Barwon Heads co-coach Sam Schaller has quickly turned his attention to next Saturday’s clash with Geelong Amateur after the Seagulls retained the Battle of the Bridge trophy with a comprehensive 79-point win over Ocean Grove.
A fast start proved crucial in Barwon Heads’ second win of the season, kicking 6.3 to 0.1 on its way to a 19.13 (127) to 7.6 (48) victory.
However, Schaller knows a more significant challenge is coming against Ammos.
“They had a bit of a disappointing result; I reckon they probably would have set themselves for the Torquay game,” he said.
“They travel down to us this week. It’s a bit early to say it’s an eight-point game, but we’re probably looking at the same positions on the ladder as they are.
“A big test this week at home.”
Geelong Falcon Cooper Ward finished with five goals for the second consecutive week, with co-coach Mitch Herbison and Jye Bartley adding four goals.
Schaller says Barwon Heads will enjoy having Ward until the Talent League resumes early next month.
“I was tempted to ring ‘Corra’ (Falcons coach Paul Corrigan) and say, ‘Any chance we could have him for the rest of the year?’,” Schaller joked.
“We’re looking to capitalise while we can.
“But, hopefully, he’s playing a lot of Geelong Falcons footy and putting his name up there.
“But, anytime he’s available, we’ll be happy to have him, for sure.”
Ryley Stuhldreier’s strong first month of the season also continued.
“He’s super fit – that’s the key for him,” Schaller said.
“He’s been elevated into our leadership group this year, and he’s really taken that role on.
“He’s just an absolute machine around the stoppages.”
Connor Asquith was again Ocean Grove’s best in the forward line, kicking three goals. Kye Annand and Brady Pritchard managed two apiece.
Bottom-age under-18 Ben Coote was named the Grubbers’ best.
Torquay remains the only undefeated team in the Bellarine after the first four rounds after comfortably accounting for Geelong Amateur by 62 points at KFC Oval.
The reigning premiers outscored Ammos every quarter, winning 15.13 (103) to 5.11 (41).
Weylin Doyle kicked four goals, and grand final best-on-ground Nathan Mifsud was lively with three for the Tigers.
Their win was soured somewhat by injuries to Lucas Anderson (knee) and Charlie Ham (hamstring).
Captain Ben McNamara again led a miserly Torquay defence.
Paddy Dowling kicked two goals for Geelong Amateur, who were best served by Tom Zeitz and Sam Bain.
Drysdale has been made to work for its third win of the season, overcoming winless Newcomb by just eight points at Grinter Reserve.
Trailing by 14 points at half-time, the Hawks held the Power to just one goal while kicking four themselves to secure an import 6.14 (50) to 6.6 (42) result.
Cam Delaney and Chris Tainton each kicked two goals for Drysdale, with young defender Luke Preece’s fine season continuing.
Newcomb star Jack Duke maintained his lead on the league goalkicking table with another four goals, taking his tally to 17 for the season.
The efforts of Josh Saltalamacchia and Finn Anscombe nearly got the Power over the line.
A four-goal-to-none second quarter proved the difference as Modewarre squared its win-loss ledger with an 18-point win over Portarlington at Ron Evans Oval.
The Warriors had to survive a late charge from the Demons, who scored five goals in the last term to ensure the visitors’ 12.15 (87) to 10.9 (69) victory wasn’t a comfortable one.
Tom Hornsey, Connor Joseph and Will Thrum each kicked three goals for Modewarre.
At the other end, Steve Heppel and Kelly Pickard managed five goals apiece.
Anglesea overcame Queenscliff by 28 points at Ellimatta Reserve, 13.11 (89) to 8.13 (61).
Will Batson and Liam Holland each kicked three goals for the Roos, who were led by impressive displays from Kobe Iversen-Smith and Harrison Veale.
Joe Cincotta produced four goals for the Coutas, with midfield gun Lachie Kidd their best.
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