Modewarre beat Barwon Heads in Josh Finch’s 300th match

Modewarre has handed a loyal champion the ultimate gift in his 300th match as his teammates kept a usually high-scoring opponent to just 48 points.

A mid-table Modewarre has lifted for its milestone man Josh Finch while becoming just the second team to keep the traditionally high-scoring Barwon Heads to under 100 points this BFL season.

The Seagulls were without heavy artillery up forward with co-coach Mitch Herbison (knee) and Brock Close (unavailability) sidelined, both 11th and seventh respectively on the league’s goal kicking table.

While Barwon Heads was never out of the contest, they never got too close either, going down 10.10 (70) to 7.6 (48) at Mount Moriac Reserve.

Seagulls coach Sam Schaller believed Modewarre lifted for a loyal servant and champion in Finch, playing his 300th game for the club.

Finch is a nine-time best and fairest winner, four-time Les Ash Medal winner and a co-coach of the 2018 premiership.

“They obviously got up for Josh, which is a testament to those guys,” Schaller said.

“It was a big day for their club.

“There was a massive crowd there supporting him,

“Even though we lost today, there was a good community feel about the place.”

Connor Joseph celebrates one of his four goals. Picture: Mark Wilson

On the subject of his missing key duo, Schaller said the club had played “the long game” with Herbison, who has not been seen since its 36-point win over Anglesea in round 9, while Close has gone overseas for a holiday.

Herbison is expected to return after the looming bye in the Battle of the Bridge against Ocean Grove, while Close will be available the following round versus Drysdale.

“It’ll straight us up a fair bit,” Schaller said of their imminent return.

“You can’t begrudge guys (taking games off) after a couple of years of Covid.”

Josh Finch walks onto the field for his 300th game with his kids Lenny, 7, and Myla, 4. Picture: Mark Wilson

Meanwhile, Schaller said his side defended strongly on Saturday, and was in the contest until about five minutes to run, but the Seagulls couldn’t find the necessary connection across the ground.

“I thought we defended really, but we just didn’t create enough opportunities ahead of the footy,” he said.

“We let them intercept the ball.”

Oliver Wiltshire celebrates a goal for Barwon Heads. Picture: Mark Wilson

However, young midfielder Oliver Wiltshire reminded league observers he’s a star of the future with five goals, after a breakout season in his first year of senior footy in 2022.

“Ollie’s a very special player,” Schaller said.

“I think the rest of league has woken up to that now this year.

“He’s a pretty difficult match up because he’s so good in the air for his size.

“He’s had a fantastic year, Ollie.”

Modewarre, sixth on the BFL table, will face another tough assignment next round against third-placed Drysdale.

Originally published as Modewarre beat Barwon Heads in Josh Finch’s 300th match