All GDFL news, scores and updates from round 18
A Panther has been offered a two-week suspension that may rule him out of finals in Bell Post Hill’s historic trio of milestones. Read all the GDFL news.
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Bell Post Hill coach Justin Tarr said it was an “emotional day” for the Panthers squad, who celebrated a trio of club stalwarts in a 16-point victory against Geelong West.
Travis Fursland, Tim Barton and Nick Costello played in their 300th, 200th and 100th game for the club respectively, but Bell Post Hill’s 10.9 (69) to 8.5 (53) victory was soured by Zane Jones being offered a two-week suspension for kneeing his opponent.
Tarr said the club would challenge the ban and try to bring the suspension down a week, but conceded Jones might miss the Panthers’ finals series.
“Zane’s opponent was on the ground and had hold of him and wouldn’t let him go, and I think Zane kneed him to get him off,” he said.
“It was a silly brain fade for him, it wasn’t a massive knee but the action was pretty silly, so we’re going to watch the vision and see if we can challenge and hopefully get it down to a week, but we might have to accept it as well.”
Bell Post Hill will face Geelong West again next weekend, with the two sides making the elimination final.
Giants coach Mitch Wight said it was an “interesting game” because of the “dead-rubber” style to it.
“It was weird knowing we were facing them again next week, it felt like neither side wanted to lose but also neither side wanted to show their full hands,” he said.
“I think we both play pretty consistent styles of football so we’re not going to change too much, but we’ll get a few guys back.
“Blake Dye, Jy Bohm, Justin Carey, and Xavier Slater were all unavailable (on Saturday) but will come in next week.
“It’ll definitely give us a different look at how we structure up, they’re all really important players for us so we’re hoping they can be the difference against the Panthers next week.”
North Geelong v Bannockburn
The Tigers were able to call upon even contributions in front of goal against the Magpies, with five players kicking multiple goals in the 14.6 (90) to 8.11 (59) victory.
Brett Harding led the way with three goals, while Jack Brauman, Kieran Fulton, Connor Jervies and Ayden Osbourne all had two majors each.
For North Geelong, Todd Smith was the only multiple goal scorer with two majors, while Jacsen Jewell was the best Magpie on the field.
Belmont v Anakie
A nine-goal haul for co-coach Nathan Bisset was the highlight of Belmont’s massive win against Anakie, with the Lions piling on 25.11 (161) to beat the Roos 7.10 (52).
Belmont great Brent Jacques was denied a farewell game against Anakie after being suspended in round 17, but the Lions still sent him off with the 109-point victory.
Devon Hassell and Jak Evans both kicked three goals for the Lions, while Darren Morrish was Anakie’s best player in its last game of the season.
Thomson v Inverleigh
It was a shootout between two of the competition’s top forwards, with Jackson Macleod kicking six goals in Thomson’s 11.8 (74) to 16.18 (114) loss against Inverleigh.
Inverleigh’s Casey Meehan kicked five majors at the other end of the ground, while teammate Nathan Mayes had three goals himself in the win.
Charley Donohue was one of Thomson’s best players in its final game of the 2022 season.
Corio v East Geelong
The Eagles have locked away the minor premiership and a finals bye with a dominant 21.18 (144) to 3.3 (21) victory against Corio.
East Geelong forward Zac Smith slotted nine goals in the smashing, while Jake Watson-Serle kicked five majors alongside Smith.
Corio’s Joel Bennett kicked two goals in the last game of the season.
Werribee Centrals v Winchelsea
With both sides out of finals contention, Winchelsea’s 56-point win against Werribee Centrals was a dead-rubber victory, but will provide the Blues with some hope for success in 2023.
Winchelsea kicked 18.10 (118) to Werribee Centrals’ 9.8 (62), with vice-captain Leigh Ellis slotting six majors in the last game of the season.
The Blues finish the season in seventh spot with a promising percentage of 105 per cent, despite an 8-10 record on the year.
Originally published as All GDFL news, scores and updates from round 18
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