A late behind from Luke Justin has been enough for Newcomb to snatch a one-point win over Geelong Amateur at Plastercom Oval.
The former Leopold star’s long effort on goal was off the mark, but the minor score gave the Power consecutive victories over Ammos for the first time in nearly 20 years, having beaten the reigning grand finalists in Round 18 last year.
Justin’s behind came a couple of minutes after fellow former Lion Logan Wagener kicked a goal to tie the scores, with coach Tony Mirabella again full of praise for that pair and fellow Leopold premiership player Andrew Pepper.
“The term that was being thrown around by a lot of the boys after the match was the fact that we were so gritty, which hasn’t been a strength of ours in the past,” Mirabella said.
“I’ve spoken a lot about who we’ve brought in, and, certainly, in the 10 minutes after the match, I highlighted the fact that we now have the ability to win those games.
“We were able to showcase that yesterday, which is a great result.”
However, Mirabella was quick to turn his players’ attention to next week’s meeting with Queenscliff, who sit second on the ladder with a 4-1 win-loss record.
“Realistically, we’ll find out next week where we’re at down at the Couta Bowl,” he said.
“Who would have thought that we’re five rounds in and we’re heading down to the Couta Bowl for a game that everyone loves to be a part of.
“And this is why we play footy for these games that you get excited for, and we know how good they are down there.
“It’s probably the most challenging trip in Bellarine footy these days, so we’re excited to get down there and have an opportunity.”
Newcomb will be without Kyle Sykstus, who is facing an extended stint on the sidelines after being hospitalised with a punctured lung.
“He just ran across to the wing and got under a contest and got a huge knee from behind just under the armpit, and I think it’s pushed a rib straight through his lung,” Mirabella said.
“He couldn’t even get up. He’s very tough, so we knew it was bad
“He’s let me know he’s okay in hospital and he’s got a lot of support and love from the boys.
“Everyone will miss him.”
The Power will also monitor former captain Ryan Jackman and Jacob Watson ahead of the meeting with the Coutas.
While Mirabella was tight-lipped about whether Werribee VFL-listed defender Foster Gardiner, who kicked two goals, including the first of the contest, will play again after being cleared for the match from Ovens and Murray club North Albury.
“I’ve got a strong relationship with Foster; I work with him,” Mirabella revealed
“He’s a great player at Werribee, and I’ve been working on that one for a while and building a strong relationship with Foster as a club in Geelong that he can play for when available.
“We’re definitely hoping to see more of Foster in the future, and he’s got a great connection with a lot of guys at our club.
“It was certainly good to get him out there yesterday, and he played really well.”
Newcomb will again be without co-captain Dion Johnstone, who will serve the second week of a two-match suspension resulting from an investigation over an incident in a practice match against Geelong West.
“We fully respect AFL Barwon in this situation, and it was a tough one to work through,” Mirabella said.
“But that’s footy, and all clubs have to deal with those things when they pop up.
“It was nice that the next man up approach worked for us this week.”
Jack Duke kicked four goals, with his third of the afternoon his 200th since arriving at the Power in 2022.
Co-coach Sam Lloyd kicked four goals and veteran spearhead Mitch Day managed three majors for Ammos, who next face the struggling Ocean Grove.
Late goals from Jack Henderson and Mitch Jensen have helped Barwon Heads claim an 11-point win over the previously unbeaten Queenscliff at APCO Cafe 24-7 Oval.
The Seagulls led by 16 points midway through the final term, but found themselves trailing during time-on when Sol Bowtell goaled for the Coutas.
However, Henderson’s fourth goal snatched back the lead before Jensen iced the contest for a 16.11 (107) to 13.18 (96) result.
Torquay – and more specifically recruit Hugh Trigg – ensured Dom Gleeson’s 200th match as coach was a memorable one, handing Ocean Grove an 84-point hiding at McCartney Oval.
Trigg, who joined the Tigers from North Ballarat, kicked 10 goals in the 20.6 (126) to 5.12 (42) result.
Portarlington has notched a rare win at Mt Moriac, overrunning Modewarre for a 25-point win, 16.13 (109) to 12.12 (84).
Trailing by nine points at three-quarter time, the Demons stormed home with a 7.6 to 2.2 final quarter.
Co-captain Mitch Turnbull and talisman Teia Miles each kicked five goals for Port.
Drysdale avoided starting the season 0-5 by taking care of Surf Coast by 84 points at Mortimer Oval.
The Hawks ran out winners, 18.14 (122) to 5.8 (38), with Joel Watson’s five goals the highlight.
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