A powerhouse second-half performance against Newcomb catapulted Ocean Grove into the Bellarine Football League top five on Good Friday.
The Grubbers played their first home game of the season in front of a large crowd and were struggling to put away a gallant Newcomb at the major break.
Ocean Grove took a six-point lead into the sheds and coach Dave Farrell said his side was struggling to maintain possession of the ball.
“Onground positioning of our players, decision making and execution wasn’t at the level we know the group is capable of or showed in the second half against Newcomb,” he said.
“Consistency in this area will limit scores from turnovers which has clearly been the highest scoring source.”
Farrell said the coaching staff didn’t change things up much at half time.
“Nothing intentionally, a few injuries and sore bodies meant a few of our guys were moved away from their primary roles,” he said.
“It was pleasing to see as it was in the noon game, this group is pretty agile and not distracted by that.
“At half time we just backed over our pregame plan and acknowledged the same opportunities existed to get on top of them if we got our defensive starting points right and forced a contest.
“Our group’s skill level didn’t improve in the 20-minute break but the second half highlighted how important support for the player with the ball is and how much good decision making can reduce pressure and resulting turnovers.”
Ocean Grove would go on to boot 14 goals to none in the second half to run out 95-point winners, 21.12(138) to 6.7(43).
Brady Pritchard was best afield with five goals while Nathan Down kicked three and Cam Fowler continued his fast start to the season.
Farrell said it was a big day for the club, with the netballers and the reserves footy team all playing well.
“To get our first two wins for the two senior sides was awesome,” he said.
“Last week the netballers went to Torquay and completed a clean sweep of wins, for them to do that again on Saturday and have our two football sides win on a big day for the club was enormous.”
Ocean Grove takes on Portarlington this weekend in what will be an intriguing match-up.
Port was super competitive against Newcomb before going down by 21 points in round one, but ran into the Barwon Heads juggernaut on Easter Saturday and suffered a 157-point drubbing.
Farrell said his playing group stayed positive after the 71-point round one loss to Torquay.
“It’s a really responsive group, despite the disappointment of last week they stayed really positive and were open to feedback throughout the game and trained with real purpose during the week,” he said.
“Our contested ball and stoppage work, which dropped off after half time last week was a highlight this week.”
Pat McNamara booted five goals and Bryn D’Arcy four in Ocean Grove’s 117-point reserves win against Newcomb.
The Grubbers had 41 scoring shots to four with Ryson Mchenry and Thomas Gillespie named best players.
