1991 1st XV111 Premiership Team
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Backs
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Denis Brooks
(21)
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Craig Brown
(49)
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Trevor Morris (Coach)
(10)
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Half Backs
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Colin Low
(17)
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Malcolm Moon
(2)
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Bevan Cleeland
(11)
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Centres
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Mark Bell
(1)
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Pat Muzzi
(26)
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Russell Osborne
(24)
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Half Forwards
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Patrick Ryan
(15)
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Greg Hixon (Captain)
(23)
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Graham Walker
(29)
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Forwards
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Scott Waasdorp
(37)
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Glen Coghlan
(7)
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Mick Power
(20)
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Rucks
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Anthony Wilson
(25)
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Mick Cleeland
(5)
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Rover
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Darren Scott
(3)
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Interchange
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John Fairley
(12)
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Neil Walker
(56)
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Scores
Waaia : 5.3, 6.6, 10.9, 14.12, ~ 14.12 (96)
Mathoura: 3.3, 5.4, 10.6, 13.6, ~ 13.6 (84)
Waaia Goals: Glen Coghlan 5, Graham Walker 3, Neil Walker 2, Darren Scott 1,
Patrick Ryan 1, Russell Osborne1, Scott Waasdorp 1.
Waaia Best Players: Anthony Wilson, Malcolm Moon, Denis Brooks,
Darren Scott, Greg Hixon, Glen Coghlan
* From Shepparton News, September 16, 1991*
Waaia snatches hat trick!
The Waaia Football Club wrote itself into the history books when it won its third consecutive Picola League premiership at Katunga on Saturday.
And to add to the glory, the Bombers remained undefeated this season after winning their 20th game on the trot in downing the tenacious Mathoura side by just two goals.
After a nail biting finish to the grand final, the final scores were Waaia 14.12 (96) to Mathoura 13.6 (84).
Throughout the game, the flag was always up for grabs with scores being close all day and both teams giving everything. The Bombers led all day but with only seven minutes to go in the final term, Mathoura hit the front for the first time in the game after a goal from Jamie Murphy.
All of a sudden it appeared as though the Timbetcutters were going to finish off too strongly for the Bombers and snatch the flag.
But promising Waaia 15~year~old Neil Walker soon replied with a goal to give the Bombers the lead again. Then with only a minute to go, Waaia full forward Glen Coghlan booted his fifth goal to seal the game.
Mathoura may not have had the best of luck with the umpiring decisions during the final minutes of the game but had its chances earlier to assert its ascendancy
But overall Waaia had to much depth and class for the game Timbercutters and deserved its victory.
The key player in the grand final was Pearce Medal winner Anthony Wilson, who dominated the ruck duels for Waaia and marked strongly around the ground. His battle with Mathoura coach and 1990 Pearce Medallist, Chris Duggan, in the ruck was breath~taking with the injury plagued Duggan lowering his colors to the athletic youngster.
Another great two~out duel took place between star Mathoura centre half forward, Chris Doyle and strong marking Waaia centre half back Malcolm Moon. Doyle booted four goals for the Timbercutters and I thought he was Mathoura`s best player, however Moon ranked for Waaia.
Waaia coach, Trevor Morris was more relieved than elated when I spoke to him after the game. `there was a lot of pressure on the players as they were undefeated this season and playing for history,` he said.
~When the other side hit the front, our never say die attitude showed out and I am very proud of the players.
`Mick Power (last year`s premiership coach and current player) addressed the players at three quarter time and he touched a chord which lifted us in the final term.`
The match was a dour struggle throughout with little more than two goals at the most separating the sides.
Early in the game, Waaia was able to keep its forward line open which allowed full forward, Coghlan plenty of scoring opportunities.
Along with Wilson, Moon and Coghlan, the Bombers were well served by captain and strong marking Greg Hixon, back pocket Denis Brooks, Darren Scott roving and Patrick Ryan on a back flank.
The Mathoura Timbercutters had many good players with Doyle standing out. Anthony `Yogi` Briggs did well on a wing, Tim McCormick and Wayne O`Brien roving, Damien Doyle on a back flank and James Doyle in a back pocket all contributed well.
Mathoura coach, Duggan, played his heart out and understandably was most despondent whin I spoke to him after the match.
`I am proud of the Mathoura players, they did a top job,` he said.
