Torquay’s Department of Youth continues to grow, with Geelong Falcons-listed pair Hamish McGowan and Van Rahilly to make their senior debuts in the crucial Bellarine League clash with Newcomb at McCartney Oval.
McGowan is the son of Tigers premiership star and GFNL Mathieson medallist Jason, while Rahilly’s dad James made 90 AFL appearances for Geelong, where he currently serves as an assistant coach.
“McGowan is an inside midfielder and Rahilly’s a bit the same,” coach Dom Gleeson.
“Their size is a little bit different; Rahilly is probably a little bit leaner and quicker and McGowan’s probably a bit more heavier set inside mid.
“When I say that, both are fit as fiddles and quick and ready to go. And I think they’re ready for senior footy. We wouldn’t be playing them if they weren’t.
“It’s probably to the detriment to a couple of boys ploughing away in the twos. But, you know, we’ve got to be on the side of developing for the Falcons and putting their names up for them for selection.
“I’ve always been a big fan of that and it’s proven to work for us. And it’s worked for the kids more so.”
Torquay looks set to make four changes for the return meeting with the Power, who took the points in Round 2 for their first win over the Tigers since 2007.
Blake Grant (collarbone) and Max Hurley (concussion) will miss through injury, Ollie Tate is unavailable, while Oscar Lewis is also unlikely to play.
The experienced Paul Burchell and Jesse White return, while Lucas Renfrey and Harrison Goode have been named on an extended bench.
Gleeson hasn’t played down the importance of the clash, as the Tigers look to avoid three consecutive losses for the first time since Round 13, 2019 after a first loss to Queenscliff in six years.
“Huge game,” he said. “Queenscliff were awesome and have improved a hell of a lot, and Jammo’s (Heath Jamieson) done really great.
“They just outworked us. We played some seriously bad footy because of the opposition.
“We’ve got to redeem ourselves this week; the boys are disappointed.
“Hopefully, we’re breathing fire before we run out, and we stick to it because we have got a good side.”
Newcomb has named star ruck Jarrod Stafford as part of its extended squad.
Ocean Grove has named Taj Wyburd as it looks to snap a seven-match losing streak when it faces Portarlington at Ron Evans Oval.
Geelong VFL-listed Wyburd has missed three weeks through injury.
The Grubbers have also named former Anglesea player Anton Woods and ruck duo Rowan Hore and Tyson Ruck in an extended squad, which included big man Kye Annand.
However, he has retained his spot in the Cats’ team.
Jake Talarico and Lachie Allan are sidelined with knee issues, while Ryan Cook is unavailable.
The Demons, who confirmed the appointment of Nathan Storer and Mitch Turnbull as interim co-coaches during the week, have named Steve Heppel for his first appearance of the season among four changes.
Mooroopna recruit Josh Reid will make his debut, with Liam Vagg recalled from the reserves, and Blaide Dowie to make his first senior appearance of 2025.
However, recruit Nick Sing and Josh Jones will be missing, with Zach Mevissen and Zac Kos returning to the reserves.
Ladder leaders Geelong Amateur have made two changes for their meeting with second-placed Anglesea at Ellmatta Reserve.
The Pegs welcome back Spiro Alesios and Archer Hanegraaf for Tom Zeitz (unavailable) and Tom Gorell.
The Roos have lost Liam Carolan to a fractured neck and Noah McGregor-Dawson to a knee injury
They’ve been replaced by Sam Leeds and Matt Connell.
A minor calf injury will see Drysdale key defender Tim Delaney miss the clash with Modewarre at Mt Moriac Reserve.
The Hawks have settled on two changes, with Noah Day returning to the under-18s.
Jackson Paatsch has been recalled from the reserves to play against his former club, along with Mitch Clark.
The Warriors have named South Barwon recruit Jack Kelly for his senior debut as the replacement for Will Thrum (hamstring).
Sam Witherden will return from a five-week injury layoff when Barwon Heads hosts Queenscliff at Howard Harmer Oval.
The Seagulls have also included Geelong Falcons gun Angus Ford and Darcy Griffin.
Jack Henderson will be missing due to a hip complaint, while Charlie Walter is being managed.
The Coutas have named Jordy McIvor-Clark on an extended bench.
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