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ALL premierships are special but Frankston YCW savoured this one like no other.
The Stonecats were in raptures after kicking three goals in the last six minutes to snatch a gripping 10-point win over Mt Eliza in an epic grand final at Frankston Park.
It was YCW's third consecutive flag.
From 2010-12, the Stonecats are kings of peninsula footy.
"This feeling is magical, it's like a dream," said YCW coach Tony "Bugs" Barry moments after the 12.6 (78) to 9.14 (68) win.
In one of the great grand finals, the lead changed 15 times, there were crunching collisions and unbelievable acts of courage.
It was goal for goal in the first three quarters, setting the scene for a memorable finale.
The last quarter was as tense a 30 minutes of footy as you'll see.
Scores were level (58 points apiece) when it commenced. On cue, the weather also closed in and heavy drops of rain began falling. YCW forward Lew Roberts was knocked out cold flying for a mark in the opening minutes and he was stretchered off with blood coming from his nose. Courageously, he would return 22 minutes later to play a key role in the Stonecats' win.
YC had the breeze but Mt Eliza looked to have more run. The Redlegs took the lead when Tim Strickland booted a behind.
Ten minutes in, Ben Landry's brilliant snap put Mt Eliza seven points up. The game was being played at a frenetic pace and players were throwing themselves in recklessly. It was all or nothing.
With the season seemingly hinging on every play, Redlegs David Barton and Josh Norman took gutsy marks to deny YC. For a dozen minutes, neither side could get a decisive kick such was the intense pressure.
As the clock ticked past 23 minutes, David Willett's kick off the ground hit the post as Mt Eliza went seven points up.
A minute later, YCW streamed forward and livewire Ricky Morris' low shot split the middle and suddenly the Stonecats were within a point.
Mt Eliza had its chances. Kyle Docherty and David Willett kicked behinds.
Mt Eliza was three points ahead when, with time running out, YC's Ben Tellis found Roberts, who had returned to the field. His set shot narrowly missed on the right.
Moments later, a Mt Eliza kick out of defence was snapped up by Tellis, 25m out. His side two points down, this was the moment to decide the game. The 32-year-old star coolly slotted the goal to send YC fans into a frenzy and Redlegs fans silent.
YCW won the clearance and David Bodley's snap trickled out of bounds. YC assistant coach Byron Barry backed back into a pack to take a timely mark to quash Mt Eliza's last thrust forward. In the final moments, Roberts out-bustled his opponent to take a mark in the goal square. As he went back to take the kick the siren sounded and the cup was YC's. Roberts kicked a goal after the siren as his teammates embraced each other.
Tellis was named best-on-ground. He lapped up the pressure to perform brilliantly.
Coach Barry said he was proud of his men.
"Their work rate, they lifted," he said.
Whereas last season's flag capped a season of sheer dominance, the 2012 Stonecats had to work hard.
"No doubt. The boys realised we had to work harder for what we got. The boys had to dig real deep today."
Barry indicated he was likely to step down.
"This is probably my last game. Personally I was so proud of them..." he said.
YCW youngster Paul Wintle was taken to hospital suffering a suspected broken jaw in the second term.
Players from bother sides were gallant. Unsung hero Craig Nankervis provided plenty of run, Dylan Hoare gave a spark and skipper Bundy Barry was fearless. Redlegs Scott Simpson, Jimmy Clayton and Rohan Heasley gave their all.
The reserves grand final was won by Frankston YCW, beating Langwarrin. Mt Eliza won the Under 18s.
Frankston YCW 2.0, 7.3, 8.5, 12.6 (78) d Mt Eliza 2.4, 5.6, 8.10, 9.14 (68). YCW Goals: R. Morris 2, B. Ulms, D. Bodley, K. Hutchison , L. Roberts, A. Eames, D. Carroll, J. Coghlan, B. McCormack, A. McIntyre, B. Tellis. YCW Best: B. Tellis, C. Nankervis, D. Hoare, A. Barry, K. Lylak, J. Pickess.
