Jordan Keras knows the spectre of undefeated reigning premier Torquay looms large for Anglesea following the next Bellarine bye in early July.
However, the Roos coach isn’t looking past the next fortnight, and – more specifically – a meeting with Drysdale at Ellimatta Reserve tomorrow (Saturday).
The Hawks had the better of Anglesea by 56 points, which was Keras’ team’s biggest loss of the season so far.
“They played some really good footy that day,” Keras told K rock’s Beyond the Boundary podcast.
“We were a few soldiers down that day as well.
“It’s hard to get a good gauge on us versus them this year so far, but we really respect them.
“We’re expecting a pretty fierce Drysdale … with it becoming quite important for them to be winning some games.”
The Roos have made just one change, with Tom Couch replacing Noah Collins.
Star midfielder Ben Fennell was named in the Drysdale squad but will again be missing.
Nick Aringo, who signed for Queenscliff ahead of the cancelled 2020 season, will make his senior debut for the Hawks after kicking 25 goals in eight reserve-grade games.
Geelong Amateur will unveil mid-season additions Oscar Brownless and Luke Hillier for its crucial clash with Portarlington at Ron Evans Oval.
The return of midfield guns Tom Gribble and Blake Sutterby has also strengthened Ammos.
However, Will Mithen will make his Geelong Falcons debut while Aaron Willitts and James Fouracre are sidelined.
At the time of writing, the Demons had named a squad for the game.
Barwon Heads has made three changes for its clash with Newcomb at Grinter Reserve.
The Seagulls will debut Alex Hayden, who recently joined the club from Geelong College, and welcome back Geelong Falcons-listed Marley Cornell and Archie Hildebrant.
However, James Syddall and James Allen have headed overseas, while Lachie Wilson (appendix) is also sidelined.
Newcomb has lodged five changes, highlighted by the return of Jarrad Duncan from an injury that resulted from an incident that cost Geelong Amateur star Tom Gribble a two-match holiday.
Beau Adams and Damien Horbury have both announced their retirement during the week.
Adams joined the Power after an impressive career with VAFA club Prahran and Central Highlands team Springbank.
Horbury made his name locally as a premiership player at Barwon Heads in 2019 but was highly regarded in the Ballarat region, where he featured at VFL level with North Ballarat.
The Power have also lost Tom Smith for the remainder of the season following ankle surgery.
The form of reserves leading goalkicker Luke Wittman has become too hard for Torquay to ignore, with the forward to debut for the undefeated reigning premier against Ocean Grove at Ray Menzies Oval.
The son of two-time Hawthorn premiership player Chris, Wittman has kicked 44 goals from 11 games in the reserves.
The Tigers also welcome back Baxter Mensch, Michael Croxford, Tom Grace and Paul Burchell.
Max Hurley (knee) and Harry McLeod (unavailable) will be missing, while Sheldon Ham and Will Tamassy are being managed.
Paddy Hughes has been named in Geelong’s VFL team for his eighth appearance with the Cats.
The Grubbers will unveil two underage players among three debutants.
Under-18 player Jackson Stephenson and under-16 Darcy Harrington will join Lachie Allan in playing their first senior games for the club.
Tyson Ruck is back for his first 2 o’clock game since Round 5.
They replace Kye Annand, Ben Bennett, Campbell Snookes and Joe Pierce.
Modewarre will be without Nat Matthews (quad) but welcome back big man Zack May for its meeting with Queenscliff at The Couta Bowl.
The Coutas will debut Isaac Conlan and have named Tom Bakker as the replacements for Isaac McCabe (cut eye) and Jayden Durran (groin)
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