AFL Barwon writer Wil Spence previews this weekend’s men's football matches across the Geelong and Bellarine FNL competitions.

Geelong Football League

Bell Park vs St Albans

Hamlyn Park, 2:10PM, Saturday 14^th June, 2025

A hotly contest expected between both sides who sit either side of the ladder, Bell Park looking for a fourth consecutive win, and St Albans looking to bounce back after a tough assignment against South Barwon.

Expect James Saker’s squad to apply the heat early, ranking elite for effective tackles, with Fraser Marris, Jeff Bermingham and Hamish Dawson all leading the way, contributing five or more tackles per game.

Rick Munn’s clearance game has been evident over the course of the first seven rounds for the Saints, rating above average.

Key players, Jed Warrin and Fletcher Keck both average 6.6 clearances per game, expect the Saints inside 50 counts to be supported by this statistic.

Colac vs St Mary’s 

Central Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 14^th June, 2025

Both sides are coming off strong victories against their respective sides.

Sitting fourth and second, Colac and St Mary’s respectively, expect a great viewing for supporters of either side.

The Tigers contested possession and marking game rates elite in the competition, expect Seb Ross’s squad to be strong in the contest and control the football.

Tigers gun Jarrod Walters will be heavily relied upon in the coal face with his quick hands, averaging 16.6 handballs per game.

Luke Rayner’s outfit bounced back after a devastating defeat to St Joseph’s with a commanding win against North Shore, expect their scoring prowess to be an important part of their game, averaging 24 goals per game, to go with 64 inside 50’s.

Off-season returnee, Pat Dowling, expect to be his dynamic self, after kicking an astonishing 11 goals last week, he’s currently averaging an extraordinary 170 ranking points, to go with a tick under 28 disposals, and 4.8 goals per game.

The match is live on aulbarwon.com.au/tv

Leopold vs Grovedale

Leopold Memorial Park, 2:10PM, Saturday 14^th June, 2025

The Lions got their season back on track with a dominant performance against Lara and find themselves in the top five.

The Tigers were left licking their wounds after a devastating loss, almost overcoming a 22-point deficit at three quarter time against Bell Park.

Plenty to play out for both sides which should excite the competition.

Luke Kelly’s Lions play a high disposal brand of footy, ranking elite for both kicks and handballs.

The forward brigade could be dangerous with six players averaging over a goal a game, with Connor Giddings the main focal point, averaging 3.6 goals per game.

Jacob Spolding’s Tiger’s clearance game has been a dominant feature in the early part of the season.

Expect Ryan Abbott and William Ford to lead the charge, both averaging a whooping 9.9 and 7.8 clearances per game, respectively.

Newtown & Chilwell vs Lara

Elderslie Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 14^th June, 2025

Newtown was after another large scalp of the competition, fortunately for Steve Johnson, his wish was granted with a hard-fought victory against top of the table, St Joseph’s.

A stark contrast for challenged Lara outfit, who were heavily defeated against Leopold, expect a bounce back from the Cats.

Steve Johnson’s side has put on a defensive masterclass, in the early parts of the season, conceding 8.5 goals per game.

Braden Hocking and Werribee-listed player Charlie Byrne are leading the way in the back half with intercept possessions, and intercept marks.

For Brett Henderson’s squad, turnovers by foot have punished their chances of controlling the football, and creating more opportunities inside 50, with a discrepancy of minus 82.4 effective kicks against opposing sides.

North Shore vs Geelong West Giants

Windsor Park, 2:10PM, Saturday 14^th June, 2025

Either side comes into this game with disappointing losses, the Giants trailed Bell Park by 13 points at three quarter time but faded late.

The Seagulls are still looking for their first win of the season and would like to claim a scalp.

Mark Hounslow’s developing side will look to improve their forward 50 entries, averaging a mire seven effective kicks going inside 50, compared to 50.1 against opposing opposition.

An improvement in this statistic may contribute to more shots on goal, time spent in forward half.

Look to Greg Mallor’s side to utilize their kick to handball game to open the ground and create overlap against the Seagulls, rating above average in handballs and marks.

