Anglesea coach Jordan Keras says his side will take belief and continuity into tomorrow’s Bellarine preliminary final against Torquay at Grinter Reserve.
The Roos, who held onto fifth spot thanks to a final-round draw with Queenscliff, have strung together impressive elimination and semi-final wins over Drysdale and the Coutas, respectively, to set up a clash with the reigning premier, who fell to minor premier Geelong Amateur in the second semi-final.
“We’ve always had a belief that our best stacks up,” Keras said.
“This week is just about how we stay switched on and connected for 120 minutes; that’s the main theme.
“It’s going to be a different sort of game this weekend compared to the last couple, and I think our boys just need to try and stick to the task for as long as possible, and hopefully we continue on our merry way.”
Anglesea has twice gone down to Torquay this season – by 33 points in Round 4 and 12 points in Round 13 – but Keras believes the gap has narrowed.
“In the first game, Torquay played better footy than us — they were just better in every facet of the game,” he said.
“But the second game, I thought we actually played some really reasonable football with a pretty inexperienced side.
“Both teams now know each other’s game plans pretty well, so it’s just who can execute and take away their strengths better.”
Anglesea will go in unchanged, with experienced defender Jordan Harrison still sidelined.
“’Glove’ trained last night and put his hand up; he won’t play, though,” Keras revealed.
“If we progress, Glove will likely play the week after.
“Some of the guys who are getting their opportunity tomorrow ended up playing massive parts in the middle of the year.
“And I think they’re full of confidence now, particularly with a bunch of senior guys surrounding them.”
Torquay’s dangerous forward line, including former VFL player Tynan Smith, looms large, but Keras says Anglesea has its plans.
“He played against us in his first game back; he’s a quality player,” Keras said. “We’ve got a matchup that we think should be able to match him well.
“But, they’ve got seven forwards who can kick goals, so he’ll be one part of it.
“It’ll take all seven defenders to stop their seven forwards, and they’ll do that together, I’m sure.”
The clubs have shared some fierce recent finals battles, including last year’s grand final, and Keras said the rivalry is built on respect.
“Torquay have obviously been on the map for a long period, and we’re hoping now that Anglesea is too,” Keras said.
“I would think that Torquay and the sides at the top really respect us.
“There’s a nice, healthy rivalry between the clubs.”
Torquay, which is chasing its fifth consecutive grand final berth, will also go in unchanged.
AT SELECTION – PRELIMINARY FINAL
Meanwhile, beaten first semi-finalist Queenscliff has unveiled its first signing for 2026.
The Coutas, who jumped out of the bottom half of the Bellarine ladder to play finals for the first time in seven years, have announced Tasmanian product Sam Kalbfell as joining the club.
Kalbfell represented the Apple Isle at the underage level, including in the under-18 National Championships.
He’s played with Burnie in the Tasmanian State League, Morningside and Mt Gravatt in the QAFL, and PINT in the Northern Territory.
Kalbfell has spent the past two seasons in the Sunraysia League with South Mildura, winning the best-and-fairest award both years, earning Team of the Year selection, and playing interleague in 2024.
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