Torquay’s quest for consecutive premiership for the first time since 1987 is back on track after the minor premier booked a berth in its 19th Bellarine grand final with a 32-point win over Drysdale at Leopold Memorial Park.
The Tigers, who will face Great Ocean Road rivals Anglesea in a season-decider for just the second occasion – and the first time since 1983 – overcame a spirited third-quarter charge from the Hawks before steadying with the win in the final term for a 12.21 (93) to 8.13 (61) victory.
With a solid northwesterly wind impacting the contest, only two goals were kicked to the Bellarine Highway end of the ground.
“It was right up there with the worst conditions we’ve played in, certainly this year,” Gleeson said.
“Being a Warrnambool boy, it’s probably the worst I’ve seen.
“I thought the game was played pretty well by both teams, actually.”
Despite the conditions, Torquay managed 33 shots at goal, 12 more than the Hawks.
“We did miss quite a few (shots),” Gleeson said. We just noticed a few high balldrops that were missing the foot and getting long points.
“I think you can get drawn into going those extra long kicks for goal, thinking you can make the difference.
“But, we certainly didn’t capitalise.
“Equally, into the wind, we missed what you’d think would be certainties just because of how bad the wind was.
“But, we kicked enough to win, which was good.”
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Torquay made two tough calls at selection, bringing back Reef Page and the experienced Paul Burchell at the expense of Tom Grace and Cooper Heard.
“They were tough phone calls to make,” Gleeson said.
“But, the true character of both those boys was that they were at reserves training today (Saturday).
“The decision to go with Reef Page was the right one. He had some big moments.
“The big moments weren’t a mark or goal; they were bringing the ball to the ground and competing for us.
“Likewise for Burchell. He played half-back and wing. A bit of an older head, (and) we’re really pleased with how we went.”
Gleeson, who will guide the club into a sixth grand final appearance out of a possible eight during his record tenure, hasn’t ruled out changes for the grand final.
“Whether we go in unchanged, we’re not sure,” he said.
“Ed McCoy’s circling. ‘Gracey’ and ‘Heardy’. Will Tammasy’s got another week of rest under his belt.
“We’ve got to make some decisions. It wouldn’t be a grand final without it.”
Page kicked two goals along with Chase Loftus, Jesse Dawson and best-on-ground Matt Boag.
For Drysdale, which went into the contest without star midfielder Ben Fennell due to illness, James Breust, Chris Tainton, and Luke Preece battled hard.
Tainton and Jake Hargreaves finished with two goals apiece.
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