By Mark Heenan
Star forward Daniel Maloney’s brilliant 10-goal haul helped Ocean Grove cruise to an 80-point victory over Portarlington at Ron Evans Oval on 22 July.
Maloney, a former St Joseph’s GFL player, dominated in his first senior game since round 12.
Ocean Grove coach Paul Lynch said it was nice to have Maloney available given his restricted schedule this season due to work commitments.
After 11 games in 2017 Maloney has booted 36 goals.
“Dan has played good footy at GFL level so I expect him to play well here,” Lynch said.
“He has had nearly 20 shots on goal, so he has had a pretty good day, someone said he kicked 10.8. It was windy out there, it was tough goalkicking conditions.”
Maloney’s younger brother Riley played a key role in the win across half-back and midfield.
Grubber pair Patrick Maloney (one week) and Travis Gavin (two weeks) did not play after being rubbed out at AFL Barwon tribunal in the lead up to the game.
It was Ocean Grove’s first win for a month after losses to Torquay, Drysdale and Barwon Heads.
The victory sealed Ocean Grove’s top-five BFL finals spot with nearest rivals Anglesea in sixth spot two-and-a-half games and percentage behind with three rounds remaining.
Ocean Grove is in fifth spot with a 9-6 record after 15 rounds.
In a feisty opening term, bottom-placed Portarlington displayed physical intent which disrupted Ocean Grove’s run at goal early.
The Grubbers led by 18 points at quarter time kicking 3.7.
“They are renowned for a little bit of physicality,” Lynch said.
“I think tough is putting your head over the footy. That is what I was trying to say they can bash us all they want and try hit us but all you’ve got to do is put your head over the footy. We probably got away from that a little bit and we were waiting for that contact.”
After leading by 40 points at half time, Ocean Grove dominated the third quarter where it kept the home side scoreless.
The margin had blown out to 84 points at the last break.
To Portarlington’s credit it fought the game out and finished with six goals in final term.
Grubber trio Jake Carmody, Corey Walter and Brent Macleod all snared two goals piece.
Macleod, James Linton, Matt Caldow and Cam Marchbank were named in best players.
Demon forward Tom Dewey, a former Drysdale player, booted three goals.
In other news, key ruckman Andrew Jarvis notched up his 50th senior game for the Grubbers.
In the reserves clash an inexperienced Ocean Grove defeated a competitive Portarlington by 17 points. Final scores Ocean Grove 10.2 (62) to Portarlington 6.9 (45). Grubber pair Julian Bramucci and Byron Taylor both kicked two goals.
It was Ocean Grove’s fifth win in 2017 after 15 rounds.
SENIORS SCOREBOARD
OCEAN GROVE 21.22 (148) d PORTARLINGTON 10.8 (68)
Ocean Grove
Goals: D. Maloney 10, J. Carmody 2, B. Macleod 2, C. Walter 2, J. Linton, A. Gerdtz, J. Peers, M. Caldow, T. Hobbs.
Best: D. Maloney, R. Maloney, M. Caldow, J. Linton, B. Macleod, C. Marchbank.
