Fresh from two wins from its past three games, Ocean Grove faces the Bellarine Football League’s toughest challenge over the next two rounds.
A huge Battle of the Bridge clash against second placed Barwon Heads awaits after a general bye this weekend while it gets even harder after that with an assignment against the undefeated and all-conquering Torquay.
Ocean Grove was gallant in a 44-point loss to third placed Drysdale in round 11 and on Saturday June 24, put away bottom side Portarlington to the tune of 87 points.
Ocean Grove’s four wins this season have come against Newcomb and Portarlington, which fill the bottom two rungs on the ladder.
Grubbers’ coach Dave Farrell was not shying away from the mammoth task ahead, but refused to be drawn on whether his side needed a win against a side that is above them on the ladder.
“Barwon Heads then Torquay on the back of that is as big a task as there is in local footy right now, but the timing of it is perfect for our group to keep growing,” he said.
The timing of the Barwon Heads clash actually couldn’t be any better.
The Seagulls suffered a shock loss to Modewarre on the weekend, but had 14 senior players missing due to injury and unavailability. While the Seagulls can expect to have players back for the game and are still clear second favourites for this year’s flag, it represents an opportunity for Ocean Grove to knock over its arch nemesis.
Farrell, however, preferred to focus on what his team can do rather than buy into whether his side’s arch rivals are gettable.
“We are still searching for a complete four-quarter performance,” he said.
“There’s real clarity around how we want to play and what our best footy looks like, but we’re implementing some subtle changes to the way we play.
“We have a young group and by the halfway point of the season had played 36 players. The back third of the season is exciting and we’ll go into games with a heightened confidence and are looking to build on the four wins to date.”
Against Portarlington, skipper Joe McDonald was superb with three goals in a best afield display.
“Joe McDonald was super again – (he) sets the standard for workrate and two-way running which resulted in him hitting the scoreboard but as importantly, some high value rundowns and pressure acts,” Farrell said.
Josh Wooding booted five goals to make it nine from two games and Tom Chalkley provided rebound from half back.
“Tom Chalkley (is) growing into a really influential running half back, he’s got a great eye for the game and makes really solid decisions,” Farrell said.
Ruckman Ed Dayman was prominent, youngster Jet Kneebone continued his successful transition from under age to senior footy and Dyan Moroney rounded off the best players.
OCEAN GROVE defeated Portarlington by 82 in the reserves and is a game and percentage clear of Modewarre in fifth place.
Ben Bennett, skipper Jack Brew and Lachlan Bedendo were best while Beau Stella booted three goals.
The side also faces a tough two rounds ahead with Barwon Heads (third) and Torquay (first) awaiting.
ROUND 12
Ocean Grove 5.4(34), 11.8(74), 13.13(91), 19.20(134)
Portarlington 1.1(7), 3.2(20), 6.4(40), 7.5(47)
GOALS
Ocean Grove: Josh Wooding 5, Jye Walker 3, Joe McDonald 3, Jet Kneebone 2, Max Sutton 2, Tyson Ruck, Josh Horton, Fletcher Long, Patrick Norton.
Portarlington: Tom Richardson 3, Ryan Salvador 2, Josh Jones, Jordan Vlahos.
BEST
Ocean Grove: Joe McDonald, Josh Wooding, Tom Chalkley, Ed Dayman, Jet Kneebone, Dylan Moroney.
Portarlington: Dylan O’Brien, Tyler Cummins, Alex Gugliotti, Noah Withers, Stephen Walton, Matthew Lawrence.
