Bell Post Hill coach Ash Witney has hailed his team’s pressure as it responded from a disappointing loss to East Geelong with a crucial 30-point win over Inverleigh at Myers Reserve.
The 10.18 (78) to 7.6 (48) victory – the Panthers’ third in four outings since the Easter break – has moved the Panthers back to within percentage of the top five.
With the contest still in the balance at three-quarter time, Bell Post Hill kicked 3.6 to 1.1 in the final term.
“I put it on the boys a little bit about responding this week,” Witney said. “The boys were relentless with the pressure around the footy.
“It was a little bit of a wet day, so a lot more of the ball was on the deck.
“We just hunted them, which is what we wanted. We spoke about it before the game, and it was good.”
Captain Jack Yates spearheaded the response after last week’s hammering by the Eagles.
“He led from the front again today,” Witney said.
“We put it on him a little bit at half-time last week, and he responded really well.
“And then he was really good again today.
“He’s a leader of men; the boys follow him”
In a low-scoring battle, veteran forward Nick Costello was also critical with four goals, taking his tally to 12 from four appearances this year.
“It’s not so much his goals, it’s his pressure,” Witney said.
“It’s like he’s turned back the clock a little bit with his defensive side of his game, not just the attacking side of it, which is good leading the way in that area.”
Vice-captain Jarrd Love and Anglesea recruit Jarrod Bacon were named Inverleigh’s best, with young forward Noah Sneskov the Hawks’ only multiple goalkicker.
Star recruit Osca Riccardi kicked a goal and was named among the best as North Geelong held off a plucky Anakie by 34 points at Keith Barclay Oval.
The margin was only 14 points at three-quarter time, with the unbeaten Magpies kicking four goals to one in the final term to claim a 13.13 (91) to 8.9 (57) victory.
John Fazio kicked three goals for North, with Tom Schwennessen a standout.
Jay Lever and Jake Long each kicked two goals for the Roos, with Oscar Barter and Matt Dettman keeping the visitors competitive.
East Geelong retained the Polly Rankin Shield after handing an undermanned Thomson a 95-point hiding at Richmond Crescent.
Zac Smith kicked five goals, and Andrew Steele contributed four in the 18.7 (115) to 3.2 (20) victory.
Captain John McIntyre and Will Hough (three goals) were also important for the Eagles.
St Joseph’s recruit Ben Kamaric and captain Sam Jacka were best for the Tigers, who were kept to their lowest score since Round 2, 2017.
The Alan Woodman Cup has returned to Victoria Park after Bannockburn proved too good for Winchelsea by 57 points, 18.12 (120) to 9.9 (63).
The Tigers kicked the first five goals of the contest and were never seriously threatened by the Blues.
Rob Maibaum’s impressive season continued with a game-high five goals, with Bailey Kelly contributing four.
Captain Jordan Huff and Cam Primmer each kicked three for the visitors.
Werribee Centrals has moved to within a game of the top five following a 51-point win over Geelong West, 15.7 (97) to 7.4 (46) at Galvin Park,
Following an emotional pre-game tribute to club great Paul Morrish from Centrals and GDFNL identity Richard Cations, the Centurions took control of the contest in the second quarter, kicking five goals to one.
Brandon Houlihan kicked three goals for Centrals, with Liam Robinson and Michael Culliver standouts.
Alex Blair was best for the Giants with four goals.
An eight-goal haul from Ben McPherson in his 50th game proved the difference as Belmont Lions maintained top spot with a 73-point win over Corio in the Wadda Wurrung Community Challenge clash at Winter Reserve.
The game was over as a contest by quarter time, with the Lions opening up a 29-point lead on their way to a 20.20 (140) to 10.7 (67) victory.
Toby Bennett (four goals) and Russell Cowan were the Devils’ best.
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