GREENSBOROUGH was crowned the NFL Division 1 reserves premier after defeating Northcote Park by 53 points at Preston City Oval.
After losing last year’s reserves grand final on the last kick of the day, the Boro fired through six majors in the third quarter to secure a 14.9 (93) to 6.4 (40) victory.
Greensborough’s Scott Conte was the well deserved winner of the best on ground medallion, winning lots of the ball and providing plenty of opportunities for his forwards.
It was stoppage after stoppage early in the first term. With the game in a competitive atmosphere, it wasn’t until a Matthew Hunt major in the seventh minute of the term before the first goal was scored.
The Boro kept attacking, taking advantage of the wind. Liam Bowkett goaled before Jake Rowe found space and kicked a fantastic goal to extend Greensborough’s lead.
Justin Chilcott pulled one back for the Cougars after there was hesitation in the goal square. However at quarter time it was the Boro by 13 points.
Northcote Park coach Matt McLennan was disappointed with his midfield during his quarter time address, ordering them to go “man on man” in the second quarter. He also demanded that his forwards must “continue to present” for the rest of the game.
It was a low-scoring second term that transpired. Northcote Park started to take control of the game however the Boro’s defence stood up well under increased pressure.
The only goal of the quarter came from the Cougars Nikolas McNiece, who scored an important major from outside 50.
Northcote Park had many more opportunities, however but could only manage another behind as it went into half time seven points down.
The third quarter was completely dominated by Greensborough. It was inside 50 after inside 50 from the Boro who took control of the game.
Hunt kicked his second major after smartly finding space and converting, before Scott Barnett goaled from the goal square.
The Boro continued their blitz with Bowkett kicking his second and Jack Didier booting his first from outside 50.
Great crumbing by Cameron Jordan resulted in him kicking his first before Bowkett kicked his third for the match, as the minor premiers took advantage of Northcote Park’s poor patch.
Joe Amad got one back for the Cougars but it was simply a consolation goal as Northcote Park went into three-quarter time 40 points down.
Greensborough coach Wayne Darrington was very impressed with his side’s third quarter performance.
However, he didn’t get too complacent in his address, telling his troops to “concentrate” and to “finish them off” in the last quarter of the season.
Greensborough again started impressively in the last term with Sam Parks and Didier kicking back to back goals in the first 10 minutes.
Liam Waldron and Raid Elasmar both kicked goals in quick succession to reduce the deficit for Northcote Park, but it was too little too late.
Rowe and Jordon both kicked their second majors for the match, with captain Damien Toomey also slotting a goal to seal the deal for the Boro.
As well as Conte, Bowkett was important all day for Greensborough, kicking three goals to reward his teammates’ efforts up the field.
Meanwhile, Jordan was courageous throughout the match, always protecting his teammates and kicking two goals along the way.
Liam Waldron was a shining light for the Cougars, providing plenty of run and carry as well as assisting McNiece’s goal and kicking one himself.
Final score: Greensborough 14.9 (93) def Northcote Park 6.4 (40)
