Sep 21, 2019

EAGLES CLAIM BACK-TO-BACK FLAGS

By: Tyson Popplestone

VERMONT claimed back-to-back top-tier EFL premierships on Saturday afternoon, defeating Blackburn in the Eastland Premier Division Grand Final, 12.18 (90) to 8.6 (54).

It is the Eagles’ 21st EFL flag out of a possible 59 years of the competition’s existence, and the first time the club has won consecutive premierships since 2005-07.

Blackburn came out firing in the first term using the tailwind towards the Mountain Highway end to their advantage, laying some early pressure on the favourites.

Despite Vermont slotting the first major through Chandler medallist Brett Eddy, before Blackburn responded via Hammond, Howe and Bathie to swing the momentum. The overall feeling of the first quarter was that Blackburn dominated the possession count, but only managed to convert them to a one-goal lead – 3.2.20 to Vermont’s 2.2.14 at the first break.

As the siren sounded for the start of the second quarter, the red jackets of the Blackburn faithful in the crowd were hoping to see a little more conversion between the possessions their boys were getting and the result on the scoreboard.

But the Eagles’ Andrew Ainger and captain Lachie Johns dealt a blow to the Panthers’ hopes with two quick goals to roll into the second quarter. It didn’t end there as Jake Best and Cam Purdy kept the goals flowing, as Vermont piled on six goals to one to lead by 31 points at the main break.

The third quarter started with a desperate Blackburn attacking forward set-up and being rewarded for their efforts with Nick Gray and Matthew Day both slotting majors. But Vermont didn’t seem phased, responding with a goal of their own from Alex Greenwood to make sure that gap didn’t get too close for comfort.

Forward ball-magnet Brett Eddy threw even more pressure out when he snapped his third major from the boundary and opened the lead back out to 29 points.

Despite coming into the final term with some early clearances and attacks at goal, Blackburn couldn’t convert its efforts into scoreboard pressure, and long-kicking Vermont left too much work for Blackburn to do when trying to return the ball into its forward 50.

The final 15 minutes had a bit of a checkmate feel to it and the crowd started to sense that there was no chance of Blackburn being able to close the margin.

With eight minutes to go, a few smiles started to break out amongst the Eagles contingent as they sensed what was about to take place and they closed the game with a 36-point victory, sending out retiring club-greats Ryan Mullett and Adam Parker on a high.

Winner of the Cliff Tomkins Blue Ribbon Medal for his best on ground performance, Tom Schneider, could not be happier with his team’s showing after saluting for a second year in a row.

Tom Schneider claimed the Cliff Tomkins Blue Ribbon Medal for best on ground.

“Last year was a special year for us boys, but to be honest it was a relief to win the premiership (last year),” Schneider said.

“This year, we knew what we were capable of and we went into the match with this being the expectation.”

Schneider played 15 matches for Vermont this season, and missed four matches from rounds 7-10 through a broken hand – an injury which the dual premiership player believes resurfaced on Saturday.

“I broke it against Rowville three months ago,” he said.

“Had the surgery and everything and I’m pretty sure I’ve revisited it today.”

The 26-year-old paid tribute to his former club, Blackburn, of which he played all his junior footy with.

“It’s a bittersweet feeling winning against them (Blackburn),” he said.

“They’re a great club that I played all my junior footy for.

“But it’s a good day.”

VERMONT v. BLACKBURN – Eastland Premier Division Grand Final

Vermont 2.2 8.9 10.14 12.18 (90)

Blackburn 3.2 4.2 7.3 8.6 (54)

Goal-kickers:

Vermont: A. Ainger 3, B. Eddy 3, K. McConnon 2, A. Kalcovski, L. Johns, A. Greenwood, J. Best

Blackburn: L. Howe 2, M. Bartlett 2, M. Day, J. Hammond, T. Maher, N. Gray