The rise of Canterbury to VAFA Division 2

Canterbury had experienced the highs and lows of finals footy in the last three years but finally lifted the premiership cup on Saturday. Here’s how the Cobras reached a club first.

Canterbury celebrates its premiership. Photo: Facebook.

Canterbury have consistently faced challenges in the last three years but they finally broken through for its desired premiership.

In 2022, the Cobras were just a second away from a preliminary final as the siren sounded as John Nicolopoulos ran into an open goal.

In 2023, they were beaten by a powerful Elsternwick.

Then the 2024 pre-season saw a coaching change with ruckman Josh Ward stepping up with Michael Topp, who remained on-board as a player, stepping down.

Ward picked over 50 senior players in his side this season and 23 players went to Europe throughout the year.

It made the Division 3 premiership, the club’s second since joining the VAFA, all the more sweeter.

The Cobras proved too good for St John’s at Martin Reserve, winning by 29 points.

“I always knew we had the group, the constant unavailability was our biggest challenge,” Ward said.

“Our side was consistently changing and come the back end of the year I knew there were going to be some difficult decisions.

“It still probably hasn’t settled in yet, it’s such a whirlwind feeling at the moment.”

Ward has already confirmed he will step down as the Cobras’ senior coach. In his own words, his body needs a rest.

Canterbury will step in Division 2 for the first time in the club’s history next season.

“Hopefully the challenge of a higher division can motivate the right person to take on the role,” he said.

“Three years ago, the club worked hard to bring a lot of guys in and a lot of the core group is there. If you can attract the right person, there’s no reason the club can’t continue to move forward the way it has been.”

St John’s coach Tim Edwards told VAFA Media while the result was painful he was proud of where his group had come from.

“Disappointing result. Canterbury played an excellent brand of footy and were really tough and well drilled. Unfortunately, we ran out of soldiers and had nothing left in the tank late … This one really hurts but I’m proud of where the club has come from. I know this group will be even more determined next year to go one better,” Edwards said.

Canterbury 11.22 (88) defeated St John’s 9.5 (59)

Canterbury’s best: Tom Lowden, Brad Kelleher, John Nicolopoulos, James Boarotto, Mitch Szabo, Nathan Beacom