Thomson coach Paul Lynch is the first to admit that despite starting the season with consecutive wins, the reigning premiers aren’t flying in the early stages of their premiership defence.
The Tigers had to battle to overcome a dogged Geelong West by 17 points in Round 1 before holding off Anakie by nine points before Easter.
“We haven’t been great, I must admit,” Lynch said.
“The first two games have been a little bit scratchy, so we’re trying to rectify a few of our problems.
“We’re just sort of pottering along at the moment, but we’re still getting wins, and that’s important in a very even competition.
“I thought Anakie probably deserved to beat us last game, and we scraped over the line.”
Thomson’s next test will follow the unfurling of its 2024 premiership flag on Saturday when it faces grand final opponent Belmont Lions.
“I don’t think they’re much different,” Lynch said.
“(James) Beasley comes in, who we know from Western Eagles up in the Colac District, is a very good player.
“Their personnel is pretty much very similar to what it was last year. They play a very same style of footy that we know. So not a lot’s changed.
“Obviously, they’re extremely hungry after last year’s grand final defeat.
“It’s going to be a close game no matter what. So we’ll make sure we’re going to be on on the day.
Premiership trio Jackson Macleod, Max Deller, and Jed Hanneysee return for the Tigers.
However, defender Dan Mowat, Charles Russell, and Jake Butler are out.
The Lions have promoted Andy Wylie as the replacement for David Van Allitt (unavailable).
GDFNL – AT SELECTION – ROUND 3
East Geelong will unveil gun recruit Jake McLean among two changes for the blockbuster clash with fellow unbeaten team North Geelong at Keith Barclay Oval.
The subject of interest from several local clubs, McLean joins the Eagles from reigning Bendigo League premier Sandhurst.
As well as playing in Sandhurst’s senior premiership, he completed a unique double by coaching the club’s reserves to a flag on the same day.
Ryan Lempa is the other inclusion after missing the narrow win over Werribee Centrals before Easter.
They replace Jacob Sobey (unavailable) and Lachie Williams.
The Magpies’ lone change is the debut of North Shore recruit Jordy Purcell for Charlie McDonald.
Anakie will be boosted by the return of Jake Long, Jayden Davey, and Braydan Riddell as it chases its first win of the season against Geelong West at Anakie Reserve.
The Roos have also named Jay Lever and Robbie Milne for their first appearances of the season.
Out of the team that lost narrowly to Thomson last round are Leo Gilla, Joshua Mawson, Jordan Wilkinson, Alex Gear, and Shaquarn Cox.
The Giants have lodged an unchanged team to the one that had the better of Winchelsea before Easter.
Winless Bell Post Hill has posted five changes for its trip to Galvin Park to take on Werribee Centrals.
Captain Jack Yates, Sam Harmer and Clancy McKay will play their first matches of the season, and Lachie Wilson returns after missing Round 2
Premiership player Danny Gray will make his first senior appearance since 2021.
Veteran Tim Barton is out through suspension, with Liam Meyrich, Zane Jones(20), Harry McIntyre, and Tanner Martin also missing from the team that lost to Belmont Lions before the break.
Liam Robinson will make his senior debut for the Centurions after returning from Werribee Districts, while Harley Kilby returns after missing the loss to East Geelong in Round 2.
They replace Kai Gomes Pattiyage and Bryce Linehan-Cunningham.
Winchelsea and Corio have made two changes for night meeting at Eastern Reserve.
The Blues have included Josh Freeman and Brayden O’Hanlon as the replacements for former captain Alex Gubbins and Zac Herman.
Key forward Justin van Unen returns, while Ben Weymouth will play his first senior match since 2023.
They replace youngsters Brock Cervenka and Jalen Bigham.
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