An impressive display of pressure football has seen Torquay surge into next week’s Bellarine second semi-final with a 32-point win over Geelong Amateur at Portarlington Recreation Reserve.
The Tigers entered the qualifying final clash having lost three consecutive matches to the Pegs, including a 16-point loss in Round 17.
However, Dom Gleeson’s men, who had first use of the southeasterly breeze, never trailed on their way to an 11.21 (87) to book a meeting with minor premier Queenscliff for the first spot in this year’s grand final.
The margin was just one point at halftime, with Gleeson using his address at the main break to deliver a simple message,
“It was a bit old school,” he told K rock Football.
“It was just to get our tackle count through the roof, and I’m not apologetic (for) how boring that is
“If we got our work right up through the roof and putting pressure on the ball that allows our backs a little bit easier (job).”
That pressure made life tough for Geelong Amateur’s forwards, including playing co-coach Sam Lloyd.
The century goalkicker was restricted to just one goal by youngster Hamish McGowan.
“I know the question will come up about Hamish, but I think you’ve got to put credit to our midfield pressure and our forward pressure.
“No ranting and raving. It was just, let’s get our tackle count up through the roof.
“Our stats suggested we had 20-plus (in the third quarter). If you have 20-plus a quarter – think the second quarter we had 13 – so we strive for 80 (for the match) if we can.”
Up forward Hugh Trigg’s impressive first season at McCartney Oval continued, finishing with four goals, while also putting in contenders for mark and goal of the year.
Max Hurley proved to be a handy foil for Trigg, kicking three majors, giving him eight majors in the past three weeks.
Young ruck Jack Thompson also caught the eye in his battle with experienced Amateur’s ruck Andrew Browne.
The final margin flattered Geelong Amateur, which kicked the last three goals when the contest was no longer up for grabs.
Pegs co-coach Riley Kershaw admitted his team only had the game on their terms for 10 minutes in the second quarter.
“We were really, really timid with our ball use – that’s not usually us,” Kershaw said.
“Even when we did have ball, our ball use going forward was really poor.
“I’m hoping that we’re in a mindset now that we know the reasons why it’s happened and whatnot.
It’s a mindset thing really.
Ammos will welcome back Mitch Day from a two-match suspension for the first semi-final, where they’ll face the winner of Sunday’s elimination final between Barwon Heads and Newcomb.
Captain Dan Weigl was also missing due to a groin issue, which has sidelined him for the past three matches.
However, Kershaw is confident he will return next week.
Charley Green was Ammos’ only multiple goalkicker, finishing with two.
The efforts of midfield veteran Tom Gribble and acting captain Harrison Orr couldn’t be questioned, but they had too few teammates producing consistent performances.
