Gippsland: Leongatha completes back-to-back flags by beating Wonthaggi

Leongatha is the latest club to take a stranglehold on the Gippsland league. See how their run compares to other powerhouses.

Leongatha entered dynasty territory in the Gippsland league with a fourth flag since 2017 after downing Wonthaggi by 40 points in the grand final at Morwell on Saturday.

The latest Parrots’ premiership had its origins in an opening term “masterclass” of four goals from four different players to leave Wonthaggi’s dreams of a first flag in the league in tatters.

Mason McGannon, Aaron Hillberg, Cam Olden and Jenson Garnham were responsible for the early onslaught with Leongatha completing back-to-back premierships for the second time in a decade.

Leongatha also won two flags in a row in 2017-18 before losing to Maffra in the 2019 grand final.

Leongatha has completed back-to-back Gippsland league flags for the second time since 2017. Pictures: Yuri Kouzmin

Maffra and Traralgon have previously enjoyed sustained periods of success with Maffra winning seven flags between 2002 and 2010, and Traralgon winning six premierships in the 1960s and four in five years in the early 1990s.

Covid stopped Leongatha adding to its flag tally with the Parrots on top of the ladder when the 2021 season was called off.

“Our boys put on a masterclass show,” Leongatha coach Trent McMicking said.

“We were able to move the ball the way we wanted to and hit our targets.

“We were really disappointed with our second semi effort.

“Wonthaggi really brought the heat and we didn’t handle it.

“We were able to turn the tables and our pressure was off the charts.”

Leongatha early ascendancy was briefly halted by Brodie Mabilia’s neat snap from the pocket bringing up Wonthaggi’s first goal of the match.

Leongatha’s Noah Gown and Kim Drew celebrate a goal against Wonthaggi in the grand final.

But more trouble came when teammate Tom Davey was yellow-carded before quarter time.

Leongatha extended its quarter-time lead of 16 points with two more goals in Davey’s absence before disaster struck again for the Wonthaggi player.

He received a second yellow card for a high hit on Jake van der Plight, which meant he could take no further part in the match.

A 50m penalty to van der Plight made certain of a goal that extended Leongatha’s lead to 35 points near halftime.

Leongatha’s Jenson Garnham soars over a pack of players including teammate Jack Ginnane.

Leongatha’s defence was brilliantly led by centre halfback Cade Maskell with 30 kicks, two handballs and 16 marks.

Midfielders Aaron Heppell and Tom Marriott won the two medals for best players on the ground.

Leongatha coach Trent McMicking joins in the flag celebrations with his players.

Wonthaggi coach Jarryd Blair took the field with a calf injury he sustained in the second semi-final, when the Power beat Leongatha, and had no impact on the game.

Leongatha overcame two losses to Moe in the home and away rounds to beat the Lions in the preliminary final and earn another crack at Wonthaggi.

The Parrots were given a boost in the grand final lead-up when Jack Hume had a potential three-match suspension for an incident in the preliminary final overturned on appeal.