PODCAST: BEYOND THE BOUNDARY – APRIL 22
After handing out consecutive hidings to open its campaign, East Geelong will face its first acid test of the new GDFNL season when it faces 2025 grand final conqueror North Geelong in an Anzac Day blockbuster at Keith Barclay Oval.
The Eagles made light work of Corio and Geelong West, but the Magpies, who won all four meetings between the two clubs last year, present a tougher challenge than that posed by the Devils and the Giants.
And it’s a test that East coach Ned Aulsebrook is welcoming.
“The boys have always sort of had one eye on this game,” Aulsebrook said.
“I suppose the element of playing on Anzac Day is another big event; you don’t often get the chance to do it.
“The boys are really excited not only to be a part of that important day on the national calendar.
“But also to see how we’re stacking up against the best in the competition.”
Two of East Geelong’s three lowest scores last year were against North Geelong, including being held to just four goals in the decider.
“We’ve put a lot more emphasis on how we’re moving the footy into the front half, which has looked really good for the first two weeks,” Aulsebrook said.
“It’ll be really good to see how it stacks up either way on Saturday against some really quality opposition that defends the ground really well, and really suffocated us at times last year.
“It’ll either be a really, really positive outcome for us on the weekend or a really good indication of what we need to work on.”
Magpies co-coach Keegan Carr has told K rock Football the reigning premier is planning to go in unchanged.
Belmont Lions have dropped a bombshell at selection, with co-coach Brent Vermeulen to play reserves against Thomson.
He is one of two outs for the Lions, with Will McLean missing through injury.
Newcomers Mason Jolly and Chase Anderson have been named to make their debut.
Returning junior Matthew Watt will make his senior debut for Werribee Centrals in its mouthwatering twilight clash with Bell Post Hill at Symal Oval.
The 25-year-old, who will likely start in the ruck, has been among the best players for Centrals’ reserves in the opening two rounds.
Watt spent two years at Centrals as a junior before heading to Werribee Districts, but he hasn’t played since 2022.
He replaces Ryan Young, who is awaiting the results of scans on a knee injury.
The Panthers have included Lara recruit Banjo Hickey and 2017 premiership player Liam Meyrich, replacing Riley Dixon (hamstring) and the unavailable Daniel Banister.
Corio has made two changes ahead of its trip to Winchelsea for a night match at Eastern Reserve.
The Devils have lost recruit Jim Botsaris to a knee injury, and Jye Burns has been omitted.
They’ve been replaced by Hayden Taylor and Tom Short.
The Blues will debut South Colac recruit Cooper Mumberson, welcome back Reuben James, and have promoted Jude Coverdale for his first senior appearance of 2026.
They replace the injured duo of Caleb Brown and Damien Hewson, and Noah Harvey.
More to come
X: @krockfootball
