Geelong Amateur co-coach Riley Kershaw isn’t getting carried away with his team’s impressive opening round win over two-time reigning premier Torquay.
Ammos, who went into clash with 12 changes from the team that meekly exited last year’s premiership battle at the elimination final stage, were in control from start to finish in beating the Tigers by 43 points at McCartney Oval.
After opening the contest with a four-goal-to-nil first quarter, Geelong Amateur ran out 15.15 (105) to 8.14 (62) winners.
“We probably haven’t had a full practice match as such leading in,” Kershaw said.
“We played a couple of Friday night games… I had no idea what was going to actually happen, to be honest.
“(A) great confidence booster. But by all means, it’s a small sample size and very early.
“We can’t say too much at this point, but fair to say, though, I’m pleasantly surprised.”
It was two returning players who had the most influence on the contest.
Former Fremantle big man Hamish Shepheard had a 14-game stint with Ammos in 2018, but a friendship with new co-coach Sam Lloyd has seen the 34-year-old return to Queens Park.
Playing in the ruck, he provided first use for the visitors’ talent midfield.
“He was all over the ground, covering nearly every square metre,” Kershaw said.”
“He was massive.”
For Mitch Day, it was his first outing for the Pegs since 2019 before returning to home club Lara.
The veteran picked up where he left off, kicking seven goals in a dominant display that will have people talking about whether he can become the first player to ‘top the ton’ since he did it in 2015.
Kershaw, who put himself in the path of Day numerous times during his own playing days at St Joseph’s, welcomed the chance to be on the same side.
“I’m more than happy that I’m on the same side of the fence as him because you hear his footsteps coming, and you quiver,” Kershaw said.
The loss was Torquay’s most significant since the 2022 grand final, with Gleeson quickly praising his opponent.
“They’re very well balanced,” he said.
“You could see they’ve put their homework into themselves; (a) very connected group.
“I read last year about them from their coaches or players commenting that they weren’t connecting, and they certainly connected.
“I said to my wife earlier, I think that’s the best Bellarine side I’ve seen run around for mine.”
As previously reported, two-time premiership Tiger Clay Page will likely miss the remainder of the season after suffering a serious lower leg injury.
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