In the Men’s Premier Division match, played for the first time under lights, Grand Final regulars Wollongong Lions faced up to newcomers Figtree Kangaroos, and a see-sawing battle ensued for the first three quarters. Every time it looked like the Kangaroo’s were about to break away, the Lions would respond, mainly through sharpshooter Sam Wilson who finished the night with five goals.
With just 6 points separating the teams at the final break, it was the Lions who came out the stronger in the final term and despite appearing to be well on top for most of the last quarter just couldn’t land the killer blow. They did however keep the Kangaroos to just the single goal in the final term and the sealer came late in the game, appropriately to Sam Wilson.
The Lions Premiership was their third in five seasons since returning to AFL South Coast and a great reward for a great season by the club again under coach Ray Burgess.
For Figtree, while understandably disappointed with the result, it was a fantastic season with many firsts, including the Club’s first ever First Grade Grand Final appearance. Will Ryan has patiently built a great culture and team and there is no doubt the Kangaroos will be a force in 2020 and beyond.
For the Lions, Kuiam Anu playing in defence was outstanding and repeatedly repelled the Kangaroo’s attacking raids turning defence into attack and was awarded the Best on Ground Medal. Lions skipper Jake Hogarth was also brilliant getting plenty of footy all over the ground while a five goal haul to Sam Wilson capped off a brilliant return season to AFL South Coast.
For the battered Kangaroo’s, Nick Stacey won plenty of footy around the ground while Daniel Perger and livewire forward Nick Hay played great games.
WOLLONGONG LIONS
Goal Kickers: S. Wilson 5, W. Cook, J. Price, T. Bishop
Best Players: K. Anu, J. Hogarth, S. Wilson, S. Forrest, C. Panagakos, W. Cook
FIGTREE KANGAROOS
Goal Kickers: N. Hay 3, R. Gordon 2, K. Churchill, S. Faulks
Best Players: N. Stacey, D. Perger, N. Hay, S. Faulks, J. Hennessy, C. Daly
Last Modified on 06/01/2020 09:04