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

Follow aflbarwon on Facebook and Instagram for the latest content. 

St Mary’s vs South Barwon

Kardinia Park, 1:20PM, Saturday 16^th August, 2025

St Mary’s currently sits in 5th place, ten points clear of both Lara, with four rounds remaining.,A fourth straight win this weekend would make it difficult for Lara to find their way into the five.

South Barwon are coming off a bye week and a tough loss the week prior to Newtown. They’re entering this match well‑rested but definitely not short of motivation.

If St Mary’s win this weekend, they would draw level on points with South Barwon, ramping up competition for the top three positions.

A win for the Swans would solidify their top three standing, distancing themselves from the Saints and quelling the immediate threat.

With only a handful of fixtures remaining, this clash could very well be a mini finals preview—a pivotal game that may decide which team secures that all-important double‑chance come finals.

Midcourt’s, from either side, Mon Pedretti for St Mary’s and Tyra Fallon for South Barwon should have major influences on the game.

Colac vs Geelong West Giants

Central Reserve, 1:40PM, Saturday 16^th August, 2025

Colac enters the weekend brimming with momentum—a late-season rise that has them peaking at the ideal time, having won three out of their last five games.

Geelong West Giants are in must-win territory: just outside the top three, needing a strong performance to maintain their finals push, A win this weekend could draw them level on points with South Barwon if results go their way.

Tigers wing defense, Georgia Finn should be prevalent with her intercept ability and precise passers.,As will, Alahria Smith through the midcourt and in front of goals if required for the Giants.

Grovedale vs Leopold

Burdoo Reserve, 1:40PM, Saturday 16^th August, 2025

For Leopold, Saturday’s clash is critical.

With finals out of the equation for Leopold, the Lions will be looking to bring some momentum into next season with two wins to finish the season, with a bye in between,

The last time both clubs played each other, the Lions made a statement in round eight and would like for a similar outcome.

While their season hasn't gone to plan, Grovedale will be aiming to finish with improved cohesion and momentum as they look ahead to next year. In front of their home crowd, a scalp is not out of the equation.

Tiger’s wing attack, Chloe Blunt should be important setting up her attacks opportunities in front of goals.

Lion’s goalkeeper, Breanna Heagney will play a pivotal role in defense with her intercept ability.

Lara vs St Joseph’s

Lara Recreation Reserve, 1:40PM, Saturday 16^th August, 2025

Lara’s back-to-back losses against St Mary’s and Colac will be front of mind come September, mathematically out of the finals race.

The Cats response last weekend was a strong showing they would like to bring for their remaining two games.

St Joseph’s currently sit a game outside the all-important week one bye, the Cats can’t play finals this season, but they would love to hurt St Joseph’s chances.

Cats goal shooter, Tilly Baker has an important role this weekend in front of goals, hoping to buck the trend of 21 goals, from her previous match.

St Joseph’s co-captain, Emily Post should have a major influence in attack, particularly by her vision and passing ability.

St Albans vs Newtown & Chilwell

St Albans Reserve, 1:40PM, Saturday 16^th August, 2025

The reigning premiers have been the team to beat all season, their run of form has been ultra impressive, and should be tough to beat.

St Albans have faced a challenging season but will continue to push through to the end of the season. In front of home support, the Saints will be hope for a strong start.

Saints wing attack, Alyssa Bubb has an important role, moving the ball through the midcourt, looking to give great supply to her shooters.

Newtown’s midcourt, Danielle Mather will be crucial, particularly through her poise and control.

Bye: Bell Park

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

Follow aflbarwon on Facebook and Instagram for the latest content. 

Anglesea vs Newcomb

Ellimatta Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 9^th August, 2025

Huge finals ramifications are at stake this weekend for the home side, a win this weekend would improve their chances of playing finals.

If Barwon Heads lose to Modewarre, all the Roos have to do is win.

