Ocean Grove had to draw on all its talent and experience to defeat an impressive Torquay on Saturday.
Torquay led at every change including by four at the last and were energetic and their defensive game was on.
Ocean Grove welcomed back Zanna Woods from injury and she started at wing attack, but was soon moved to goal attack, swapping places with Ashton O’Brien.
Daisy O’Kane (33 goals) and Kate Schippers (19) played well in attack for the Tigers.
The Grubbers found their groove in the last quarter as good sides do.
Arlee Bennett was a constant threat under the ring all game with the youngster netting 25 goals from 33 attempts.
The Grubbers started forcing turnovers in the last quarter and Woods simply didn’t miss. She would end with 29 goals and missed just three.
The umpires’ whistle was heard constantly throughout the game, which was physical, but fair.
In the end Grove won 55 to 53 to stay unbeaten, but there was a lot to like about the Tigers.
Bridget Aighton was great at centre and Erica Schippers did her best to quell the influence of Woods, who was the difference in the end.
Queenscliff put the season ending injury to Kaitlin Gladman behind it with a 60 to 40 win against Anglesea.
The third-placed Coutas were well served by Felicity Rush at wing defence and goal shooter Phoebe Knox who shot 37 goals.
Goalers Ariana Luamanu and Jessica Croker were named best for the Seas.
Alyce Delaney spearheaded Drysdale to an eight-goal win against Barwon Heads.
Delaney was immense at goal attack with 32 goals from 35 attempts and Mia Fallon patrolled the midcourt.
Perri Jones and Krystal Baker (31 goals) were best for the Seagulls.
Midcourter Georgia Duncan starred in Geelong Amateur’s big win against Modewarre.
Lauren Lapsley was busy at goal attack and youngster Louise Shaw continued her run of good form at wing attack.
For Modda, Keeley Cox tried her best at goal shooter with 16 goals and Alexandra Leng was good at wing defence.
Portarlington kept its finals hopes alive with a four-goal win against Newcomb.
Defender Laura Robinson was best and Hannah Branson moved well.
