Grand Final: New England Nomads 27.14.176 def Inverell Saints 5.6.36 at Bellevue Oval Saturday afternoon
The Nomads have thumped the Saints on Saturday afternoon to become the first side in the Tamworth AFL to go back to back in 10 years. They did so in style with a comprehensive flogging of the Saints and secured their 4th TAFL Premiership in the process. Despite having a stop start end to the season, and having played only 3 matches in the last 6 weeks, the Nomads were totally dominant across the field and had the win well in the bag a long way from home.
Despite the weather forecast suggesting the clear skies were on the agenda, both sides were greeted with a typical Armidale winter’s day with a healthy cloud cover and cool conditions. Some light rain fell in the pre game to make the surface a little slippery, but there was little excuse for anything other than clean skills. The Saints started the match well, and had the first goal on the board courtesy of Mike Gould. They controlled much of the first 10 minutes of the match in what was a false hope of what was to follow. It was from the 10 minute mark that the Nomads took over, kicking 6 goals straight in the final 15 minutes of the quarter and headed into the first change 5 goals up and looking ominous.
The Saints needed to respond early in the second quarter and they managed the first of the quarter, however this only served to kick the Nomads into over drive. What followed could best be described as clinical, as they repelled every Saints attacking foray and were very efficient as they went forward. This was typified with the ease at which they scored their goals, constantly giving their defensive counterpart the slip. They managed 15.3 at the half and had total control of the ball across the field. The half time margin was 67 points and the match looked all but over.
The third quarter was where the Saints excelled last week and if they were hoping it would be more of the same this week that belief was quickly extinguished. The Nomads continued on their merry way, with an 8 goal to 1 quarter putting any doubt well to rest about the result. The Nomads kenw it was all over as they met for their final huddle of the 2013 season, and did not let up as they piled on 12 goals to 1 for the entire second half and ran out a TAFL Grand Final record 140 points winners.
Dave Richards finished the game with 8 goals, highlighted by a beauty from deep in the pocket in the last quarter. Simon Stubbs had a strong game to finish with 4, while Jed Ellis-Cluff had 3. Richards finished the day as the Graham Nuttal Award winner as best on ground, but Jon Fruend and Weston Whitby were also strong for the victors. Mike Gould finished as the only Saints multiple goal kicker with 2, with Justin Pay, Toby Tollis and Hamish Bird the best in a losing side.
During the post game presentations, Nomads coach Tom Granleese announced he would no longer be coaching the Nomads in the future. It will certainly be a big loss for the club as he has turned this team into one of the most imposing sides in TAFL history. Captain Clint Ballagh has played his last game for the club as he returns to Victoria.
Last Modified on 04/09/2013 09:32