Torquay will go into its Round 16 clash with Geelong Amateur at McCartney Oval unbeaten after accounting for reigning premiers Barwon Heads by seven goals at Howard Harmer Oval last Saturday.
It was the second time the Tigers had overcome the Seagulls this season by a similar margin, but as last year showed, there is no such thing as a foregone conclusion.
“Despite what people may think from last year, we won’t be getting ahead of ourselves, and we didn’t last year,” Torquay head coach Dom Gleeson said.
“We played a formidable side against Barwon Heads in the grand final, and they got the chocolates that day.
“Everyone talks about the turn-around, but nobody talks about the quality side they had at the time.
“It must be frustrating for them because they were choc-full of quality players who put it together on the day, and that’s all it really needs.”
Although unbeaten in 2023, Gleeson said the Tigers won’t be taking anything for granted against the Amateurs.
“We’re really looking forward to the challenge of playing Ammos at home,” he said.
“They’re a really good side, and when you look at them on paper, you would almost think that they should be at the top of the ladder.
“They’ve got some great players there with great careers at a high level, so we’re certainly up for the challenge.”
Last week’s win was a special one for Tim Carty. The veteran made his 200th senior appearance after missing most of last year with a serious knee injury.
“He didn’t think he’d get back, and he got back and played a pretty important role for us,” Gleeson said.
“It’s such an incredible story of him being able to do that, and then he had a baby only yesterday (Wednesday), so he’s had a big couple of weeks.”