However, Newcomb has displayed some competitive efforts dating back to round 10, and you get the feeling they’re keen to throw a spanner in the works.

The Roos disposal efficiency last week, ranked their season high, going at 75 percentage efficiency, a number Jordan Keras would be looking to continue this weekend.

Major ball winners Ryan Baker and Max Virgona are averaging 20 disposals or more per game.

Newcomb totalled 111 marks last week against Barwon Heads, they currently rank above average in the competition,

If Tony Mirabella’s squad can control the football, opportunities inside 50 may open up.

Young key forward, Jacob Watson leads his side, averaging 2.4 marks inside 50.

Barwon Heads vs Modewarre

Howard Harmer Oval, 2:10PM, Saturday 9^th August, 2025

Another game that has major implications for finals with Barwon Heads needing to win this weekend to stay in contention.

With Modewarre now mathematically out of the finals race, expect nothing different in terms of performance,

The past two months, barring last week has been pretty positive for the Warriors and could provide plenty of optimism in terms of an upset for Mark Hovey’s side.

The Seagulls disposal efficiency last week, was an equal season high, 73 percent, Sam Schaller would be hoping to continue this trend, particularly going inside 50.

Kyle Polley averages 18.7 disposals per game, while going at 77 percent disposal efficiency per game.

The Warriors average 41.9 inside 50’s per game, ranking below average in the competition,

Over the past three weeks, they have averaged a total of 30 inside 50’s per game.

Callen Farrell and Damon Hemphill lead their club, averaging 4.9 and 3.8 inside 50’s per game.

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

Queenscliff vs Torquay

Queenscliff Recreation Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 9^th August, 2025

The last team to defeat the reigning premier’s since round nine, yep you guessed it, Queenscliff.

A win for the Coutas would guarantee they’re playing finals football for the first time since 2018 but would also keep them well in the hunt for a top three spot.

The Coutas pride themselves on contested football, ranking elite with 161.3 contested possessions per game,

Their second highest tally was against Torquay the last time they faced each other,

you’d expect nothing different from Heath Jamieson on the training track this week, emphasising contest and numbers around stoppages.

Contested bull, Lachie Kidd and Che Durran average 13,2 and 12.9 contested possessions per game, respectively.

The form team of the competition seem to be timing their run perfectly, with connection inside 50 a key element.

The Tigers went at 63 percent, for entries inside 50 last week, a similar number this weekend for Dom Gleeson would have him excited for his forwards.

Banjo Dyer leads their side, averaging 2.6 marks inside 50.

Ocean Grove vs Geelong Amateur

Shell Road Recreation Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 9^th August, 2025

Both sides will be looking to bounce back after disappointing defeats, particularly fading in the final quarter.

Ocean Grove rate below average for contested possessions, their previous match, they totalled 127, however the two games prior, the totalled 160 and 155.

Figures in this range could help surge the ball forwards for Dave Farrell’s men.

Joseph McDonald leads his side, averaging 12.0 contested possessions per game.

Ammos were nullified of their own brand of footy last week,

Riley Kershaw’s side currently averages 106.4 marks per game which ranks elite, last week they totalled 61 marks, well below their season average.

 An uptick in this category should give plenty of confidence they can control and put speed on the football.

Player-coach Sam Lloyd averages 9.6 marks er game.

Portarlington vs Drysdale

Portarlington Recreation Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 9^th August, 2025

Plenty to play out for either side, Drysdale can book a spot in the top five with a win and potentially jump into the top three if results fall their way.

Portarlington haven’t finished seventh or better since 2007, they have an opportunity to do that if they win their next two games.

They face Modewarre next weekend which could decide seventh position.

The Dees have faced some challenges going inside 50, averaging 40.4 inside 50’s over the last five weeks.

An improvement on this figure for Nathan Storer’s squad could cause some headaches for the Drysdale defenders.

Teia Miles and speedster Thomas Panuccio average 5.1 and 4.8 inside 50’s per game.

