Queenscliff is unlikely to feature in the finals in 2024, but coach Heath Jamieson is keen to shape the final five in the second half of the Bellarine League season.
The Coutas turn for home with a 3-6 win-loss record after overcoming Portarlington by 25 points at the Couta Bowl, 14.15 (99) to 11.8 (74).
Their three victories have come against the three teams below them on the ladder, with Jamieson keen to rectify that over the final nine rounds.
“I think our footy this year’s been really good,” Jamieson said. “There are moments in games where we’ve had our lapses, but I think our best is right up there.
“And, I’m sure if you ask (Torquay coach) Dom Gleeson what our best looks like, he’d probably agree with that.
“I think we’ve challenged most teams apart from the Drysdale game, so I’d say our best is pretty good.
“Hopefully, we get some confidence out of yesterday, and we can build and get a couple of big wins.”
Queenscliff didn’t have it all its way against the Demons.
Leading by 18 points at three-quarter time, the Coutas had to overcome a final-quarter challenge from the visitors, who cut the margin to seven points midway through the term.
However, Queenscliff steadied thanks to late goals from Joe Cincotta, Che Durran and debutant Max Breisch.
“Port’s effort and intensity made it really hard for us, and we couldn’t shake them at all,” Jamieson said.
“They made a run in the last quarter, and we were probably standing there in the last quarter wondering what we were going to do.
“The boys, to their credit, really settled in the last quarter, which we hadn’t seen too much of.
“It’s something we’ve been disappointed with, (that) when sides come at us, we probably go into our shell a little bit.
“But, I was really happy with our response. A couple of our leaders stood up; Che Durran and Lachie, late in the game, were fantastic.”
Jonty Rush finished with three goals for the Coutas, while captain Mitch Turnbull was best in front of goal for the Demons with four majors.
Queenscliff starts the second half of the season with a trip to Queens Park for a meeting with Geelong Amateur, while Portarlington hosts the winless Ocean Grove.
The Demons could be without Jaryd Cachia, who is believed to have suffered another hamstring injury.
Scott Morter’s goal with 20 seconds remaining helped Modewarre to a thrilling two-point win over Drysdale at Drysdale Recreation Reserve.
Trailing by four points, Morter gathered the ball inside forward 50 and avoided the grasp of Hawks defender Jack Preece before steadying from 35m out to kick truly and claim an 11.7 (73) to 10.11 (71) victory.
Modewarre is now just two points behind fifth-placed Barwon Heads.
Tom Ruggles kicked three goals for the Hawks.
Geelong Amateur climbed into the top three after overcoming a relentless Newcomb by six points at Grinter Reserve, 12.15 (87) to 12.9 (81).
With scores tied at three-quarter time, Ammos managed to hold off the Power with a 4.2 to 3.2 final term.
Max Hungerford kicked three goals for Ammos, while Paddy Dowling contributed two.
Jack Duke’s impressive season continued for the Power. He kicked five goals to open up a five-goal gap on Dowling at the top of the league goalkicking table.
The loss was Newcomb’s third by 11 points or less, all against teams inside the top five.
Torquay will start the second half of the season almost certain to finish with a double-chance after holding off Barwon Heads in the Battle of the Breaks at McCartney Oval by 27 points, 14.13 (97) to 11.4 (70).
The Tigers claimed a 15-point lead at quarter time and were never seriously threatened from that point.
Will Tamassy backed up his six-goal effort the previous week against Portarlington with four majors.
Sammy Baker and Jye Bartley kicked two each for the Seagulls, who were without playing co-coach Mitch Herbison.
Anglesea maintained second place on the ladder after a 42-point win over Ocean Grove in a low-scoring affair at Ray Menzies Oval.
In a contest where the Roos kicked the only two goals of the first half, they eventually pulled away for a 10.11 (71) to 4.5 (29) victory.
Dylan Featon and Dyl Pettingill kicked two goals apiece for Anglesea, which is well-positioned for a crack at its first flag since 1999.
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