West Preston has put an end to the supreme Heidelberg dynasty by snatching the premiership cup with a 21-point win the 2010 Northern Football League Division 1 Grand Final.
Just two weeks ago the Roosters suffered an embarrassing loss to the reigning premiers and were looking to rectify last fortnight’s thrashing.
West Preston started off strong with pressure and tackling intensity that was second to none. Full of confidence West Preston attacked the ball and Rooster Andrew Dobby slotted the sides first of two consecutive goals to put the heat on the reigning champs.
True to form, the Bergers immediately responded. Heidelberg kicked three unanswered goals despite sustaining injuries to key duo Anthony Franchina and Sean Logie that limited the side’s rotation to just 20 players.
Adam Coff and Fabian Dorbolo were on the last line of defence constantly driving the ball forward out of the Heidelberg danger zone.
Despite the casualties, Heidelberg was able to take a ten point lead at the first change.
West Preston coach Vin Dattoli was furious with his side emphasising they needed to “sustain pressure for the course of the day, not just for a brief period”. Dattoli continued to highlight that Heidelberg were playing two men down and they needed to use it to their advantage.
Heidelberg began to control the game on their terms and had fans from both sides believing it was the beginning of a hiding and a repeat of recent years.
Bolting through the centre corridor, Heidelberg easily spotted up targets as they went forward. Not only did William Drapac provide great run and carry, he contributed to the scoreboard slotting one from just inside 50.
Under pressure, the Roosters continued to over handball and rush their kicks. Heidelberg had extra numbers around the footy and easily won the clearances.
It was a disappointing quarter for the Roosters but they considered themselves lucky as the margin could have been a lot worse that the 17-point difference at the main break.
It appeared that the Roosters had finally put their foot on the accelerator in the early stages of the second half. The Roosters were composed when in possession and were prepared to put their bodies on the line.
West Preston was clawing their way back and momentum had dramatically changed. Glenn Robertson optimised the shift in momentum, steadying, selling some candy and nailing a shot from 50 out. The Roosters had snatched the lead that the Tigers had held for so long. The grandstand erupted and the thought of a West Preston premiership win beckoned.
At three quarter time after Dattoli recomposed himself he told his players, “We need to stay on our bikes”. He continued to say “we talk about inspirational stuff, 30 more minutes!”
Surprisingly Heidelberg didn’t look like the ruthless team they had in past appearances. They looked stagnant and were simply chasing their West Preston counterparts for large parts of the final quarter.
Jacob Ramaekers was explosive off the wing providing great run and was prepared to put his body on the line at the stoppages.
Forwards Billy Morrison and Damian Smith provided strong leads and multiple avenues to goal. The power forwards only kicked three goals between them but were able to lift the side at the right moments.
West Preston worked as a team, provided support and had great awareness of teammates at the stoppages. The Roosters worked hard for the one-percenter’s that had eluded them in the past, and particularly in the first half.
The final siren sounded and the Rooster fans flocked from the sidelines to join the West Preston contingent at the centre of the ground to celebrate their 21-point victory.
West Preston’s Jake Williams was awarded the best on ground medal for his outstanding contribution to the West Preston victory.
After accepting the premiership medallion, Dattoli addressed the crowd sending commiserations to Heidelberg but said to his side that “these are the best feelings you will ever feel boys, we are going to celebrate tonight!”
Heidelberg3.4 7.6 8.8 9.12 (66)
W Preston Lakeside 2.0 5.1 11.5 13.9 (87)
GOALS:
Heidelberg: Nolan 2 Drapac 2 Caddy Anderson Coff Dobson Harvey
W Preston Lakeside: Robertson 3 Smith 2 Ramaekers Morrison B Micevski Fahour Bardon Sanderson Dobby McKenzie
BEST:
Heidelberg: Brunelli Seiter Coff Dorbolo Anderson Symes
W Preston Lakeside: Williams Meese Gannon P Micevski Watt Ramaekers
Last Modified on 05/08/2012 23:35