Geelong Advertiser |
NORTH Geelong claimed its first premiership since 2002, stunning an experienced Bell Post Hill side to record a 20-point victory in a thrilling Geelong and District Football League Grand Final.
The Magpies led for the majority of the day and, though challenged on multiple occasions by the reigning premiers, they held firm to cap an outstanding season.
North Geelong coach Darren Ryan was elated after the match and immensely proud of his playing group.
"It hasn't sunk in yet, I'm really proud - 22 players contributed today," Ryan said.
"We knew we could do it, we had full belief that we could do it.
"Our message (pre-match) was just handle the pressure. They're (Bell Post Hill) going to hurt you, they're going to be physical, they're going to come at you, you've just got to ride it and when you get that opportunity you've got to take it.
"I thought our players took their moment. I'm proud of our reserves, I'm proud of our president (and) I'm proud of the club."
The result was a stark turnaround from a fortnight ago, when a shell-shocked Magpies outfit fell 58 points short of the Panthers.
This was not to be repeated as North Geelong played with passion and a hunger for the contest.
Post-match Ryan spoke of the respect he and his side held for Bell Post Hill, having forged a strong rivalry throughout the season as the two standout clubs.
"I can't speak more highly of Bell Post Hill, they're just amazing the way they go about it," Ryan said.
"We expected Bell Post Hill to come out and hunt us. No matter if (you're) three, four, five goals up, you can't rest against Bell Post Hill. It's probably one of the toughest GDFL grand finals, I reckon."
The memorable victory capped what was a successful day for the club, having won the reserves premiership earlier. The two wins highlighted the strength and depth at North Geelong, which will undoubtedly hold the club in good stead in the future.
"The club's been in a fantastic position. We probably had eight or nine blokes in the reserves today that could've come in and played senior footy. That's a testament to our depth and our club," Ryan said.
It was a mix of the old and the new leading the way for North Geelong. Blake Podnar, 18, was awarded the medal for best on ground.
Experienced Magpies captain, Derek Fitzsimmons, was influential all day. Kane Schwennesen and Ben Bryant, two players recently returned to the senior side, were among the best along with Braydee Watts and Justin Diblasio, who both played pivotal roles in defence.
