WHITTLESEA clinched its third Division 2 premiership in six years with an epic three-point win over Lalor at Preston City Oval.
In what will be regarded as an all-time classic grand final, a late Nick Horman goal was enough to see the Eagles hold off a gallant Bloods side, with the final score 14.13 (97) to 14.10 (94).
Horman and Brett Hayes were dominant in attack, combining for six goals, while midfielder Todd Behan won the medal for best on ground.
After the game, triumphant coach Brad Dean announced he would not continue in his position next season, but said the town of Whittlesea would be abuzz in the many days ahead.
Having won the previous three encounters against Lalor this year, the Eagles were confident of continuing their good form over the minor premiers in the decider.
The advantage of kicking with the wind in the opening term would also boost the side’s chances of claiming another premiership.
Whittlesea came out of the blocks in stellar form, piling on the first five goals of the game. Brett Hayes converted three goals in the first 15 minutes, while Nathan Stefanile and Brenton Briffa added singles.
The enormity of the game seemed to have overawed Lalor, who seemed to lack composure. Poor kicking out of defence proved costly for the Bloods as it allowed Whittlesea to have numerous shots on goal and dictate play.
It took Lalor 17 minutes to register its first goal, which was kicked by star forward Todd Hughes. The goal ignited the Bloods, as they would eventually become more confident in their play.
Spencer Christopher, by far the Bloods most impressive player in the first term, attained possession in many attacking areas and helped set up goals for Nick Mafilovski and Nick Sandy in the latter half of the quarter.
Lalor’s strong end to the opening quarter saw Whittlesea lead by only 19 points at quarter time.
Lalor looked to replicate Whittlesea and take advantage of the breeze in the second term. However, despite moving forward on numerous occasions, the Bloods failed to convert their opportunities, due largely to the resilience of the Whittlesea defence.
The first goal of the quarter was a brilliant crumbing effort from Scott Dowell. But just as it seemed Lalor would get a stranglehold on the game, Brett Hayes took a contested mark in the forward pocket and kicked truly.
With time ticking down it appeared Lalor would not benefit from kicking with the wind. That changed when Nick Mafilovski converted his second and Scott Dowell booted a monster 60m goal to reduce the deficit to a single goal heading into half time.
With the match evenly poised, the third quarter was going to prove crucial to the final result.
Andrew Fairchild and Behan proved to be invaluable assets for Whittlesea. Up forward, Janan Daniel was proving to be a threat, kicking two of the Eagles four goals for the term.
For Lalor, it was Ben Curtiss from midfield and Hughes, who proved to be a handful. All attacking threats went through these two, with Hughes bagging two of the Bloods’ three goals.
Fifteen points was the margin between both sides heading into the final term of the Division 2 season. Within ten minutes of the last Whittlesea’s lead was cut to three points, thanks to goals from Jhye Baddeley-Kelly and Christopher.
But just as it appeared Lalor would run away with the game, Brenton Briffa found space and booted his third goal.
A goal to Mafilovski and another soon after from Hughes – who snapped truly from 45m – put the Bloods ahead for the first time all day at the 23-minute mark of the last quarter.
Unfortunately for the Bloods, Whittlesea was not going to give up trying. Nick Horman found enough space in the forward 50 to mark and goal, putting the Eagles back in front and sending the crowd into a chorus of ‘WHITTLESEA’.
With a matter of minutes remaining, the Eagles smartly held onto possession, slowing the game down and nullifying Lalor’s attacking threats.
As the quarter reached 30 minutes the siren finally sounded. Whittlesea players looked to the sky, elated by their achievement, while Lalor players dropped to the turf, heads in hands, feeling despair after the heartbreaking defeat.
The Eagles now return to the NFL top flight in 2016, while a successful season for Lalor fell just short at the final hurdle.
Final score: Lalor 14.10 (94) def by Whittlesea 14.13 (97)
