Barwon Heads has quickly turned its attention to next week’s crucial clash with fellow elimination final hopeful Anglesea after overcoming a plucky Ocean Grove to retain the Battle of the Bridge trophy.
The Seagulls trailed the struggling Grubbers by six points at half-time but kept their archrivals goalless after the main break to claim a 12.13 (85) to 7.10 (52) victory.
The result kept Barwon Heads in fifth spot, 14 per cent clear of the Roos ahead of what looms as a defining clash for both clubs.
Schaller admits some of his players might have had half an eye on next week leading into yesterday.
“We needed to get it done today,” Schaller said.
“But it’s not lost on us how important next week is. It’s essentially just an elimination final, and that’s the way we’ll treat it.
“We’ve built it as a little five-game mini-season.
“We’ve checked off one box, (but) we’ve got to get it done this week.”
Schaller will be keen to take his team’s second-half defensive effort into the trip to Ellimatta Reserve.
Led by captain Kyle Polley, Barwon Heads was able to put the clamps on the Grubbers, whose first-half score was their second highest of the season.
“We didn’t have everything go our way,” Schaller said. “We gave away some silly free kicks.
“I thought we, at half-time, composed ourselves and then understood what we needed to do.
“And to keep them goalless after half-time was really, really pleasing.
“We defended really well and took our opportunity, so I was proud we had that ability to reset at half-time and just compose ourselves.”
Jake Whybrow was the most dangerous forward for Barwon Heads, while Schaller was also impressed with star ruck Luke Davis, James Syddall and Sammy Baker.
For Ocean Grove, who lost Taj Wyburd to VFL duty with Geelong, Harry Cashin was their lone multiple goalkicker with two for the match.
Youngster Jamison Hallam and Anglesea recruit Anton Woods were among the best for the Grubbers, who will have a chance to climb off the bottom of the ladder when it hosts Newcomb next week.
Geelong Amateur took another step toward its first minor premiership in six years after holding off an inaccurate Drysdale by nine points at Drysdale Recreation Reserve.
Ammos led by 23 points entering time-on before majors from Jake Hargreaves and Lachie Nelis gave the Hawks a chance.
However, the home team ran out of time, with the flag favourites claiming victory 12.7 (79) to 9.16 (70).
In the absence of suspended spearhead Mitch Day, co-coach Sam Lloyd kicked five goals for the third time this season to take his tally to 40.
James Breust was best for Drysdale with three goals.
Anglesea has made sure next week’s clash against Barwon Heads will be for a spot in the top five heading into August after seeing off Portarlington by 21 points at Portarlington Recreation Reserve.
The Roos, which came into the contest off the back of five consecutive losses before the bye, had some nervous moments, with the Demons closing to eight points late in the third quarter.
However, goals on either side of three-quarter time to Jack Walters and Dale Kerr proved crucial to the final result, with the visitors winning 13.15 (93) to 10.12 (72).
Walters, who finished with three goals, and Ike Hardman were outstanding for the Roos.
Youngster Jesse Hunter (four goals), Braydon Poole and Ash Medal contender Scott Greenhough kept the Demons competitive.
Torquay put paid to any hopes Modewarre had of playing finals in claiming a 33-point win at Mt Moriac Reserve.
The contest remained in the balance at three-quarter-time, with the visitors leading by 10 points.
However, the Tigers ran out the contest the better, kicking 4.6 to 1.1 to claim victory, 9.15 (69) to 5.6 (36).
Inclusions Tom Hooper and Tynan Smith kicked two goals for Torquay, with Seb Hutley finishing with two majors for the Warriors.
Jordan Monahan finished with a career-high five goals, and Will Baker was outstanding in kicking four majors, as Queenscliff moved back into third spot after beating Newcomb by 55 points at Queenscliff Recreation Reserve.
The Coutas held the Power to one goal across the first three quarters before running out 15.13 (103) to 6.12 (48) winners.
Richie Hollins and Dion Johnstone kicked two goals apiece for Newcomb, which saw its losing streak extend to ten matches.
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