Port Melbourne are the 2011 Peter Jackson VFL premiers for season 2011. After a shaky start to the Grand Final, Port overcame their slow first quarter to go into half time 21 points up and then extended their margin at every change, eventually running out 56 point winners – 22.12.144 to Williamstown 13.10.88.
Port were unstoppable after quarter time, kicking 20 goals to eight, to run away with the 2011 premiership, and completed a 21-0 season – the first time a VFA/VFL side has done this since North Melbourne in 1918. Port are also the first stand alone VFL side to win the premiership, since alignments started in 2000.
Williamstown burst from the blocks with the first four goals of the game to race out to a 26 point lead, after goals to Andrew Hooper, Ben Jolley and Matt Panos (2). Port did not kick their first goal until the 17 minute mark of the quarter, with Wayde Skipper marking up forward to slot through his sides first major.
Trailing by 27 points at the 22 minute mark of the first term, Port swung into action kicking eight of the next nine goals to go into half time 21 points up. Whilst Williamstown held a 21 point lead at quarter time, Dean Galea was the star of the second term, kicking four goals, and was well assisted by Patrick Rose with two goals for the term.
Port Melbourne started the third term, where they left off in the second, with two early goals to Rose and Chris Cain. The early goals put Port out to a 33 point lead just six minutes into the term. Williamstown kept on trying to reduce the margin, but could not kick any more than two in a row, not reducing the margin under 21 points. Nathan Djerkurra kicked his sides first goal since the 13 minute mark of the second term, and this was followed up quickly by a goal to Panos with his third. But Port kept finding the answers to each of the Seagulls challenges, and led by 21 points at three quarter time.
When Panos kicked his fourth of the game, a Seagulls comeback looked on the cards, but it was to be the final Williamstown goal of the game, as Port finished with the final seven goals to run out winners 22.12.144 to Williamstown 13.10.88.
Toby Pinwill was named the Norm Goss Medallist – best on ground in the grand final.
Visit vfl.com.au during the week for a full game review from each sides perspective, the votes for the Norm Goss Medal, and a full rundown of VFL Grand Final day.
Last Modified on 25/09/2011 17:44