Cora Lynn went back to back premiers after it thrashed Bunyip by 75 points in the 2015 EDFL grand final played at Cora Lynn on Saturday. What was expected to be one of – if not the best game in the EDFL in many years turned into an anti-climax. The Cobras laid a strong claim that it is the best side ever in the EDFL. It was a similar score line to last year when it demolished Koo Wee Rup by 78 points. It was also a triumph for the meticulous planning by Cora Lynn Coach Travis Marsham, Assistant coach David Main, Director of Coaching Austinn Jones and their leadership group.
The Cobras set the tone for the match in the first quarter when it rammed on six goals to one. With two goals apiece to speedster Jackson Dalton and flamboyant forward Ryan Gillis who both proved dangerous and the control of the midfield thanks to Jack Allen, Nathan Muratore, Ricky Clarke, Sean Marchetti Brady White and Jordan Toole the minor premiers set up a 30 point lead at quarter time.
In the second term Bulldogs showed a bit of fight and with Nathan Lieshout presenting well across half forward and the opening goal of the quarter to veteran Robbie Hughes Bunyip supporters started to find a bit of voice for the first time. However their revival was temporary and soon after the Cobras again seized control through the middle and with unanswered goals by Nathan Langley, Muratore, Giuliano, Ryan Gillis and a fourth to Giuliano it opened match winning 55 point lead.
Cora Lynn kicked another two early goals in the third quarter to seal their advantage and kept the pressure on until the final siren. Opportunist forward Anthony Giuliano went on to kick seven goals and won the VCFL Worksafe Medal for best on ground. It was a clinical performance by Cora Lynn. Its leg speed, decision making and precise disposal often delivered the ball into their forward line with such rapid pace it caught the Bunyip defence flat footed. In a top team effort, Giuliano, Dalton and Allen were superb. Bunyip barely resembled the team that went into the game with 14 wins in a row. It was second to the ball for most of the game and in the first quarter when Cora Lynn stamped their authority. The Bulldogs field kicking was uncharacteristically ineffective. Coach Brad Walker, Zac Vansittart and Brad Wolfe who all repelled many attacks behind centre were their best players. Michael Whyte tried hard and Brent Heus kicked four second half goals.
In the reserves Warragul Industrials held the premiership cup aloft after it beat the minor premiers Cora Lynn by 26 points. The major talking point was the incredibly inaccurate kicking by the Cobras that kicked 1.17.23. It sourced 18 scoring shots to the Dusties 14. Former Rugby player Scott Lindsay was a star all over the ground for Warragul and was lent good support by veteran ruckman Stephen Pitt, half back Ryan Murray, emerging U/18 wingman Michael Lynn and Damien Mullen. For Cora Lynn Nick Helsby played a fine game and was the sole goal kicker for the Cobras. Ben Monckton and Alex Foster gave Cora Lynn plenty across half back and through the middle.
Buln Buln won the U/18 flag when it beat gallant Ellinbank by 23 points. The Lyrebirds led at every break but the Eagles who won their way into the game from eighth position and only had 17 under 18 players and had to top up with their U/16s kept pressing all day. Buln Buln co-captains Mitchell Park and Jack Martyn provided regular drive and U/18 Bill Cumming league best and fairest Nick Castle was awarded the VCFL medal for best on ground for his ruckwork and work around the ground. Another rising star Sean Masterson starred for Ellinbank and Mat Notman, Cameron Lyon and Lachlan Pratt all kicked two goals and made their presence felt.
In the U/16s Koo Wee Rup were the premiers after it beat Buln Buln by 16 points. Demon midfielder Mitchell Cammarano won the VCFL Medal for best on ground and was lent great support from Travis Bindley and Matthew Drommel and Mitchell Tribuzi kicked three goals. For the Lyrebirds Isaac Lalor steered through three goals, key defender James Ireland and midfielder Sean Symes were prominent all game.
Last Modified on 20/09/2015 19:30