Inverleigh co-coach Chris Moore has labelled as “brave” his team’s 14-point win over Belmont Lions, keeping alive the flickering finals hopes of the reigning premier.
Forced into five changes following the previous week’s loss to Werribee Centrals, the Hawks held off the fast-finishing Lions to claim a 12.14 (86) to 10.12 (72) victory at Morton Power Oval.
The win – Inverleigh’s fifth from the past six rounds – keeps it within six points of fifth-placed Thomson with six rounds to play.
“It was a brave performance,” Moore said.
“It’s well-known we’ve got some cattle out at the moment, and we needed some blokes to really dig deep.
“And it was an even effort, which was great. It was hard to pick the best players; everyone played their role.”
Moore praised the performances of youngsters Cameron Sewell, Logan Haberfield and Noah Sneskov.
Sewell and Haberfield were tasked with quelling the influence of Lions star Brad Michell.
Sneskov kicked a career-best five goals in his fifth senior game, giving him 13 goals in four games since earning his first call-up for 2024 in Round 9.
His combination with Casey Meehan (four goals) gave the Hawks a significant one-two punch inside forward 50.
“He took his opportunities,” Moore said. “He’s very lucky to have Casey Meehan next to him directing him.
“He listened, and he played a good game as well.”
In another positive, David Peel got through his first senior game since Round 3.
“It was the second-best thing after the win,” Moore said. “He’s had a terrible run over the last few years.
“Not only did he get through it, he played excellently.
“Fingers crossed, it can be the start of something for Peely.
“He’s a ripping fella; he’s done all the work, and I was just so pleased for him after the game.”
The only downside for Inverleigh was a concussion suffered by forward/ruck Kad McEwan-Walsh during the third quarter.
However, with GDFNL fixturing split round over the next fortnight, he may only miss one game and be right to return for a crucial meeting with East Geelong in Round 14.
The Hawks face the struggling Bell Post Hill on July 13, where they’ll regain Matt Tyquin and Paddy Bourke from overseas.
Luke Wilson (thumb) and Toby Manganelli (hamstring) may also be ready to return from injury.
For the Lions without David Allitt, Jed Evans and co-coach Andy Walsgott, Ben Evans kicked three goals, with Jesse Stapleton and Harry Thompson contributing two apiece.
Consecutive losses have left the door open for Bannockburn or Thomson to snatch third spot in the run to the finals.
Thomson has maintained its six-point gap on Inverleigh and, at the same time, kept alive its double-chance hopes following a 13-point win over Winchelsea at Eastern Reserve.
The Tigers stormed home with a six-goal to-two final term to secure a high-scoring, 17.12 (114) to 15.11 (101) victory.
Jacob Knight and Jed Hanneysee kicked four goals apiece for Thomson, with Darcy Troop contributing three.
In his first game since Round 3, Barwon Heads recruit Logan Mitchell was a standout.
Leigh Ellis (six goals) and Jordan Gould (five) almost combined to drag the Blues – who have six losses by 16 points or losses in 2024 – over the line.
Premiership favourites East Geelong have overcome a slow start to record a 69-point win over Bell Post Hill at Myers Reserve.
Trailing by one point at half-time, the Eagles clicked into gear after half-time to claim an 11th-consecutive victory, 17.16 (118) to 7.6 (48).
The highlight was six goals from Will Hough in a best-on-ground performance, with Zac Smith contributing four majors.
After six goals in the previous week’s loss to Thomson, Josh Norman was again the best inside forward 50 for the Panthers with three goals.
The finals hopes of North Geelong remain alive after overcoming a three-quarter time deficit to defeat Geelong West by 21 points.
Like their Round 1 meeting, the Magpies – who were without former Leopold duo Rory Desnoy and Cooper Pasque – came storming home.
However, North’s five-goal-to-none final term was enough this time for a 12.9 (81) to 9.6 (60) result.
John Fazio’s solid season continued with three goals for the Magpies. Veteran Justin Carey kicked three goals for the Giants.
Werribee Centrals held off Corio by 29 points thanks to a six-goal haul from Josh MacDonald at Galvin Park.
Carmelo Saliba was also lively, kicking four goals in the 17.11 (113) to 12.12 (84) result to take his tally for the season to 35 goals and put him in Rookie of the Year contention.
Devil Herschelle Carr’s four goals have given him the lead on the league goalkicking table.
Bannockburn used a fast start as the foundation for a 53-point win over Anakie at Victoria Park.
The Tigers jumped to a 23-point lead at quarter time and held the Roos at arm’s length for the remainder of the afternoon before recording a 12.17 (89) to 4.12 (36) victory.
Kieran Fulton, Rob Maibaum, Bailey Kelly and the returning Josh Kunjka each kicked two goals for Bannockburn.
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