BARWON HEADS BOUNCE BACK AGAINST COUTAS

Barwon Heads travelled to Queenscliff keen to atone for last week’s after siren loss to Geelong Amateurs. The revolving door selection continued with selectors making 4 changes – injuries forced Brad Harvey and Michael Philp out of the side and Harrison Mitchell and Connor McKinnon were omitted. Into the side came Tim McIntyre, Sam Evans, Brock Close and Brad Michell.

Queenscliff had the wind in the first quarter but it was a fired up Heads side that started the game brightly and attacked continuously – Otto was on fire early in the midfield and was receiving great support from big Tyson, Ned, Braedo, Ben Stephens and Ryan Harvey. Phelpsy and Strawbs were providing great targets up forward and Death kicked two great goals into the wind to establish early control. Up back the defence were resolute led by Kizza, Zac, Dizzy and Sammy Evans.

The second quarter saw Barwon Heads have the wind at their back and in the opening 15 minutes, the boys combined to play their best football for the 2019 season. Herbi snagged 2 majors and BJ, Dom, Marto, Matty B, Death and Otto hit the scoreboard with goals. Up back Mitch Gaunt and Kai were prominent and J Mac and Brock were also busy around the ground. At the main break the Heads had established a match winning 58 point lead.

The second half was an arm wrestle as Queenscliff lifted their intensity and Barwon Heads were down to two rotations after a couple of injuries. Coach Troy “Baked Bean Head” Mitchell also took the opportunity to rotate players into different roles with a view to increasing versatility and to provide great match day experience for his players. Youngsters Dom Booth and Matty Beckwith continue to develop and Zac Walter had some valuable midfield minutes. Kizza played his most complete game for 2019 and Otto and Braedo were prolific in the midfield.

The victory saw the Seagulls jump to the top of the ladder in a very congested top 6 in a very even 2019 season.

Barwon Heads 16.15 (111) defeated Queenscliff 6.15 (51)

GOALKICKERS: Phelps 4, McIntyre 3, Herbison 2, Beckwith 2, Michell 2, Opperman 1, Booth 1, Martin 1

BEST PLAYERS: Polley, Walter, Opperman, Eddy, Phelps, McIntyre

RESERVES WIN TWO ON THE TROT

Barwon Heads had a comprehensive victory over an undermanned Queenscliff side who were held goalless running out victors by 62 points. A miserly defence led by key defenders Billy Pelham and Lloyd McIntyre and supported by Tim Chapman, Sean O’Leary and Matt Bolger didn’t give the Couta forwards a sniff. In the ruck and up forward Connor McKinnon and crowd favourite Hugh “excitement machine” O’Brien were great on field leaders. Small men Harry Walker, Sam Everett, James Wills, Nick McMahon and Harrison Mitchell were prominent and key midfielders Peter Swinton, Mick Salmon and Dylan O’Leary led from the front.

Barwon Heads 8.17 (65) defeated Queenscliff 0.3 (3)

GOALKICKERS: McKinnon 2, H.Mitchell 2, Wills 1, Chapman 1, S.Mitchell 1, McMahon 1

BEST PLAYERS: Chapman, Walker, McKinnon, Pelham, Everett, “Excitement Machine”

Next week Barwon Heads host Portarlington at home in Round 5 action.

Cheers,

Cuzza (Football Director)