EDFL Premier Division: Strathmore win grand final in extra time

Strathmore is on top of the EDFL mountain after overcoming Aberfeldie in extra time as fans witnessed arguably the competition’s best ever grand final.

Strathmore couldn’t have picked a better way to end an eight-year premiership drought.

And it was the best way for an Essendon District Football League Premier Division grand final to play out for the first time since 2019.

In one of the competition’s greatest deciders of all time, Strathmore prevailed 11.11 (77) to 8.13 (61) over Aberfeldie to claim its first premiership since 2014.

Scores were locked at 60-apiece on the final siren which meant play continued for two extra five-minute periods.

Strathmore had forced extra time after late goals to Andrew Gallucci and Mitch Purcell, which was the leveller.

Strathmore celebrate on the siren. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Purcell then kicked the breakaway goal in the second half of extra time before Daniel Mammoliti, who also kicked the first of the day, put the icing on the cake with seconds remaining.

Mores coach Matt Horne was stunned by what he had seen.

“We started the last quarter really badly, they had nine uncontested marks to one which is something we really valued at three-quarter-time,” he said.

“It looked like it was slipping away but the boys just willed themselves to the end at every contest. There was supreme efforts at the end there.

“It’s been a long time coming. We’ve had preliminary final losses, the Covid year where we weren’t able to play and then last year which we weren’t able to complete.

“Craig Clinnick who is my assistant coach played in one (an extra time grand final) in 2005 and my business partner had an overtime in the Northern league last weekend,” he said.

“We did plan what we were allowed to do and stuff like that. But you can’t do too much to plan for those things.

“We had no rotations it was a great effort. I’m super, super proud.”

Strathmore coach Matt Horne and captain Sam O’Loughlin. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Extra time had it all, Strathmore took the lead through a rushed behind, a score which drew one of the loudest roars of the day from the crowd.

Purcell and Jury kicked behinds before Lucas Rocci missed an opportunity to put Abers in front after snapping on his left.

Veteran Adam Iacobucci was named best on ground after a dominant display in the midfield while Will Jury also impressed.

Luke Jarrard floated across halfback and was able to break the game open with his elite left foot as Daniel Mighell won his battle with Aberfeldie forward Sam Paea.

Andrew Vavra’s battle in the ruck with Nick Meese was enthralling throughout the afternoon.

“There’s so many you could name in that last quarter who had an impact,” Horne said.

“It was just grit and determination.”

Strathmore players celebrate with the premiership cup after winning the EDFL Premier Division grand final. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Strathmore took home two of the three premierships on offer after the under 18.5s won by three points in a thriller against Maribyrnong Park.

Unfortunately Keilor was too good for the Mores’ reserves.

“We want that reserves flag more than more people would know,” he said.

“We talk about a three-flag mentality, it gave us an extra buzz on the track this week with 50 blokes on the track but unfortunately they came up short.

“But they’ll be back to give it another shot.”

Strathmore also deserves credit for the sportsmanship they displayed with Aberfeldie postgame.

When approaching opposition players after they received their medals, they removed them before shaking hands and exchanging hugs.

For Aberfeldie, Tim Currie was named the best player on the ground.