The Hawks previous game, they went at a season high 77 percent disposal efficiency after going at 58 percent the game prior.

Ben Carmichael will be looking to continue sharpening their disposal by foot and hand.

Jack Jenkins and Tom Ruggles should lead the charge by disposals, both averaging over 16 disposals per game.

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

Follow aflbarwon on Facebook and Instagram for the latest content. 

Bell Park vs Colac

Hamlyn Park, 2:10PM, Saturday 9^th August, 2025

An important game for the context of how the top five will play out.

Bell Park currently sits half a game inside the top five with South Barwon and Leopold right on their heels,

A win this week would keep them inside the top five and send a warning to the competition of their abilities after defeating St Mary’s comfortably last weekend.

Colac has an opportunity to claim top spot of the ladder with a win,

Their percentage is the strongest in the competition and with St Joseph’s and Newtown on a bye this weekend after playing in round zero, all clubs will have played 15 games.

Dragons key players, Benjamin Lloyd and Isaac Wareham should played pivotal roles for James Saker’s side, particularly by their disposal by foot, both average 16.8 and 13.8 kicks respectively per game.

The Dragons rate above average for total marks, averaging 88.6 marks per game,

Last week they totalled 108 marks, a number they have reached five times with four of those games coming as wins, could be the magic number.

The Tigers average an elite 59.2 inside 50’s per game, key players, Darcy Lang, when available and Zachary Zdybel average 10.0 and 8.0 score involvements per game, and figure to be dangerous around goals.

Jason Armistead’s squad averages 228.9 kicks per game which rates elite, expect the Tigers to be moving the football with pace by foot.

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

St Albans vs Geelong West Giants

St Albans Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 9^th August, 2025

Expect a fiercely contested brand of football from both sides, particularly through the midfield which is an area of strength for both teams.

Both sides played back in round two, with Geelong West Giants finishing on top in a close affair.

Rick Munn’s men will look to respond after last week’s performance, totalling 274 total disposals,

In games they have won, only one of those games have they totalled less than their disposal count from last weekend.

Major ball winners, Fletcher Keck and Brock McDonald should acquire plenty of the pill, averaging 25.4 and 18.7 disposals per game, respectively.

In the five games the Giants have won, they have totalled over 300 disposals in each game, clearly a number of significances for Greg Mallor’s side.

Lachlan Handley and Rory Parnell both average over 20 disposals per game.

Grovedale vs St Mary’s

Burdoo Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 9^th August, 2025

Polar opposite weekends for both sides, Grovedale come into this match with plenty of energy after an impressive performance against St Albans,

St Mary’s however were handed a heavy defeat to Bell Park, potentially putting their top three credentials in jeopardy.

In games Jacob Spolding’s side has won, their turnover count has been significantly lower than when they have lost games,

Figures suggest between 60 – 76 could improve the Tigers chances of an upset.

Key ball users, Harrison Whyte and Rory Quinn average 7.0 and 4.1 rebound 50’s per game.

Heading into last weekend’s game, St Mary’s most back half turnovers given up was seven, they totalled a major 18 back half turnovers against Bell Park.

Clearly an area of improvement for Luke Rayner’s men.

Major users out of the back half, Keidan Rayner and Brayden Ham average 3.0 and 2.6 rebound 50’s per game.

Leopold vs Lara

Leopold Memorial Park, 2:10PM, Saturday 9^th August, 2025

A big opportunity for the reigning premiers to put some pressure on those above them on the ladder with a large win.

The potential to gain some much-needed percentage against a challenged Lara squad could prove beneficial.

The Lions totalled 48 inside 50’s last weekend against St Joseph’s and average 50.6 which rate average for the competition.

An uptick for this statistic this weekend should provide plenty of opportunities in front of goals for Luke Kelly’s side.

Recently re-signed Marcus Thompson leads his side, averaging 6.2 inside 50’s per game.

