It was the post-bye challenge St Joseph’s coach Ron Watt had been looking for.
And it was a post-bye challenge it got from South Barwon.
After consecutive triple-figure margin wins over St Albans and North Shore, the unbeaten Joeys were keen to test themselves against another likely finals combatant.
Ultimately, the scoreboard showed St Joseph’s 10 points ahead of the reigning grand finalists, extending its winning streak to 14 games and keeping it in the box seat to claim the minor premiership, 9.11 (65) to 8.7 (55).
It was also Joeys’ ninth-consecutive win on the Swans’ home ground dating back to 2014.
“Every time we’ve played one of the top-five teams, we’ve really had to work hard, and today was no exception to that,” Watt said after the game.
“There were times during the game we looked like we had a reasonable lead and had it in control but South Barwon just kept coming.
“It was a good game.”
Watt is the first to admit those on hand at McDonald Reserve didn’t witness a spectacle.
But he says they would have enjoyed the battle.
“The day didn’t lend itself perfectly to great football, but, gee, it was a great contest,” Watt said.
“I don’t think anyone would have enjoyed the style of football unless you love the contest.”
Paddy De Grandi and Hunter Lewis each kicked three goals for St Joseph’s,
However, fellow forward Joel Edwards also drew plaudits from Watt.
“He had a number of crucial aerial contests with South Barwon’s tall defenders and did some good ruck work up forward,” Watt said.
De Grandi and Liam Betson, who spent much of the day in the ruck in the absence of Oli Northam, were also important.
“I thought Paddy was outstanding with his contest work today,” Watt said.
“Take away the fact that he kicked three goals in a fairly low-scoring game; the thing that impressed me most was his contest.
“And ‘Betto’ was outstanding all day around the contest.
“He’s been playing in the ruck a bit since Oli Northam has been playing in South Australia.”
The win did come at a cost, with captain Al Hickey suffering a rolled ankle, which will likely cause him to miss games on either side of St Joseph’s bye on August 10.
Midfielder James Gow (knee soreness) will likely miss next week’s meeting with Geelong West.
However, Northam, who played the last of a four-game stint with SANFL club South Adelaide yesterday, will return to take on the Giants.
Defensive duo Harry Smith and Jack Leonard will also be available after returning from overseas.
Captain Matt Caldow and talisman Jack Driver kicked two goals for South Barwon, with hardworking midfielder Doyle Madigan and the versatile Fraser Fort among the best.
The Swans will enjoy next week off before starting its final four weeks of the season with a returning meeting against 2023 grand final opponent Leopold.
St Mary’s maintained touch with St Joseph’s after overcoming a dogged Geelong West by 26 points at West Oval.
The Giants led by three points at the main break but couldn’t hold back the talented Saints in the second half, who recorded a 12.9 (81) to 7.13 (55) victory.
After carrying St Mary’s to victory over Leopold last week, Sam Dobson kicked five goals to be the difference again.
Matt Keast and Keidan Rayner were also important for the Saints.
Tanner Lovell kicked two goals in a standout performance for the Giants, who were missing the likes of Emmanuel Ajang (injured) and Ethan Liddle (illness), while Tanner Lewis and Phil Moimoi were recalled to VFL duty at Geelong and Sydney, respectively.
Grovedale claimed its fourth win of the season in beating Lara by 42 points at Burdoo Reserve.
With the game still in the balance at half-time, with the Tigers holding a 19-point lead, Jacob Spolding’s men produced a stunning eight-goal-to-one third quarter to power to a 16.11 (107) to 9.11 (65) victory.
With Mitch Chafer kicking four goals, it was the first time Grovedale had topped 100 points for the season.
Tom Gillett’s recent run of good form continued for the Tigers, finishing with three majors.
Dylan Jose (four goals) and Tom Gunter (three) were busy inside forward 50 for the Cats.
Bell Park climbed back to third spot for at least 24 hours after handing North Shore an 87-point hiding at Windsor Park, 21.14 (140) to 8.5 (53).
Euriah Hollard kicked four goals for the Dragons, and fellow Lavington product Willson Mack finished with three majors.
Midfielder Ben Worme and assistant coach Ben Lloyd also impressed.
Brad Tregenza kicked two goals and was amongst the best for the Seagulls, along with Lachie Hayes and likely best-and-fairest Nathan Arbon.
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