By Justin Flynn
Belmont coach Andy Walsgott won’t look at resting players for this weekend’s clash against North Geelong despite having second spot on the Geelong & District Football League ladder sewn up.
The Lions will meet Werribee Centrals in the qualifying final next week and fine-tuned their game almost to perfection against Bannockburn on Saturday August 10 with an impressive 70-point win.
“We probably had a little bit of a lull mid-year and I reckon probably the last two or three weeks, the Anakie game we weren’t at our best, but we’re just hitting our straps now,” Walsgott said.
“We’re keen to continue that on and not tinker with things too much. We’ve got a pretty healthy list over so everyone’s wanting to stake their claim for a spot in that final.
“We might give one of the rucks a rest potentially, but aside from that we’ll be going in full strength.”
Belmont’s reserves are also locked in for a qualifying final and there’s excitement in the air at Winter Reserve. The A Grade netballers will also play finals.
“I was talking to boys on the weekend and we are usually wrapping up this time of year and planning what’s on for the rest of the year and the break-up, but everyone’s keen and everyone’s excited,” Walsgott said.
“It’s a great vibe. Everyone’s happy to be there and it’s a lot different vibe to this time last year, for sure.”
On Saturday, Bannockburn led by two goals at the first break, but the Lions hit back with 16 goals to three.
David Allitt was the star with five goals while Braeden Eddy was also among the best.
Only half a game separates fifth placed Inverleigh from North Geelong and Bannockburn with one round remaining.
Inverleigh will play finals if it beats Anakie, but lose and it opens the door for North Geelong to sneak in if it upsets Belmont or Bannockburn to move into fifth with a win against Anakie. Percentage could play a part as well.
AN eight-goal first term blitz enabled Inverleigh to thrash Geelong West by 116 points with Mason Dickson best afield with six goals.
EAST GEELONG did enough to defeat Anakie by 51 points with Jaydan McLauchlan best and Zac Smith booting four goals.
BELL POST HILL was too good for Winchelsea, winning by 77 points with Jack Yates best and Josh Norman continuing his good form in front of the sticks with four majors.
NORTH GEELONG kept its season alive with a terrific 25-point triumph over Werribee Centrals. Zac and Thomas Schwennesen were best for the Magpies with John Fazio snaring four goals.
THOMSON had to work hard to beat Corio by 17 points with Jackson Macleod best and Jacob Knight threading through four goals.
