June 5th Preview: Form sides go to battle, and exciting rematches ahead
AFL Barwon writer Wil Spence previews this weekend’s men's football matches across the Geelong and Bellarine FNL competitions.
Geelong Football Netball League
Bell Park vs Newtown & Chilwell
Hamlyn Park, 2:10PM, Saturday 5th July, 2025
An exciting game ahead with both sides in winning form, Bell Park have won five of their last six games, and Newtown haven’t lost a game in two months.
Last time these two sides played each other in round one, Newtown come from behind to win in a cracking game of football.
Dragon stars, Benjamin Lloyd, Eli Pearce and Jett Bermingham should all see plenty of the footy, averaging over 19 disposals per game.
Their importance was evident last week for James Saker’s men against reigning premier Leopold.
The Towners even spread of contribution from Steve Johnson’s list has helped put them in good stead for the second half of the season.
With nine players averaging over 18 disposals per game, there’s no individual brilliance required with all players playing the role.
Evident from last week’s 101-point victory over Geelong West Giants.
Colac vs Grovedale
Central Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 5th July, 2025
Back on the winners list, in a big way for Colac solidifies their top four position on the ladder.
A disappointing month for Grovedale being on the end of some close losses and big margins, what Grovedale outfit will we see this weekend?
Colac’s scoring prowess could cause headaches for Grovedale defenders, averaging 17 goals per game, to go with 59 inside 50’s.
Jason Armistead’s even contribution in front of goals is a point of difference.
Players to have played seven or more games this season, six of those players are averaging a goal a game.
The inclusion of gun key forward, Tom Gillett over the past two weeks has given Jacob Spolding more options in front of goals.
Currently averaging 12 goals per game, which rates below average, Spolding will be hoping Gillett can help improve this number.
Particularly with clearances an area they have been strong in all season.
Geelong West Giants vs South Barwon
West Oval Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 5th July, 2025
Differing weekends for either side, Giants come into this weekend with a heavy defeat to Newtown.
South Barwon on the other hand were victors by just under 200 points.
Last time either side played each other, the Swans got the chocolates by 59 points.
A competitive display of football for Greg Mellor’s side should keep the Giants in the game.
Key figure, Lachie Horniblow will be relied on heavily in front of goals, averaging 3.4 goals per game.
The Giants equalled their lowest number of turnovers last week; similar trend here could provide optimism for Mallor.
Swans forwards could be dangerous this weekend, particularly Fraser Fort who had a day out last week, kicking eight goals to sit equal second in the goal kicking.
Look to Fort to be busy in front of goals with Neeld’s squad averaging 15 goals per game.
St Joseph’s vs North Shore
Herne Hill Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 5th July, 2025
Clinical victory for St Joseph’s last week, holds them in good stead against a young North Shore squad.
The Seagulls were hoping to put in a competitive four quarters against Colac, having won their first game of the season, the previous week.
They were ultimately outclassed but learnt some valuable lessons to bring to this weekend’s game.
St Joseph’s potent forward line could be busy this week for Ron Watt’s side, currently averaging 15 goals per game.
Geelong VFL listed player, Paddy De Grandi is averaging three goals per game, with teammate Oscar Morrison averaging 2.5 and Mitch Chafer and Hunter Lewis averaging just over two goals per game.
North Shore’s defensive transition could determine the result of the game.
Low turnover rate from defense to attack by foot for Mark Hounslow’s squad could open the game up, with Lachlan Hayes, a key figure averaging 10 rebound 50’s per game.
St Mary’s vs Leopold
Kardinia Park West, 1:10PM, Sunday 6th July, 2025
Both sides have had some patchy form recently, but with the quality of players for either side, expect a big turnout for what should be a competitive game of footy.
A win for St Mary’s would continue their trend towards a second chance come September.
For the Lions, a much-needed win to draw level with St Mary’s and avoid potentially dropping positions on the ladder.
Both sides play a highly contested brand of football,
Luke Rayner’s gun trio, Patrick Dowling, Jarryd Garner and Michael Rudd all average over 13 contested possessions per game.
Rick Kelly’s major ball winners Tate Porter, Marcus Thompson and Brock Williamson all average over 13 contested possessions per game.
The battle could be between which midfield group is willing to work defensively with lots of the players mentioned, currently average one or more goals per game.
Lara vs St Albans
Lara Recreation Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 12th July, 2025
A difficult period for both sides, Lara are currently after their first win of the season.
St Albans are looking to bounce back with their first win since round five.
Brett Henderson’s reliance on Cats stars, Darby Henderson and Thomas Gunther could determine the outcome of the midfield battle.
Both players lead their club in clearances and disposals.
