Dylan Petttingill has reminded the other four Bellarine finalists of his limitless capabilities with a stunning eight-goal performance as Angelsea locked away a qualifying final berth in beating Geelong Amateur by 54 points.
Playing just his eighth game of an injury-impacted season after 51 goals from 12 games last year, Pettingill proved too challenging for the Ammos defence to handle as the Roos claimed a 12th victory for 2024, 18.13 (121) to 10.7 (67).
“He’s a unique player… we love him down at Anglesea,” coach Jordan Keras, who kicked five goals himself, said.
“He’s just a competitive beast. I think one thing people forget is he’s got talent, but, gees, he’s so competitive, and he plays right on the edge.
“It’s been a shame with his body. He’s played only eight games, and we missed him in the finals last year.
“He’s right to go for our first final, for sure.
“We’ll probably put him on ice against Ocean Grove and get him ready to play his first final for us.”
Captain James Carr was also impressive on a win, enjoying the vast expanses of KFC Oval.
“Teams are starting to click onto our skipper; I think they’ve played him a lot tighter in the last month,” Keras said. “I know Barwon Heads played a tag on him.
“He just plays the wing role really well.
“Our wingers are fantastic. They’re hard to find, good wingers, as a coach.
“The skipper’s led the way.”
Keras has openly admitted that, with the double chance locked away, Anglesea will manage several players against the Grubbers.
“We’ll definitely take the approach of giving some guys a rest that need it,” he said.
“And it’s a good chance to give some guys who have been knocking on the door in our reserves that are hungry to play some senior foot.
“We don’t need some our guys that are irreplaceable playing against Ocean Grove this week, that’s just the reality.
“We’re going to be there to win, no about it. But our players will come first.”
Courtney Wedderburn will return from suspension, while Keras may consider playing Will Batson, Nick Swain, Harrison Veale and Jarod Bacon ahead of the first final.
For Ammos, who fell out of the top five, Jai Sheahan kicked three goals, and Max Hungerford and Spiro Alesios kicked two apiece to be among their best with Will Page.
Despite falling out of the top five, barring a draw between Drysdale and Modewarre and a Barwon Heads upset of Torquay, a final-round win over Newcomb will be enough to book an elimination final berth.
Barwon Heads climbed back into the top five for now after registering a four-point win over Queenscliff at Queenscliff Recreation Reserve.
Whether the 14.4 (88) to 12.12 (84) result stands will depend on whether AFL Barwon allows the Coutas to challenge the final score.
As K rock Football revealed last (Saturday) night, Queenscliff will ask the local governing body to investigate whether the Seagulls were wrongly credited with a goal during the second quarter, resulting in the scoreboard being changed at half-time.
For now, Barwon Heads sits fifth, just under 22 per cent clear of sixth-placed Geelong Amateur, but likely needs a win over minor premier Torquay in the final round to secure an elimination final berth.
Outgoing co-coach Mitch Herbison kicked six goals for the Seagulls and was among their best, along with Finn Cornell and Ryley Stuhldreier.
In his final game before retirement, Jake Hedley kicked three goals for the Coutas, with Harry Gower, Zac Henderson and Lachie McKane impressing.
Star duo Ben Fennell and Tom Ruggles were at their best as Drysdale made light work of Ocean Grove with a 74-point win at Mortimer Oval.
Fennell kicked five goals, and Ruggles contributed three majors to the 14.24 (108) to 5.4 (34) result.
Big man Matt Pigott and young defender Luke Preece were also good for the Hawks.
Drysdale’s victory and a 45-point victory by Modewarre over Newcomb has turned next week’s final-round clash between the Hawks and Warriors at Mt Moriac into a playoff for a qualifying final berth.
A second five-goal haul of the season for Grovedale recruit Scott Morter highlighted Modewarre’s 15.13 (103) to 8.10 (58) victory at Grinter Reserve.
Oscar Cook and key defender Morgan Fenton were named the Warriors’ best.
With league-leading goalkicker Jack Duke goalless for the first time this season, mid-season returnee Jake Watson stepped up with three goals.
Team of the Year defender Tom Webster, Blake Ritchie and Josh Saltalamacchia also battled hard for the Power, who look set to claim the wooden spoon.
After a competitive opening term between Torquay and Portarlington, the minor premier took control of the contest at McCartney Oval to post an 84-point victory.
Jesse Dawson and Charlie Ham each kicked four goals for the Tigers, who had 14 players hit the scoreboard in the 25.21 (171) to 13.9 (87) result.
At the other end, Braydon Poole, Ryan Salvador and captain Mitch Turnbull kicked two goals.
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