Grovedale coach Jacob Spolding has indicated he’s keen to lead the club beyond 2026 as the Tigers prepare to further test their improvement when they face unbeaten reigning premier St Mary’s at Burdoo Reserve on Saturday.
A first win over Leopold in four years last week gave Grovedale its second win of the season and a much-needed confidence boost ahead of the Saints.
“We had a similar win against St Albans in Round 2, had the bye Round 3, came out against Newtown, where we thought we were able to see where we’re at and compete,” Spolding said.
“And it showed that we’re still a fair way off those (top) teams.
“So this is another challenge this week, after what was a really solid performance against a really good team in Leopold.
“We’ve got what probably is, at the moment, the best team in the comp with St Mary’s to see, again, where we’re at.
“So we’re under no illusions. It’s going to be a tough ask and a challenge, but we’re certainly up for it.”
Spolding will continue to back in the system it has employed for much of the season.
“We’ve made a concerted decision to go with the extra tall forwards,” he said.
“We’re probably carrying an extra tall compared to most other teams, and we felt that that was an advantage on the weekend.
“Between the tall forwards, they kicked 11 goals. So that was really pleasing.
“If we can get enough supply, hopefully we can cause some damage for the St Mary’s defenders.”
Spolding, who spent three years in charge of Newtown & Chilwell in the early 2010s and reached the 100-game coached milestone in the GFNL in Round 5, is hoping to start talks with the Tigers’ hierarchy about a new deal in early June.
“I’m really enjoying it,” he said. “I’ve got great support from my wife and family at home.
“If the footy club are happy with how it’s all tracking, we’d look to continue.
“So we’ll have those conversations in the next couple of weeks and be in a better position come mid-year to have some of those decisions, hopefully, close to being made.
In a blow for the Tigers, co-captain Billy Ford will be missing against the star-studded St Mary’s midfield, as his wedding, initially scheduled for a league-wide bye in the original fixture, will be held on Sunday.
Grovedale has made six forced changes, with Cooper Whyte recalled to VFL club Werribee, Leigh Ellis suspended, and Cooper Leach, Jack Cook, and Judah Greene all injured.
Veteran Nathan Deans, midfielder Bailey McDonald, and debutant Nathan Vassallo are among the inclusions.
Meanwhile, the Saints will begin a lengthy stint without two-time Mathieson Medal winner Harry Benson, who is overseas until late in the season.
Nick Saunders has been omitted, with Charlie Lang and Sam Bourke back after being managed out of last week’s hiding of North Shore.
South Barwon has made five changes as it chases its first win over Leopold during coach Mark Neeld’s four-year tenure.
After being managed out of last week’s win over St Albans, Fraser Fort, Andrew Boseley, and Tom Burke return.
Chris Hughes will play his first senior game since Round 13 last year, and Wil Bennet’s been recalled from the reserves after being dropped following his debut in Round 1.
They replace Zach Stevens and Lachie Weidemann, who will make their Geelong VFL debuts on Saturday, managed duo Oscar Pollock and Kelly O’Neil, and Taylor Mulraney.
Mulraney suffered a hamstring injury at training on Tuesday night, having played his first senior match in 20 months against the Supersaints.
The Lions have lost Jay Dahlhaus (lacerated liver) and Ziggy Lee (shoulder), but regained premiership ruck Kyle Bumpstead to take on star Swan Ben Kellett.
St Joseph’s will get back experienced duo Cal Mitchell and Jack Mullen for its crucial clash with Bell Park at Hi Sushi Oval.
However, they’ve lost Francesco Posterino to a serious ankle injury, while Ged Gallagher returns to the reserves after making his senior debut last week following 76 appearances in the seconds.
Newtown & Chilwell will be without injured trio Blake Sutterby, Charlie Byrne, and co-captain Luke Maddock as it looks to extend its unbeaten start to the season against Geelong West.
They’ve been replaced by Noah Caracella, Will Hall and Tom Beckworth. For Hall and Beckworth, it’s their first senior games of the year.
The Giants have access to Geelong Falcon Will Nicholls, the son of former Ricmond and Hawthorn player Billy, among three changes.
Riley Meddings and Corey Leamer have been recalled from the reserves.
Missing from the team that was well beaten by St Joseph’s last week are Brady Smigowski (injured), Wichay Paul, and Luke Witttman.
Colac welcomes back co-captain Adam Garner, the versatile Will Parkhouse, Geelong Falcons-listed Hamish Darroch, and Chaise Murray for the meeting with North Shore at Australian Lamb Company Stadium.
However, defender Jack Skinner will be missing with a minor leg injury, while Geelong VFL-listed Hunter Wright is battling knee soreness.
St Albans has the bye.
More to come
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