The Cats totalled 94 marks last weekend, the third most for their season, a figure Brett Henderson would be pleased with but would also be looking to improve on further.

Thomas Gunther leads his clubs, averaging 10.5 marks per game.

South Barwon vs North Shore

McDonald Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 9^th August, 2025

South Barwon currently sits half a game outside the top five, results will need to go their way to get back into the five,

However, this weekend they have an opportunity to bank some important percentage if they’re able to finish on top against a young North Shore squad.

The Swans rate below average for clearances in the competition,

Last weekend they totalled 30 clearances with only six of those being centre clearances, a number Mark Neeld would be finding ways to improve.

Last year’s Mathieson Medal Winner, Doyle Madigan averages 6.4 clearances per game.

The Seagulls displayed their ability to win the football last week against Geelong West Giants, totalling 319 disposals, the most they have acquired all season.

However, they turned the football over 103 times,

Mark Hounslow would be optimistic with his sides ability to find the footy but would be looking at ways to finetune their disposal by foot and hand.

Major ball winners, Connor Walmsley and Jacob Sammut-Miljevic are averaging 33.5 and 27.1 disposals per game.

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

Follow aflbarwon on Facebook and Instagram for the latest content. 

Anglesea vs Newcomb

Ellimatta Reserve, 1:50PM, Saturday 9^th August, 2025

After a tough eight-week stint without a win, Anglesea bounce back in the best way possible with a win and would love to ride the wave of momentum.

Newcomb shored up a finals spot for the second consecutive season and would like to finish the season with some convincing performances.

Isabelle Bartlett should be important for the Roos in attack, while Lulu Higgins will have a big role in defense.

Hot shot leader, Carly Sanders will have plenty of opportunities to extend her goals tally lead.

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

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Barwon Heads vs Modewarre

Howard Harmer Oval, 1:50PM, Saturday 9^th August, 2025

Barwon Heads have put in some brave performances the past six weeks against sides who’ll be playing finals.

In front of their home crowd, expect the Seagulls to play with plenty of passion as they look to climb the ladder.

Modewarre was competitive last week but have found consistent performances difficult.

For the Seagulls, Martine Rodger in attack will be crucial, shooting 73.85 percent.

Warriors, centre/wing attack, Alexandra Lang will create plenty of link up on court from defense to attack.

Queenscliff vs Torquay

Queenscliff Recreation Reserve, 1:50PM, Saturday 9^th August, 2025

Third versus fourth clash which could determine which clubs finishes with a bye at seasons end, major stakes!

Queenscliff are riding a three-game winning streak, while Torquay were handed their first loss in five weeks.

Expect a finals like atmosphere and performance from both sides.

Coutas Shooter, Jess Orvis should garner plenty of attention, she’s currently shot 74.4 percent of her shots.

Tigers League Best and Fairest, Kiralee Collings will lead from the front in the most important game of the season.

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Ocean Grove vs Geelong Amateur

Shell Road Reserve, 1:50PM, Saturday 9^th August, 2025

A top of the table clash which could determine who finishes as minor premiers.

Another final like match which should draw plenty of fans to Shell Road.

The last time both sides played each other, back in round seven, the Grubbers handed Ammos their first and only loss of the season.

Grubbers defensive star, Gemma Bell should play a major role in wing defense.

Ammos shooting duo, Kayla Donnellon and Kim Hammond should pose a duel threat for Grubbers defenders.

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Portarlington vs Drysdale

Portarlington Recreation Reserve, 1:50PM, Saturday 9^th August, 2025

Both sides sit evenly matched and would love to claim six position theirs at season end.

Portarlington have faced some fierce opponents the past two weeks and will be ready to start strong.

Drysdale last four matches have been against sides playing finals to justify their readiness for the Dees.

Dees, Tully Bethune in attack should cause headaches to the Hawks defense.

While Hawks wing defense, Paige McGrath will play a vital role with her vision and passing up the court.

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