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. 

Torquay vs Queenscliff – Qualifying Final 1

Portarlington Recreation Reserve, 2:00PM, Saturday 23^rd August, 2025

The reigning premier has faced their challenges the past two weeks. However, the opportunity for a historic third consecutive premiership has fans expecting a major response.

The young, exciting Queenscliff outfit which has fast rose to prominence has had the wood over Torquay this season.

Winning both their encounters in close affairs, with their latest win coming against the reigning premiers.

Heath Jamieson has been involved in plenty of finals campaigns and you get the feeling the pressure for his young squad may be eased by his presence.

In round 17 when both sides faced each other, Dom Gleeson’s squad laid a season low 39 tackles, the Tigers ability to win the football was evident, totalling 417 disposals.

However, their inability to apply pressure on the ball-carrier for four quarters hurt their chances.

An experienced side like Torquay, come September, you expect a major response, particularly their hunt and pressure.

Skipper James Darke leads his squad averaging 6.6 tackles per game.

Queenscliff ranks elite for inside 50’s, averaging 54.0 per game. The Coutas scoring efficiency in games against Torquay this season was 48.5 percent, a number that won them many games this season.

If the Coutas can consume the pressure of the environment, their ability to score under pressure, inside 50 could be supported.

Jayden McHenry and Jonty Rush average 2.7 and 2.4 marks inside 50 per game.

Tune into AFL Barwon TV from 2pm on Saturday to watch live coverage of this big clash! 

Drysdale vs Anglesea – Elimination Final

Portarlington Recreation Reserve, 2:00PM, Sunday 24^th August, 2025

Both sides split the bill in terms of head-to-head this season.

Just over a year ago both sides played each other, albeit in a qualifying final, expect plenty of feel in this encounter.

Drysdale come off a disappointing loss which was attributed to their slow start against Barwon Heads.

Anglesea come in under crazy circumstances with a draw saving performance which sees their season well and truly alive.

There’s plenty of optimism for the Hawks having won two out of their last three games.

The Hawks rank average for inside 50’s averaging 50 per game. Their forward 50 efficiency last weekend was not up to scratch for Ben Carmichael’s squad, going at 37 percent.

The Hawks have a plethora of finals experience; you’d expect a clean-up in this area under high pressure stakes.

Ben Fennell leads his side averaging 7.1 score involvements per game.

Anglesea’s tackling pressure has been a major component in their season resurgence, averaging 73.2 tackles over their last six games for Jordan Keras’s men.

In a high-pressure situation like an elimination final, can the Roos keep their hunt and pressure levels to a standard that could cause issues for Drysdale.

Harrison Ling leads his side averaging 7.0 tackles per game.

Tune into AFL Barwon TV from 2pm on Sunday to watch live coverage of this big clash! Listen to live call of the game via K rock Football.

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

Follow aflbarwon on Facebook and Instagram for the latest content. 

Ocean Grove vs Queenscliff – Qualifying Final 1

Portarlington Recreation Reserve, 2:30PM, Saturday 23^rd August, 2025

Both sides played each other in the exact same circumstances this time last year with Ocean Grove making a statement.

Queenscliff would like to rectify last year’s demise after coming close earlier this season in round five.

An untimely defeat to Geelong Amateur’s in round 17 put a back burner on the reigning premier’s hopes of claiming the minor premiership.

The Grubbers faced a great audition of what’s to come for finals, after overcoming Torquay in the final quarter.

The Grubbers will call upon their stars at either end of the court, Zanna Woods in front of goals and Gemma Bell in defense to lead by example when it matters most.

The Coutas shooting duo, Tess Orvis and Phoebe Knox will play a major role as will star wing attack, Alex Booker.

Tune into AFL Barwon TV from 2.30pm on Saturday to watch live coverage of this big clash! 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Queenscliff Coutas FNC (@qfnc)

Torquay vs Newcomb – Elimination Final

Portarlington Recreation Reserve, 2:30PM, Sunday 24^th August, 2025

Another finals rematch from last year, with the experienced Torquay squad coming out on top against an inexperienced Newcomb outfit this time last year.

However, a lot can change in a season, you get the feeling the Power will be better accustomed to the pressures of finals like atmosphere.

Both sides split the ledger this season. Torquay are currently on a three-game losing streak having come up against the three sides higher than them on the ladder.

Expect the Tigers to be finals ready after being in high pressure situations over the past three weeks.

The Power similarly faced the top three sides in their last five games and were competitive alike to Torquay.

It shapes as an even contest which should bring plenty of Torquay and Newcomb faithful to the stands.

For the Tigers, in attack, Daisy O’Kane should be important having shot 361 goals for the season, highlighted by a 41-goal performance last week.

