Coolaroo revived memories of the golden era on September 12th, winning their sixth AFL Darling Downs premiership reversing last years result, as they out played last years premiers 10.13 (73) to 5.9 (39).
While Coolaroo celebrated, the heartbreak of defeat was plain to see among the slumped and shattered figures of Bombers players and coaching staff. In their minds, it was not meant to end like this.
Bombers used the ball better in the first term, league best under 18 player bomber Matthew Englart was outstanding in the first term by bombarding the Roo’s defence with pin point passes, though the South Bombers were unable to capitalize on his hard work from defence and Bombers didn’t take full use of the Rockville breeze but were able to take a slender 2 point lead into the first break, 1.3 (9) to 1.1 (7).
After the first break and the change of ends, Coolaroo stated to the Bombers boys that they were here for one reason and it showed.
The rampage started with Miels Grice, who received centre clearances from young gun Kyle Smith and with this delivery the full-forward kicked the first two goals of the quarter before Kevin James slotted a goal on the run, and this was the turning point. Bombers were only able to manager one goal through league leading goal scorer Ben Langham, Bombers were able to stay in touch at the main break but only just 2.5 (17) to the Roo’s 4.4 (28).
Refreshed after the long break, Coolaroo came out flexing their muscles and were full of run, the finished with 7 scoring shots to 3, but Bombers were lucky that Coolaroo didn’t take advantage in front of goal and only held a 21point lead at the final break of the year.
A major to ‘09’ Holman medalist Jeff Neumann, lifted the Coolaroo fateful and another to Miels Grice, had the Bombers thinking. Bombers were able to goal through small forward Chris Behan, to get the margin back to 21points at the break.
At the final break of the year Coolaroo Coach Chris Skehan stated to his players what it means to be in a Grand Final and how long and hard they have worked for this moment.
The final quarter was under way and it started with Coolaroo ruckman Jeremy Wilson tapping to midfielder and Roo’s skipper Darren Copland who pin pointed a pass to lively forward Jeff Neumann who kicked truly from 50metres for Roo’s. Facing a 27point deficit at this stage was going to be a hard ask. But the bombers rallied and were able to put the next 2 goals on the board through ruckman Chris Jackson and midfielder James Kratzmann. It was all Roo’s from here on, Coolaroo were able to put the result beyond doubt with Neumann kicking his fourth for the day, Grice with his third and a cheeky goal from Phil Dreise.
Coolaroo finished off a great season and were deservedly the 2009 Allied Pickford Cup winners. Jeremy Wilson for the Roo’s capped off the win, by being named Best on field on the grand final, in front of some other stand out performances. Well done to the Coolaroo football club on winning the 2009 premiership, bring on footy in 2010!
Last Modified on 10/03/2010 14:53