Giants gun Tanner Lewis returned for his first game of the season and was mammoth in the coal face with his clean hands, 21 handballs and tackling pressure, 10 tackles, expecting his presence to be felt.

St Joseph’s vs South Barwon

Herne Hill, 2:10PM, Saturday 14^th June, 2025

In tough conditions, St Joseph’s were given their first loss of the season against Newtown.

South Barwon on the other hand are coming off a strong showing against St Albans and are looking to continue their winning ways, currently sitting just outside the top five, in sixth.

Ron Watt’s sides efficiency going inside 50 reflected their current position on the ladder, going at 56% inside 50 compared to the competition average of 44%, deeper entries inside 50, their plus two and rate elite for marks inside 50.

Off-season recruit, Mitch Chafer is starting to hit his straps and will be dangerous up forward, averaging 1.8 goals per game.

Mark Neeld’s squad are after a big victory to give the competition a scare, the Swan’s scoring prowess is evident, averaging 16 goals per game, rating above average, while rating above average for contested possessions.

Jonty Broughton and Sam James will be strong in the contest, both averaging over 10 contested possessions per game, to go with over 4.5 clearances per game.

Bellarine Football League

Drysdale vs Barwon Heads

Drysdale Recreation, 2:10PM, Saturday 14^th June, 2025

The Hawks are looking for a fifth consecutive victory after a clinical win against Modewarre.

The Gulls on the other hand were outclassed against the form team of the competition in Queenscliff and will be after a win to stay at a touching distance from the top five.

Ben Carmichael’s contested brand of footy has been evident over the past month, currently rating elite in contested possessions and handballs.

Expect the Hawks efficiency going inside 50 to be high, they’re currently plus 1.5 marks inside 50 across the competition. Tom Ruggles and Lachlan Dalgleish are leading the way for their forward line.

Sam Schaller’s stoppage game will be vital if they’re to match the Hawks strong on-ball brigade, currently the Gulls are plus 2.5 for scores from stoppages.

Look at Charlie Hurst, averaging 8.1 contested possessions, and Jake Whybrow to be dangerous in congestion and inside 50 respectively.

Geelong Amateur vs Modewarre

Queens Park Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 14^th June, 2025

A fourth consecutive victory is on the cards for the Amateur’s, after a tight tussle against Anglesea, all cylinders a firing with fans hoping to see continued success.

Modewarre are looking to rectify a difficult two weeks, with a strong performances against a quality outfit, a major scalp is required if Modewarre wants to push for finals aspirations.

Player coach, Sam Lloyd’s squad’s uncontested brand of football has demonstrated their willingness to open the ground and move the ball with pace.

Ammos are currently plus 7.7 for inside 50 marks, and plus 18.9 uncontested marks, expect Mitch Day to have plenty of opportunities inside 50, averaging 4 goals per game.

Mark Hovey’s side has given up 31.3 effective disposals to either side, if they can rectify their turnover game by hand expect the Warriors system to be working in transition.

Veteran Joshua Finch will lead the charge averaging just under 30 disposals per game.

Be sure to tune in via Krock Football or the AFL Barwon website.

https://www.aflbarwon.com.au/aflb-tv

Queenscliff vs Anglesea

Queenscliff Recreation Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 14^th June

What shapes like the match of the round, Queenscliff comes in to this match as the form team of the competition, astonishingly looking for an eight consecutive victory.

Anglesea are looking to respond after a tough loss to ladder leader, Geelong Amateur, after leading by two points at three quarter time.

Heath Jamieson’s squads forward half pressure has been evident over the last two months, currently plus 3.8 for forward 50 tackles, and plus 3,2 for forward pressure acts.

Coutas forwards, Jordan Monahan and Jonty Rush will look to be dangerous, averaging 2.6 goals, and 1.4 goals respectively.

Jordan Keras’s teams contested brand of football will be on display, the Roos currently are plus 13 for ground ball gets, and plus 27 for effective handballs.

Expect plenty, chain of handballs around the ground to punish the Coutas on the rebound, with Lachlan Smith and Max Virgona leading the way, both averaging 11.7, and 9.9 handballs per game.

