Xavier Dimassi claims NFL Division 2 grand final best-on-ground medal

From the disappointment of relegation to premiership glory, Xavier Dimassi’s time at Whittlesea has been extraordinary and he capped the season with a dazzling grand final best-on-ground display.

Xavier Dimasi was best on ground in the Division 2 grand final. Picture: Hamish Blair

Xavier Dimassi has experienced the lowest of lows and highest of highs in his two years at Whittlesea.

After the bitter taste of relegation in 2018, the star midfielder led his team back to the Northern Football League’s top tier on Saturday.

Dimassi was the recipient of the medal for best afield as the Eagles claimed a stunning 27-point Division 2 grand final triumph over Banyule.

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“I’m pretty lucky to be a part of this side, all the boys played well, anyone could have been wearing this today,” Dimassi said.

“Especially after the year we’ve had, coming back from relegation and a really tough year last year, to bounce back and win it is a huge effort.

“People might not realise the effort it takes to go back up straight away. It’s a credit to all the boys, Stinger (coach Blair Harvey), it’s a mad year.

Xavier Dimasi bombs Whittlesea into attack. Picture: Hamish Blair

“It’s been an interesting two years, two completely opposite years, but I love the club. It’s a good place to be.

“You can see if we stick together we can make an impact in Division 1. It’s going to be a big year (2020).”

The former Box Hill Hawks onballer produced one of the highlights of the day.

In the opening minute of the second quarter, Dimassi’s intercept mark sparked a swift counter-attack.

As Clancy Bland marked deep in the forward pocket, Dimassi sprinted forward to get on the end of a short pass and made no mistake to put Whittlesea 19 points up.

Dimassi’s four-quarter performance earned him the medal but several Whittlesea teammates played inspired football.

Jaron Murphy kicked one of the great grand final goals to steer Whittlesea to the 2019 A Plus Labour Solutions Division 2 premiership. pic.twitter.com/D5ExlnUwYR

— Northern FNL (@northernfnl) September 15, 2019

Mitch Andrews was arguably best on ground in the first half with his run and carry off half-back.

Jaron Murphy kicked four goals and was the catalyst for the Eagles’ premiership-winning final-quarter blitz after Banyule had closed to within three points.

The star wingman kicked one of the goals of the season in the third term, reminiscent of Collingwood’s Phil Manassa’s legendary effort in the 1977 VFL grand final.

Taking the ball near the boundary on centre wing, Murphy squeezed past Bears big man Tim Martin with a clever handball to space, took four bounces and finished from 40m.

Zach Molloy blanketed Banyule goal-machine James Kroussoratis, while Brodie Bell and big man Nathan Stefanile also impressed.

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