Rhys Ward named best afield for Huonville in Lions’ SFL premiership victory
Rhys Ward had twice been on the receiving end of grand final defeats for Huonville. He was determined to ensure it didn’t happen again against Cygnet.
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TWO failed attempts at grand final glory was all the motivation Rhys Ward needed to play his part in the 2020 decider against Cygnet.
And fuelled by that disappointment of back-to-back losses to Lindisfarne, the Huonville ruckman ensured it was third time lucky for the Lions at North Hobart Oval.
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A former state underage cricket representative, Ward was the dominant player on the ground in the 28-point win, taking home the Gorringe-Martyn Medal.
It capped a brilliant 2020 season for Ward, who also got to celebrate the success with his twin brother Liam, while he finished equal third in the William Leitch count behind teammate Ethan Brock.
“It’s what you dream of, you want to win grand finals and you want to play well in grand finals,” Ward said.
“We have been here the last couple of years and to be absolutely on the other end of it is a great feeling.
“We always had the belief that we had a chance and in the last quarter, not giving up and knowing we had been here before probably did help.
“Playing in the ruck, I feel like every contest you can influence and even if it is going against you, you can change it pretty quickly.”
Ward was the standout among a host of Lions who stood up to be counted when needed, regularly giving his midfielders first use of the ball while also having an influence around the ground.
Cameron Johns was a rock in defence, Alex Vincent was busy throughout and hard nut Tristan Barnett was in everything in the first half for the victors, while the tag team duo of Brock and Michael Paul bagged eight goals between them.
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