After a draw in their fifth-round clash, the rivalry between Barwon Heads and Geelong Ammos is expected to intensify as the Seagulls seek to solidify their position in the top three with a significant victory.After a draw in their fifth-round clash, the rivalry between Barwon Heads and Geelong Ammos is expected to intensify as the Seagulls seek to solidify their position in the top three with a significant victory. Barwon Heads, currently in fourth place, has yet to prevail against the three BFNL teams ranked ahead of them: Torquay, Geelong Amateur, and Anglesea. Their Round 5 draw against Ammos was their closest encounter thus far. Seagulls coach Troy Herbison acknowledged that the result in April, where Ammos missed two late shots to win the game, will fuel his team’s motivation in Saturday’s rematch. “It does a little bit, probably more in the context of the season. We really need to knock out a team that are above us and they are above us at the moment so we probably need to knock them out if we want to finish in the top three. So it’s an important game for us,” Herbison said. “They obviously had a really good win against Torquay just before half-time and they’re in really good form, so it’s going to be a great challenge.” Another incentive for a Seagulls victory would be if they found themselves in the top two after the round, but Herbison remains focused on the upcoming match. “Things can change quickly, it’s one of those seasons where the top six, from second to sixth, swings around quite a bit throughout the year,” he said. The Seagulls will face a formidable opponent in the Ammos midfielders Tom Gribble and Blake Sutterby, as well as mid-season signings Oscar Brownless and Luke Hillier. “They are really good players, they are performing at their best and have added some quality to an already strong team,” Herbison said. Barwon Heads, however, returns from their bye week with a strengthened lineup, including new ruckman Luke Davis. Versatile Charlie Hurst is back from injury, while Charlie Perks is expected to play halfback. Meanwhile, Geelong Falcons regular Cooper Ward will return for his fifth appearance this year against Barwon Heads.
After their round five clash ended in a draw, the revenge between Barwon Heads and Geelong Ammos looks set to be stepped up a notch as the Seagulls look to cement their top three position with a major win.
Fourth-placed Barwon Heads have yet to beat any of the three BFNL teams above them – Torquay, Geelong Amatuer and Anglesea – with their Round 5 draw against Ammos the closest they have come so far.
And with two late shots on target to win the game no longer applicable, Herbison admitted the result in April would boost his Seagulls’ motivation in Saturday’s revenge match.
“It does a little bit, probably more in the context of the season. We really need to knock out a team that are above us and they are above us at the moment so we probably need to knock them out if we want to finish in the top three. So it’s an important game for us,” Herbison said.
“They obviously had a really good win against Torquay just before half-time and they’re in really good form, so it’s going to be a great challenge.”
Charlie Hurst (left) returns for Barwon Heads in round 14. Photo: Alan Barber
An additional reason to win would be if the Seagulls were in the top two after the round, but Herbison is not looking beyond Saturday.
“Things can change quickly, it’s one of those seasons where the top six, from second to sixth, swings around quite a bit throughout the year,” he said.
The Seagulls will face a number of stars in the form of Ammos midfielders Tom Gribble and Blake Sutterby, and mid-season signings Oscar Brownless and Luke Hillier.
“They are really good players, they are performing at their best and have added some quality to an already strong team,” said Herbison.
But the Seagulls return to the field after the bye week with a strengthened hand, with Luke Davis one of a number of new signings to bolster their ruck stock.
Versatile Charlie Hurst returns from injury, while Charlie Perks is expected to man the Seagulls at halfback.
Meanwhile, Geelong Falcons regular Cooper Ward returns for his fifth game this year against Barwon Heads.
