BEYOND THE BOUNDARY – AUGUST 20 – TOBY STEWART
Inverleigh coach Chris Moore has encouraged his players “to have some fun” ahead of their Round 18 clash with finals-bound East Geelong at Richmond Crescent.
The sixth-placed Hawks are a mathematical chance of playing finals, but on top of needing to beat the Eagles, they also require Werribee Centrals to beat fifth-placed and hope that if Thomson overcomes Bannockburn, they don’t make up a small percentage gap.
“We talked about it at training last night, and I just want the players to enjoy themselves,” Moore said.
“We won’t worry about what’s happening elsewhere.
“If things fall our way, that’s great, but we’re just worried about ending the year on a good note.
After starting the season with a 2-5 win-loss record, Inverleigh moved back into finals calculations with seven wins from eight games.
However, despite leading Bell Post Hill at three-quarter time and Belmont Lions at half-time in recent weeks, the Hawks were unable to secure the four points.
“We’ve been to the well a few too many times with our more experienced players,” Moore said.
“We’ve tried to rest them during the year, but haven’t been able to, and they’ve run out of gas.
“Our reserves team is basically an under-22 side, and we haven’t had the depth.
“But, we’ve been able to expose some youngsters to senior footy for the first time.”
Despite likely missing the finals in consecutive years for the first time since 2013, Moore is bullish about what 2026 holds.
“We’ve re-signed our entire list for next year,” he revealed.
“And we’ve got some one-pointers at other clubs that we’re talking to.”
Inverleigh has been forced into one change, with the experienced David Peel sidelined due to a broken finger.
Xavier Lewis has been recalled from the reserves.
East Geelong has been boosted by the return of Zac Smith, Lachie Zimmer, and Tim Lee on a massive day for the club.
They replace defender Jack Dickson, who is unavailable, and the omitted Will Jozipovic and Jack Doyle.
Captain John McIntyre, Will Hough, Ben Mulvahil, and Jake Nolan won’t be seen until finals.
The Eagles will continue to show support for former player Toby Stewart, who is waging a tough battle against cancer.
Anakie will be without Michael Crossett as it attempts to secure a first finals berth in 27 years when it takes on Werribee Centrals at Galvin Park.
He’s been replaced by James Vandenberg for the clash, with a Roos’ victory ensuring an elimination final berth.
Anakie can still feature at St Albans Reserve if it doesn’t win, as long as Thomson and Inverleigh also lose.
Henry Egan and Darcy Fletcher will play their first senior games of the season for the Centurions.
For Fletcher, it’s his first 2pm appearance since the final round of 2023.
They replace Gavin Donnon (unavailable) and Damian Williams.
Five premiership players and a couple of handy midfielders will all return from injury for Thomson, which needs to defeat Bannockburn at Victoria Park and hope Werribee Centrals upset Anakie.
Captain Sam Jacka, Daniel Mowat, Sam Jacka, Paul Davis, Zachary Plant, Lucas Boyd, Ben Kamaric and Jamie Bach are all back.
They replace Chris Sirolli, Finlay Kerr, Rhys Humpage, Charles Russell, Joshua Boreland, Will Bourke and Jack Wilson
Bannockburn will be without Cooper Edwards, Tristan Battaglia and Rhys Ginn, with Luke Young and Brodie Harding among the inclusions.
Belmont Lions have taken another step toward full strength ahead of consecutive finals appearances, with Josh Wilson returning from an ankle injury for the clash with Geelong West at Winter Reserve.
The Lions, who can claim the minor premiership if they can overcome the Giants and East Geelong loses to Inverleigh, left out Matt Dyster.
Elimination final locks Bell Post Hill could rest several of its experienced players for its clash with Corio at Myers Reserve.
One certainty is that Felix Jones will miss the game due to suspension.
The Devils welcome back Blake Ash from suspension and Jake Kleidon, replacing Luke Cornwell and Trent Smith.
Qualifying final-bound North Geelong has lost Noah Bily to illness, replaced by Charlie McDonald for its meeting with Winchelsea at Keith Barclay Oval.
The Magpies have also confirmed gun midfielder Rory Desnoy will be sidelined until deep into finals after scans revealed a grade 2 AC joint injury.
Lachie Gemmill and Caleb Brown return for the Blues, who are chasing their seventh win of the season.
They replace Josh Freeman and Brayden O’Hanlon, with both entering concussion protocols.
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