St Joseph’s Anzac Day hold over South Barwon has extended to a tenth consecutive win after repelling a second-half fightback from the reigning grand finalists to stay unbeaten after three rounds of the 2024 season.
The Joeys led by as much as 43 points during the second quarter before watching that margin reduced to 10 points midway through the third term when Jonty Broughton goaled for the visitors.
However, Ron Watt’s men were able to steady and keep South at arm’s length to record a 17-point victory, 12.18 (90) to 10.12 (72).
Jack Buckley, who was unanimously voted best on ground by the voting panel to take home the Anzac Day Medal, and Luke Webb were the standouts in defence for St Joseph’s.
However, Watt was also quick to praise some unsung heroes in the Joeys’ defence.
“They’re very safe and sure,” he told krockfootball.live.
“You have a look at Zac Knights – very understated but just doesn’t make mistakes and is so competitive.
“And, of course, we’ve got the skipper (Al Hickey) there who just drops in and out and does his bit.
“He’ll get better as the year goes on. He’s had a slower start with pre-season, so we want to make sure he gets through the year well.
“He’s got better form to come. Gee, I like to have a player like Al Hickey in my team who we say has better form to come.
It just wasn’t Buckley’s dash off half-back that was eye-catching.
He wore a red bandana to hold back a flowing mane of hair growing since an overseas trip that saw him depart after Round 10 last year.
He also reassured St Joseph’s fans that he would be around for the entire 2024 season.
“They put that in my contract; I’m not allowed to leave the country this year,” he joked.
“No plans for travelling, and I’m enjoying being back here. I haven’t played since May or June last year.
“Everyone’s pretty excited, everyone’s ready to go.”
Reigning K rock MVP Paddy De Grandi was the standout forward on the ground, finishing with four goals.
Midfielder Lachie Noble battled hard all day, as did ruck Ben Kellett in an absorbing battle with Joeys big man Oli Northam.
Captain Matt Caldow, fellow Mathieson medallist Fraser Fort, in his first game for the year, and Jonty Broughton each kicked two goals for South.
The Swans next face Colac at McDonald Reserve, while St Joseph’s hosts archrivals Newtown & Chilwell.
Meanwhile, 12 goals combined from Jake Hargreaves and Joel Watson helped Drysdale to its fourth consecutive win of the Bellarine season in beating Portarlington by 84 points at Ron Evans Oval.
In the absence of Tom Ruggles (back) and with Cam Delaney, a strong focus of the Demons’ defence, Hargreaves finished with seven majors and Watson five in the 19.15 (129) to 6.9 (45) victory.
The Hawks didn’t have it all their way in the first half, leading by 15 points at halftime.
However, a ten-goal-to-none third quarter ensured Drysdale would claim a ninth consecutive win over Portarlington.
“We got a connection from our mids to our forwards – we even thought early in the game that that connection was there,” Hawks coach Ben Carmichael told K rock Football.
“We probably didn’t capitalise on our opportunities.
“But, in the third quarter, we really broke the game open and played our style of footy.”
James Breust’s shift into the midfield in Ben Fennell, Flinn Chisholm, and captain Mitch McGuire’s absence is proving successful.
He was again instrumental in Drysdale winning plenty of ball at stoppages, which has Carmichael wondering if his move is permanent.
“He’s a great forward; we know what he can do down there,” Carmichael said.
“But, his midfield stuff’s been fantastic as well.
“It just gives us different looks, which is pleasing.”
Kelly Pickard kicked two goals for the Demons and was named their best, along with youngster Harry Sedgmen and star Teia Miles.
Drysdale will enjoy a nine-day break before facing Queenscliff before the bye, with Fennell and Chisholm expected to return.
Portarlington travels to Barwon Heads.
In the GDFNL, Bannockburn has overcome a third-quarter fightback from Inverleigh to improve its record to 3-1 following a 10-point result at Inverleigh Reserve.
The Tigers led by 18 points at halftime after restricting the inaccurate Hawks to 1.11 in the opening two quarters.
However, the reigning premier found their radar in the third term, kicking 5.3 to 3.0 to cut the margin to three points.
In an entertaining final term, Bannockburn pulled away with four goals to three to win 12.8 (80) to 9.16 (70).
Josh Kunjka kicked three goals for the Tigers and was among their best, along with Geelong Falcon James Hose and Luke Bowdern.
The Hawks’ standouts were Dalton Grundell (four goals), former Tiger Matt Tyquin, and Jake Crawley.
Now 1-3, the reigning premier faces a tricky meeting with grand finalists Thomson as they search for a second win.
While Bannockburn is again on the road, travelling to North Geelong for a clash against former coach Peter Riccardi.
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