Geelong Advertiser |
A MATCH-UP between the GDFL's two standout sides promised an epic contest and on Saturday afternoon it delivered just that.
North Geelong and Bell Post Hill traded goals early with both clubs stars rising to the occasion.
A late goal to Magpie Daniel Gibbs ensured his side a five-point quarter-time lead, 4.1 (25) to 3.2 (20).
An early long-range Sam Clark goal kick-started North Geelong in the second quarter as it took the momentum kicking four goals to one for the term.
Robert Wood's first major of the day stemmed the flow for the Panthers and reduced the margin to 15 points at the main interval.
Blake Podnar produced the perfect start for the Magpies, with a polished finish in the opening minutes of the second half to give his side a handy 21-point buffer.
As expected the reigning premier responded like a great side, kicking four of the next five goals to cut the margin to just three points.
Again the momentum swung, as North Geelong regrouped to gain the ascendancy, registering the next four majors inspired by skipper Derek Fitzsimmons, proving a handful in attack.
A much-needed late goal to Dylan Witney brought Bell Post Hill back within reach as North Geelong headed into the final 30 minutes of 2013 with a 21-point lead.
Once again the Panthers challenged, bursting out of the blocks in the final term with the opening three goals. Witney again stepped up while Travis Fursland calmly converted two set shots as they closed the gap to three points.
However, North Geelong could not be denied as it turned the tables once more, Fitzsimmons's fourth goal took the lead out to nine points midway through the term. The next 10 minutes were an arm wrestle as the premiership hung in the balance.
With five minutes remaining, North Geelong stormed forward, launching a long ball into attack, tall forward Toby Biggs gathered on the 50 and wheeled on to his booming left boot to snap at goal. As the ball landed and took a North Geelong kick towards goal the crowd rose in unison as the Magpies placed one hand on the premiership cup. Blake Podnar sealed the game with a beautiful finish on the run, delivering an unforgettable victory.
Post-match Bell Post Hill coach Brent Grgic was extremely disappointed to have fallen at the final hurdle, but was adamant the club had plenty of depth and would again challenge in 2014.
"We're very disappointed and it's going to hurt for a while, but we've been pretty fortunate over the last few years." Grgic said.
"We've really prided ourselves on developing our own stock; we've got some really good under 18's coming through.
"The key is to keep everyone; I can't see why anyone would leave. We reckon we've got a team that can push for a top three spot in the next two or three years."
