Heidelberg came from behind at half time to defeat Greensborough in the Division 1 reserves Grand Final at Preston City Oval.
The Tigers slotted 10 goals to Greensborough’s three in the second half to win 13.5 (83) to 6.13 (49).
It was a remarkable turnaround for the Tigers, who only won one game in 2012 in the reserves competition. The 2013 side was bolstered by a number of under-19 players coming up, plus some recruits.
The Boro had been specialists at getting off to a good start throughout the 2013 season and the Grand Final was no different.
They looked clearly the better side in the first half and their five-point lead at the main break understated their early dominance.
They were outrunning their Heidelberg opponents and often appeared to have extra players on the field.
Greensborough players were breaking away from stoppages and also had the wall set up to effectively keep the ball inside their forward half. But, when inside 50, they missed shots and made poor decisions.
Conversely, the Tigers were more effective in attack. Fabian Dorbolo turned defence into attack many times for the Tigers and had even ventured down forward for a goal of his own.
But their best effort in the opening haf was from Joel Harris, who marked 35m out on the boundary to score his team’s only second-quarter goal.
Heidelberg coach Craig Whtbourne had both Michael Russo and Tobi Kennedy keeping a close check on Jason Rogers and kept him from dominating.
After the main break, it was again the Boro who had the ball in their forward half early, but they failed to capitalise with a goal.
Heidelberg then had its turn to dominate possession and the momentum of the game changed. It began winning the clearances and making use of its ruck dominance.
Diminutive Danny Allan was awarded best player in the post-game presentation. He won plenty of the ball during this period.
Sean Logie was another of the best and his brilliance began the Tiger onslaught.
Their first third-term goal came when Logie broke clear in the centre square and goaled after a give and get handball. He also assisted in several forward thrusts.
The Tigers scored four goals to nil in a 10-minute period and seemed to have gained a stranglehold on the contest.
But a goal on the siren at the last break by Boro’s Matthew Tarr reduced the margin to 13 points.
During his three-quarter time address, Greensborough coach Wayne Darrington urged his players to regain lost composure, run and spread.
The most dangerous forward for the Boro was Luke Harbinson – taking several strong contested marks. But he didn’t have his kicking boots on. In the final term, he kicked 1.2 from set shots. His third shot could have put his team within six points early in the quarter.
From then on, it was all Heidelberg. The Tigers couldn’t miss, kicking six straight goals in the final stanza to runaway with the premiership.
Captain Matthew Sutton finished the game well and took a wonderful contested mark to score the final goal of the game.
Michael Evans, Rhys Lambert and Tait Forster had been gallant in defence for Greensborough, while Christopher Clark was their best in the midfield.
Boro coach Wayne Darrington praised his players during his speech at the presentation. Later he remarked that the seconds team was the heart and soul of the footy club.
Craig Whitbourne was delighted to see his Tiger charges come through for a win.
"It was a well deserved win,” he said, "and they ran over the top of Greensborough in the second half.”
Final scores: Greensborough 6.13 (49) def by Heidelberg 13.5 (83)
