Ocean Grove propelled itself into third place on the Bellarine Football League ladder with an 85-point win against Portarlington on April 15.
The Grubbers have a percentage of 157.98 and have defeated Newcomb and Portarlington in successive weeks by a combined margin of 180 points.
The Grubbers led by 39 points at quarter time and were never threatened, although the Demons went into the long break 41 points in arrears. Final scores, Ocean Grove 17.17(119) to Portarlington 5.4(34).
Ocean Grove’s next three weeks will probably tell the full tale of what the season will look like. Geelong Amateur, Drysdale and a blockbuster Battle of the Bridge at Barwon Heads awaits.
“I’m really excited every week, it’s a very different lead in to each game not knowing a lot about the opposition,” coach Dave Farrell said.
“Jye Walker and Funky Campbell, our assistant coaches, as well as some of our more experienced players have been fantastic with our preparation and preview work.
Geelong Amateur was humbled under lights by 93 points on Saturday as Barwon Heads ran riot in the wet.
“Based on the draw we follow Barwon Heads for much of the season and am sure we will face sides looking to bounce back most weeks,” Farrell said.
“Ammos have built a really strong list over the last few years and recruited really well on and off the field this year with some quality senior experience from higher levels.
“It presents a great challenge for our young group on another big day for the club with the major fundraiser golf ball drop at 2pm.”
On Saturday Brady Pritchard booted four goals and Nathan Down three and Joe McDonald, Jacob Talarico and Cameron Fowler were named best.
“It was really pleasing to see the boys in the first quarter pick up where we left off the week before,” Farrell said.
“We’re six games in if you count practice matches so we need to start bedding down or game style and looking to find some consistency.”
Farrell said despite the big win, there were areas in which his young side could improve.
“We’re trying to keep the game simple, our contest work and ball movement have been the big focus areas to this point,” he said.
“Situational awareness and decision making will be the next phase.”
Ocean Grove takes on Geelong Amateur on Saturday April 22 with a 2.30pm start. The club’s major fundraiser will occur before the game with the helicopter golf-ball drop.
In the reserves, Ocean Grove defeated Portarlington by 67 points, 12.14(86) to 3.1(19).
Bryn D’Arcy booted four majors while Trent Handreck, Brodie Muscat and Patrick Norton were named best.
