A day Mitcham will remember forever.
1981 seemed like an eternity with every goal that the Tigers kicked in the last term to run out 44 point winners in front of a huge crowd at East Burwood Reserve.
The Basin were never going to be a walk over, they kept Mitcham to 5 goals with the breeze, with the aim of attacking with the breeze in the second.
The Bears wasted chances early in the second term however came into the game late in the term following an excellent shot from Kean that got The Basin fans on their feet prior to half-time.
Mitcham managed to keep the lead the entire game however were tested at numerous point especially over the second and third terms. The bonus of two weeks off over the four week finals series proved a pivotal factor in the second half with Mitcham dominating clearances and running the Bears off their legs.
Their midfield clearance work set up their key forwards with some brilliant delivery throughout the latter part of the third term and the Tigers took a slender 11 point lead into the final change.
The last term was 34 years in the making.
Kicking the first of the final term was crucial for both sides, The Basin were hoping to get back into the game with the breeze early in the last but it wasn’t to be…
From there it was all one way traffic and the final term became party time for the Mitcham faithful, each of the six final term goals that were kicked were met with the loudest of cheers each player saluting the Mitcham faithful in their own way.
An emotional day the Mitcham fans, including a handful of players who’s last link to a premiership with the tigers was their Dad’s winning in 1981. Mitcham also shook Park Orchards in time on of the Reserves game to start the day off in brilliant fashion.
In the Under 19’s, a Boronia goal just before full-time took their side into extra-time against Park Orchards. The Sharks were able to kick 3 extra-time goals to win yet another Under 19’s Premiership.