JOEYS SEND REMINDER TO RIVALS

WITH Colac sending its own messages up the highway, St Joseph’s laid down one of its own with a strong 45-point victory over Leopold at home.

Joeys kept Leopold to only four goals in the emphatic victory on Saturday, the Lions’ lowest return of the season.

St Joseph’s coach Paul Carson was full of praise for the defensive efforts of his players, who again found a way to disarm the attacking strengths of their opposition. So stingy is Joeys’ defence, no team has kept their opponent to less than 100 points in a game more times than St Joseph’s. “We really set ourselves knowing it was a pretty big week and there was probably a lot at stake,” Carson said. “We really respect what Leopold do, so it was pleasing we could win in the fashion we did. “I think their fourth goal came after the 20minute mark of the last quarter, so not only was our defence super but our pressure all around the ground was exceptional.

“We put them under all sorts of pressure, which in turn allowed our defence to pick it off a little bit.

“To keep a quality team to four goals, we’re pretty happy.”

Geelong VFL-listed key defender Callum Mitchell led the defensive showing, named Joeys’ best alongside Brant Haintz, Dylan Pettingill (three goals for the game) and fellow defender Ben McNamara.

Joeys jumped out to a 29point lead at half-time and were never headed.

Lucas Boyd — who later went off the field with a tight calf — was the lone multiple goal-kicker for Leopold with two.

Carson believes the win has cemented Joeys’ top-two hopes, giving the club a strong base to launch its bid at a thirdstraight premiership, and fourth in five seasons.

“I’d like to think we can scratch out 14-15 wins and I’d like to think that’s enough,” he said.

“History would show you need to finish there to give yourself a good chance at it.”