A career day from Ben Henderson has helped Drysdale consolidate its spot inside the Bellarine top-five with a convincing 62-point win over Anglesea at Ellimatta Reserve.
The young ruck/forward kicked four goals for the first time in his career as the Hawks used a fast start to claim a 19.11 (125) to 8.15 (53) result.
“Ben was really good,” Drysdale coach Ben Carmichael said.
“He got down the line, took some really strong contested marks, and he really finished off his work. He kicked four straight, which is pleasing for him.
“He was super dangerous. Our forward entries were really good, which gave him the opportunity to jump at the footy.”
The importance of the win was not lost on Carmichael.
Drysdale is well placed for a crack at the double chance, with yesterday’s win opening up a 12-point buffer on Barwon Heads and Portarlington, who occupy sixth and seventh positions, respectively.
“It’s super important this time of year, especially against sides that are sitting very similar to us, that we can go down and have a performance like that.
“The boys started really well. They set the tone early, and we got off to a really good start, and we just held on to that lead for most of the day, which was really pleasing.”
Jake Hargreaves joined Henderson in kicking four goals, while midfield duo Ben Fennell and James Breust were also crucial.
Max Virgona and Matt Connell were best for the Roos, while former Hawk Tev Nofi kicked two goals in his first appearance for his new club after overcoming a pre-season injury.
Despite not being named by Anglesea on Thursday night, Carmichael wasn’t surprised when the Leopold premiership defender ran out onto Ellimatta Reserve.
“We heard a few whispers that he might play,” Carmichael said.
“Tev’s a great guy, and he’ll always be a Drysdale man.
“There might have been a little bit of banter out there, but it’s just good to see him back out playing footy.
“He’s missed two-thirds of the year, so it was good to see him back out there.”
Ayden Gras was held goalless for the first time since arriving at Anglesea from GFNL club St Joseph’s.
Torquay spearhead Lucas Anderson has made a successful return from a serious knee injury, kicking two goals in a thumping 131-point win over Portarlington at McCartney Oval.
However, it was again Banjo Dyer who was the standout forward for the Tigers, finishing with six goals in the 24.18 (162) to 4.7 (31) victory.
It’s the third time Dyer has kicked six or more goals in a game this season, taking his season tally to 29.
Geelong Falcons-listed Van Rahilly was also impressive in kicking three goals in just his fourth senior game.
Mitch Howard and Scott Greenhough were best as Port suffered their second triple-figure defeat of the season.
Geelong Amateur will enter the final third of the season with a three-game buffer on top of the ladder after holding off a third-quarter fightback from Barwon Heads at Queens Park to claim a 44-point win, 14.11 (95) to 6.15 (51).
Ammos held a 38-point lead at half-time after restricting the inaccurate Seagulls to two goals in the opening two quarters.
However, the visitors fought their way back into the contest, with four consecutive goals cutting the margin to 14 points late in the third term.
But goals on either side of three-quarter time from youngster Tom Gorrell and gun midfielder Tom Gribble were enough to get the Pegs home.
Mitch Day finished with six goals, including the last three of the match, to move into the lead on the Bellarine goalkicking table with 52 for the season.
Tom Baker kicked two goals for the Seagulls, who remain four points outside the top five.
Connor Joseph’s season-high five goals proved the difference as Modewarre posted a 31-point win over Newcomb at Mt Moriac Reserve.
The Warriors jumped the visitors, producing a 7.2 to 1.2 opening term, laying the foundation for a 13.10 (88) to 7.15 (57) victory.
Dion Johnstone was best for the inaccurate Power, who had seven individual goalkickers.
A season-high seven goals from Queenscliff star Izaac Grant highlighted a clinical 71-point win over Ocean Grove at Queenscliff Recreation Reserve.
Grant’s performance in the 23.19 (157) to 13.8 (86) victory took his season tally to 40 goals.
Veteran Jye Walker produced a second straight four-goal effort for the Grubbers.
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