By Justin Flynn
On paper it was a mismatch.
Second placed Geelong Amateur, which had defeated Torquay and Barwon Heads in successive weeks, up against ninth placed Ocean Grove with only two wins for the season.
But footy games aren’t played out on paper.
A six-goal third term from Grove at Steeline Ray Menzies Oval on Saturday July 20 left Ammos shellshocked and it could not recover.
A more desperate, more skilled, more hard-working Ocean Grove running out winners 12.5(77) to 5.20(50).
Yes, Ammos were awful in front of goal, but credit must go to the home team for the defensive pressure that caused their opponents to rush some of their shots.
“Our defence held up really well when under pressure, particularly in the first half to only concede two goals from 32 forward 50 entries,” Ocean Grove coach Dave Farrell said.
“We were most pleased with the connection the playing group showed across the ground in the second half to still push forward with some real offence intent and score nine goals in a half of footy.”
Farrell said Grove’s “really disappointing” 75-point loss against Modewarre the week before had the potential to dent his side’s confidence, but it appeared to have the opposite effect.
“The resolve internally has been fantastic, the players’ ability to keep finding positives each week and not need to be constantly driven by the coaching group has been unique this season,” he said.
“We have been really clear on our direction and to get this result on the back of them (Ammos) having beaten Barwon Heads and Torquay, fourth and first, in the past two rounds highlights the closeness of the competition and that we can compete with these more mature lists.”
Both sides were not at full strength. The Grubbers were missing key big men Kye Annand and Ed Dayman and captain Max Sutton was unavailable with work commitments. Ammos’ notable absentees included Jai Sheahan and Oscar Brownless.
The win lifted the Grubbers to eighth on the ladder. Another winnable game this week against Newcomb looms and then they will hope to continue the role of party pooper with Drysdale and Anglesea to finish the season.
Playing co-coach Nick Bourke booted four goals in the win and said his side was looking forward to finishing off the season strongly.
“Ammos are a quality side but we didn’t want to go away from what got us in the position we were in and to the boys’ credit they didn’t stop until the final siren and get the result on the back of work rate and effort for the entire day,” he said.
“We are excited for another opportunity to play our brand of footy this week and the following couple of weeks to finish the season. I’m so proud of the boys and we are looking forward to continuing to finish the season off strongly.”
It’s not all doom and gloom for Ammos, though. They still sit second on the ladder. The next two weeks will be crucial, with a resurgent Drysdale and then Anglesea followed by Newcomb to round off the home and away season.
DRYSDALE continued its impressive recent form with a 73-point win against Queenscliff. The Hawks are now back in the top five with Ben Fennell best afield with three goals.
ANGLESEA retained third spot on the ladder with a 69-point win against Newcomb. Jack Baker was good and Lewis Beers booted four while Jack Duke kicked three for the Power to take his season’s tally to 60.
TORQUAY had to work hard to knock off Modewarre by 13 points. Modda lost its place in the top five and this week’s game against Barwon Heads shapes as season defining.
BARWON HEADS kicked eight goals to one in the final term to run away from a dogged Portarlington by 69 points. Charlie Hurst was best for the fourth placed Seagulls and co-coach Mitch Herbison kicked four majors while Mitch Turnbull kicked four for the Demons.