For the Power, reigning equal league best and fairest, Jessica Duke will have a major role in nullifying her opponent, while setting up her teammates in attack.

Tune into AFL Barwon TV from 2.30pm on Sunday to watch live coverage of this big clash! 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Torquay Netball Club (@torquaynetballclub)

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.

Leopold vs North Shore

Leopold Memorial Park, 1:10PM, Saturday 23^rd August, 2025

The reigning premier’s finals hopes are on thin ice.

A win against a developing North Shore squad is required to stay in the hunt for a finals berth.

A loss this weekend and their hopes of a third successive flag is over,

They will also need games to fall their way, wins from Bell Park and St Mary’s would put the Lions out of the finals race.

The Lions turnover rate the past two weeks has dropped to an average of 55.5, a figure Luke Kelly would be hoping to continue this weekend, and potentially into September.

The Lions inside 50 rate has jumped significantly, with Marcus Thompson and Tate Porter leading their side, averaging 5.9 and 4.2 inside 50’s respectively.

The Seagulls last week laid 63 tackles, their second highest recorded count for the season,

However, their percentage of those tackles effective, was 53.97 percent, a number Mark Hounslow would be bullish can improve.

Connor Walmsley and Bradlee Tregenza average 6.7 and 5.7 tackles per game.

Bell Park vs Grovedale

Hamlyn Park, 2:10PM, Saturday 23^rd August, 2025

Huge stakes this weekend for both clubs. Bell Park mathematically can still finish in the top three if results go their way and can still fall out of the five with untimely results over the next two weeks.

Grovedale have faced their challenges over the back end of the season but have blooded fresh faces as they look to season 2026.

With four points as crucial as ever, expect plenty of passion to be left on the oval.

Contested possessions has been an area the Dragons have faced challenges. Averaging 144.8 contested possessions per game, rating below average in the competition.

Last weekend the Dragons totalled 170 contested possessions, demonstrating an emphasis ahead of a potential September campaign for James Saker’s men.

The Tigers have struggled to control the football the past month averaging 275.5, a number below their season average of 299.4 which rates below average in the competition.

Jacob Spolding would be finding avenues to see an increase in this number ahead of an important game.

Rory Quinn and Ryan Abbott lead their club, averaging 5.2 and 5.1 marks per game.

Geelong West Giants vs St Mary’s

West Oval Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 23^rd August, 2025

St Mary’s had an opportunity to solidify their finals credentials last weekend.

They now face the risk of missing finals entirely. A potential danger game is on the cards with Geelong West Giants eager to respond from their 82-point defeat last time, these two sides played in round one.

The Giants rank below average for inside 50’s averaging 47.1 per game, their inability to kick accurately has hurt Greg Mallor’s side, particularly last week.

An uptick in efficiency going inside 50 could give some headaches to the St Mary’s defense.

Lachie Horniblow averages a club high 4.1 marks inside 50.

St Mary’s rank elite for total disposals per game, averaging 372.3 per game.

Last weekend, they totalled their second lowest count of the season, St Mary’s pride themselves on being first to the football and winning the contested possessions.

Expect a major response from Luke Rayner’s squad ahead of a potential log jam for positions in the top five.

Key figures, Brayden Ham and Jarryd Garner should lead from the front, averaging 28.6 and 27.4 disposal per game.

Lara vs Newtown & Chilwell

Lara Recreation Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 23^rd August, 2025

Newtown can sure up a top three position with a win this weekend, and more importantly have top spot almost locked in.

Lara has faced their challenges as they look to the positives of blooding fresh players.

After a tough loss back in round eight against Newtown, they may find this encounter challenging.

The Cats totalled their second most inside 50’s in a game this season against premiership contender St Joseph’s last weekend.

A number Brett Henderson would be pleased with and hoping to buck the trend against the Towners.

Darby Henderson leads their side, averaging 5.5 inside 50’s per game.

Steve Johnson’s squad average 88.0 marks per game, which ranks above average in the competition.

Their past four games they have averaged 107.8 marks per game, it seems as though, 100 marks is the magical number, they’re yet to lose.

Braden Hocking leads his club averaging 7.5 marks per game.

South Barwon vs Colac

McDonald Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 23^rd August, 2025

Major September implications ahead of a must-win game for both clubs.

South Barwon’s season is in their own hands, a win this weekend and finals is well and truly on the cards.

A loss this weekend and both, St Mary’s and Bell Park win their respective games, and it is curtains for Mark Neeld’s squad.

Colac can basically lock in a top three spot with a win this weekend, however a loss could add more puzzles to the make-up of September.

The Swans pressure on the ball carrier last week was pivotal in their win against St Mary’s.

They laid a total of 48 tackles, of which 43 of those were effective.

