Geelong Amateur has broken a lengthy finals win drought, storming into the Bellarine grand final with a 39-point win over Torquay in Saturday’s second semi-final at Portarlington Recreation Reserve.
The Ammos’ 13.16 (94) to 7.13 (55) triumph was their first finals victory since 2018 and secures the club’s first grand final appearance since 2017.
Co-coach Riley Kershaw said the way his side set the tone early was key..
“The most pleasing part about it was just the way we played,” Kershaw said.
“I think we played the same way throughout the day, but we probably took our opportunities a little bit more in the first quarter with the breeze, but the consistency was there all day.
“We brought the pressure around the footy and the contest every quarter. There weren’t many lapses, if any, and when Torquay challenged we were able to match it or at least halve contests.”
Geelong Amateur jumped out to a 36-point lead at quarter time.
From there, they absorbed Torquay’s surges, never letting the Tigers find their rhythm.
A defensive masterclass underpinned the win. Daniel Grose was sent to dangerous forward Tynan Smith, while Spiro Alessios once again had the job on former St Joseph’s teammate Lucas Anderson, restricting the duo to one goal between them.
“Grossy was super,” Kershaw said. “We saw Tynan a few weeks back, and he’s a super player and really tough match-up, and the delivery he was getting that day was outstanding.
“It was always one that we were sort of a bit cautious of who we go with, but we gave it to Grossie and I feel like he got the chocolates for sure..”
Blake Sutterby and Hamish Shepheard were also instrumental for the Pegs.
Sutterby finished with 29 disposals, of which 22 were contested, while Shepheard controlled the ruck battle against Tigers duo Mackenzie Burns and Weylin Doyle, finishing with 18 disposals, 34 hitouts, and 14 clearances.
Sutterby went head-to-head with former Newtown & Chilwell teammate and reigning Ash medallist Matt Boag, who finished with an equal-season low 22 possessions.
“Blake came to us a couple of weeks ago and said he wanted the Boag match-up,” Kershaw revealed.
“It was clinical by ‘Sutters’, in our opinion,” Kershaw said.
“And whenever Shep stands up in big games you know you’re going to get a great output.”
Charley Green finished with three goals, and Mitch Day added two.
Importantly for Ammos, they came through unscathed on the injury front.
“Touch wood, we’re clean,” Kershaw said. “It’s a great position as a club with our twos winning as well – a really good day for the club.”
Geelong Amateur will now have a fortnight to prepare for the decider, something Kershaw believes will suit their list.
“If anyone’s done the numbers on the age profile of our list, there’s a few older blokes hanging for another bye,” he laughed.
“It suits us.”
For Torquay, Paddy Hughes kicked two goals while captain Ben McNamara worked tirelessly in defence.
Ollie Tate gathered a game-high 33 disposals.
The Tigers now face the winner of today’s Queenscliff–Anglesea first semi-final clash in the preliminary final.
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