GFNL leading goalkicker Adam Garner says Colac will have earned its finals berth if it features in September.
Starting with Bell Park tomorrow (Saturday) at Central Reserve, the sixth-placed Tigers have meetings with four of the current top five in the final seven rounds.
Garner says the playing group is well aware of what’s required to extend its final streak of finals appearances to six stretching back to 2017.
“We had a good chat about that at training, and there’s some real excitement and optimism about where we’re at,” Garner said.
“You want to make sure you feel like you’ve earned it going in.
“Add Newtown in there, and that’s five of the top seven other than us we play on the run home, so we’re really excited.
“There’s some positive energy around the club, and (we’re) looking forward to the next seven weeks.”
In the season’s opening round, Bell Park caused a rare surprise in a mostly predictable GFNL season with a 17-point win at Hamlyn Park, keeping the Tigers to just six goals.
Garner says Colac won’t be caught on the hop by the Dragons this time around.
“They surprised us with their energy and their ferocity around the footy,” he said.
“They beat us up a bit and then had some really good speed on the outside.
“I feel like we’ve improved a lot since then; I’m sure they have as well.
“Another big game. Every game for us at the moment feels like a mini-final, which is exciting.”
The Tigers have been boosted by the return of star Darcy Lang for his first game since Round 8, while Tobyn Murray is back from Geelong VFL commitments, and Max Buchanan has been promoted.
Luke Hillman will be sidelined with a hamstring injury, with Jal Makuey and Josh Garner omitted.
Bell Park has lodged an unchanged squad to take on the Tigers, with Hamish Lucas and Kaelan Bradkte both named in Geelong’s VFL team.
Cam Tudor looks set to play his first GFNL senior game since 2021 when St Joseph’s hosts St Albans at Drew Oval.
The two-time premiership forward spent the past two seasons with Greenvale in the Essendon and District league, kicking 35 goals from 17 games last year.
He is one of four inclusions listed by Joeys.
Reigning Rookie of the Year Hunter Lewis returns after missing the pre-bye win over Colac, Charlie Hall has been recalled from the reserves for the first time since Round 2, and Ryan Connolly will make his debut.
After graduating from St Joseph’s under-18 program at the end of 2022, he has played 22 reserve grade games.
They replace Oli Northam, who will play a second game in the SANFL with South Adelaide, Lewis Antonac (Geelong VFL), Luke Webb and James Hickey.
The Supersaints have welcomed back Joe Osborne from suspension and recalled Jaymz Farrell, replacing Bailey Coutts (unavailable) and Riley Somers.
The return of Kade Chalcraft and Kane Loftus from injury will strengthen St Mary’s for its meeting with Newtown & Chilwell at Anthony Costa Oval.
Chalcraft last played in Round 3, while Loftus’ most recent appearance for the Saints was in Round 4.
They replace Ty Williams and Elliott MacDonald.
The Eagles will welcome Connor Fopiani and Jake Toulmin back from injury, with Jesse Colville and Archie Lazzaro recalled from the reserves.
Will O’Dwyer, Edan Ibbetson, Nelson Browne and Charlie Kelsall are unavailable.
South Barwon has named Geelong VFL-listed Todd White, Lachie Middleton, and Ethan Borys in an extended squad for the meeting with Grovedale at McDonald Reserve.
Big man Ben Kellett (concussion) is the only confirmed out.
The Tigers have promoted Sam Walker and Will Skene from the reserves to replace Jack Cook (groin) and Mitch Fisher (unavailable).
After two appearances with Geelong VFL, key forward Will Sheahan returns for Leopold as it prepares for a return meeting with Geelong West at West Oval.
He replaces youngster Oscar Morphet.
The Giants have lost Tanner Lewis to suspension. Phil Moi Moi has been squeezed out of Sydney’s VFL team, which may be a win for West.
Lara, which will farewell co-coaches Shayne Stone and Devon Smith at the end of the season, will unveil two first-gamers among four changes for the Paddy Cahir Cup clash with North Shore at Bisinella Oval.
The Cats also regain Josh Sanders from the Geelong Falcons and the experienced Josh Smith from suspension.
Spearhead Mitch Day highlights the outs, with surgery on a broken thumb scheduled for next week.
Jackson Francese-Fulton, Riley Evans and Banjo Hickey are also out of the team that defeated St Albans.
The Seagulls have named Will Milsome in place of Harry Richmond.
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