Port Melbourne has claimed its first premiership in 29 years after defeating Williamstown by 56 points at Etihad Stadium on Sunday as James Hunter Smith reports.
The Borough withstood a determined Seagulls outfit early after trailing by 27 points in the first quarter yet clawed its way back to win 22.12.144 to 13.10.88.
Thousands of Port fans streamed onto the field shortly after the final siren and joined their new premiership team in song which oozed pride.
The win saw the Borough achieve a perfect 21-0 season, a feat that hasn't been seen since North Melbourne in 1918, and become the first stand alone team to win a premiership since alignments began in 2000.
Dean Galea (six goals) and Patrick Rose (five) were instrumental in their team's win, while Wayde Skipper, Malcolm Lynch and Sam Dwyer found plenty of the ball.
Toby Pinwill was crowned best on ground for his 26-disposal effort and took home the Norm Goss Medal.
Port Melbourne coach Gary Ayres said he was ecstatic with the win yet highlighted that the premiership was a result of a long-term plan.
"I know we can look back and say we are premiers and champions but it's been four years in the making," he said.
"There's a lot of people who've put the team together."
Ayres said the slow start didn't concern him as he knew his team had enough mental toughness to lift.
"I wasn't overly concerned. You've got to have confidence in your group and in what they can do," he said.
"But they're just a very special group and I know i'll certainly remember them forever."
Port registered its first major via ruckman Wayde Skipper 18 minutes into the opening term yet found itself trailing by 21 points at the first break.
But the Borough put any doubts behind them and demonstrated why they were the best team all year by slamming seven goals to one in the second quarter.
Williamstown was denied any opportunity to apply scoreboard pressure as the Port midfielders lifted their intensity and work rate.
Dean Galea slotted four majors for the quarter and led his side's revival as the Borough entered the main break 21 points up - a 42-point turnaround since quarter time.
The Seagulls worked hard in the third term yet Port found all the answers - every time Williamstown kicked a goal, Port would reply with two or three.
Etihad Stadium came alive after Billy Burstin nailed an absurd goal from the boundary line late in the quarter, throwing his arms in the air in celebration well before the umpire gave it the all-clear.
Williamstown had a chance to stage a comeback through Matthew Cravino and Brennan Stack late in the quarter but inaccuracy got the better of them.
Quick goals to Nathan Batsanis and Chris Cain early in the final quarter saw the game wrapped up and the Borough on their way to premiership success.
But the true celebrations began when Malcolm Lynch spotted J.J. Liston Trophy winner Shane Valenti with minutes left, who nailed the final goal of the game in fitting style.
Ayres admitted the current team is an exceptional group, yet it would be unrealistic to expect the same lineup take the field next season given retirements and AFL signings.
"That's the sad thing about it so what we did today - this group will never be together again," he said.
"That's the bottom line.
But Ayres said for now the fans should cherish the premiership and lauded their support all season.
"This is one for them because they haven't tasted success since 1982," he said.
Photo credit: Damian Visentini
Last Modified on 28/09/2011 09:42