Frankston YCW defeats Mt Eliza by 22 points in grand final to complete premiership three-peat
CELEBRATING premierships…Frankston YCW knows a thing or three about that.
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CELEBRATING premierships…Frankston YCW knows a thing or three about that.
The sensational Stonecats completed their second three-peat this decade - launching into a rendition of “Roll out the barrel’’ in the middle of a sun-drenched Frankston Park - after beating Mt Eliza by 22 points in the Peninsula league grand final on Sunday afternoon.
Flags in 2010, ’11, ’12, ’14, ’15 and ’16 cement YC as a powerhouse of peninsula football.
In this one, though, the Stonecats had to summon all their champion qualities.
Mt Eliza, zippy and hungry, surged 21 points ahead late in the second quarter in a low-scoring scrap.
The champs were swaying on the ropes.
Yet, they picked themselves up, snatched the lead in the third quarter and went on to win 10.9 (69) to 7.5 (47).
It was the perfect finish for Frankston YCW coach Scott Mathers, who has stepped down after three success-laden seasons at the helm.
He was emotional straight after the game.
“It’s special, mate,’’ Mathers said.
“And I think this one is probably the most special of any that we’ve had in the last seven years. We were just about out on our feet at halftime, against a really good opponent.’’
Mathers felt the game changed in an instant before halftime, when young defender Brenton Credlin intercepted a mark deep in defence, charged the length of the ground and found teammate David Bodley, who booted a timely goal to cut Mt Eliza’s lead to 16 points.
“That changed the dynamics of the game,’’ Mathers said. “That was a great illustration of how we needed to play in the last half.’’
Frankston YCW dominated the opening five minutes of the third term.
Stonecats forward Anthony Bruhn put his stamp on the game, kicking four goals in 20 minutes as YC hit the front for the first time since early in the game.
A desperate lung by young Jake Lovett prevented a certain goal by Will Mace, while Stingrays lad Matthew La Fontaine showed dash and skill.
Mt Eliza had its chances. Matt Lillie found Justin Van Unen but his set shot missed. It was YCW by three points at the last change.
With the flag on the line, Frankston YCW kicked the all-important opening goal of the last term when the ball got over the back to long-striding Zinzile Mosimaine, who nailed a long shot to put the Stonecats nine points in front.
Experienced pair Byron Barry and Ash Eames put their bodies on the line and showed poise as the intensity climbed. YC went 16 points ahead when livewire Paul Minchington’s long snap bounced through and Bruhn raised both arms triumphantly when he drilled the last goal of the game – his fifth - on his left boot.
Credlin deservedly won the medal for best-on-ground after an excellent job on Van Unen. For Mt Eliza, midfielder Rohan Heasley was superb, along with defender Jay Neratzoglou.
But it was YCW’s day, their season.
What a side, what an era.
Mathers poured praise on 37-year-old man mountain Ash Eames, who overcame ankle injuries to play a key role.
“There are some special blokes in that group. It was epitomised by what Eamesy was able to do today. He wasn’t the best on ground but he was certainly the most influential player,’’ he said.
Scott MacLeod was another star for the Stonecats, attacking the footy and using it so well.
Craig Nankervis, a throw-back to another era, is now a seven-time premiership player, while Byron Barry, Kyle Hutchinson, Jai Coghlan and Bodley all have six flags.
In the reserves, Mt Eliza beat Bonbeach 10.10 (70) to 4.1 (25) to make it three successive flags.
And Mt Eliza won the Under 19s, defeating Seaford 18.15 (123) to 6.7 (43).
Frankston YCW 2.2, 3.2, 7.7, 10.9 (69) d Mt Eliza 3.0, 6.1, 7.4, 7.5 (47).
Goals: Frankston YCW: A Bruhn 5, D Bodley 2, T Lester, P Minchington, Z Mosimane. Mt Eliza: W Mace 2, J Van Unen, M Stanley, B Lambert, Z White, M Davis.
Best: Frankston YCW: B Credlin, S MacLeod, A Bruhn, B Barry, P Minchington, A Eames. Mt Eliza: R Heasley, J Neratzoglou, M Lillie, S Gill, B Landry, D Barton.
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