Top BFL games of the 2023 season revealed

From grand final replays to last-round thrillers, there is plenty to like out of the BFL fixture for 2023.

BFL Grand Final seniors . Torquay v Barwon Heads Barwon Heads winners Picture: Mark Wilson

From grand final replays to last-round thrillers, there is plenty to like out of the BFL fixture for 2023.

Break down the best games to pencil into the diary for 2023.

Round 1 – Drysdale v Barwon Heads

Drysdale co-coach Ben Camichael.

Drysdale was one of the competition’s best sides throughout the home-and-away season before falling to the eventual premiers in the finals.

The two sides will now meet in round 1 in a game that is sure to be one of the best for the season.

The Hawks have lost a trio of forwards stars, with Mat Hebbard (Geelong West), Billy Beardsell (Surfers Paradise) and Jarrod Garth (expected retirement) all departing the club.

Barwon Heads will be without premiership coach Dan Donati after he moved to Old Brighton in the VAFA, while boom recruit Tony Armstrong has retired.

Round 2 – Modewarre v Geelong Amateur

Geelong Amateur’s Cameron Lewis. Picture: Mark Wilson

These two sides both made finals in 2022, and should be around the mark again in 2023.

Modewarre had the edge over the Ammos, winning their regular-season clashes by 45 and 56 points respectively, before also beating them in the elimination final by nine points.

Modewarre will be led by co-coaches Chris Carlon and Tom Hornsey after Chris Hickey’s departure at the end of last season.

Round 5 – Torquay v Barwon Heads

Barwon Heads following last year’s premiership win over Torquay. Picture: Mark Wilson

BFL fans will have to wait until round 5 to watch the highly-anticipated grand final rematch between these two sides.

Barwon Heads triumphed on the day in a shock win, but Torquay had the Seagulls’ number during the home-and-away season.

Both sides have experienced some turnover in the off-season, but are expected to remain two of the best sides in the competition again.

Round 6 – Modewarre v Drysdale

Lachlan Warburton for Modewarre.

The Hawks triumphed all three times these sides played each other in 2022, but with Drysdale losing multiple players in the off-season Modewarre will be hoping it has closed the gap on the top three sides.

The Warriors finished fourth on the ladder with a 12-6 record, but lost by 41 points to Drysdale.

Expect a closer contest between these two sides the next time they meet.

Round 6 – Barwon Heads v Ocean Grove

Ocean Grove's Kye Annand. Picture: Alan Barber

Ocean Grove had a season to forget in 2022, winning just four games and finishing second last on the BFL ladder.

But the Grubbers have reasons to hope for in 2023, with former South Barwon coach Dave Farrell joining the club ahead of the season.

Despite the eventual premiers having a much more successful 2022 campaign than the Grubbers, the two clashes were relatively close, with the Seagulls winning by 37 and 20 points.

Round 8 – Drysdale v Torquay

Torquay coach Dom Gleeson. Picture: Mark Wilson

The two best teams, almost all year.

Expect fireworks between these two sides in round 8, with Torquay and Drysdale suffering just two losses between them in 2022’s home and away season.

Drysdale beat Torquay in round 5 by 33 points, then Torquay returned serve in round 14 by 23 points.

These two sides did not meet in the finals, but with Torquay’s shock grand final loss and Drysdale disappointed to fall short of the season decider, a lot will be on the line for these sides.

Round 10 – Newcomb v Ocean Grove

Newcomb's Sam Mullahy celebrates a goal. Picture: Alan Barber

Fans of these clubs were rewarded with two tight tussles in 2022, with the series split between the two sides.

Ocean Grove fell short by three points in round 3, but won by seven points in the return game in round 11.

Both sides will have new coaches in 2023 as well, with Mitch Troy leading Newcomb and the Grubbers securing Dave Farrell.

Round 15 – Barwon Heads v Torquay

Torquay’s Jesse Dawson tackles Barwon Heads’ Ned Aulsebrook in last year’s grand final. Picture: Mark Wilson

The return game between these two grand finalists will be just as hotly contested in round 15 as it will be in round 5.

There is a genuine chance this late-season clash has finals stipulations attached, with both sides expected to be fighting for a top-two berth.

Barwon Heads could not claim a victory against Torquay during the home-and-away season last year, but holds bragging rights after the premiership.

Round 17 – Torquay v Drysdale

Another late-season match that could decide the finals makeup, with the top two sides of 2022 playing off in the second last game of the season.

Drysdale is missing some of its best forwards from last season, while Torquay’s elder players have retired, meaning the two lists should look a bit different from their 2022 blockbuster clashes.

Round 18 – Modewarre v Anglesea

Anglesea’s Lewis Beers celebrates a goal. Picture: Mark Wilson

Anglesea missed out on finals in 2022 after some close losses throughout the season, but a year on from a major list turnover the Kangaroos will be better placed to contend.

The Jordan Keras-led side won six games for the year and lost both games against Modewarre, but with both sides expected to contend for a spot in the top five it is expected this game may finalise ladder positions.

Originally published as Top BFL games of the 2023 season revealed