If the Swans bring the same pressure and intent from the first bounce, their chances may be supported.

Last year’s Mathieson Medal Winner, Doyle Madigan leads his club, averaging 5.3 tackles per game.

The Tigers contested brand of footy has been a barometer for Seb Ross’s squad.

Averaging 167.8 over their last month ranks above average.

Key figure, Ryan Monaghan, averages 10.0 contested possessions per game.

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

St Joseph’s vs St Albans

Herne Hill Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 23^rd August, 2025

A win this weekend for St Joseph’s guarantees a top three position come September.

They also stay in the hunt for a week one finals bye with Newtown, currently in control.

St Albans were handed a tough loss last week, and will be looking to respond, particularly from the first bounce.

In back-to-back games, Ron Watts side has totalled over 100 marks, they currently average 97.8 marks per game.

In the eight games they have totalled over 100 marks, they have won all eight games.

Rebounding defender Luke Webb, leads his club averaging 7.7 marks per game.

Rick Munn’s midfield has seen major improvements in their clearance game.

However, the past month they have struggled for avenues out of stoppage and centre bounces.

Averaging 34.8, well below their season average of 43.5 clearances per game.

Expect a big response from key midfielders, Fletcher Keck and Jed Warrin, who average 6.9 and 5.0 respectively.

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. 

Bell Park vs Grovedale

Hamlyn Park, 1:40PM, Saturday 23rd August, 2025

Bell Park had plenty to celebrate after their first victory in six weeks. Whilst the Dragons will be hoping to finish their season off with some positive signs ahead of season 2026.

Grovedale has faced a difficult past fortnight but have an opportunity to change the ledger and climb up the ladder.

For the Dragons, in attack Makaela Connelly should be well rested after the bye, currently coming off a 44-goal shooting display.

Tigers key figure in defense, Eunice Kidmas will be prevalent with her intercept ability as will supporting duo Gabrielle Beaver and Skye Fulton.

Geelong West Giants vs St Mary’s

West Oval Reserve, 1:40PM, Saturday 23rd August, 2025

Both clubs may see each other in a fortnight's time, shaping as an exciting match with top three on the line for Geelong West Giants.

A win for the Giants keeps them in contention for a top three spot, a loss this weekend and an elimination final against St Mary’s is most likely locked in.

The last time both clubs played each other was back in round one with the Giants coming out on top.

You’d expect St Mary’s would like to even the ledger ahead of September.

Giants captain and star goal shooter, Aleisha McDonald has shot 482 goals for the season and should see plenty of attention.

St Mary’s midcourt, Grace Blood will be important setting up her attack in transition as well as supporting her defense.

Lara vs Newtown & Chilwell

Lara Recreation Reserve, 1:40PM, Saturday 23rd August, 2025

Must-win game for the reigning premiers, if they’re to lock up the minor premiership.

A win would ensure top spot; however, a loss could see St Joseph’s jump the Towners if St Joseph’s were to defeat St Albans.

With finals out of the equation and a bye to finish the season for Lara, a win would be a nice way to finish the season for the Cats as they look ahead to next season.

Star goal keeper, Millie van Diemen should have a major influence in defense for the Cats, reading the play as she sets up her teammates in attack.

For Newtown, star wing attack, and inaugural Coaches Player of the Year, Vanessa Augustini will play a pivotal role, this weekend.

South Barwon vs Colac 

McDonald Reserve, 1:40PM, Saturday 23rd August, 2025

Plenty to play out for South Barwon as they can lock in a top three spot with a win this weekend against the improved Colac outfit.

Coming off a bye, the Swans started slowly against St Mary’s,

However, they got the ball rolling in the third and fourth quarter as they demonstrated their credentials as a premiership contender.

The Tigers were well in the hunt for an upset win but faded in the final quarter.

Swans captain, Olivia Cameron should have an important role with her flexibility playing in attack and as a midcourt.

For the Tigers, Monika Hammond will most likely spend some time on Cameron, which shapes as an exciting match up in the midcourt.

Tune into AFL Barwon TV from 1.40pm on Saturday to watch live coverage of this big clash! 

St Joseph’s vs St Albans

Herne Hill Reserve, 1:40PM, Saturday 23rd August, 2025

If results fall their way, St Joseph’s could be on top of the ladder after this weekend.

St Joseph’s handed St Albans a 64-goal defeat back in round four,

St Albans will be looking to start strong applying early pressure.

St Joseph’s star, Ella Closter should have plenty of opportunity in front of goals, having shot 42 goals last weekend.

St Albans defense will have an important role, with Jaime Dumbell, Isabel Henriksen and Shaya Walter all looking to intercept and setup their attack.

Bye: Leopold