Roos set to tackle player points hurdle
ANGLESEA could have a player points dilemma on Thursday night if small forward James Edmonds recovers from an ankle injury in time for Saturday’s qualifying final against Modewarre.
Edmonds, who carries four points after crossing from South Warrnambool in the Hampden Football League, missed Saturday’s 16.18 (114) to 7.8 (50) win over Drysdale, but the Seagulls used 39 points and would have to make way to fit Edmonds into their side.
“He is arguably our best small forward,” coach Paul Carson said.
“He’s really lively, he’s got a lot of speed, but has missed a little bit of footy over the last four or five weeks with an ankle injury.
“He may or may not come back in next week but we’ll see how things shape up throughout the week.
“It’s going to depend on who comes up and who doesn’t and obviously points may play a little part in that as well. We’ll pick our best team that’s available and ready to go.”
Hayden Murrell also put in a best-on-ground performance in Anglesea’s reserves on Saturday, but the former South Barwon footballer carries three points, making it hard for Carson to fit him into the senior line-up.
Former Port Adelaide player Ryan Williams returned to the side on Saturday carrying four points, and added with Jordan Erskine (five), Matthew O’Dwyer (four), Jordan Harrison (four) and Dale Carson (three), the five of them take up half of Anglesea’s 40-point cap, leaving 20 points for 17 players.
That leaves Nicholas Swain (three points) in the gun should Anglesea have a full list to pick from.
Carson said Williams was managed in his return from an ankle injury, in which Anglesea kicked eight thirdquarter goals to open up an insurmountable 75-point lead at three-quarter time.
“He probably played three quarters and we were able to sit him on the bench in the last,” Carson said.
“He was one of those we were able to manage. He’ll be ready to go next week, absolutely.”
Ocean Grove crushed Queenscliff’s hopes of a topthree finish, prevailing by 19 points on Saturday.
Trailing all day, the Coutas got to within five points at three-quarter time but were outmuscled in the last term by a Grubbers side keen to end its season on a strong note.
Jake Carmody booted four goals to finish with 41 from 16 games this season, while Ben Warren was named Queenscliff’s best with three majors.
At Newcomb, it was the Mitch Phelps show as the Barwon Heads spearhead booted 12 goals to win the league award with 77 majors for the year.
It proved a comfortable day for the Seagulls, who capped off the regular season with their 16th win, 27.17 (179) to 4.5 (29).
In the dead rubber at Portarlington, it was Torquay who proved victorious, 8.16 (64) to 7.5 (47).
Patrick Kelleher booted three goals for the reigning premiers, with Harrison Mackay named the Tigers’ best.