The squeeze is on
IT is seventh on the ladder, a game and percentage out of the top five and rapidly running out of time.
But Torquay’s season is far from dead and buried as the reigning premier embarks on a 14th-successive finals appearance.
In fact, the Tigers are fancied to come from the clouds and pinch one of two places up for grabs in the final three matches of the home-andaway season.
With a soft run to finals, Torquay will be favoured to move as high as fourth, knocking out the likes of Modewarre and prematurely ending Ocean Grove’s campaign.
That, of course, is dependent on results falling the Tigers’ way.
But with the Coutas (fourth), Warriors (fifth) and Grubbers (sixth) clashing on the run home, there is every change Torquay can defend its premiership.
Wednesday Whispers studied the draw and, by awarding victories to the higher-ranked club, effectively put a line through Modewarre and Ocean Grove.
The predicament is not lost on any of the coaches pushing for a finals berth and Grubbers’ mentor Paul Lynch is no exception.
“We have to win at least two of the three games to make the finals,” Lynch said.
“The players understand the position we’re in now that we’ve been beaten by Torquay.
“We realised a fair way out that we had to win at least two of the last five to give ourselves a chance, and even then, it was still no guarantee that we’d make it.
“Our main focus is getting over Modewarre, and if we miss that opportunity, we’ll move on to Drysdale and Queenscliff.
“But if we beat Modewarre, which is possible, we give ourselves a real chance.”
With only 16 premiership points separating six sides, the BFL is the closest in recent memory.
“I think it’s good for the competition,” Lynch said.
“It’s keeps a lot of interest in the league and that’s been the story of the Bellarine all year, every side can win on their day.
“The way it sits, Port and Newcomb are probably a little bit weaker than everyone else, but even Drysdale on their day can upset the likes of Torquay.
“It’s going to be very interesting come season’s end.”
Queenscliff is best placed to hold on to a spot in the top five, but the Coutas meet three challengers on the road home.
Modewarre and Ocean Grove also have difficult draws, which could ultimately kill off their finals hopes.
“Torquay is in the worst position but they have the easiest run,” Lynch said.
“They’re the equivalent of two games out but they’ve got the best draw, whereas us, Queenscliff and ‘Modda’ play the tough sides at some stage.
“It’s going to come down to who is the form team.”
With a favourable draw, reigning BFL premier Torquay could make a stunning late surge into the top five. So, who misses out?