EFL 2019: Ringwood left to digest grand final heartache for second consecutive year

Ringwood led the EFL Division 2 grand final by 39 points but had to digest grand final defeat for a second consecutive year after the decider ended in post-siren goal umpire controversy.

Ringwood coach Brett Rowe celebrated believing his side had won the EFL Division 2 grand final.

Ringwood kicked the opening six goals and led by 39 points at quarter-time, but the decider came down to a kick after the siren.

James Parker took a mark with just seconds remaining, and had a shot from 40m out directly in front at East Burwood Reserve to win the game.

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His shot was on target and Ringwood players celebrated believing they had achieved grand final glory after trailing by eight points in the final minute.

.@MitchamFC win the @footyefl Division 2 grand final by inches! The Tigers trailed by 39 points at quarter-time and survived a kick after the siren. pic.twitter.com/WhOc3XJ3Bo

— Toby Prime (@T_Prime2) September 15, 2019

But the goal umpire ruled the ball did not cross the goal line, giving Mitcham a two-point win and inflicting consecutive grand final defeats on the Redbacks.

Ringwood players after the final siren. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Rowe said he was devastated for his playing group, which was left to digest a 12.12 (84) to 12.10 (80) defeat.

Video of the frantic finish had opinions divided as to whether the ball crossed the line.

“I thought it was over, and I must admit, I was jumping up and down,” Rowe said.

“All of a sudden, I’m watching and there was a lot of movement down there (in the goalsquare) and everyone’s looking.

“To go from one high to absolute devastation, it’s hard to describe.”

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The goal umpire was in the perfect position to make the decision and Ringwood players appealed believing it had crossed the line.

“To me, it looked like it had carried going by the ball’s flight,” Rowe said.

“It looked like it was over but I wasn’t on the line so I can’t make that decision.

“To me, the way our blokes celebrated, I think (they) would have a fair idea whether it’s in or not.

“I went by their reaction thinking, ‘Yeah, it was done, it was over’ but the umpire didn’t make the decision so (it) stayed as it was.”

Did the ball cross the line?

It was finals heartache again for Ringwood.

The Redbacks entered last year’s grand final undefeated but were upset by Boronia in the decider.

They were also eliminated from the flag race in the preliminary final in 2016 and 2017, including a straight sets exit after finishing as minor premier two years ago, and featured in the elimination final in 2015.

Rowe said this year’s grand final defeat was “without a doubt” harder to accept than last season.

Players contest the ball on the goal line. Picture: Andy Brownbill

When asked how he would get the group back up to be a flag contender in 2020, he said: “It’s a hard question to answer.

“We’ve just got to try and motivate them as it gets closer to the next year.

“They worked really hard and they learned that they earned their spot here (this year).

“Hopefully that will drive them again to go, ‘Let’s work hard again’ (but) it will be hard for them to start off to get going.

Ringwood players appeal the decision. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“As you said, it’s probably been six years of sustained finals footy and being in the past two grand finals and we haven’t saluted.

“That will be the challenge, no doubt.”

Rowe will remain at the helm next year.

“I love this club. I love this group,” he said.

“They’re great young men and we’ll just recruit again, hopefully top up on what we’ve got, add a bit more depth and hopefully we can get it done.”

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