Panton Hill claims the NFL Division 3 premiership with a crushing grand final win over South Morang

Panton Hill couldn’t have planned it any better. From the first bounce the Redbacks were the dominant force in the NFL Division 3 grand final against South Morang and were rewarded with a premiership.

Panton Hill celebrates its Division 3 premiership. Picture: Andy Brownbill

As the A-Team’s Hannibal Smith said “I love it when a plan comes together”.

Panton Hill’s NFL Division 3 premiership victory on Saturday was two years in the making and the 40-point win over South Morang could hardly have gone smoother.

After winning the toss, the Redbacks produced a blistering opening term, kicking six goals to nil, and the Lions never recovered.

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Hillers coach Steve Layt believed his club was building something special and the 11.13 (79) to 5.9 (39) triumph at Whittlesea Showgrounds was just the start.

“Everything went to plan, magnificently,” he said.

“There were no second prizes today, absolutely none, it would have been a completely different set of circumstances next season if we had have lost.

Panton Hill coach Steve Layt and captain Mitchell Anderson with the premiership trophy. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Panton Hill celebrates its Division 3 premiership. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“We’ve recruited well, we’ve got some good mates playing together, who’s come to the club for the right reasons.

“It’s not easy to recruit to Panton Hill but we’re starting to building a reputation as a club that players want to come to.”

Hillers star Daniel Freeman inspired his team and his performance was rewarded with the best on ground medal.

Freeman was a driving force for the Redbacks through the midfield and also kicked three goals, including two in the first-term blitz.

Tim Duckworth was arguably best on ground in the first half off half-back and added to his 2013 premiership.

While after missing the 2013 flag due to a devastating injury in the preliminary final, Nathan Hendry wasn’t going to let another chance slip away, dominating in the wet, windy and muddy conditions.

A Panton Hill players flies over the top of the pack. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Alek Tsardakis and Aiden Grace keep their eyes on the ball. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Motivated by last year’s grand final loss, the Redbacks’ 2019 was picture perfect — a 14-2 regular season, minor premier — and now a trip to Division 2 in 2020.

“This group will go through to Division 2. We may have to look at some extras to add to the group,” Layt said.

“They will hold themselves pretty well in that league, that’s all part of the plan, we wanted to win and win well to build some momentum.”

South Morang skipper Matthew Robinson was a clear standout for the defeated Lions, holding the league’s leading goalkicker Rhys Boyden to just one goal — the game’s first in the opening minutes.

Fellow defender Reece Jones subdued Matt Byron despite giving away height and weight, while youngsters Mitch Kalpakis and Nathan Bell impressed again.

The under-19s pair’s season isn’t over yet as they’ll suit up for South Morang in this weekend’s Division 2 Under-19 decider against Mill Park.

Panton Hill players celebrate after the final siren. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Dejected South Morang players after the Division 3 grand final. Picture: Andy Brownbill

The Lions lost Tye Hall to an ACL in the preliminary final and James Hewson in the warm-up.

South Morang coach Gary Hall conceded the better team won but believed his team was capable of returning to the summit in 2020.

“They’re right in their prime, Panton Hill, they were the best side all year and that’s how they played. Credit to them,” he said.

“We’ll be another year older, another year bigger, stronger and we’ll have another crack next year and be around the mark."

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