Ocean Grove vs Torquay

Shell Road Recreation Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 14^th June, 2025

Ocean Grove were gallant in defeat against Portarlington last week and will be looking to put in another consistent performance.

Torquay got their season back on track last week, defeating the developing Newcomb.

With percentage on their side, the Tigers will look to consolidate a spot in the top five with another strong performance this week.

Dave Farrell’s side will look to improve a key statistic which has hurt them for much of the season, turnovers around the ground, they’re minus 62.

If the Grubbers can improve their disposal by foot and hand, the brand of footy we know they can play may be put on display.

Veteran Jye Walker will lead the charge with a young developing group, averaging one goal per game.

Dom Gleeson’s squad looked much like their usual selves last week, their controlled brand of footy has greatly benefitted their efficiency going inside 50, the Tigers rate elite for inside 50’s, and plus four, for marks inside 50.

Expect young gun, Charlie Ham to play a pivotal role for the Tigers, averaging 23.2 disposals per game, and 4.3 inside 50’s per game.

Newcomb vs Portarlington

Grinter Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 14^th June, 2025

Both sides played each other earlier in the season, with Portarlington taking bragging rights.

Coming off a win, the Dees will look to continue their momentum and make it a sweep of wins against undermanned Newcomb side who hope to get some crucial players back from injury.

Tony Mirabella’s squad have emphasized a tough contested brand of football; the Power are plus 1.6 in centre clearances but lack polish with disposal by foot. They’re currently minus 33.8 effective kicks, hurting their efficiency going inside 50.

Veteran duo, Finn Anscombe and Jack Duke will lead the charge at either end of the ground, Anscombe averaging 8.3 intercept possessions, and Duke averaging 3.2 goals per game.

Nathan Storer’s outfit will look to continue their high-pressure style of play, ranking above average for inside 50’s and effective tackles.

Disposal efficiency has been an area the Dees have looked to improve, cleaner looks going inside 50 will put pressure on the Powers’ backs.

Key ruckman, Scott Greenhough will play a major role in the midfield, averaging 43.3 hit outs per game, and nine clearances per game.

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AFL Barwon writer Wil Spence previews this weekend’s men's football matches across the Geelong and Bellarine FNL competitions.

Geelong Football League

St Mary’s vs North Shore

Windsor Park (Norlane), 2:10PM, Saturday 7^th June, 2025

The Saints were handed their first loss of the season to ladder leaders St Joseph’s in the match of the season.

Luke Rayner’s squad look to bounce back in a big way against the developing side, North Shore.

Mark Hounslow’s Seagulls will utilize their week off to good effect and impact from the first bounce.

Saint stars, Patrick Dowling and Chris Jansen are both averaging 25 or more disposals and two plus goals per game, expect both to have an impact.

Seagulls will look to rebound off their half-back line with Lachlan Hayes, a key figure, amassing a tick under 13 rebound 50’s per game.

Geelong West Giants vs Colac Tigers

West Oval Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 7^th June, 2025

The Giants come into this game with back-to-back loses hoping to put their season back on track against a tough opponent in the Tigers.

Greg Mallor’s side sits tenth on the ladder with a 2-4 win-loss ratio, a win will put them back in the midfield pack, for Seb Ross’s squad, an opportunity to entrench themselves in the top five.

Expect the Giants marking game to be prevalent, averaging 93 marks per game, rating above average.

Gun midfielders, Ethan Liddle and Lachlan Taylor to have an influence, both averaging over 25 disposals per game.

The Tigers contested football brand will be evident, with team averages of 170 contested possessions per game, rating elite.

Tall timber, Zachary Zdybel will be a key focal point around the ground, averaging a whooping 121.5 ranking points.

Grovedale vs Bell Park

Burdoo Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 7^th June, 2025

Both sides will look for bragging rights as the ladder begins to tighten, a win for both sides will keep their finals aspirations alive.

The Dragons are looking for a third consecutive win and hope to establish themselves amongst the flag contenders.

Jacob Spolding’s squad will utilize their early clearance game dominance against the Dragons averaging 48 clearances per game, rating elite in the competition.

Young Tiger, Jak Tute’s influence on the game will be evident, averaging just under 20 disposals, 4.8 clearances per game and 4 tackles per game in their midfield.