St Alban’s clearance and contested possession style of football has helped improve the squad’s overall performance.
Expect contested possession beasts, Fletcher Keck, Jed Warrin to have an influence in stoppages for Rick Munn’s side.
Equal second in the goal kicking, Tom Higgins could give headaches to Lara defenders.
Bellarine Football Netball League
Torquay vs Anglesea
McCartney Oval, 2:10PM, Saturday 5th July, 2025
Contrasting months for either side has shaken the competition, Torquay have been back to their best, sitting comfortably in the second position with the strongest percentage in the competition.
Anglesea’s last month has been challenging, through injuries and player form, the Roo’s sit a game inside the top five.
However, a relatively low percentage gives sides on the outer an opportunity to get in.
Dom Gleeson’s fast paced style of footy with plenty of run and overlap should be evident this weekend.
Experienced duo, James Darke and Matthew Boag both average 16 or more handballs per game.
The Roo’s ability to win centre and stoppage clearances has been a big strength of theirs all season, rating elite for total clearances.
However, their inability to be effective going inside 50 has hurt their chances of kicking major scores.
Jordan Keras’s side go at 45%, for forward 50 entries which needs to improve if they’re to be competitive against the top sides.
Geelong Amateur vs Queenscliff
Queens Park Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 5th July, 2025
Both sides have been in confident form since they last encountered each other.
Geelong Amateur are on a win streak dating back to round six when they were handed their first loss of the season to Queenscliff.
For the Coutas, their run of form has been just as good, winning five of their last six games.
Ammos scoring power has been evident for much of the season, Sam Lloyd’s side currently averages 15 goals per game, rating elite.
Returning home, star key forward Mitchell day averages 4.2 goals per game and could pose a threat for Coutas defenders, having kicked four goals last time they played each other.
Heath Jamieson will be without star forward, Izzac Grant who will miss an extended period after rupturing his spleen, reported via Krock Football.
Jamieson will look at other avenues for goal with Jordan Monahan and Jayden McHenry, important pieces in front of goal, averaging two or more goals per game.
Ocean Grove vs Modewarre
Shell Road Recreation Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 5th July, 2025
A competitive showing from the Grubbers against a strong Queenscliff side, gives plenty of promise for Ocean Grove in the back half of the season.
Modewarre were able to grab their fourth win of the season, after a fast start against an inaccurate Newcomb.
A win here for Modewarre presents a possibility for top five hopes.
Dave Farrell’s heavy reliance on veteran Jye Walker in front of goals has helped the Grubbers competitiveness over the past month.
Walker has kicked four goals in his last two games, another big outing this week could give plenty of problems for Modewarre defenders.
Mark Hovey will look to key ball users, skipper Morgan Fenton and Oscar Cooke who lead their side in rebound 50’s with six or more per game.
Forward 50 entries is an area of concern for the Warriors, going at 42%, Fenton and Cooke will look to change this.
Portarlington vs Barwon Heads
Portarlington Recreation Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 5th July, 2025
A promising four-week block from Portarlington has them sitting at seventh with five wins.
Sitting on the same points as Barwon Heads, the Dees would love to make another statement.
Barwon Heads has been dealt a difficult last month, playing the top four sides in the competition.
The standard is set for what’s required of the Seagulls to push for finals.
Turnovers have still been quite high for Nathan Storer’s side, something he’d like to change to be competitive against the perennial teams in the Bellarine.
Key figures, Nicholas Sing, Thomas Panuccio and Riley Hayden, who all average 13 or more kicks per game should lead the charge.
The Seagulls’ tackling pressure has been an area Sam Schaller’s side would like to improve, averaging 40 effective tackles.
Sammy Baker, Sonni Walter and Finn Cornell lead their side in total tackles, averaging a tick over four tackles per game.
Newcomb vs Drysdale
Grinter Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 5th July, 2025
The last time these sides played each other in round six, it ended in heartbreak for Newcomb.
Drysdale’s last quarter heroics shapes as an exciting rematch between the two clubs.
The Power’s past three weeks have displayed plenty of promise for Tony Mirabella’s side.
Barring an inaccurate second quarter last week against Modewarre, key indicators went their way,
Leading the match in, inside 50’s, clearances and having a whopping 112 marks to go with 111 the week before against Geelong Amateur.
Drysdale have opened a two-game buffer on fifth place Anglesea; the Hawks are now looking to push for a top three birth.
The Hawks had their second lowest total turnovers tally last week with 63 total turnovers, a similar effort by disposal this weekend could shape the outcome of the result.
Key ball users, Jack Jenkins, Luke Preece and James Breust all average 12.5 or more kicks per game.
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