On paper it was a mismatch.
Second placed Geelong Amateur, which had defeated Torquay and Barwon Heads in successive weeks, up against ninth placed Ocean Grove with only two wins for the season.
But footy games aren’t played out on paper.
A six-goal third term from Grove at Steeline Ray Menzies Oval on Saturday July 20 left Ammos shellshocked and it could not recover.
A more desperate, more skilled, more hard-working Ocean Grove running out winners 12.5(77) to 5.20(50).
Yes, Ammos were awful in front of goal, but credit must go to the home team for the defensive pressure that caused their opponents to rush some of their shots.
“Our defence held up really well when under pressure, particularly in the first half to only concede two goals from 32 forward 50 entries,” Ocean Grove coach Dave Farrell said.
“We were most pleased with the connection the playing group showed across the ground in the second half to still push forward with some real offence intent and score nine goals in a half of footy.”
Farrell said Grove’s “really disappointing” 75-point loss against Modewarre the week before had the potential to dent his side’s confidence, but it appeared to have the opposite effect.
“The resolve internally has been fantastic, the players’ ability to keep finding positives each week and not need to be constantly driven by the coaching group has been unique this season,” he said.
“We have been really clear on our direction and to get this result on the back of them (Ammos) having beaten Barwon Heads and Torquay, fourth and first, in the past two rounds highlights the closeness of the competition and that we can compete with these more mature lists.”
Both sides were not at full strength. The Grubbers were missing key big men Kye Annand and Ed Dayman and captain Max Sutton was unavailable with work commitments. Ammos’ notable absentees included Jai Sheahan and Oscar Brownless.
The win lifted the Grubbers to eighth on the ladder. Another winnable game this week against Newcomb looms and then they will hope to continue the role of party pooper with Drysdale and Anglesea to finish the season.
Playing co-coach Nick Bourke booted four goals in the win and said his side was looking forward to finishing off the season strongly.
“It was great being out on the ground and seeing the belief in the group build across the day,” he said.
“We were really disappointed as a playing group with the week before and to the boys’ credit, we came out and played the four-quarter performance we knew we have been capable of all year.
“Ammos are a quality side but we didn’t want to go away from what got us in the position we were in and to the boys’ credit they didn’t stop until the final siren and get the result on the back of work rate and effort for the entire day.
“We are excited for another opportunity to play our brand of footy this week and the following couple of weeks to finish the season. I’m so proud of the boys and we are looking forward to continuing to finish the season off strongly.”
It’s not all doom and gloom for Ammos, though. They still sit second on the ladder. The next two weeks will be crucial, with a resurgent Drysdale and then Anglesea followed by Newcomb to round off the home and away season.
GEELONG AMATEUR proved too good in the reserves with a 12.10(82) to 6.8(44) win. Noah Edwards was a class above with six goals in a best on ground performance while Leighton Driscoll and Harry Cashin were good for the Grubbers.
ROUND 15
OCEAN GROVE vs GEELONG AMATEUR
Ocean Grove 3.1(19), 3.1(19), 9.5(59), 12.5(77)
Geelong Amateur 2.4(16), 2.13(25), 3.15(33), 5.20(50)
GOALS: Ocean Grove – Nick Bourke 4, Connor Asquith 2, Kirby Reilly 2, Joe Pierce, Tim Chalkley, Nathan Down, Tyson Ruck. Geelong Amateur – Patrick Dowling 2, Luke Hillier, Riley Mattner, Tom Zeitz.
BEST: Ocean Grove – Josh Lange, Kirby Reilly, Craig Goodger, Grady Slocombe, Benjamin Bennett, Connor Asquith. Geelong Amateur – Blake Sutterby, Patrick Dowling, Cameron Lewis, Tom Zeitz.
