Ocean Grove has climbed off the bottom of the ladder after holding off a late rally from Portarlington to claim its first win of the BFNL season.
The Grubbers, who led by 34 points at three-quarter time, watched as the margin was whittled back to a goal during a time on at Ron Evans Oval as the Demons attempted to claim consecutive wins over the visitors for the first time since 1983.
However, a late goal from Brady Pritchard helped Ocean Grove steady for an 11.16 (82) to 10.10 (70) victory.
“We contained to be tested, and they responded really well,” relieved coach Dave Farrell said.
“There wasn’t a lot we did off the ground… the players showed a fair bit of maturity and made some adjustments on the ground.
“It was reflective of the work we’ve put in over the last ten weeks.
“That was the most pleasing bit. We (the coaching staff) couldn’t control what was going on, and the players made some adjustments that kept us in the game and ultimately won it.”
Farrell was full of praise for Jacob Talarico, who stepped into the ruck in the absence of injured star Ed Dayman.
“(He’s) been amazing, the way he’s competed for us,” Farrell said.
“He plays a number of roles and has even stepped up his leadership, which has been really important for us.
Young forward Kye Annand was also important as a constant target for the Grubbers going forward.
“Kye’s just such a dominant player,” Farrell said. “The way he attacks the ball aerially and at ground level is really, really special.
“We value him hugely, and he was the best player on the ground from both sides, I thought.”
Connor Asquith joined Pritchard in kicking two goals for Ocean Grove, which next faces Queenscliff.
The Demons, who were without former AFL duo Connor Menadue and Jaryd Cachia due to injury and unavailable key defender Guz Goetz, were best served by Max Ruiter and ruck Daniel Riosa.
Steve Heppel kicked four goals, and captain Mitch Turnbull finished with three majors.
Modewarre produced its second thrilling win in as many weeks, beating fellow finals aspirants Anglesea by seven points at Mt Moriac Reserve.
After a last-gasp victory over Drysdale in Round 9, the Warriors started the second half of the season with a 16.7 (103) to 13.17 (95) result.
Tom Hornsey kicked four goals in a best-on-ground performance for Modewarre, which came from 17 points down at half-time.
Seb Hutley was also important with three majors.
Dyl Pettingill kicked three goals for the Roos.
Geelong Amateur jumped to second on the ladder after overcoming a dogged Queenscliff challenge at KFC Oval.
Leading by just nine points at three-quarter time, the Pegs kicked four goals to one in the final term to claim their seventh victory of 2024, 13.16 (94) to 9.12 (66).
Paddy Dowling kicked five goals to move to within one of the lead on the BFNL goalkicking table.
Jayden Durran was best in front of goal for the Coutas as he finished with three.
Barwon Heads has reinvigorated its double-chance hopes after seeing off a second-half Drysdale challenge for a nine-point win.
Seemingly in control when leading by 48 points at half-time, the Seagulls were outscored nine goals to three in the second half but managed to hold on for a 14.8 (92) to 11.17 (83) result.
Geelong Falcons duo Cooper Ward (four goals) and Jack Henderson (three) combined for seven majors between them.
At the other end, James Breust kicked a season-high four goals for the Hawks, who will be ruing a 2.10 first half.
Torquay exploded away from Newcomb in the second half to consolidate its position on top of the ladder with a 106-point victory.
The Tigers led by 23 points at half-time but kicked seven goals in the third and final quarters for a 24.12 (156) to 7.8 (50) win.
Jesse Dawson and Banjo Dyer kicked four goals apiece for Torquay.
League-leading goalkicker Jack Duke and Andrew Steach finished with two for the Power.
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