Following a draw that left both clubs content with the position they find themselves in after a dramatic final home-and-away round of the Bellarine season, Queenscliff and Anglesea are now setting themselves for a crack at the flag.
Both clubs, whose last sip from the premiership cup came 13 and 26 years ago, respectively, are confident they can make some noise over the next month.
The Coutas, thanks to the 81-all result, have the double chance and a meeting with two-time reigning premier Torquay in the qualifying final.
While the Roos, after finishing runner-up to the Tigers last year, have a more challenging path to the premiership, facing Drysdale in the elimination final.
“We’re in it to win it,” Queenscliff coach Heath Jamieson said. “We’ve beaten everyone that’s finished in the final five.
“We’re confident that the brand of footy we play is proven to stack up in big games.
“There is no reason why we can’t push on from here
“Everyone will be waiting for us to fall over… I’m sure no one would be brave enough to tip Queenscliff in any of our games.
“They’ve done that all year, so they can continue to do that and we won’t take any notice of it because we know that when we do play our best footy that it’s pretty good.”
Anglesea counterpart Jordan Keras also believes the premiership race is wide open.
“We think our best, and I’m sure every other team thinks that their best is good enough to win the flag this year,” he said.
“Looking at the form lines, it’s as open as it’s ever been.
“I think it just depends on who rocks up on the day.
“Our form lines are pretty good. We had Barwon Heads’ measure a couple of weeks ago, and they’ve beaten Drysdale.
“But, like the games are showing, you don’t rock up, you can get beaten by anyone in the comp.”
Anglesea will monitor key defender Jordan Harrison (ribs) and Geelong Falcons-listed Charlie Lawless (foot)
Noah McGregor-Dawson is a chance to return from a knee injury that’s sidelined him since Round 8.
Queenscliff should regain captain Caleb Whitley, the dynamic Will Baker, and young forward Jordy Monahan after they were managed.
Jamieson also hasn’t ruled Isaac McCabe and Ollie Skurrie returning from injury.
Izaak Grant could also take on Torquay less than two months after suffering a ruptured spleen against Ocean Grove on June 28.
However, Jordy McIvor-Clark came from the ground in the first five minutes with more hamstring issues.
Barwon Heads claimed its second win of the season over Drysdale, but with the draw between Queenscliff and Anglesea, it wasn’t enough to sneak into fifth spot.
The Seagulls outlasted the Hawks, 11.9 (75) to 9.14 (68), with Damian McMahon, who will assume co-coaching responsibilities with Sam Schaller in 2026, kicking three goals.
Lauchie Dalgleish kicked three goals for Drysdale, which has been relegated to an elimination final meeting with the Roos.
Jacob Watson has kicked two goals in the final 90 seconds to help Newcomb cause arguably the upset of the season in beating minor premier Geelong Amateur by two points at Queens Park, 10.10 (70) to 9.14 (68).
Trailing by 10 points when Ammos’ spearhead Mitch Day goaled 27 minutes into the final term, Watson kicked a goal from a mark in the goal square to cut the margin to four points.
That was followed by another mark taken down low at the top of the square, and while Geelong Amateur players argued whether Watson kept the ball off the ground, he jumped to his feet and ran into an open goal.
Watson finished with five majors, with veteran Jake Duke contributing three.
Charley Green was best for Ammos, kicking four goals.
Ocean Grove has given rise to hope that it can bounce back quickly from its first wooden spoon in 54 years after upsetting premiership contender Torquay by 14 points at Spring Creek Reserve.
Youngster Rory Phillips kicked four goals, and Kye Annand was a standout in the 11.7 (73) to 8.11 (59) result.
In a positive for the Tigers, Banjo Dyer returned from injury to kick a team-best three goals.
Modewarre provided outgoing coach Mark Hovey a memorable farewell, pulling away from Portarlington for a 44-point win at Mt Moriac Reserve, 16.11 (107) to 9.9 (63).
A career-high five goals from Seb Hutley were the highlight for the Warriors.
Kalan Dart and Connor Menadue each kicked three goals for the Demons.
In a K rock Football special presentation, Sunday’s elimination final will be broadcast on krockfootball.live and via FM 88.5 at the grond.
X: @krockfootball
