2009 GRAND FINAL REPORT
By Peter Booth
FINAL SCORE – VERMONT 18-14-122 def CROYDON 11-12-78
The long climb back after round 7 to win a flag MUST go down as the Club’s GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT.
We salute 7 premierships each to Aaron Nummy and Mark Cullen. We salute every player who has played in the senior team this year.
Congratulations to Nathan Henley who was judged by the Media as best on the ground and won the Blue Shield Medal.
The big question on Grand Final day was – did we have one last big effort left after our big climb back Rushton came in for Henderson. The rain cleared before the game with a 2 goal breeze to the southern goal and Croydon had first use. There was plenty of pressure early with many ball ups. Greig, Froud and Mullett missed shots before Croydon goaled after 10 minutes. It took 20 minutes for Froud to kick our first goal and it came after Rushton was involved twice in the build up. Mendes and Greig missed again before the siren as we trailed at ¼ time by 4 points 2-3 to 1-5.
We kicked 6-7 to 3 goals in the 2nd term. Bardon kicked the first followed by a wonderful captain’s goal by Mullett. The Blues goaled then Greig kicked his first via Rushton and Papillo. Croydon replied then we really took over the last 10 minutes of the quarter. We were dominating the packs and putting on so much pressure – you could sense the determination of the group. Froud goaled via Henley then Johnson goaled. The enigmatic Froud missed a sitter from close range but immediately made amends. Greig marked on the siren and goaled and all of a sudden we were double their score. At half time we led 8-10 to 4-5. Better players for the half were Mullett, Henley Morse, Froud, Stephen, Papillo, Millhouse, Cullen, Bardon, Ross and McLure.
The 3rd quarter began with Croydon kicking 2 goals in 5 minutes and a timely free kick to Vermont saved another certain Blues goal. We steadied when Froud goaled via Henley and Cotchett. Cullen stood his ground and marked strongly and goaled with the ball coming via Henley and Cotchett. Unfortunately Rushton injured his hamstring and was out for the rest of the match. Cotchett who was having a purple patch was shifted on to the ball with immediate effect – we started doing better at the centre breaks. It was goal for goal. Bardon goaled after a 25 metre penalty then Greig goaled via Froud. Although Croydon had the breeze we outscored them and
late in the quarter Mullett goaled via Cotchett then Greig gave off to Froud who goaled. The Greig/Froud combination were like days of old. We kicked 6-1 to 5-3 for the quarter to lead at ¾ time 14-11 to 9-8.
Just like after ½ time Croydon came out blazing in the last term. McCarthy’s trusty fist saved a certain goal but Croydon kicked 2 goals in 4 minutes to get within 18 points and all of a sudden we were under threat. We lifted – Bardon missed an easy one before Mendes goaled. Mendes rarely has missed all year from a set shot. The Eagles pressure was fantastic. We then broke Croydon’s spirit when Greig kicked the next 2 goals via Cotchett and Henley. It was party time when Froud kicked his 6th via Greig. The duo kicked 11 goals between them. Our defence was terrific led by Morse, Millhouse, Fyfe and McCarthy and the 2 veterans Cullen and Nummy were wonderful. Our on ballers - Bardon, Henley, Stephen, Mendes and Mullett ran all day. The ruck combination of Ross and McLure is surely the best in the competition.
Goalkickers – Froud 6, Greig 5, Mullett 2, Bardon 2, and singles to Mendes, Cullen and Johnson.
Best Players – Henley, Froud, Morse, Mullett, Millhouse, Cullen, Bardon, Ross, Greig, McLure, Stephen, McCarthy, Mendes and Papillo. Cotchett had a terrific 2nd half.
Possessions – Mullett 28, Henley 25, Millhouse and Cotchett 23, Morse 22, Mendes 21, Stephen 20, McCarthy 19 and Bardon 18.
1% - McCarthy 16, Mendes 13, Henley 11, Ross 10 and Cullen 9.
Coach’s Comments – Both David Banfield and Greg Fremantle shared the podium and thanked the players and staff of their respective teams. David was making an official address at the Clubrooms that night.
***Finally - may I thank the stats team for their wonderful help this year especially John McCarthy.
Last Modified on 21/09/2009 11:16
