GFL: Geelong West stuns Newtown & Chilwell in second half onslaught

Geelong West coach Greg Mellor says a pair of tight calves have helped the Giants to an upset win that keeps the team’s finals hopes alive.

Football GFL Round 12: Geelong West v Newtown & Chilwell. Geelong West 41 Charlie Leavold is tackled by Newtown & Chilwell 44 Connor Fopiani Picture: Mark Wilson

Geelong West coach Greg Mellor says a pair of tight calves have helped the Giants to an upset win that keeps the team’s finals hopes alive.

Mellor threw Nick Hoare deep forward in the second half after reporting tightness to the coaching and medical staff, with the long-sleeved Hoare a catalyst in the come-from-behind victory.

Mellor said Hoare’s three goals, two in the final term, were pivotal in the side’s 30-point victory.

“We moved him deep forward in the second half, he had been blowing up a little bit with some calf issues so that’s probably what caused the move,” he said.

Sean Barnes. Picture: Mark Wilson

“He’s got a great overhead mark and he can kick a goal, he’s got some speed so it’s a bit of a tough match up for opponents.”

The Giants kicked 11 goals to four after quarter time, with strong running in the final term opening up the contest to run out 14.9 (93) to 8.15 (63) victors.

The win boosts Geelong West to a 6-6 record with six games left in the season, still three wins out of a top five spot.

Mellor said it would be ideal to play finals in 2023, but he would not rate the season on whether the Giants made it to September action.

“Our aim at the start of the year was to play finals, like I’m sure almost every other team playing footy,” he said.

“Firstly it’s about improving and building on what we already had at the start of the season, we trying to build a sustainable brand of football that we can play for four quarters.

“Newtown missed a few shots and kept us in the game, we were able to make the most of our opportunities and that let us build our confidence and go from there.”

The loss will bump the Eagles’ record to 9-3 after 12 rounds, one win and percentage off the top two sides.

Eagles coach Damien McMahon said the side’s inaccuracies cost the side its chances at securing a tenth win.

Damien McMahon and Cameron Wilkinson Picture: Mark Wilson

“The midfield, their transition was better than ours, they were more effective in front of goals – we missed too many. Then we got comprehensively beaten on the outside,” he said.

“We probably had enough of it, they got it on the outside and charged towards their goals more than we did and used it better going forward than we did.”

Originally published as GFL: Geelong West stuns Newtown & Chilwell in second half onslaught