By Josh Ward.
Mitcham have locked in their spot in Premier Division after defeating Park Orchards by 40 points in a scrappy Division 1 Grand Final at Tormore Reserve.
A massive six goal to no score second term in trying conditions paved the way for the Tigers second straight premiership, winning 8.7 (55) to 2.3 (15).
The win sees Mitcham rise into Premier Division for the first time since 2006 and win consecutive premierships for the first time since their three-peat between 1979 and 1981.
This time around they were led from the back by Nicholas Caulfield who was rewarded for his strong defensive efforts with the best on ground medal.
Ruckman Danny Baglava was also colossal in ruck, either getting first use himself or providing it to the likes of captain Jesse Uren, Nic Hallo and Jesse Cherry.
For the Sharks their stellar return to Division 1 comes to an end on a sour note, with all three of their losses this year coming at the hands of the Tigers.
They were led well by captain Kane Keppel, particularly in the second half when he was moved to ruck. However they lacked any consistent efforts throughout the day.
The minor premiers did get off to a solid start, gaining a bit of territory as they looked to get the jump on Mitcham.
Neil Winterton’s defensive troops stood tall though and helped give Mitcham some momentum late in a low-scoring term.
Both were unable to capitalise, with the quarter time score seeing Mitcham lead by the barrest of margins and with only three behinds kicked in the quarter.
It took less than three minutes of the second term for Uren to get the first goal of the match with a brilliant soccer-esque goal.
Just over 10 minutes later saw the Tigers kick their second goal. From there the floodgates and heavens opened up at Tormore, with Mitcham kicking four goals in 10 minutes of play to take a 38 point lead into the main break.
Mitcham’s midfielders continued to take control in the early stages of the third, with Lucas Marro kicking the Tigers first goal of the second half in the opening minutes of it.
Park Orchards were able to respond with their first goal before it was quickly cancelled out by the Tigers eighth (and final) goal of the match.
Mitcham’s defence and midfield continued to stand tall in the final stages of the third, keeping the Tigers advantage at 45 points heading into the final term of season 2024 for both sides.
Park Orchards came out with much more intent in the opening stages of the last quarter, kicking the first (and only) goal of the term in the first two minutes.
Like it had all day though Mitcham’s ferocious pressure didn’t allow many opportunities inside 50 for the Sharks and in turn created some foray’s forward.
As the final siren rang across Tormore Reserve the Tiger army erupted as their side booked their spot in Premier Division and secured back-to-back Division 1 premierships.
