WATSONIA claimed its first flag since 1987 with a 47-point triumph over Epping in the Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 grand final.
The Saints led virtually from go to whoa at Whittlesea Showgrounds to claim a 14.11 (95) to 6.12 (48) victory.
The win was a complete form reversal from when the teams met two weeks earlier in the second semi-final – which was won convincingly by the Blues.
The tipsters all went for Epping to win the flag – after going for Watsonia a fortnight earlier. The Blues had had the week’s rest and the Saints were without injured key play-maker Matt Businskas.
Joyous scenes followed as the Saints recorded their first flag in 29 years. They had dropped from second division to third division a few years ago after hitting rock bottom with a run of over 20-consecutive losses.
Corey McCall – in his second year at the helm – and his team erased the pain of a heart-breaking first semi-final exit at the hands of Epping in 2015.
His team’s ball movement was crisp and clean. They regularly began scoring chains from defence, but their pressure and defensive efforts were also top shelf.
As an example, Epping’s Daniel Moore looked to have a goal in his sights late in the contest. But Saints captain Matthew Crompton managed a great smother.
The umpires awarded best on ground to Levi Moss – who was terrific on the day. But there were many other Watsonia players who would have been worthy winners.
Adrian Alfonsi dominated in an amazing first term. He slotted three majors from snaps in the first term and missed two other shots. He has the honour of having Michael Robertson moved off him in the second term.
Xavier Kelly’s decision-making and disposal skills were exceptional off half back and he was often involved in scoring chains, while Daniel Norden was solid in defence.
Andy Bennett was lively across half forward and Jeremy Bennett provided another target up forward with three goals.
He also provided another highlight in the third term. Collecting the ball wide in the pocket, he swung onto his right – non-natural – side and managed to chip a pass to Jordan Brown for an easy goal.
An Andy Bennett snap shortly after set up Andrew Kidd to use his height and pull in a mark in the goal square. It put the Saints 31 points up and they never looked like losing from that point on.
Epping was unable to register a goal after half time. The Blues squandered multiple opportunities to give themselves a fighting chance.
Aaron Willitts looked to be the most dangerous forward for the Blues and had three goals to half time. He got plenty of the ball in the third term, but finished with four behinds. While two of his misses were difficult snaps, he should’ve nailed his set shot kicks.
His inaccuracy proved to be contagious late in the game – as Epping could not buy a goal.
Up the other end, Watsonia’s Jack Larkin put the icing on the cake with two goals on the run early in the final quarter.
His second was a gem. Helped by team mates running past, he considered handballing over, but his opponents backed off to cover the handball. Larkin then selected the best option and slotted the goal from 45 out directly in front.
Shane Wood was again one of the best for the Blues. He began forward and was then moved into defence. Daniel Moore showed why he won six best and fairest awards for Epping with some excellent contested marks and good use of the footy.
Watsonia coach Corey McCall was understandably delighted with his team’s performance in his official speech.
“Getting it right on the one day is what counts,” he said. “It was a team performance.” He then turned to his team and said “You made me so proud today.”
Epping has now been runner-up for the past two years.
“They surprised us with their intensity, and we never recovered,” Epping coach Greg Whitcroft said. “Congratulations to Watsonia – they played great.”
Final score: Epping 6.12 (48) def by Watsonia 14.11 (95)
