accurately, having shot 89.7% last weekend.

Queenscliff vs Modewarre

Queenscliff Recreation Reserve, 1:50PM, Saturday 26^th July, 2025

An incredible come from behind win for Queenscliff last weekend, has them raring to go, as they head towards finals.

Modewarre has been challenged for the majority of the season and will be tested against a strong Coutas outfit.

Alex Booker should remain dangerous in attack for the Coutas with her ability to work around the court.

As for the Warriors, Sophie Brumby will remain important moving the ball from end to end as a centre/wing attack.

Tune into AFL Barwon TV from 1.50pm on Saturday to watch live coverage of this big clash! 

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Ocean Grove vs Newcomb

Shell Road Reserve, 1:50PM, Saturday 26^th July, 2025

Ocean Grove was tested in the battle of the bridge; however, the reigning premier showcased their ability to control the game and cope under high pressure.

For Newcomb, they were not able to cope with the pressure of Queenscliff last week, leading at every break only to be overrun in the last quarter.

For the Grubbers, Arlee Bennett should continue her dominate shooting run, having shot 373 goals for the season.

The Power will look to underrated wing defense Chloe Hoyle to control the pace of the game and look to create opportunities for those in attack.

AFL Barwon writer Wil Spence previews this weekend’s A Grade Netball matches in the Geelong Football Netball League.

Colac vs St Joseph’s

Central Reserve, 1:40PM, Saturday 26^th July, 2025

Colac has won their past two games, making some great inroads for the remainder of the season.

However, a tough encounter this weekend against last year’s runners-up St Joseph’s who earlier in the season defeated the Tigers by 47 goals.

St Joseph’s sit a game outside reigning premier Newtown, but with higher percentage.

Tiger’s own, Mary Place has caught the hot hand the past two weeks, shooting 87 goals.

Georgette Paatsch should be at her intercepting best, while experienced wing attack, Emily Post will look to move the ball quickly.

Leopold vs Geelong West Giants

Leopold Memorial Reserve, 1:40PM, Saturday 26^th July, 2025

Major ramifications for this weekend’s match,

Geelong West Giants are looking to hold off, sides outside the top five from taking their place.

A win would ensure a comfortable gap; however, a loss would bring Leopold and potentially Lara back into the mix.

For Leopold, it’s simple, win and they’re in the hunt.

The Lions will need Natalie Heagney to be accurate in front of goals, having shot 195 goals this season.

The Giants will look to centre, Mimi Lockwood to provide speed and precision passing.

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Newtown and Chilwell vs Grovedale

Elderslie Reserve, 1:40PM, Saturday 26^th July, 2025

A clinical win last week from the reigning premiers has them in a pretty position.

Grovedale has faced challenges throughout the season and face a major task against Newtown.

Last year’s inaugural coaches’ player of the year, Vanessa Augustini should garner plenty of attention as she’ll look to control the ball in attack.

Tiger’s goal shooter, Esther Kidmas has shot 279 goals and will need to be accurate against a strong defense.

St Mary’s vs Lara

Kardinia Park, 1:40PM, Saturday 26^th July, 2025

In terms of ladder positioning, there is no game, more important than this one.

St Mary’s were handed a tough loss to arch-rivals, St Joseph’s, while Lara was clinical in their performance against Lara.

A win for St Mary’s and they may find a little breathing room,

However, a loss and a Lara win will catapult the Cats into fifth spot, making for an exciting spectacle.

St Mary’s own Isabelle Grapsas was down on her usual input in front of goals last week, being held to eight goals, her second lowest of the season, she’s currently shot 253 goals for the season.

Cats centre Claire Newcombe will be all around the court, transitioning the ball from defense to attack, with Tilly Baker dangerous, having shot 37 goals last week.

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South Barwon vs Bell Park

McDonald Reserve, 1:50PM, Saturday 26^th July, 2025

South Barwon hasn’t lost a game since Geelong West Giants, dating back to round five.

Bell Park is looking to avoid a fifth consecutive loss, after a heartbreaking loss to Geelong West Giants.

The Swans seem to be on a roll with, three-time hot shot winner, Ellen Doyle again dangerous in front of goals, having shot 526 goals for the season.

Dragons own Makaela Connelly, who sits fourth on the goals tally should expect plenty of attention.

Tune into AFL Barwon TV from 1.50pm on Saturday to watch live coverage of this big clash! 

Bye St Albans

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 19^th 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 19^th 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 19^th 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 19^th 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 19^th 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 19^th 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.

Tune in to Krock Football this weekend: krockfootball.live

Or krockfootball.live/FM 88.5 @ ground