Queenscliff is arguably the BFNL’s most in-form team after beating Geelong Amateur and Drysdale

Nearly two years ago, a mid-table BFNL club’s senior coach departed the scene before season’s end. Now, they’re a premiership threat. Go inside Queenscliff’s rapid improvement.

Queenscliff's Izaac Grant has been the Coutas’ biggest offensive threat in many seasons. Picture: Alan Barber

A simple game plan and instruction, a stack of emerging young talent and a damaging small forward has Queenscliff dreaming of its first finals campaign in seven years.

The Coutas lost an elimination final to Geelong Amateur back in 2018, with now-captain Caleb Whitley and Che Durran remaining from that team.

It might be why 27-year-old Whitley feels like an old timer compared to the rest of the young Coutas, as they have knocked off top five teams in Geelong Amateur and Torquay over the past three rounds to become arguably the in-form team of the BFNL.

“We’re very happy with where we’re at the moment,” Whitley told this masthead on Friday.

“I don’t really know where the improvement’s really come from, we’re pretty young and I feel like one of the older boys at 27, most of the boys are like 22 or younger.

“I think it’s just getting the games into them, and them coming into their own.”

Queenscliff celebrate a rare win over Torquay at McCartney Oval: Picture: @eel_pie_sports_media

Dual wins at McCartney Oval last Saturday provided another huge dose of self-belief, with the Coutas finishing Round 8 in fourth place.

However, the big tests keep on coming with a resurgent Barwon Heads waiting for them on Saturday at Howard Harmer Reserve, who smacked Newcomb by 115 points last game.

This weekend may provide another sign of Queenscliff’s evolution.

In late May last year, Queenscliff was down by a point at half time at Howard Harmer, before the Seagulls kicked 10.5 to 3.4 to win comfortably by 44 points.

It was part of a wider pattern: in 10 games in 2024, where the Coutas were within 26 points or less at half time, they ultimately lost.

And in second halves last year, the Coutas were outscored by 193 points in total in those 10 fixtures.

The trend continued in 2025 until Round 4 against Drysdale, turning an 11-point half time margin into a one-point victory.

Whitley felt an ability to withstand the Ammos after half time was a sign of maturity and improvement.

Queenscliff's Jordy McIvor-Clark celebrates a goal against Geelong Amateur. Picture: Alan Barber

“They might not have had that maturity in previous years where teams have kicked big scores in a row against us and we haven’t been able to respond until a break,” he said.

“Being able to hold them off shows heaps of progress.

“That was a great win at the Couta Bowl.

“That might have been the loudest I’ve heard the Couta Bowl, that definitely plays a factor.

“But for the confidence it was the tipping point where they were undefeated and nobody expected us to win.

“It gave us a bit of a boost.”

Queenscliff coach Heath Jamieson. Picture: Alan Barber

Meanwhile, coming into his second year in charge – following the end of season departure or Rory Nicol in 2023 – esteemed coach Heath Jamieson is starting to see some serious reward for effort.

“It was getting used to his game plan (in 2024) and this year it’s really clicked,” Whitley said.

“We just want to keep the ball rolling and definitely keen to hopefully play finals.

“He’s pretty cruisy ... he doesn’t (rant and rave) but when we need it he will lay it out for us.

“There’s not too much game footage or analytics, he tries to keep it pretty simple, keep the game plan pretty simple.

“He says it’s a simple game and people try to complicate it.

“I think it needs to be pretty simple for some of our boys.

Queenscliff's Jonty Rush. Picture: Alan Barber

“We obviously have a look at (the opposition) a little bit but nothing too in depth that we can’t control.

“There’s plenty of confidence flying around.”

New recruit Izaac Grant has given Queenscliff another strong option up forward – kicking 19 majors from his past four matches.

Grant was lured to the club with his partner Emma playing netball at the Coutas.

“He’s got a lot of leadership qualities which has brought a couple of the younger boys along with him,” he said.

“He’s got a lot to offer and he’s been great for us, we’re really glad to have him.

“He’s popped up the last couple of weeks and grabbed himself a few bags.”

Meanwhile, the likes of Joseph Cincotta and 2023 senior debutant Kai Keenan – players Jamieson had tipped to have big years – have continued to improve.

“(Keenan) doesn’t really take it too seriously, but he’s improved well and truly out of sight,” he said.

“Joey Cincotta is another younger one, he throws his weight around.

“It’s hard to pick a couple, because you see bits and pieces in all of them.”

Originally published as Queenscliff is arguably the BFNL’s most in-form team after beating Geelong Amateur and Drysdale