James Saker’s side will look to move the football with pace, evident with their kick to handball game, averaging 216 kicks per game and 140 handballs per game, rating above average in the competition.

Expect both Zac Mirkovic and Fraser Marris to have an influence on the game, both averaging over 11.5 kicks per game, and 4.5 marks per game.

Lara vs Leopold

Lara Recreation Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 7^th June, 2025

Stark contrasts after the bye, with Lara still winless after six rounds, and reigning premier looking to catapult themselves into the top five, currently sitting seventh on the ladder.

Brett Henderson’s developing side will look to apply the pressure early, averaging 39 effective tackles, rating below average, expect a shift if the heat is on early.

Cats gun Darby Henderson will be heavily relied upon throughout the game, averaging an extraordinary 49 disposals per game, Thomas Gunther will also be around the contest, averaging 28 disposals per game.

Luke Kelly’s squad will look to win the football in the coalface, rating above average in contested possessions, averaging 161 per game.

For the Lions, Connor Giddings will be dangerous inside 50, averaging a tick under three goals per game.

St Albans vs South Barwon

St Albans Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 7^th June, 2025

It should be an interesting game of football, both sides sitting on three wins, and three losses, an opportunity for either side to find a little gap in a tight competition.

Improving squad St Alban’s were gallant in defeat against Newtown, a mid-season bye may provide the Saints with a week to freshen up after they fell away in the second half against Newtown.

South Barwon also comes into this game, with questions after their defeat to Leopold, after trailing by five points at three quarter time but faded late.

Rick Munn’s outfit will look to apply the heat early having only led after quarter time twice against North Shore and Lara.

Clearance and tackle pressure will be a key factor, rating above average in clearances and effective tackles.

Midfield gun, Fletcher Keck is averaging 25 plus disposals per game, while also averaging over 15 contested possessions per game and 5 tackles per game, expecting his presence in the midfield to be felt.

Look for Mark Neeld’s Swan’s to be dangerous up forward, rating above average in goals, inside 50’s and contested possessions.

A whooping seven players are averaging a goal or more per game emphasizing their ability to hit the scoreboard.

St Joseph’s vs Newtown & Chilwell

Herne Hill Reserve, 2:10PM, Sunday 8^th June, 2025

The ladder leaders are the clear side, teams are hunting after their remarkable comeback against St Mary’s in the fourth quarter, trailing by 26 points at three quarter time.

Newtown will look to send a reminder to the competition of their own credentials; they’re looking for their fifth win in a row.

Ron Watts side will look to control the football, amassing 224 kicks per game, and averaging 96 marks per game, both rating above average.

Expect St Joseph’s firepower up forward to be potent, with Paddy De Grandi averaging just under 4 goals per game when he isn’t required by Geelong’s VFL Team, young key forward Oscar Morrison and Hunter Lewis will also be important, both averaging 2.9 and 2.5 goals per game respectively.

Steve Johnson’s will rely on his teams tackling pressure, rating above average for effective tackles, 47.6 per game.

From an individual standpoint, Mitch Diamond will be influential off the half back line, averaging 5.7 intercept possessions, while in the midfield, Ned Harris will be dangerous averaging 25 disposals per game, to go with just under 9 clearances per game.

Be sure to tune in via Krock Football

https://krockfootball.live/

Bellarine Football League

Torquay vs Newcomb

McCartney Oval, 2:10PM, Saturday 7^th June, 2025

Both sides look to get their seasons back on track, Torquay are looking for the first win in two weeks after they faded in the last quarter against Queenscliff.

While Newcomb Power look to respond after a heavy defeat of 115 points.

Dom Gleeson's outfit rate above average in clearances, contested possessions, handballs and inside 50’s, expect the Tigers to stretch the Powers defense through run and overlap.

Leopold recruit, Oliver Tate will have a large influence on the game, averaging over 30 disposals per game, to go with just under 5 rebound 50’s per game.

Tony Mirabella’s squad will look to their competitive brand of football that led to their surprise win against the Tigers in round 2, they currently rate below average in contested possessions, something he would like to improve on.

