Reigning Geelong & District Football League premier Inverleigh faces its moment of truth over the next fortnight.
Sitting half a game outside the top five, the Hawks meet top side East Geelong on Saturday and fifth placed Thomson next week in what will surely shape their season.
Inverleigh will start favourites in its final three games of the home and away season against Corio, Geelong West and Anakie, but none will be easy.
“It probably doesn’t get any bigger for us,” Hawks coach Chris Moore said.
“We’ve got ourselves in a position where we’ve still got our destiny in our own hands, so it’s a big two weeks.
“It hasn’t been smooth sailing for us all year, continually playing with a different 22 each week. So we haven’t been able to get that consistency or continuity. We’ve just had a couple back from overseas and our side will look stronger in the back end, so we’re of the belief that anyone in the top five can win the flag. You’ve just gotta get there.”
In Saturday’s second half of the split round 13, Inverleigh had to dig deep to put away bottom side Bell Post Hill, 13.10(88) to 9.15(69).
The Panthers booted 2.11 in the first half, but then the game opened up and scoring was easier.
“The competition has definitely opened up and they (Bell Post Hill) played good footy,” Moore said.
“We just struggled for a while putting four quarters together and if you can’t do that you can’t put sides away. We were very lucky to not be four or five goals down at quarter time. I think both sides got a bit more aggressive in the second-half so that probably was the reason the scoring picked up.”
The Hawks will regain Paddy Bourke, who played in the reserves after arriving back from overseas on Thursday. Luke Wilson and Kadison McEwan-Walsh are also available for selection against the Eagles.
After finishing the round 6 match against Corio deadlocked, Moore said the two points from that game meant his side didn’t need to worry about percentage.
“I was pleased we got the win, but we’ve still got lots and lots of things to work on,” he said.
Former Couta Brayden Warren was best for Inverleigh while Noah Sneskov and Casey Meehan each booted three goals as did the Panthers’ Josh Norman.
BELMONT strengthened its top-three credentials with a 22.12(144) to 9.14(68) win against Corio. The Evans’ brothers combined for 12 goals between them, Ben kicking seven and Jak five with the Lions also being well served by former Barwon Heads players Braeden Eddy and Bradley Michell.
ANAKIE got the better of North Geelong 14.17(101) to 10.10(70). Andrew Boseley was best on with three goals and Oscar Barter kicked five for the Roos while Blake Miller kicked three and was named the Pies’ best.
