BFL: Torquay beats Barwon Heads in grand final replay

A Torquay forward has booted eight goals in a dominant win over Barwon Heads in the clubs’ first meeting since the 2022 grand final.

BFL: Torquay v Barwon Heads. No 1. Luca Anderson for Torquay.

Torquay coach Dom Gleeson says his side played a perfect game in the grand final rematch against Barwon Heads.

Torquay jumped out to a commanding lead in the second quarter before cruising to a 21.11 (137) to 13.7 (85) victory over the Seagulls, off the back of a massive eight-goal haul for Lucas Anderson.

Gleeson said it was the best game his side had played all season.

“If we could find a way to bottle that game and use it this season, we’d be in a really good spot,” he said.

BFL: Torquay v Barwon Heads. No 1. Luca Anderson for Torquay.

“It was a pretty physical game in the contest, but outside it was really free-flowing and a really good game of football to watch, I think if we come up against Barwon Heads later in the season on a dry day again it’s going to be a great game.

“I know they were missing a few key players, they weren’t at full strength, but we were still really happy with how we played and we want to keep improving because all teams in this competition are going to keep getting better.”

BFL: Torquay v Barwon Heads. No 7. Ben Raidme for Torquay.

Anderson’s haul of eight goals was a clear highlight for the Tigers, with Nick O’Farrell also booting three majors, while Barwon Heads was led by Joe Pike’s four goals in his return from duties at the Geelong Falcons and Vic Country teams.

Gleeson said despite Anderson being a clear focal point of the Tigers’ offence, he played a “selfless” game.

“It’s just the way he plays, he’s a real target up forward for us,” he said.

BFL: Torquay v Barwon Heads. No 60. James Darke for Torquay.

“But he worked hard to contest against his opponent, bring the ball to the ground and get his teammates involved, he was quite good at setting up a few goals and playing a selfless role.”

Torquay remains as the last undefeated side in 2023, with Barwon Heads, Geelong Amateur and Drysdale all recording just one loss each.

Gleeson said the competition was extremely even, and dismissed talks of a “two-horse race”.

“It’s a bit disrespectful to think there’s a clear gap and it’s a two-horse race sort of season,” he said.

“Early in the season it’s hard to get a grasp on where everyone sits because teams are relatively new and everyone’s getting used to new teammates and new systems.

“The quality of teams will be so much better in the second half of the season.”

Around the grounds

Drysdale co-coach Tom Ruggles has booted eight goals to lead his team to a victory over Ocean Grove.

The Hawks broke out to an early lead before cruising to a 16.16 (112) to 12.9 (81) victory.

Brady Pritchard kicked three majors for the Grubbers, but the visiting team struggled to contain the former Cat Ruggles.

Anglesea showed its class in the second half of its tussle with Queenscliff, running out 30-point victors after leading by just one point at the main break.

Jack Walters kicked five goals for the Roos, leading his side to a 16.13 (109) to 10.19 (79) victory.

Geelong Amateur has flexed its muscles over Newcomb, running out comfortable 121 point victors at home.

The Ammos piled on 14 goals in the first half before winning 23.13 (151) to 4.6 (30) against the Power.

Aaron Willitts kicked seven goals for the Ammos, while Jude Poyser was the only multiple goal scorer for Newcomb.

Portarlington came heartbreakingly close to its first win in more than three years when it led Modewarre by four goals at half time.

But the Warriors could not be stopped in the second half of the game, piling on the next 10 goals to run out 12.16 (88) to 7.7 (49) winners.

Originally published as BFL: Torquay beats Barwon Heads in grand final replay