West Gambier entered their second consecutive WBFL Senior Grand Final as the hottest favorite since Black Caviar, against their fiercest rival North Gambier. West went into the final with an unchanged line-up from the 2nd Semi-Final and full of confidence after defeating North twice during the minor round, and playing on the league’s biggest arena against a team full of 30+yo players.
After a scare during the final Tuesday night training where CHF Dylan Bromley “tweaked” an ankle, he passed a Friday night fitness test to take his place in the starting 18 on the big day, and he didn’t show any ill affects early in the match gaining numerous possessions. Captain Luke Davey lost the toss and West were kicking against a swirling breeze. North got the early goal but goal-kicking ace Jarrod Ryan kicked the next two, the first a snap from the netball court pocket, the second an exquisite set-shot from a similar position on the boundary. North began getting some “charity” kicks but couldn’t capitalize on the possession, and Tom Holmes took advantage to drive through West’s third goal. At the end of the quarter North led 3.7 to 3.2.
The second quarter saw West begin well with goals to Nick Martin and Dylan Bromley to gain the lead and really begin to dominate possession. They really did pepper the goals but a lot of shots were from a distance and close to the boundary resulting in 7 straight behinds. One of the main culprits in Jarrod Ryan finally split the big sticks for his third, and Tyson Ploenges dragged one across his left shoulder to kick the final goal of the half. The West backmen took control of the North forwards as the midfield continually slowed up or repelled any North forays forward. With West being wasteful kicking 4.10 for the quarter, the team only conceded a single point and led comfortably by 28points at the major break but looking to be in complete control.
The first 10 minutes of the third quarter saw only the one goal to North before Mark Bourchier marked strongly and converted from 50m as the breeze had dropped to a zephyr. The next goal was decisive as much loved veteran and former club captain Jamie Croker followed play into the forward 50 to drive home the six-pointer. Team-mates came from everywhere to congratulate him as the crowd roared. West had all the answers to North goals, mainly provided by coach McConnell. As he kicked his 99th season major, Nick Martin responded with his second goal of the day and West held the advantage of 36points at the final change.
At the opening bounce of the final quarter Tim O'Brien palmed a beatiful ball down into Luke Davey's hands who delivered directly to Jarrod Ryan in the forward 50m arc. He then converted for his fourth goal of the match, and then the result was put well and truly out of North’s reach with Bourchier and Clinton Cowell kicking accurately to extend the margin to over 50 points.
The West crowd was in raptures with the performance while North supporters were very quiet after losing the other 3 Grand Finals they were involved in, and looking down the barrel of 4 from 4. McConnell kicked his 4th goal to register his 100th for the season which is a fine achievement. However West responded to all challenges with goals to on-ballers Josh Ransom and Tom Holmes. The siren sounded with West 49 point victors 16.21-117 to 9.14-68, and the crowd spilled on to the oval to celebrate with the ecstatic players.
When conversation turned to who would win the medal for the umpires choice of best-on-ground, it was difficult to pick a player who stood out as it was a true team effort. West captain Luke Davey received the Worksafe VCFL medal in a tireless performance in the centre, working hard across ground to transition the ball from defence into attack. Tim O’Brien in the ruck was influential around the ground, particularly dragging in numerous marks during the third quarter. Bromley positioned himself well and marked strongly but disposal let him down at times. Josh Ransom was particularly damaging early with his hand and foot skills, Tom Holmes strong at the football all day with clean disposal, Brad Wilson as usual was strong and skilful. Jarrod Ryan was a livewire up forward and could easily have kicked 6 or 7 goals, Steve Wenman was solid in defence and Kayne O’Brien blanketed recent heavy goalkicker Anthony Kilsby. Tory Weaver, Al Kennedy and Joel Carter ran into space to provide options out of defence, etc, etc, etc. You could name every player as there was no “passengers”.
Coach Ransom was rich in his praise of the skill and attitude of this young group, who had stretched their winning streak to 14 on-the-trot, and pointed out they have not lost a finals game in the last 2 seasons. The team took the cup and belted out the club song with the army of supporters before taking time out to reflect in the centre circle after the crowd dispersed.
It was a dominant and powerful display in crushing the club’s fiercest rival on the biggest day of the season, and it brought great satisfaction to the loyal and die-hard West supporters and past players.
Last Modified on 21/09/2011 12:05