Panton Hill broke a 58-year premiership drought by the narrowest of margins against a tenacious Watsonia outfit at Epping Recreation Reserve.
In an entertaining Division 3 Grand Final that thrilled the large crowd in attendance, the Redbacks prevailed 13.9 (87) to 13.8 (86) to claim their first flag since 1955 – when competing in the Panton Hill Football League.
Having won its previous 11 matches heading into the Grand Final, the Redbacks were warm favourites and the match appeared to be going according to the script in the first term.
Although going too wide when entering their forward 50m, they seemed to be controlling the game.
Abe Williams, winner of the best on ground medal, kicked two of his three goals early on to help the Redbacks get their noses in front.
On three occasions during the day, the Redbacks pushed out to more than a two-goal lead, only to have the Saints hit back to regain the lead.
Panton Hill got out to its biggest lead of the match midway through the final term. They were 19 points up, and appeared to be cruising to victory.
But Watsonia responded yet again. The first of four goals in quick time came when Tony Hogg kicked it off the ground from the square.
Jeremy Bennett had been well held by Jeremy Gercovich, apart from almost taking the mark of the year in the second term. But he snapped a good goal after a series of handpasses.
A Brendan Cottier conversion after a great tackle on Byron was followed by another snapped goal by Bennett, putting the Saints in front in red time and their fairytale season looked to be complete.
However, more twists and turns awaited.
Brendan O’Connor passed to Jarrod McGough 35m out on a tight angle. McGough’s shot never looked like missing and the lead changed yet again.
At the next centre bounce, Tyler Scarce – one of the Redbacks’ best throughout the afternoon – found the quiet Ben Finnin inside 50m.
Finnin’s shot from about 45 metres out surprisingly fell short. Fortunately for him, Zac Williams took a hanger and put his team seven points up.
There were 90 seconds left on the clock. Coach Dean Haydock, on the sidelines with a sore knee, was breathing a little easier.
The relentless Saints surged forward again. A desperate Jeremy Bennett tackle forced a turnover and the resultant kick was marked by Brody Ricardi.
Ricardi’s fourth goal from an angle reduced the margin to a single point. But the siren sounded immediately to leave the Saints agonisingly short of the ultimate prize.
The large contingent of Panton Hill supporters felt a mixture of joy and relief. It would have seemed unjust to them to be back-to-back minor premiers without a flag.
Speaking after the game, premiership coach Dean Haydock said the flag was a culmination of years of hard work.
“This flag was 2 years in the making,” Haydock said.
“The players were inspired by the 1955 premiership players and it was fantastic to celebrate our wins together.”
Alan Lacey, back pocket in Panton Hill’s 1955 premiership team, presented the cup to Dean Haydock and captain Will Box. Then the raucous celebrations began.
Despite being shattered at the loss, playing coach Lochie Dornauf stressed that he couldn’t be prouder of his side’s effort on the day and throughout the entire season.
He also noted that they wore their hearts on their sleeves and took risks. This was certainly true, but they also matched it with the Redbacks in the clinches.
Dornauf was among the best for is team, with big men Daley Bear and Tom Walliss acquitting themselves well.
In a reversal of the senior game, the Saints held on to win the reserves flag by eight points against the Redbacks earlier in the day.
Final score: Panton Hill 13.9 (87) def Watsonia 13.8 (86)
