Drysdale has booked a berth in a third consecutive Bellarine preliminary final after ending the run of a Josh Finch-less Modewarre in today’s (Sunday) first semi-final at Portarlington’s Ron Evans Oval.
After Scott Morter kicked the Warriors’ first goal of the afternoon, the Hawks kicked the following six goals of the opening quarter to take a 29-point lead into the first change and lay the foundation for a 15.7 (97) to 6.8 (44) result.
“We took our chances,” Drysdale coach Ben Carmichael said.
“It makes a big difference when you can get that scoreboard energy and reward the work from up the field.
“It’s really pleasing we finished our hard work.”
Former North Melbourne player Cam Delaney produced his best performance since crossing from GFNL club Grovedale ahead of the 2024 season.
He finished with a season-best five goals.
“He was really good and looked really agile,” Carmichael said.
“He was really good on the deck and looking really dangerous in the air.
“He just went back and finished his work, which was really pleasing.”
With Jake Hargreaves serving a one-week suspension, Joel Watson produced his best return in front of goal since the Anzac Day win over Portarlington with a four-goal effort, taking his tally to 36 for the season.
“He was so dangerous in the air as well,” Carmichael said. “He benefitted from a fair bit of attention on Cam.
“He got across the packs and took some really good marks.
“He’s had a great year; he’d be close to kicking 40 goals for the year.”
Gun Ben Fennell was also impressive, benefitting from the return of captain Mitch McGuire, which spread the load in the Drysdale midfield.
Modewarre’s best was running defender Matt Farrelly, Seb Hutley, and youngster Cooper McKim.
McKim was the inclusion for Finch, who failed a fitness test this morning on the calf he injured late in the elimination final win over Geelong Amateur.
Morter was the Warriors’ best in front of goal with three majors, finishing his first season since arriving from Grovedale on 30.
Last week’s hero Connor Joseph took his tally for 2024 to 60 goals with two.
X: @krockfootball
