MAFFRA dealt Leongatha a second bout of grand final day heartbreak in as many seasons to win the 2016 TRFM Gippsland League senior premiership.
Click here for a full photo gallery from the day
More than 5400 spectators poured through the gates at Ted Summerton Reserve in Moe to see seven clubs claim flags from 10 grand finals.
to see the Eagles wrestle their way to a 21-point victory against a Parrots side that completed the home-and-away season undefeated.
It was the club's 21st senior premiership - their eighth since 2002 - and the win was dedicated to late club great John Vardy, who passed away at the start of the month.
Vardy's wife Julie was invited onto the premiership dais to help Eagles coach Wayne Butcher and captain Sam Pleming raise the cup in an emotional post-match celebration.
Maffra kicked the opening three goals of the game and while Leongatha fought back to lead briefly early in the third term, the Eagles proved too strong and eventually won the day 13.10 (88) to 9.13 (67).
Daniel Bedggood and Mitch Bennett booted four goals each, with the latter awarded the Stan Aitken Medal as best-on-ground by the umpires for his efforts.
Ruckman Trent Knobel won the AFL Victoria Country Medal for best-on-ground as nominated by the TRFM commentary team.
Danny Butcher, Kelvin Porter, Sam Walker and Pleming were other standouts for the premiers.
Leongatha co-captain Chris Verboon was outstanding across half-forward for the Parrots, booting three goals in a losing side, while Jason Tomada, Luke Bowman and Aaron Coyle also battled hard.
The premiership was Maffra’s fourth under Wayne Butcher, who returned to the helm in 2014 having led the club to a three-peat from 2002-04.
DROUIN avenged last year's A grade netball grand final defeat by overcoming Traralgon by 10 goals in this year’s decider.
The Hawks trailed by a three or four-goal margin for much of the first three quarters before rallying to lead by three at the final change and dominating the last quarter to win 56-46.
Hawks coach Stacie Gardiner led her side to victory and was named best-on-court.
LEONGATHA made it back-to-back B grade flags, with a seven-goal win against Maffra.
Abby Down was best-on-court in the 44-37 win in front of a huge crowd that covered the hill on the court’s outer wing.
TRARALGON won the reserves premiership with a 20-point win against Leongatha.
Nathan Rowley booted three goals, while Nic Quenault was best-on-ground in the 10.6 (66) to 6.10 (46) win.
TRARALGON had to dig deep to defeat Moe in extra time of a thrilling C grade decider.
Locked at 37-all at the end of four quarters, the Maroons held their nerve through two halves of extra time to run out 54-45 victors.
Best on court was Casey Campbell.
BAIRNSDALE’s thirds teamovercame a shaky first half to claim an impressive win against Traralgon.
Redlegs skipper Hayden Edwards led by example with a best-on-ground performance, while Brendan Bassett booted three goals in the 10.12 (72) to 3.8 (26).
MOE made it three straight 17 and under netball premierships, with a blistering 20-goal victory against Sale.
Led by Australian junior squad member Shannon Freeman, the Lions secured a 47-27 win in front of a vocal band of home support.
Lachlan Sim’s work with the junior program reaped rewards for MOE with a fourths premiership – the club’s second from three straight grand final appearances in three years.
Rylan Henkel was best-on-ground in the 11.7 (73) to 5.4 (34) win against Leongatha, with livewire Harry Pepper finishing the day with six goals.
Sean Burns, Brock Smith and Grady Cocksedge were other standouts for the Lions, while Jake Van Der Pligt, Jack Hume and Mitch Bentvelzen were best for the beaten Parrots.
MAFFRA and SALE made it back-to-back flags with victories in the 15 and under and 13 and under grand finals.
League best and fairest Emma Allman was best on court in the Eagles’ 47-39 win, while Magpies goal-keeper Maja Bown led the way in her side’s 31-25 victory against Bairnsdale.
RESULTS
Seniors football: Maffra 13.10 (88) d Leongatha 9.13 (67)
A grade netball: Drouin 56 d Traralgon 46
Reserves football: Traralgon 10.6 (66) d Leongatha 6.10 (46)
B grade netball: Leongatha 44 d Maffra 37
C grade netball: Traralgon 37 (54) d Moe 37 (45) (AET)
Thirds football: Bairnsdale 10.12 (72) d Traralgon 3.8(26)
17 and under netball: Moe 47 d Sale 27
Fourths football: Moe 11.7 (73) d Leongatha 5.4 (34)
15 and under netball: Maffra 47 d Wonthaggi Power 39
13 and under netball: Sale 31 d Bairnsdale 25
Last Modified on 26/09/2016 15:44
