Victorian Amateur Football Association: Whitefriars completes its perfect sweep of the season with grand final win over Brunswick NOBs
No-one had managed to get the better of Whitefriars all season and no-one was going to do it on grand final day.
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Whitefriars claimed the Division 2 grand final at Box Hill City Oval on Sunday, a historical final act to what was the fairytale of an undefeated season.
Though Brunswick NOBs led the Friars by four points at halftime, it wasn’t long before the Friars belted out six goals to two to become Division 2 premiers, 10.14 (74) to 7.7 (49).
Since the opening bounce of the season, no team has been able to stand in the way of Kristan Height’s boys and the silverware.
“Winning the grand final results in us having the perfect season, so it’s a great accomplishment,” Height said after the game. “We’re really happy with just how the boys have worked, their effort and their commitment to the club and to me as coach has been unbelievable.
“They’ve got their reward now.”
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With the seniors bringing home the trophy for the first time since 2002, Whitefriars will move up to Division 1 next year.
Toby McGurgan was essential to the Friars’ victory after working his magic in defence, while Mark Stafford finished the day with three important goals.
“After halftime, the boys really stood tall and that was something I was really happy with,” Height said.
“Brunswick were very good today, they challenged us throughout the game and I was really pleased that our boys responded to the challenge.”
While he also managed to win the league best and fairest medal this season, Height said the biggest reward in footy will always be the premiership flag.
“You obviously don’t play for individual accolades, but I suppose it is nice to win those things and look back on as you retire,” he said.
“Obviously the main focus was that we qualified for finals ... and won the grand final.
“That’s what you play footy for isn’t it? To win that grand final, the team success.”
VAFA Division 2 Grand Final
Whitefriars v Brunswick NOBs
Box Hill City Oval (Sunday, September 15)
Whitefriars 3.6 4.6 8.9 10.14 (74)
Brunswick NOBs 2.0 5.4 5.5 7.7 (49)
WHITEFRIARS Goal Kickers: M. Stafford 3, C. Hickey 2, J. Connellan 2, D. Wood, A. Hands, M. Nitas Best Players: T. McGurgan, M. Stafford, H. Murray, K. Height, A. Marcello, M. Ravenarki
BRUNSWICK NOBs Goal Kickers: J. Schmidt 2, J. Adkins 2, C. Gavaghan, J. Perez, N. Burgin Best Players: P. O’’Donoghue, N. Burgin, D. King, L. Whelan, J. Perez, M. Brown
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