Goulburn Valley beats Ballarat Football League in AFL Victoria Community Championships

FORMER North Melbourne forward Ben Speight lit up the MCG, but it wasn’t enough for the Ballarat Football League as Brandyn Grenfell spearheaded Goulburn Valley’s AFL Victoria Community Championships win.

The Goulburn Valley Football League boys celebrate their win over Ballarat Football and Netball League. Pic: Michael Klein

GOULBURN Valley has triumphed on football’s biggest stage, beating the Ballarat Football League by 22 points in their interleague clash on the MCG today.

An eight-goal haul by ex-North Melbourne player Ben Speight was not enough to get Ballarat across the line, with Goulburn Valley winning the AFL Victoria Community Championships clash 20.8 (128) to 16.10 (106).

Speight’s tally was almost matched at the other end by Goulburn Valley’s Brandyn Grenfell, who kicked six for the match, including three in the final term.

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Goulburn Valley captain Jason Cole was inspirational on the ball, while Luke Smith and Matthew Ryan kicked three goals apiece.

Brayden Grenfell celebrates a final-term goal. Pic: Michael Klein

Ballarat’s Lachlan Cassidy looks for an option as he is chased by Jason Cole. Pic: Michael Klein

Goulburn Valley had lost its past three interleague clashes. Its last win was in 2014, also against Ballarat.

Today’s win, which was overseen by playing coach Luke Morgan, will see the league start to climb back up the state’s community league rankings.

The Goulburn Valley Football League celebrates its win over Ballarat Football and Netball League. Pic: Michael Klein