Drysdale tunes up for finals with tough run home

TOP side Drysdale will start its six-week finals campaign tomorrow when it takes on thirdplaced Ocean Grove in the match of the round.

With three home-and-away games to go, the club’s looming match-ups against three of the current top four teams is ideal preparation, according to Drysdale’s Cal Inderberg.

“It’s certainly a big run in,” Inderberg said.

“We couldn’t ask for a more exciting time. To get the current top four in the next three weeks is a great challenge and even better preparation.”

Drysdale would need to get the majority of the match points in at least two of those matches to cement the double chance — the club’s target all season.

“We set a goal at the start of the season that anything less than finals was a waste,” Inderberg said. “At this stage, for where we are at, anything less than top-two is a waste.”

Ocean Grove has been the quiet achiever, while Drysdale and City of Geelong (second) have generated the attention as the division’s top two sides.

But as they head into Round 16, Ocean Grove skipper Rod Brehaut is happy with how his side is performing.

“I believe we are playing well as a team at this stage of the year,” Brehaut said.

“It has taken us a while to become one, but we are certainly heading in the right direction. If we are to contend for the double chance, this week is a must-win.

“We are good enough, we have the team to win, we are looking forward to a great contest.”

St Leonards (sixth), Torquay (fourth) and Geelong Cement (fifth) are all fighting it out to make the top four, and this week have the opportunity to stay in touch with that goal with a win.

Geelong Cement heads to Highton (seventh), while Torquay needs a return to form against Belmont (ninth) at home.

St Leonards has arguably the toughest ask, venturing to City of Geelong.

Leopold (10th) will hope the home advantage works in its favour against Bell Post Hill (eighth).