GFL results, news and stats from round 13

Those in the hunt for the Mathieson chalked about huge numbers on a key weekend of GFL action. See the stats from them and every player who took to the field. FULL LIST

Football GFL , St Mary's v Colac at Anthony Costa Oval Geelong. St Mary's 27 Brady Pritchard Picture: Mark Wilson

The battle for top spot lived up to its pre-match billing, with St Mary’s kicking five unanswered goals in the fourth quarter to run away with a 12.5 (77) to 9.11 (65) victory against Colac.

It was a tight contest throughout the game, with the advantage never exceeding more than a 19-point buffer the Tigers held early, but straight kicking late in the game helped the Saints to retain the top spot.

Football GFL, St Mary's v Colac at Anthony Costa Oval Geelong. St Mary's 16 Damian McMahon and Colac 3 Kody Spokes Picture: Mark Wilson

Colac co-coach Darcy Lang, who kicked a goal to close the third quarter and another to start the fourth term, said he could feel the momentum shifting.

“We always knew they were going to come late in the game, and we allowed them to do that too often,” he said.

“We had our opportunities, we had some inside 50s against the flow that didn’t work out the way we would’ve liked, and they were more clinical.

Football GFL, St Mary's v Colac at Anthony Costa Oval Geelong. St Mary's 48 Samuel Christensen and Colac 15 Jarryn McCormack Picture: Mark Wilson

“It definitely stings to lose those ones.”

St Mary’s co-coach Travis Robertson said he was happy the side was able to keep their possessions clean despite the wet conditions.

“The ground was pretty heavy and the rain was coming in patches, but we managed to move the ball well going forward and find some clean inside 50s.

“When the ball gets into your forward 50 on this ground it’s hard to get it back out, a couple of our leaders really stood up in (Jack) Blood, (Jarryd) Garner and (Ben) Moloney, they were fantastic.”

Football GFL, St Mary's v Colac at Anthony Costa Oval Geelong. Colac 10 Brody Mahoney Picture: Mark Wilson

Bell Park v St Albans

Dragon Lachie Patten kicked a goal and was typically one of his side’s best, with the Dragons running out 17.14 (116) to 6.10 (46) against St Albans.

He had 29 disposals and nine inside 50s to go with the major, while Hamish Lucas had 27 touches himself.

Forward Nicholas Petering kicked four majors in the club’s first game since coach Shane Jack announced his decision to step down at the end of the season.

Grovedale v Geelong West

The Tigers have kept their finals aspirations alive with a comeback win against the Giants, kicking eight goals to three in the second half to win 12.12 (84) to 10.10 (70).

Star forward Jordan Erskine proved a difficult matchup for the Giants, kicking six goals, while ruck Ryan Abbott continued his strong form at the level.

*Please note: Statistics for Grovedale v Geelong West were only supplied for the first three quarters. We apologise for any inconvenience*

Lara v South Barwon

The Swans brushed off early inaccuracies to convincingly defeat Lara, 20.12 (132) to 5.12 (42).

South Barwon led the Cats by just two points at quarter time after kicking 1.5 (11) at the first break, before straightening up and pulling away to remain in finals contention.

Ruck Luke Davis was one of the Swans’ best with 37 hit outs, while defender Jack Driver had 29 disposals and six marks.

Leopold v Newtown & Chilwell

Three goals to Lachlan Bond were able to steer Newtown & Chilwell across the line by five points against Leopold, securing a top-three spot with a 11.8 (74) to 10.9 (69) victory.

A best-on-ground performance by Eagles midfielder Blake Sutterby (24 disposals and four tackles) helped get the win, while Lion Marcus Thompson kept his Mathieson Medal chances alive with another 32 disposals and nine tackles.

St Joseph’s v North Shore

Joeys will hold onto fifth spot on the ladder for another week after securing a 15.19 (109) to 8.11 (59) victory against North Shore.

Seagulls co-coach Nick Dixon was arguably best on ground with 35 disposals despite the heavy loss, but four goals to St Joseph’s Callum Mitchell, and three majors each to Oliver Hanneysee and Austin Humphrey helped secure the victory.

Originally published as GFL results, news and stats from round 13