Anglesea’s finals destiny remains in its own hands, but without a mighty scare from a plucky Newcomb at Ellimatta Reserve on Saturday.
Last year’s beaten grand finalist could never shake the Power, hanging on for a ten-point win, 9.12 (66) to 7.14 (66), to remain fifth on the ladder, a game clear of Barwon Heads with one round of the home-and-away season remaining.
Despite the narrow margin, Roos coach Jordan Keras says tight contests are good preparation for next week’s clash with Queenscliff and a hoped-for second consecutive finals appearance.
“We spoke about it after the game,” Keras said.
“We’ve had some pretty big games over the last four weeks where we’ve had to continue to win, which puts pressure on all players.
“I think having a game where, again, it was another high-pressure game – Newcomb played out of their skin today.
“We didn’t play our best footy today, but I think it just allows us to know to keep on our toes because any team can roll you if you’re not at your best.”
A positive for Anglesea was the return of young gun Charlie Lawless and the talented Dylan Featon.
The Geelong Falcons-listed Lawless became available for his first senior game of the season after his commitments with Geelong College wrapped up the previous week, with Featon back after two months on the sidelines.
“Charlie was one that was great to get back,” Keras said.
“He had a rocky first half; he got his hands to a lot of balls that went through the mitts, and I think that comes with not playing much footy with the guys around him.
“But his second half was fantastic and just showed why he’s such a quality player.
“And Dylan looked like he’d been away for six weeks, but when the whips are cracking, next week and beyond – he was among our top three players before he left – I’m pretty confident that he’ll get himself going.”
Anglesea faces Queenscliff at Ellimatta Reserve to round out the home-and-away season, knowing that a win will likely see it face the Coutas again in an elimination final.
Lose, and the Roos will be hoping Drysdale takes care of business against Barwon Heads.
“We’ll definitely put a bit of time into Queensland throughout the week, because they can win it (premiership) just like anybody else,” Keras said.
“So we’ll prepare to make sure we make it as hard for them as we can.
“And then if we end up playing them the week after, it will be an odd situation.”
A suspected concussion for James Gray took some of the shine off Angelsea’s win.
If confirmed, he will enter the 21-day concussion protocol and be unavailable until the second week of finals, if the Roos get that far.
Meanwhile, Keras will weigh up whether to bring livewire Noah McGregor Dawson back from a knee injury for next week.
Lachie Smith and Ayden Gras kicked two goals for Anglesea, with Gras taking his season tally to 63, four behind Geelong Amateur spearhead Mitch Day heading into the final round.
Smith and Ike Hardman were named the Roos’ best.
Newcomb had seven individual goalkickers, with Tom Webster and 50-gamer Finn Anscombe the Power’s standouts.
Queenscliff has kept alive its double chance hopes after claiming a second win of the season against qualifying final-bound Torquay at Queenscliff Recreation Reserve.
The Coutas held off a late charge from the Tigers, who were as close as three points deep into time-on, before Jonty Rush kicked the sealer, to post a 14.8 (92) to 12.12 (84).
Lachie Kidd racked up 39 disposals, with captain Caleb Whitley just as effective with 29, including 16 rebound 50s.
Jayden McHenry was the most potent forward on the ground, finishing with five goals.
For the Tigers, Matt Boag was his typical industrious self, finishing with 33 disposals and 11 clearances.
Lucas Anderson kicked three goals in a positive sign for Torquay ahead of another finals campaign.
Barwon Heads has something to play for in the final round after storming home to beat Modewarre by 20 points and remain one game outside the top five.
The Seagulls appeared headed for a loss that would have ended their top-five hopes when they trailed by 17 points at three-quarter time.
However, the home team clicked into gear, kicking 5.7 and keeping the Warriors scoreless, to run out 11.20 (86) to 9.12 (66) winners.
Newly-appointed senior co-coach Damian McMahon and fellow midfielder Zach Walter racked up 39 and 37 disposals, respectively, for Barwon Heads.
Defenders Oscar Cooke and Morgan Fenton finished with 27 possessions apiece for Modewarre.
Jake Hargreaves kicked seven goals as Drysdale registered what could prove to be an important 131-point win over Portarlington.
The Hawks picked up 10.99 per cent from the 25.13 (163) to 4.8 (32) result, replacing Queenscliff in third spot.
Drysdale needs only now to beat Barwon Heads in the final round to ensure a qualifying final meeting with Torquay.
Ben Fennell collected a lazy 46 disposals in a performance that’s likely to attract more Les Ash Medal votes.
Geelong Amateur has overcome a gritty Ocean Grove by 30 points at Ray Menzies Oval.
The minor premier trailed the Grubbers by nine points at half-time, but outscored the home team seven goals to one to claim a 12.12 (84) to 7.12 (54) result.
Youngster Charley Green kicked a career-high five goals, while Tom Zeitz collected 36 disposals and took 18 marks.
Joe McDonald had 29 possessions for the Grubbers, with Kirby Reilly kicking three goals.
