PEGS win senior and reserve flags in same season

PEGS have taken a major step towards its goal of rising up the grades after “really special” premiership victories for its top two teams on the weekend.

PEGS have taken a major step towards its goals of becoming a VAFA Premier B club after its top two senior teams rallied to division one premierships on Saturday.

The senior and reserve division one premierships marked a stunning turnaround for the club, which saw both sides come from outside the top four last season to win the ultimate this year.

The seniors just about did it all, winning every game bar one to win the minor premiership followed by Saturday’s grand final triumph.

It was the second division one premiership for PEGS in five years after they did it in 2017.

A fast-start saw PEGS lead 6.4 (40) to a point at quarter time, which they were able to hold onto in the end to win by 27 points at Trevor Barker Oval.

PEGS seniors celebrate their division one premiership win over Old Camberwell Grammarians. (Picture: Supplied)

Scott Whillas was the best player afield while Jack Fenner was lively with four goals alongside Riley Simmons who kicked two.

Andrew Horne and Cameron Livori continued their fine form from the qualifying final victory over Kew to feature in the best players again.

PEGS president Damien Cerantonio said it was a huge win for the club.

“There is so much work that goes into a footy season and as a club we really did everything right this season,” Carantonio said.

“You never deserve them but it was just reward for effort for the people, and no more than what the players have put in.

“To win a reserve and senior premiership in the same year is really special.

“So from a club point of view, we couldn’t be happier.”

Cerantonio credited senior coach Len Hannah, who teaches at PEGS, for his support in creating a strong connection between the school and club, which brought young players through.

Cerantonio said the young players at the club and future players being developed at the school by senior coach Mark Williams held the club in good stead for future success.

“We see ourselves as a B-grade club and we want to get there as quickly as possible,” he said.

“We have got a fantastic young group who are really driving the standards and really want this club to go up through the grades.

“So as much as we are going to celebrate what we have achieved this year, because we deserve to and the players do, we are really committed to future success.

“I really believe in the group and in the coaches we have around the club that this group of players can take the group forward again next year.”

PEGS reserves celebrate their VAFA Division one flag. (Picture: Supplied)

The reserve side had a nailbiting four-point victory over Kew at Trevor Barker Oval with Marcus Luisetto leading the charge with three goals for a best on ground performance.

PEGS led by 10 points at three-quarter time and held on in the final quarter to win, 8.10-58 to 7.12-54 as Kew kicked eight points to PEGS’ two.

Both sides will play in the VAFA Premier C competition next season.