A tricky matchup with Newcomb successfully negotiated, Modewarre coach Mark Hovey quickly turned his attention to a season-defining three weeks for the Warriors.
After overcoming an early challenge from the Power, a ten-goal haul from key forward Connor Joseph powered Modewarre to an 89-point win at Mt Moriac Reserve, 18.13 (121) to 4.8 (32).
The win moved the Warriors to within six points of fifth-placed Geelong Amateur, who they face at the backend of a run that also includes third-placed Drysdale and second-placed Anglesea.
“It’s a real challenge the next month,” Hovey said.
“I said to the boys after the game, ‘We can now get some confidence going into Drysdale’.
“We’re in a really good position to challenge them next week, and we might get one or two back.
“Even if we don’t, I’m comfortable going in with who we played yesterday.
“Connor was outstanding, and our mids were outstanding. But, the 22 who played played their role and did everything I asked of them.”
Hovey revealed Joseph was close to not playing, only passing a fitness on a hip flexor concern on the morning of the game.
“It was one of those days where he got some reward for his effort,” he said.
“I’ve ridden Connor pretty hard, to be honest. He’s a really good player, but there were things early on I wasn’t overly happy with in his game that I’ve been trying to get out.
“To his credit, he’s really taken on the feedback and tried to work on the defensive side of his game.
“He kicked ten goals, but he still contributed to a couple of others, and his defensive efforts were really good as well.
“I was really happy for him.”
On a day of rare highlights for the Power, Jack Duke’s two goals gave him the outright lead on the BFNL goalkicking table, one clear of Joseph.
Anglesea has climbed to second spot on the ladder after making light work of Geelong Amateur at Ellimatta Reserve, recording a 69-point win, 21.10 (136) to 10.7 (67).
After being pushed to nine points by Portarlington last week, the Roos took control of the contest with a 6.3 to 2.0 second quarter, extending their six-point lead at the first change to 33 points at the main break.
In his third game in an injury-impacted season, livewire forward Dyl Pettingill kicked five goals for Anglesea, while Tom Couch kicked four majors in his first game since Round 5.
Sam Bain kicked a career-best three goals for Ammos, who went into the clash without star midfielder Blake Sutterby.
Paddy Dowling was held goalless for the first time this season to drop behind Jack Duke and Connor Joseph on the goalkicking table.
Adding further salt to Ammos’ wound were injuries to Jarrad Jans (hamstring) and Riley Orr (suspected broken wrist).
Barwon Heads remains within half a game of the top three with a crucial win over a plucky Queenscliff at Howard Harmer Oval.
Leading by just a point at half-time, the Seagulls kicked ten goals to two after the main break to claim a 44-point win, 16.10 (106) to 8.14 (62).
Veteran co-coach Mitch Herbison showed why class is permanent with a four-goal effort, with Jye Bartley contributing three.
Former captain Jake Hedley managed three goals for the Coutas.
Reigning premier Torquay overcame an early challenge from Portarlington to run away with a 71-point win at Ron Evans Oval.
The Tigers led by just four points at quarter time before kicking 14 goals to four from then on to claim a 71-point victory, 19.17 (131) to 9.6 (60).
Will Tamassy made the most of his recall to the seniors with a career-best six goals, while Max Hurley produced four majors.
In his first game back from a hamstring injury suffered in Round 1, Mitch Turnbull kicked two goals, as did Connor Menadue.
Drysdale didn’t have it all its own way against winless Ocean Grove before pulling away for a 29-point win at Ray Menzies Oval, 10.10 (70) to 6.5 (41).
The third-placed Hawks used a 4.2 to 1.0 third quarter to put the Grubbers at arm’s length.
One-time Ocean Grove junior Jake Hargreaves kicked three goals for Drysdale, while debutant Rohan McRae also kicked a goal.
Brady Pritchard and Connor Asquith managed two majors apiece for the Grubbers.
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