On a beautiful Sunday morning in Brisbane the Crows headed to Coorparoo AFC with one thought in mind, as they had done all season and that was winning.
As both teams lined up for the national anthem you could sense in the 500+ strong crowd in attendance that the game was going to be a cracker and it didn’t disappoint. With the coin toss taken and Darling Downs kicking towards the city first, it was game in the 2012 decider.
The first quarter started with both sides trading blows, with the Crows dominating possession but not capitalising when inside 50. The Crows nerves showed early but after a couple of early goals the Crows were back to normal. Kenmore kicked the first goal of the Grand-Final but the Crows rallied and held a slender 1 goal advantage at the first break.
Darling Downs had built a reputation for impressive second quarters all year and didn't disappoint on the big day. Kenmore kicking the first major of the of the term and it was Crows big man Tye Hughes who went on a rampage kicking 3 second quarter goals to lift the Crows and the strong base of supporters at Coorparoo. Darling Downs went into the main break with a 22-point advantage.
It was much the same in the third quarter of the game, Kenmore kicking the first goal of the quarter but then to have the Crows kick the next three before Kenmore registered another. Darling Downs capped off a hard running third quarter by kicking their fourth goal for the quarter and some were saying the Crows by how much? Darling Downs were hurt by a serious injury to wingman/half forward Ryan Grady and would have to play the remainder of the game without a rotation on the bench.
Darling Downs led by 32 points going into the final break.
To Kenmore's credit they never gave up, in one of the longest quarters the Crows have played all season Kenmore just kept coming and coming. The Bears kicked the first 4 goals of the quarter, as Darling Downs could only kick 3 behinds. With the margin cut back to just 11points, Crows young up and coming Star Corey Bellert kicked the sealer for the Crows as the Darling Downs supporters erupted into cheers.
Kenmore kept Darling Downs working, as the silenced the Crows with a quick goal a minute later to cut the margin back to 11 and then another shot at goal sprayed across the face to leave the Crows in front by 10points.
The final siren rang around Coorparoo as the Crows lit up and took home just the clubs second premiership in their short history. Darling Downs ran out 11.8 (74) to 9.10 (64) victors as Darling Downs completed the perfect season.
Crows Captain Lachlan Dignan capped off a superb year after being named as Best on Ground for the Grand-Final, as fellow Crow Tye Hughes wasn't far behind.
Crows Best: Lachlan Dignan, Tye Hughes, Josh Stahlhut, Daniel Verrall, Tim Tate, Stuart Huggins
Goal Kickers: Tye Hughes 4, Jack Rockliff 1, Adam Green 1, Josh Stahlhut 1, Lachlan Thomas 1, Daniel Verrall 1, Corey Bellert 1, Lachlan Dignan 1;
"It was a great win and I am absolutely delighted with the victory, it will probably take a few days for the win to actually sink in", Crows Coach Jeff Neumann said on the win.
"To go through a regular home and away season undefeated is an amazing feat in itself but to continue that winning momentum through the finals and onto the big stage is another massive feat in itself as well", Neumann said on the Perfect season.
Medical update on Ryan Grady - Ryan sustained a broken wrist during the third quarter of the Grand-Final. Ryan requires surgery during the week to insert a few plates. DDAFLQ and the Crows wish for a speedy recovery for the Crows premiership player.
Last Modified on 29/08/2012 11:58
