ERIN PEARSON
An 11-goal haul by key forward Marcus Smith has helped Anglesea stamp itself as the team to beat this year in Bellarine Football League.
The Roos blitzed Geelong Amateur in a 68-point demolition, with Smith warning the competition of more to come.
“We had a good win on the weekend and basically we just want to keep improving,” he said.
“We’ve got a fitter and faster and it’s paying off – we don’t want a loss.
“It’s good to get both player and supporter confidence up early.”
Smith booted double figures last weekend despite a preseason hampered by surgery to remove tonsils and a busy work schedule.
Smith said he was determined to maintain his form.
Anglesea coach Luke Primus was “very impressed” with Smith’s performance.
“The weather was a bit slippery and greasy but we opened up in the last quarter and Marcus really stepped up,” he said.
“Our biggest challenge now is trying to play four quarters the way we want. I think we’ve improved from last year and we’re aiming for a top-five finish.”
Ocean Grove will take on Anglesea this weekend after a 183-point victory against Portarlington in the opening round.
Grubbers coach Cameron McGregor said Anglesea’s stable list was a concern for his side.
“Anglesea finished above us last year and they’ve kept most of their list together, which is a big advantage. They’ve been talked-up in preseason as contenders for the flag, so it will be a good test for us,” he said.
“Portarlington was fairly undermanned on the weekend, so it’s hard to judge how much we’ve improved.”
– See Frank Mason’s local football report in Sport