East Brighton cruises to easy win over Dingley in Southern league grand final

EAST Brighton is crowned Southern league champion after sweeping aside Dingley in the Division 1 grand final at Springvale

Southern League division 1 grand Final: Dingley and East Brighton at Springvale Reserve celebrations for the Grand Final Team is East Brighton Picture: Janine eastgate

East Brighton stormed its way to the 2014 SFL premiership with an emphatic 69-point demolition of Dingley in Sunday’s grand final at Springvale.

The Vampires romped away after quarter-time and never allowed the Dingoes a sniff thereafter. When imposing ruckman Hamish Dahl drilled a long goal at the 18-minute mark of the third quarter, the lead ballooned out to 61 points and Dingley’s season was all over.

It had been a successful one for the Dingoes, finishing minor premiers for the first time and playing in their first ever Division 1 grand final.

But on the big stage on grand final day, it was the Vampires’ extensive grand final experience and self-belief that carried the day, the scoreline of 18.10 (118) to 7.7 (49) telling the story.

For coach Ben Murphy and his assistants, it was a triumph of player management and planning, by having the Vampires cherry-ripe in September.

East Brighton captain and best-afield Ben Douthie celebrates with David De Luca. Picture: Janine Eastgate

“We thought we had the players and the right game plan to win it but never expected to win by the margin we did,” he said immediately after the final siren.

“They challenged us early, but we knew if we could be harder for longer we would win and to the boys’ credit, they stuck at it.”

In a proud team effort, the Vampires’ stars shone bright.

Ben Douthie put in a pearler and was adjudged best afield for the Jim Menielly Medal, while Hamish Dahl rucked superbly all day.

Nathan Stewart proved a tower of strength down back, with Phil Zarra and the in-and-under Sam Dillon also playing key roles in the victory.

Mitch Garvey impressed for the Vampires and whether up forward or on the ball, he racked up countless possessions.

Coach Murphy praised Tait Sabec for his effort on the explosive Luke Walmsley and although Walmsley was easily the Dingoes’ best, the damage he inflicted would have been much worse if not for Sabec.

Unfortunately for Dingley, they didn’t have enough Luke Walmsleys.

Matt Morwood tried valiantly all day, as did Jack Clausen, while Lee Wonnacott again led by example.

As is so often the case, it may take a grand final loss to inspire the next chapter of success and for Shane Morwood and his dejected charges, the painful learning experience may one day have a positive. Their supporters can rest assured, they will be working on it.

Meanwhile, the large army of red-and-white supporters can celebrate the Vampires’ ninth premiership and a job well done.

Seniors

East Brighton 2.1, 8.6, 14.9, 18.10 (118)

Dingley 1.1, 3.2, 5.3, 7.7 (49)

Reserves

Dingley 2.3, 5.5, 6.10, 10.15 (75)

Cheltenham 1.2, 2.4, 5.4, 8.8 (56)

Under 19s

Bentleigh 3.1, 3.1, 6.4, 9.5 (59)

Dingley 3.3, 3.3, 4.5, 6.7 (43)