MACLEOD clinched its first Division 1 premiership in 44 years with a polished 21-point win against Greensborough in a pulsating grand final at Preston City Oval.
After leading for the entirety of the first half, Macleod’s chances of claiming its breakthrough flag looked like slipping through its fingers after a Josh Grubb-led fightback gave the Boro a nine-point buffer in the third term.
However, the Roos hardly put a foot wrong thereafter and produced a five-goal burst of their own to enter the final term with a decisive 23-point lead, before eventually winning 13.9 (87) to 10.6 (66).
Liam Brandt was named best afield for Macleod, with a commanding performance through the middle of the ground, just edging out skipper Kane Shaw for the honour.
The Roos last tasted Division 1 success in 1971 when they narrowly defeated Eltham by eight points – with this win breaking the longest flag drought of any side currently in Division 1 that has previously triumphed in the top flight.
Macleod’s midfield brigade, led by Brandt, was exceptional – with Lucas Hobbs and Hamish Paynter both playing crucial roles for the Roos in the clinches.
Shaw led the Roos’ defensive unit, whilst Steven Kelly, Joel Kidd and Jack Langford were all vital cogs in a machine that kept the heaviest scoring side in Division 1 to just ten goals for the afternoon.
With spearhead Rhys Boyden well contained by Shaw, Grubb (three goals) proved one of the Boro’s only avenues to goal.
Josh Callaway’s run and drive off the wings was important for Greensborough – whilst usual suspects Ricky Mullins, Lachlan McQuilken and Tristan Stead battled away in the midfield for the Boro.
Having been blown off Preston City Oval by the Boro in the first half of the second semi-final a fortnight ago, Macleod’s start in the grand final was much improved as it booted three of the game’s opening four goals.
The Roos created chances on the back of their ability to run and find space and were it not for a string of missed opportunities, could have found themselves more than eleven points ahead at the opening break.
Anthony Doherty pounced on a loose ball for Macleod and goaled inside the opening minute of the second term to give the Roos breathing space – allowing them to dictate the game and deny the Boro space to run and create.
Slowly Greensborough began to arrest momentum from the Roos and although it took until the 17-minute mark for Liam Emery to slot its first of the second quarter, the Boro entered half time just ten points in arrears.
The game burst to life in the third term – with Grubb and Callaway each kicking two majors to give Greensborough its first lead for the day.
McQuilken and Mullins were finding more space and looked like taking the game away from Macleod, however Matthew Yarwood’s goal against the run of play sparked the flurry of goals that turned the game in Macleod’s favour.
With its intensity and tackling noticeably increased, Macleod kicked the next five goals either side of three quarter time to take the game away from Greensborough.
Hobbs ensured the 2015 flag would be heading to De Winton Park with his major from close range at the 19-minute mark of the final term.
Having been promoted to Division 1 after winning the Division 2 flag in 2009, the 2015 premiership caps off a stunning rise to the upper echelon of the Northern Football League for Macleod.
Final score: Greensborough 10.6 (66) def by Macleod 13.9 (87)
