Catani have won the 2017 EDFL premiership after a heart stopping one-point victory over the Warragul Industrials at Western Park on Saturday. The game was played in front of a big crowd and few if any left until the final siren due to what was an absorbing contest from the first bounce.
Late in the game the Blues led by seven points before a goal by Dusties champion Shane Brewster reduced scoreboard to the slenderest of margins with only 90 seconds of play to go but Catani managed to hold on and record their first senior flag since 2005.
It was the third time Paul Alger has coached the Blues to the premiership having been at the helm in his first stint at Taplin’s road when Catani won back to back premierships in 2004 & 2005. As a senior coach Alger has now overseen six premierships as he has also guided Korumburra, Nyora and in 2014 Buln Buln to flags over his amazing career.
The ground - that came in for much criticism during the week due to a centre mud patch held up well despite 35 millimetres of overnight rain and while the match only yielded ten goals – this was a more a product of outstanding defence by both sides.
Catani dominated the opening quarter but for all their efforts could only manage a 15 point lead at the first change. Rugged ruck rover Nick Visser, league best and fairest Paul Pattison and young gun Mitchell Davey the later who also kicked a first quarter goal left their mark on the game in the first term.
Early the second quarter the wind blowing towards the pavilion end and the end the Dusties were kicking to picked up and with a series of centre takeaways and goals to Johnny Ikupu, Josh and Luke O’Brien inside the first five minutes of the term the Dusties hit the front and the signs did not look good for the Blues. However Catani dug deep to repel repeated attacks over the next 15 minutes and a late goal by spearhead Owen Fitzpatrick tied the scores up and 22 points apiece at main break.
Warragul hit the front with a major by Shane Brewster early the third term but Catani replied shortly after when Paul Pattison reeled in a courageous mark and converted. A further goal by the Dylan Williams who was prominent during the quarter gave the Blues an eight point buffer at the last change.
In the final quarter Intense pressure and valiant defence from both sides made scoring almost impossible until a well-crafted left foot kick from an angle at the 20 minute mark by Shane Brewster dribbled through to give the Dusties hope. But time was against them. With only the one goal during the quarter the siren was near and this proved to be the case. It will rue kicking four shots on goal out of the full in the last term.
Catani ruck rover Nick Visser was awarded the VCFL best on ground medal. He tore at the ball all game and provided the midfield grunt. Blue chip recruit Paul Pattison and wingman Dylan Williams were both a driving force and the Blues back six were outstanding – in particular central defenders Aiden Cuff and Dale Johnson and rebounding half back Brett Williams.
Despite the loss the Dusties left no room for criticism and can consider themselves unlucky as it attacked the more often and won the inside fifties handsomely after quarter time.
Behind the centre Ben Northover, Cooper Minichiello, Travis Ogden and last line defender Matt Willis all offered plenty of resistance. Ruckman John Ikupu made his presence at both ends and Tye Holland, Shane Brewster and Tyson Bale all showed their customary desire and made strong contributions many times throughout the game.
It was an unforgettable day for Catani that also won the U/18 flag – their first ever at this level and also in a thriller by only two points. Neerim South won the reserves flag and Warragul Industrials the U/16s flag.
Last Modified on 17/09/2017 20:10
