South Barwon has consolidated its spots inside the GFNL top-five after ending a winless run extending back five years against Leopold with a 67-victory win at McDonald Reserve.
The Swans jumped out to a 24-point lead at quarter time and were never seriously threatened by the Lions, maintaining a one-game gap in third spot with the 17.12 (114) to 6.11 (47) result.
Ending the recent run of outs against their grand final nemesis of 2023-24 wasn’t lost on coach Mark Neeld.
However, he knows it doesn’t change the past results against Leopold, and is more concerned about the 2026 version of South Barwon.
“We’re pleased with lots of things, and we also know we have to improve lots of things,” Neeld said.
“It’s a good start; we’re 5-1, so we’ll certainly take that. That’s better than what we have been at this point in the last three seasons.
“We’ve got a really challenging three-week period beginning with a game against Newtown next week, into a game against St Mary’s and a game against Bell Park, so that will certainly give us a strong indication about where we sit.
“Newtown and St Mary’s are taking all before them, and that will be challenging.
“We’re up for it. We’re going to have a bit of a look at them over the next couple of days and just see how we fare.
“We didn’t play finals last year, so we’re just battling away, seeing if we can make some ground up with the league leaders.”
Neeld was pleased with his team’s consistency, especially defensively across the four quarters.
He was also happy with what his forward line produced, led by four goals from star Fraser Fort.
“Last week, we had a number of smalls that kicked goals,” Neeld said.
“This week, we have one of our key forwards kick four.
“So we’re finding different ways to score against different opposition, and we think that would hold us in good stead.”
Fort’s performance was supported by three goals apiece from Paddy Bourke and Jonty Broughton, while vice-captain Todd White kicked two goals and was a standout performer.
The only negative for the Swans was a knock to the cheekbone suffered by Ethan Borys that landed the speedster in hospital.
Kody Gallagher was the only multiple-goalkicker for Leopold, whose best were Charlie Gardiner and Darcy Brislane.
The Lions will have their first bye of the season next week before facing St Joseph’s on the Saturday of King’s Birthday weekend.
St Joseph’s has maintained its spot inside the top-five with an impressive 68-point win over Bell Park at Hi Sushi Oval.
Jack Jovanovic was again the standout in front of goal, finishing with five majors in the 17.8 (110) to 5.12 (42) result to take his season tally to 28 goals, and a clear lead on the goalkicking table.
Co-captain Paddy De Grandi and Mal White each finished with three goals.
Jack Sarcevic finished with two majors in a disappointing Dragons performance.
Colac co-captain Adam Garner returned from injury to kick five goals as the Tigers handed North Shore a 156-point hiding at Australian Lamb Company Stadium, 27.21 (183) to 3.9 (27).
He was well supported by brother Josh and veteran Kane Smartt, who kicked four goals apiece.
Nic Creighton was named the Seagulls’ best.
Paddy Dowling, Charlie Sprague and Lachy Peck have kicked five goals apiece as St Mary’s made light work of Grovedale by 136 points, 27.16 (178) to 6.6 (42), at Burdoo Reserve.
The unbeaten Saints opened up a 30-point lead at quarter time and continued to pour hurt on the Tigers.
A bright spot for Grovedale was the two goals from debutant Nathan Vassallo.
Newtown & Chilwell has seen off a first-half challenge from Geelong West to remain unbeaten following a 46-point win at Jardon Oval.
The Eagles led by just 12 points at half-time, but kept the Giants goalless after the main break in posting a 14.12 (96) to 7.8 (50) result.
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