Sometimes in footy the scoreboard doesn’t reflect the true nature of how a game pans out.
That could certainly be said for Ocean Grove’s past two matches, but for different reasons.
In round 5, the Grubbers didn’t score until halfway through the third quarter before kicking six goals in the final term to add some semblance of respectability to the scoreboard.
In truth the 73-point loss probably felt like a 100-point plus scoreline.
Fast forward one week and a Mitch Herbison masterclass gave Barwon Heads a 77-point victory against the Grubbers, but in general play it felt a lot closer.
Veteran Herbison booted eight goals and the Seagulls looked slick in front of a big crowd at Steeline Ray Menzies Oval.
“At the end of the day the scoreboard is what you’re judged by and that wasn’t pretty,” Ocean Grove coach Dave Farrell said.
“Barwon Heads finished off their work much better than us, but there were some terrific patches of play from both sides.
“The ball moved up and down the ground, our mids got on top around stoppages and our second quarter in particular highlighted what our group is capable of.”
Herbison used his body brilliantly to take many contested marks and finished off his good work in front of the sticks.
“Super impressive game from Mitch, anchored deep and used body and space so well,” Farrell said.
“The way they kicked the ball to him and his contested work were great examples to our boys in what it can look like when we move the ball deliberately and put defenders under pressure.”
While the Queenscliff game was a definite lowlight of the season, Farrell said his group wiped the slate clean pretty quickly.
“They’re a resilient group, they hate losing but love being together,” he said.
“We had 56 players roll up ready to work hard Tuesday and after a quick chat we were all really clear about what the week needed to look like.
“We certainly had to pick each other up quickly and dust ourselves off after the Queenscliff game as every week there is a new opportunity. Our review was quite short and really focussed on a couple of areas only, our balance around contested situations and ball use in the centre third going forward.
“There’s plenty of other areas our group is working away at but we thought they were the two that are holding us back the most and there were some improving signs in this week’s game against Barwon Heads.”
Captain Joe McDonald injured a hamstring early in the round 6 game, but with a general bye this weekend, he may only miss a couple of matches.
Ocean Grove’s next opponent is Geelong Amateur, which lost its first game of the season on Saturday against a young and hungry Queenscliff.
“I’m sure Ammos’ result on the weekend would have stung them a little and they will come out with a resolve about them,” Farrell said.
“Rather than our group being nervous about that, we’ll look to embrace it. They are the in-form, standout side of the first six rounds and if they are going to take that up a level it will be our greatest opportunity to learn more about ourselves and develop as a group.”
TORQUAY continued its resurrection with a 13-point win against a Modewarre team that is continuing to improve. McKenzie Burns was best for the Tigers and Oscar Hocking best for the Warriors.
DRYSDALE came from behind to defeat Newcomb by a point. Down by 35 points late in the first half, the Hawks booted eight of the next 10 goals with key defender Jack Jenkins standing tall.
ANGLESEA won its second thriller in a row with a four-point win against Portarlington. Ayden Gras booted eight for the Seas while Teia Miles kicked five for the Dees.
QUEENSCLIFF hung on to hand Geelong Amateur its first loss of the season with Izaac Grant booting five and Jayden McHenry four.
