THE life of an Ocean Grove senior footballer could be summed up as a roller coaster ride after contrasting fortunes in its past two matches, writes Mark Heenan.
Fresh from a humiliating 92-point loss against Drysdale, the Grubbers smashed cellar dweller Newcomb by 231 points at Ocean Grove Memorial Recreation Reserve on Saturday.
Ocean Grove won 35.28.238 to Newcomb’s 1.1.7 – remarkably a 323-point turnaround for the Grubbers in the space of a week.
Bustling forward Matt Jovanovic starred booting 10 goals, while the elusive Paul Breguet kicked seven majors.
Ocean Grove captain James Dalton provided great midfield drive, while on-ballers Kelly Williams, Mark Laidler, Dan Sheather and exciting youngster Travis Gavin stood up in the comprehensive win.
Ocean Grove coach Matt Payne said it was important his players recovered after the side’s loss to Drysdale in Round 11.
He indicated Modewarre’s win over Drysdale on Saturday proved any lower ladder BFL team with the exception of Newcomb, were capable of beating anyone.
“You’ve got to keep them (the players) up for games like this,” Payne said.
“We got whacked last week and the boys are out to prove they are better than what they showed last week.
“We thought we were miles away last week (against Drysdale), but we beat Modewarre the week before by six goals and now they’ve come out and beaten Drysdale two weeks later.
“If you don’t treat every game the same you’re going to come up against a frightful loss and get smacked.”
In other news defender Wayde Piec, who didn’t play with a hamstring cramp, and key tall Sam Van Deuren are both a strong chance to return for the vital Geelong Amateur clash in Round 13.
No games will be played in the BFL this weekend with a league bye.
Ocean Grove’s match against Geelong Amateur is at Queens Park on July 11 and then the following week the Grubbers host Barwon Heads for the Battle of the Bridge.
Senior games start at 2:10pm, 18s 10am and Reserves 12noon.
Latest Feedback