Ocean Grove coach Jordan Jones is confident the Grubbers’ best stacks up against the BFL top-five sides after a 30-point victory over Newcomb on Sunday 9 June.
The round nine victory held over the Queens’ Birthday long weekend ensured the Grubbers (3-6) climbed into seventh spot and leapfrogged Newcomb (3-6) with a superior percentage.
Jones said its entire senior group would need to contribute and play at their best for them to knock off a top-five team.
Ocean Grove won by 26 points in round five against fifth-placed Anglesea, which defeated reigning premier Modewarre in a thriller with a goal after the final siren on Saturday 8 June.
“Our best footy stacks up with anyone in the league,” Jones told the Voice.
“But for us to play our best footy we need all 22 players contributing and playing their role for the team and I believe that’s our best attribute.”
He said it was nice to get a win over Newcomb after their shock four-point loss to the Power in round one.
“It was a pleasing win after a great week on the track,” Jones said.
“We certainly felt as though we owed Newcomb after the round one loss at home.”
Gun midfielder Luke Cartelli was brilliant, gathering numerous disposals and drove the ball inside 50 in a dominant third quarter which helped set up the Grubber win.
Cartelli, who kicked two goals, was named as Ocean Grove’s best player.
“(That) was the best game I’ve seen Carts (Cartelli) play this season after an interrupted start to the year,” he said.
Grubber defender turned forward Justin Carey booted five goals, his best performance in front of goal since he joined the Grubbers in 2018.
“Justin’s biggest attribute is his versatility,” Jones said.
Carey, Ocean Grove senior co-captain, said it was a pleasing team victory.
“I’m glad we won – we deserved it, we played really well as a team,” Carey said.
Ocean Grove forwards Jake Ward and Cory Connor both finished with two goals apiece.
It was a special occasion for Kurt Cole and Ryan Symonds, both made their senior debuts.
“Both (were) terrific in their debut games and have showed great resilience this season,” Jones said.
Power forward Andrew Steele who kicked the winning goal against the Grubbers in round one snared two majors, while star Newcomb team-mate James Hussey finished with two goals.
RESERVES
The Grubbers fought off a gallant fast finishing Newcomb by six points in their reserves grade clash.
Final scores Ocean Grove 9.10 (64) defeated Newcomb 9.4 (58).
After nine rounds the Grubbers were in fourth place had a 6-3 win loss record.
Ocean Grove led by 22 points at three quarter time but was held goalless in the final term, while Newcomb booted three goals.
Ocean Grove playing coach Cheyne Kelly was the leading goalkicker with three goals, while Sam McVitty snared two.
Senior Grubber regular Isaac Wilkins made the most of a rare reserves appearance with two goals and was named in the best players. UNDER 19s
Ocean Grove comfortably defeated St Mary’s by 50 points in their Under 19s Division Two clash.Final scores Ocean Grove 13.11 (89) defeated St Mary’s 5.9 (39).
Grubber Mitch Clark booted four goals, while Louis Beale and Tom Richardson each booted three.
SENIOR SCOREBOARDOCEAN GROVE 13.14 (92) def NEWCOMB 9.8 (62)
OCEAN GROVE
Goals: J. Carey 5, L. Cartelli 2, J. Ward 2, C. Connor 2, T. Hobbs, R. Maloney.
Best: L. Cartelli, K. Cole, H. Walker, J. Carey, R. Lempa, J. Perkovic.
