Queenscliff has become the first Bellarine team to register five wins for the season after bouncing back from its first loss of the season to beat Newcomb by 24 points at Queenscliff Recreation Reserve.
In a contest that started 20 minutes late after an ambulance was called following a concussion suffered by Power reserves player Jaykeb Paley in the closing stages of the 12 o’clock game, the Coutas were able to keep the visitors at arm’s length after quarter time.
Despite some final quarter inaccuracy, Queenscliff claimed a 13.15 (93) to 10.9 (69) result.
Coach Heath Jamieson says the Coutas were keen not to be stuck in a shootout like the previous week’s clash.
“We’d rather set up nice behind the ball and then slingshot the other way once we win it, and I thought today we did that,” he told K rock Football post-match.
“We probably didn’t kick the ball inside 50 as well as I would have liked.
“But there was a forward territory game that we played. I thought we locked the ball in our front half a lot better than what we did last week. We got repeat entries.
“Our defenders, (Caleb) Whitley and these guys, set up well behind the ball and yeah.
“So I think the look of the game aim today was more us. We’ve just got to fix that… connection piece going forward.”
Newcomb coach Tony Mirabella conceded his team struggled at times to contain the Coutas’ run,
“They are a very, very tough team to stop when they start running in numbers,” he said.
“And if you don’t show up and stop that run, they just surge and surge and surge and get their backs up.
“I think we actually worked our way back into the game a few times when the surge was flying. So I was actually quite proud of that.
But you can just see that Queenscliff is a contested team, (and) once they start moving forward, it’s hard to stop.”
The Coutas had nine individual goalkickers, with Sol Bowtell, Izaac Grant, Jordan Monahan, and Jayden McHenry each finishing with two.
Jake Duke finished with three for the Power.
Queenscliff next faces Ocean Grove at Ray Menzies Oval, while Newcomb travels to Drysdale.
Meanwhile, the Power has confirmed Jaykeb Paley suffered a mild concussion and has been released from hospital.
Barwon Heads has maintained its perfect 2026 record at APCO Cafe 24/7 Oval, coming from 24 points down at half-time to overcome Drysdale by 24 points.
The inaccurate Seagulls claimed the four points, 12.20 (92) to 10.8 (68), after outscoring the Hawks eight goals to two in the second half.
Mitch Jensen’s solid start to his time at Barwon Heads continued as he contributed four goals.
For the Hawks, Joel Watson and Lachie Nelis each kicked three majors.
Geelong Amateur held off a plucky Ocean Grove at KFC Oval by 22 points, 13.11 (89) to 9.13 (67).
Ammos led by just for points at half-time, with four goals apiece from Sam Lloyd and Lara recruit Nick Beekmans, ensuring the home team’s fourth win of the season.
James Paterson and Lorne Waldron each kicked three majors for the Grubbers.
Anglesea used a fast start as the foundation for its 34-point win over Portarlington at Ron Evans Oval.
The Roos bounded to a 20-point lead at quarter time before holding the Demons at bay to record a 15.12 (102) to 10.8 (68) victory.
Spearhead Ayden Gras and former co-captain Jack Walters were best in front of goal for the visitors, kicking three goals apiece, as did Demons captain Mitch Turnbull and former Leopold star Brock Williamson.
Modewarre made light work of Surf Coast, keeping the Aaron Black-less Suns to their lowest score in recording a 109-point victory.
Horsham Swifts recruit Jordan Motton kicked five goals, and spearhead Connor Joseph contributed four majors in the 18.15 (123) to 2.2 (14) result.
Veteran Ross Young kicked a goal and was named the Suns’ best.
X: @krockfootball
