It is not that North Geelong kept alive its slim finals hopes that impressed coach Peter Riccardi, but how his team beat finals-bound Thomson by ten points.
The Magpies pulled to within four points of fifth-placed Bannockburn with the 14.7 (91) to 11.15 (81) victory at Keith Barclay Oval.
However, thoughts of snatching an elimination final berth aren’t Riccardi’s focus for the next fortnight.
Instead, the challenge of testing their progression against qualifying finalists Werribee Centrals and Belmont Lions is at the forefront of the first-year mentor’s mind.
“We’re not talking about expectations, we’re talking about competing,” Riccardi said.
“We’ve got two more challenges, and regardless of whether we win or lose, it’s how far we’ve come this year.
“That was the general chit-chat before the game; ‘We’ve got three massive challenges. First is Thomson. Then we’ve got Werribee, and then we’ve got Belmont. We might not make finals. But we might be able to shape finals’.
“And beating Thomson shows that we’re thereabouts, but we don’t do it for long enough in games.”
Riccardi said maintaining structure was vital to North Geelong, which recorded its eighth win after falling short of knocking over Bannockburn last week.
“We spoke pre-game not about the result but the system – and I think that’s what let us down last week – and getting our structures in place,” he said.
“It’s now about wins and losses for us this year. It’s about getting our system – behind the footy, in front of the footy, and around the footy – right.
“If we do that right, our system will be better than the personnel we are playing against.”
“For the whole game, our systems and structures really worked; everyone was onto it, and there was communication.”
The stunning first season of Leopold recruit Rory Desnoy continued.
He finished with four goals in another performance likely to draw Whitley Medal votes.
“For a kid, he just loves the crash and bash,” Riccardi said.
“I tried to keep him out of it today, and we played him as a forward early.
“He kicked three goals as a forward, and then we thought, ‘Righto. Time to unleash you after half-time and do what you do best’.
“And he was fantastic. He’s got that ‘never-say-die’ attitude. He wants the footy.”
Tom Schwennesen and Mitch Habib, who spent more time in the midfield, were also crucial for North.
For Thomson, which should secure an elimination final berth with a win over Corio next week, star forward Jacob Knight kicked six goals for the third time this season.
Midfielder Logan Mitchell and key defender Steve Salajan also did everything possible to lift the Tigers over the line.
Werribee Centrals marked Past Players’ Day and the 40th anniversary of its 1984 division two senior and reserve grade premierships with a thrilling eight-point win over Bannockburn at Galvin Park.
A five-goal-to-two second quarter proved the difference, as the Centurions made a qualifying final berth a certainty, 15.11 (101) to 13.15 (93).
Rookie of the Year favourite Carmelo Saliba became the first GDFNL player to reach 50 goals in 2024 with five majors.
Josh McDonald also finished with five goals and was among Centrals’ best, along with Ethan Gibson and Brad Carlton.
Bailey Kelly was the lone multiple-goalkicker for the Tigers, who were best served by Josh Kunjka and Connor Jervies.
East Geelong can start planning for a second semi-final with a 101-point win over wooden spoon-bound Geelong West, leaving the Eagles two games and significant percentage clear on top of the ladder with two rounds remaining.
The Eagles took charge of the contest at Richmond Crescent in the opening quarter, opening up a 29-point lead.
Six goals in the second quarter and seven in the final term helped East to a 20.14 (134) to 5.3 (33) victory.
Caleb Ezard and Zac Smith each kicked five goals for the Eagles, with Sam King also impressive.
Sam Edwards and Rhys Ginn battled hard for the Giants while Nick Butters kicked three goals.
A six-goal-to-one first quarter set the tone for the Belmont Lions on their way to a 55-point win over Winchelsea.
Despite big man Jed Evans being sidelined, brothers Ben (four) and Jak (three) combined for seven goals in the 16.16 (112) to 8.9 (57) victory.
The win ensured the Lions are starting their first finals campaign in nine years from a qualifying final.
Jordan Gould kicked five goals for the Blues to take his tally for the season to 46 and remain within four goals of league-leading goalkicker Werribee Centrals’ Carmelo Saliba.
An interesting selection for Winchelsea was former captain Clinton Place, who made his first appearance in five years for the Blues.
Losses by Thomson and Bannockburn have kept Inverleigh in the finals frame for another week, with the reigning premier keeping up its end of the bargain with a 90-point win over Corio at Morton Power Oval.
After the two teams drew in their Round 5 meeting, the Hawks could have been forgiven for going into the clash with the Devils with some trepidation.
However, after an even first quarter, where the home team led by six points, Inverleigh went to work to kick its highest score of the year.
From that point, the Hawks kicked 16 goals to two, keeping the visitors goalless in the second half to record a 22.9 (141) to 7.9 (51) victory.
Adam Donohue (four goals), Mason Dickson and Nathan Mayes (three apiece.) led the way in front of goal, with Logan Haberfield and Nathan Mayes standouts.
Jack Green kicked three goals for the Devils, whose best were Matty James and Jack Hall.
Bell PostHill claimed consecutive victories, taking care of Anakie by 54 points at Myers Reserve,
The second and final terms proved decisive, with the Panthers outscoring the Roos 12 goals to one to claim a 16.7 (103) to 6.13 (49) result.
It was the first time Bell Post Hill reached a three-figure score this season.
Zane Jones, Lachie Wilson and Josh Norman each kicked three goals for the Panthers to feature in their best players.
Oscar Barter’s two goals for Anakie were best in front of goal in a disappointing performance.
