by Paul Semertzidis (Twitter: @PaulSemertzidis)
SOUTH Belgrave has won the Division 4 ‘Choose Tap’ Grand Final, defeating Forest Hill by nine points, 11.20 (86) to 12.5 (77), at Walker Park today.
The South Belgrave Football Club came into the 2013 Division 4 ‘Choose Tap’ Grand Final with two tags.
First of all, the Saints were seen as the perennial bridesmaids of the division.
Dean Burnell’s men came into today’s clash as red-hot favourites. And most pundits around the EFL fully expected their disposal of this year’s ‘feel good’ story – Forest Hill – to be clinical, smooth and exactly to script.
The Zebras gained ascendency in the second half of the first term and were able to get first hands on the footy at the stoppages.
Their fluent transition of the ball forward of centre held them in good stead, as a pair of goals to Ash Naulty and a ripper from the boundary from Brenton Cincotta saw the Forest Hill side take a 17-point lead into the first change.
The Saints were able to draw first blood at the four-minute mark of the second term through Bakens.
The tackling pressure from the Zebras was still evident, but the Division’s minor premiers had settled down and were able to kick consecutive goals. They got within seven points, before Nathan Jumeau rolled home his second just before the half-time siren.
It was the Zebs by 13 points at the main break.
It took 11 minutes for the first goal of the third quarter and it was Morrish Medallist Alex Benbow who stood up for the Saints.
Premiership droughts for both sides were still breakable and the last quarter was promising to be a beauty. It was the Forest Hill side in front by just seven points at three quarter-time.
Leigh Odermatt’s third goal gave the Saints the lead for the first time since very early in the first term. With that lead came a sniff of victory.
They controlled the majority of the final term and at one stage led by as much as 11 points.
Forest Hill needed a hero – and they found one! Nathan Jumeau kicked two goals in as many minutes to give his side a one-point lead.
And when the siren went a few minutes later, scores were level!
For the second time in three years, the Division 4 premiership would be decided in Extra Time!
Walker Park was abuzz with excitement.
The two sides exchanged goals in the first five minute period. With just five minutes left to play South Belgrave led by two points!
The ebbing and flowing of this game continued. Forest Hill held momentum but was unable to find a goal.
Very quiet for most of the day, it was Alex Bakens who stood tall for South Belgrave. His two goals in extra time propelling the Saints to premiership glory!
What a brilliant Grand Final it was! South Belgrave winners by eight points and Leigh Odermatt took out the Blue Ribbon Medal for the best player on the ground.