For the Power, young intercept gun, Tom Webster will be heavily relied upon out of their back half, averaging 8.4 intercept possessions per game, to go with 3.4 intercept marks.

Anglesea vs Geelong Amateur

Ellimatta Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 7^th June, 2025

Top of the table clash with both sides in winning form, Anglesea are looking to take another major scalp after defeating Modewarre by 65 points.

Ammos are looking to put a buffer on the competition after they crusied past Portarlington by 55 points.

Jordan Keras’s squad will look to move the football with pace, rating above average for kicks, handballs and marks. Expect plenty of potential scoring chains through their ball movement.

Roos star, Harrison Ling will be significant among their midfield brigade with his tackling pressure, amassing 6 tackles per game, to go with 22 disposals per game.

Look to Riley Kershaw’s side to move the football quickly, like the Roos, rating elite with team disposals, inside 50’s and marks.

Deniliquin recruit, Hamish Shepheard will be impactful among Ammos midfield with his clean hands in tight stoppages, averaging 15.6 handballs per game, as well as 7.6 clearances per game.

Modewarre vs Drysdale

Mount Moriac Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 7^th June, 2025

Both sides look to continue their finals aspirations, Modewarre’s form has been hit and miss after a heavy defeat to Anglesea, a response is required to stay within striking distance of the top five.

Drysdale are looking for a fourth consecutive victory after a confident win against Ocean Grove.

Mark Hovey’s Warriors side will require efficient kicking inside 50, averaging 41% forward 50 entries.

Zack May’s 54 hit outs per game will be required to provide supply to his on-ball brigade to create scoring opportunities. 

Ben Carmichael’s Hawks should utilize their clearance and contested possession dominance in the midfield, rating above average for both.

Look to Lachlan Dalgleish to be dangerous up forward; after kicking a bag of seven against Ocean Grove last week, he’s now averaging 2.5 goals per game.

Barwon Heads vs Queenscliff

Howard Harmer Oval, 2:10PM, Saturday 7^th June, 2025

Both sides are coming in with positive form lines, shapes for a cracking game of football.

The Seagulls are coming off a 115-point triumph over Newcomb, while the Coutas come into this round having defeated the reigning premiers by three goals and are looking for a fifth victory in a row.

Sam Schaller’s squad have used their kick-mark game to good effect, rating above average for both kicks and marks as a team. Expect the Seagulls to move the football quickly, with their smaller ground.

Altona recruit, Jake Whybrow will look to hit the scoreboard; after kicking a bag of six against Newcomb, he’s currently averaging 1.7 goals per game.

Heath Jamieson’s side will look to make the ground big with their ball movement, they currently rate above average in total disposals, kicks, handballs, inside 50’s and marks.

Coutas major ball winners, Lachie Kidd, Jordy Mcivor-Clark, Che Durran, Sol Bowtell and Caleb Whitley all average over 23 disposals per game, expect all key to have an influence on the game.

Portarlington vs Ocean Grove

Portarlington Recreational Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 7^th June, 2025

The Demons are after their first win since round three, with a change in their coaching department, with former coach, Darren Findlay parting ways, a win for the demons would be enormous for the Portarlington faithful.

The Grubbers also have their own winless drought, dating back to round one, Dave Farrell’s squad would like to rectify their early season form with a win.

The Dees will look to their clearance game and tackling pressure to assert early dominance over the Grubbers, rating above average in both statistics.

Former Hawthorn footballer, Teia Miles will be influential around the ground, with averages of 32 disposals, 5 inside 50’s and 5 rebound 50’s, look out for Nicholas Sing to impact with his toughness around the ball, averaging 4.6 1%’s per game.

The Grubbers disposal efficiency will be a key indicator of the result of the game, averaging 118 effective kicks, to a league average of 156, an improvement in this area could allow for more inside 50’s, resulting in shots on goal.

Farrell will look to key players, Gus Bourke, ruckman Jacob Talarico and Joseph McDonald around the ground, all averaging over 83 ranking points per game.

Be sure to tune in via Krock Football or the AFL Barwon website.

https://www.aflbarwon.com.au/aflb-tv

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