GFL: Round 3 news and updates
An inaccurate second half has cost Lara its first win over undefeated Bell Park in round 3 of the GFL season.
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Lara co-coach Shayne Stone believes the club is “right there” with its form and its first win of the season could be around the corner after a disappointing second half cost the Cats.
Bell Park came from behind in the second half to knock off Lara and remain undefeated this season under new coach James Saker, with the Dragons winning 13.11 (89) to 9.14 (68).
Stone said the team’s inaccuracies in front of goal, highlighted by a 0.8 third quarter, cost them a victory.
“We’re doing a lot right, the challenge is we just need to keep doing that and trusting our processes because we’re right there,” he said.
“We are playing pretty good footy against pretty good sides, we’ve been able to be competitive for a lot longer so we’re focused on how we can keep doing it, because the results will come.
“In that third quarter we had some shots from some pretty ordinary spots, we went into our forward 50 and weren’t able to convert and they went in not a lot and were better with it.
“The pressure of missing a couple of easy shots built and made it even more important to kick that next one, which sort of got to the boys.”
Mitch Day impressed for Lara, kicking five goals in the game, while Willson Mack booted four majors for Bell Park.
Bell Park’s Isaac Wareham was best on ground for the Dragons, while Cats midfielder Connor Linehan-Cunningham collected plenty of the ball in the centre square.
Bailey Ettridge continued his good form this season for Lara with three goals.
The Dragons remain undefeated through the opening three rounds of the season, knocking off St Albans and North Shore as well.
Bell Park coach James Saker said his side got “a little lucky” with Lara’s inaccuracies, but he was pleased with his side’s effort.
“We got let off the hook a little bit, especially in that third quarter,” he said.
“We made a couple of really minor adjustments, nothing too major at half time, but I think we just worked a bit harder than we did in the first half and we moved the ball a bit better.
“It was a real struggle for a bit, but we backed ourselves in and took advantage of the momentum when we had it and scrambled better on defence in the second half.
“We’ve been really happy with our start to the season, but we’re still learning and improving.”
Around the grounds
The Eagles managed to hold off South Barwon in a desperate last quarter that saw six goals get kicked.
Newtown & Chilwell kicked 11.11 (77) to the Swans’ 11.8 (74) at home, running out winners by just three points to remain undefeated.
Swans skipper Matthew Caldow booted three goals in an inspiring performance but it was not enough to carry South Barwon to victory.
A four goal haul to Grovedale’s Mitch Chafer was a highlight in the loss to Colac, with Grovedale scoring 13.19 (90) to Colac’s 18.13 (121).
Bailey Scott had another strong performance with three goals for Colac, while Dustin Walters also booted three majors.
Josh Garner made his debut for Colac in the win.
St Mary’s knocked off Leopold in the grand final rematch at Kardinia Park, kicking 16.10 (106) to 10.12 (72).
Sam Dobson continued his strong form for the Saints with six goals, becoming an early favourite for the leading goal scorer of the competition.
Harry McMahon booted three majors in the victory, while Leopold’s Mitch Patten kicked two goals.
Geelong West has smashed St Albans, booting 17.22 (124) to the Supersaints’ 3.7 (25) to win by 99 points.
Five players kicked three goals for the Giants, with Tanner and Kade Lovell, Jacson Collins, Phil Moimoi and Tyler Watts all hitting the scoreboard often.
Originally published as GFL: Round 3 news and updates
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