Roos bound toward finals
Anakie is on the verge of its first finals appearance in 27 years after an impressive defensive performance was the cornerstone of a 34-point win over North Geelong at Anakie Reserve.
The Roos held the Magpies to their lowest score under Peter Riccardi, picking up some handy percentage with the 12.6 (78) to 5.14 (44) result.
Anakie’s win, coupled with losses to Inverleigh and Thomson, has Jayke Mawson’s men a game and percentage clear of the Hawks and Tigers with one round to play – a trip to Galvin Park to take on Werribee Centrals.
“It’s been a battle, with some tough losses and some tough wins, but now everyone’s back on the park,” Mawson said.
“We’re pretty happy that it fell our way.
“We knew we were going to be a big chance if we won our last four or five games,
“Results fell our way, and being in the five coming into the last round is pretty exciting.”
And Mawson is confident Anake won’t be making up the numbers if it does find itself returning to St Albans Reserve for the first time since 1998.
“Beating North Geelong, we’ve beaten every team in the five, bar East Geelong,” he said.
“The belief’s always been there, but I think the boys have believed in it a bit more now the last few weeks, just the way we’ve been playing.
“I think a lot of teams would be worried about playing us if we finish in the finals, because with what we can deliver on our day, we can beat anyone.”
Mawson revealed that using Jake Long in a role behind the ball has helped strengthen Anakie’s sometimes leaky defence.
“Our defence has probably not been our strongest point throughout the year, and the boys know that,” he said.
“So we’ve rolled Longy back there in the last three weeks, and he’s been massive.
“And then with Josh (Mawson) back, we rotated Longy and Josh through there.
“It keeps that back line a bit sturdy. But, the boys as a back seven were elite today.”
At the other end of the ground, a five-goal haul from Andrew Boseley took his season tally to 67, with his third of the day his 100th major since arriving from South Barwon last year.
“I think Bose’s defensive side today was probably his biggest asset,” Mawson said.
“He got two goals from getting guys holding the ball… you can tell when he’s on, when he’s doing that sort of stuff.
“He’s had a great year, and hopefully there’s a few more goals to come.”
Luke Dahlhaus’ clash was also on display, winning plenty of ball in the midfield, and finishing with three goals.
Charlie Farrell and Tom Schwennesen were named best for North Geelong, which is locked into a qualifying berth despite the loss.
Geelong West stormed to snatch a draw with Werribee Centrals at West Oval.
Trailing by 25 points after being restricted to three goals in the opening three quarters, the Giants kicked six goals to two in the final term to level the scores at 9.11 (65) apiece.
Nick Butters, Justin Carey, and Ted Walliss kicked three goals apiece for West, with each kicking two in the final-term blitz.
Josh MacDonald and playing coach Rhyce Prismall finished with three majors for the Centurions, whose mathematical hopes of qualifying for the finals are now dashed.
Bell Post Hill confirmed its spot in the elimination final after coming from 25 points down at half-time to defeat Inverleigh by 15 points at Inverleigh Reserve.
The Panthers still trailed by 16 points at the final change, but outscored the Hawks 5.4 to 0.3 in the last quarter to post a 10.18 (78) to 9.9 (63) result.
Nick Costello is closing in on 500 GDFNL goals after kicking three majors to take his career tally to 496.
Jarod Bacon’s three goals were best for the Hawks, who need to beat East Geelong in the final round and have Anakie and Thomson lose to snatch fifth spot.
East Geelong remains in the box seat to claim the minor premiership and a week off to start the finals after holding off an undermanned Thomson by 15 points at Godfrey Street, 10.9 (69) to 8.6 (54).
The Eagles could never shake the Tigers, who did all they could to give 300-gamer Jackson Macleod an afternoon to remember.
Caleb Ezard kicked three goals for East, while Jordy Camm finished with a season-high five majors for Thomson.
The Tigers will need to beat Bannockburn at Victoria Park in the final round, and have Werribee Centrals beat Anakie to have any chance of keeping their premiership defence alive.
Midfield gun Brock Mahoney returned from injury to kick five goals as the Belmont Lions kept alive its minor premiership hopes with a 76-point win over Corio at Shell Reserve.
Ben Evans was also important for the Lions, finishing with four majors in the 20.13 (133) to 8.9 (57) result.
Herschelle Carr kicked four goals for the Devils, moving to 45 for the season, one better than his 2024 return.
Winchelsea claimed its fourth win from the past five rounds in beating Bannockburn by 38 points at Eastern Reserve.
Consecutive six-goal hauls from Cam Primmer were the highlight of the 16.9 (105) to 9.13 (67) victory.
Bailey Kelly’s consistent season continued for the Tigers, with four goals, taking his season tally to 38.
