Belmont Lions have created a small slice of club history with Saturday’s 70-point win over Bannockburn at Winter Reserve.
The club’s 14th victory of the season is the most by the Lions since the GDFNL returned to a single-division structure in 1996.
Trailing by 14 points at quarter time after a fast start by the Tigers, the Lions wrested back the momentum in the second quarter to lead by 17 points at the main break.
After half-time, the home team ran amok, kicking ten goals and restricting Bannockburn to just one.
“We’re really trying to get into that finals mode of being clinical, ruthless, and efficient,” co-coach Andy Walsgott said.
“They were really good in the first quarter, and we weren’t quite at our best.
“Then after quarter time, all the things that we lt for playing the type of footy we want to were big ticks for the next three quarters.
“It was probably three of our better quarters for the year, to be honest.”
Walsgott says taking the double chance to St Albans Reserve in a fortnight “means everything to us”.
“Brent (Vermeulen) and I came on board because he wanted to turn the joint around,” he said.
“All the late nights, all the phone calls, all the hard work.
“We haven’t done anything yet. But, we’ve got ourselves in a position to be relevant.
“We’re just really looking forward to it.
“We’re usually winding up at Belmont, but this is where the business end starts.
“We’re super proud of how far we’ve come, but we’re fully aware what we’re aiming for is ahead of us.”
Former Torquay star David Allitt showed why he’ll be so crucial in the finals with a five-goal haul highlighted by a celebration inspired by Turkish Olympic shooter Yusuf Dikec.
“He’s a big X factor for us,” Walsgott said. “He’s spent a lot of time through the midfield, but we’ll just tinker with that.
“He’s the type of guy you want in a big final, and as the photo shows, he loves the big stage.
“He’ll be key for us in the finals.”
Ben Evans, Jesse Stapleton and Jake Wood each kicked three goals, with mid-season addition Braeden Eddy also impressing.
The Lions round out their home-and-away season against North Geelong.
Brodie Harding, Bailey Rathje, and Doug Thomas scored two goals with Bannockburn.
The Tigers need to beat Bell Post Hill in the final round and hope North loses to the Lions and Anakie can upset fifth-placed Inverleigh to snatch back fifth spot.
North Geelong has put the distraction of a spectator allegedly striking captain Zac Schwennesen to one side to record a famous win over Werribee Centrals to keep its slim finals hopes alive.
In a low-scoring contest at Galvin Park, the Magpies kept the Centurions to their lowest score since Round 16, 2022, claiming an 8.11 (59) to 4.9 (33) victory.
Schwennessen and brother Tom were named North Geelong’s best, and John Fazio’s four goals were also important.
At the other end, Connor McKenzie and Josh MacDonald kicked two goals apiece, with Rookie of the Year favourite Carmelo Saliba held goalless for the first time since Round 3.
If North can upset finals-bound Belmont Lions, and Inverleigh and Bannockburn suffer losses to Anakie and Bell Post Hill, respectively, it would sneak into an elimination final.
A rolled ankle suffered by talisman Adam Donohue took some of the gloss off a comprehensive 116-point win as Inverleigh mauled wooden spoon-bound Geelong West to return to the GDFNL top five with one round remaining.
The Hawks were in complete control at Morton Power Oval, kicking nine goals to one on their way to a 25.10 (160) to 6.8 (44) result.
Mason Dickson kicked an equal-career-best six goals in a standout performance, with Matt Tyquin also impressive with four goals.
Nick Butters and Josh Viney kicked two goals for the struggling Giants.
Inverleigh need only beat lowly Anakie in the final round to take an inconsistent premiership defence to St Albans Reserve.
East Geelong extended its winning streak to 16 games after overcoming a slow start to beat Anakie by 51 points at Richmond Crescent.
The Eagles trailed by two points at quarter time after managing just five behind.
However, they kicked four goals in the second quarter and kept the Roos goalless to claim a 19-point lead on their way to a 13.11 (89) to 5.8 (38) result.
In his 50th game, Zac Smith kicked a game-high four goals, with Wallace Gemmill and Will Hough contributing two apiece.
Star half-back Jaydan McLauchlan and captain John McIntyre, who was making his 100th appearance in maroon and gold, were best for East.
Second-gamer Declan Robertson managed two goals for the outclassed Anakie, whose effort was again led by Luke Dahlhaus and co-captain Billy Goodwin.
Bell Post Hill posted its highest score and most significant win of the year to ensure club great Justin Tarr’s final home game as coach was one to remember.
The Panthers did a number on Winchelsea at Myers Reserve to claim a 77-point victory, 19.12 (126) to 7.7 (49).
Josh Norman’s impressive form in front of goal continued. He finished with four majors, with Jordan Flaccavento and Lachie Wilson each kicking three goals.
Captain Jack Yates and Leopold recruit Cody Chircop were the standouts for Bell Post Hill.
Jordan Gould kicked three goals to move within one of league-leading goalkicker Carmelo Saliba with one round remaining.
Fin Parish and Caleb Brown battled hard in a disappointing Blues performance.
Star duo Billie Smedts and Lucas Boyd returned for Thomson, which has to work hard for its finals-confirming win over Corio.
The Tigers left Shell Reserve with an 18-point win over the Devils, 12.12 (84) to 10.7 (67).
Jacob Knight followed up his six goals in the loss to Thomson with another four goals, while Boyd contributed three.
Veteran Jackson Macleod was named Thomson’s best.
Matty James and Matt Jelenic kicked three goals apiece and, along with acting captain Toby Bennett, were standouts in a plucky Corio effort.
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