If nerves were ever a factor for blemishing Port Melbourne’s undefeated streak, the thought of breaking a premiership drought dating back to 1982 quickly eradicated all fear, as the Borough stormed home to claim their 16th premiership on Sunday. Brendan Lucas Reports.
With an age-old rivalry to show, and a strong recent record of 4-1 in grand finals on paper, Williamstown favoured their chances.
The stage was set, as the Seagulls were quick to jump out of the blocks kicking the first four goals of the game – Matt Panos leading the way with two.
Quarter time could not come soon enough for the Borough, who looked lost at sea; overusing the ball by hand and foot. Williamstown with a lead of 21 points.
It was Port Melbourne’s Malcolm Lynch who provided the spark early in the second term, as two pin-point deliveries inside 50 in the first five-minutes cut the Seagulls lead to 15.
Despite Williamstown’s familiarity with the ground, Port Melbourne started to use Etihad’s wide open space more effectively after shaking their first quarter nerves.
Port forwards Dean Galea and Patrick Rose were beginning to have an influence. Both their opponents James Mulligan and Dane Rampe were struggling to hold the electrifying duo as the Seagulls’ back six were consistently under siege.
Galea’s fourth goal of the quarter at the 21-minute mark gave Port the lead for the first time of the day, as the Borough carried all the momentum into half time.
The ruck duel provided a tantalising spectacle for fans, as Will Minson’s early dominance was thwarted quickly by David Fanning and Wayde Skipper who stepped up and gave their midfield first use.
Port’s ruthless, seamless attack through the midfield tore Williamstown to pieces, as Chris Cain, Sam Dwyer and Shane Valenti dominated. Teammate Toby Pinwill also capped off an exceptional year with a Norm Goss Medal for best on ground. Port now led by 21 points at half time.
The third term provided tough, contested football, with both sides kicking six each. A blistering goal from a stoppage to Nathan Djerkurra after some great tap work from Minson seemed to spark the Seagulls’ who rallied late.
However, it was the Boroughs’ Billy Burstin who stole the show minutes later with a seemingly impossible checkside from the boundary.
At the three quarter time huddle, Williamstown coach Peter German urged his players to give it one last shot, to roll the dice, and to run and spread as they still trailed by 21 points.
Stalwart Matt Panos provided the most efficient option up forward for the Seagulls,’ with his fourth at the 4-minute mark of the last reducing the deficit to 15.
Despite positive signs early in the final term, Williamstown’s rebound from half back lacked urgency, and was no match for Port Melbourne. Sam Pleming provided the structure and leadership that proved premiership sides are built around strong defences.
With 11 minutes to go, the Borough players were lining up for a goal as the premiership was all but lost for the Seagulls’. Goals to Cain, Galea with his sixth, Rose with his fifth and J.J. Liston winner Shane Valenti capped of a fairytale finish to what was a perfect season – the first since North Melbourne in 1918.
“I know we can look back and say we are premiers and champions but it has been four years in the making,” Port coach Gary Ayres said post-match.
“What we did today will never ever [happen] again, that’s the bottom line, whether it is retirements [or] recruits being drafted. I don’t mind if my whole side gets drafted because what that then does is exposes more people to the understanding that the Port Melbourne Football Club is a good teaching environment.
“For them to stand as tall as they have all year, it just says how remarkable and courageous this whole group is. They were pulling themselves over the line every single week,” he said.
“If you want to be the best, you have got to beat the best, and Williamstown today were a formidable foe.”
“I don’t think anyone should ever let fear determine or deter what they want to be or what they want to achieve. I am just very humble in the job that I do, because it is all these guys who are part of history today.”
Last Modified on 26/09/2011 14:27