Leading by 29 points at three-quarter-time in a low-scoring U19.5s football grand final, Gisborne Giants were fully extended by a desperate Woodend-Hesket on Saturday.
The young Hawks, coached by Jeremey Pennefather, came from fourth on the ladder to challenge the ladder leaders, who only lost one match in the home and away season — going down to Wallan by a point.
Coached by Jarrod Dixon and captained by Xavier Blake, the Giants could not shake the Hawks off in a first half where defences were generally on top.
In the third term at a sunny Romsey, the Giants lifted their tempo and combined well, kicking 4.1 to a solitary point by the Hawks.
Whatever Pennefather said at the last break produced dividends, as his players took chances and attacked repeatedly. Perhaps some Giants (too early) thought they were home and hosed.
Spectators became enthralled as time ticked away, and the relieved Giants were able to hold on and win 8.4 (52) to 6.12 (48).
Full-forward Archer Schnoor, who won the RDFNL’s U19.5 goalkicking, added five goals to his tally of 54.
The Noel Rainey Medal for best afield went to Giants’ star onballer Olu Olalekan, who lives in Sunbury and only began playing the sport three years ago.
This is his second year with the Giants, and he said he really enjoys being at the club.
Keen judges rate his football future highly.
Other Giants to stand out were defenders Logan Chandler and Cooper Kristitz, Schnoor, Caden Simpson and Noah Pierce.
Woodend-Hesket was well served by Cooper Reed, Ben Rankin, Cooper Marshall, Will Hollins, Jack Roberts and Ben Gladman.
The Hawks did not have a multiple goalkicker.
At the presentations, coach Dixon praised the Hawks and his own team for their performances, and the spirit in which the match was played.
“I’ve never been so proud,” he said, praising his players on their whole season and their ability to take off the premiership.
Giants’ supporters were elated with their team’s success.
PREMIERSHIP TEAM
The Gisborne Giants premiership team:
B: Noah Gauci, James McKerral, Jeremy Martin.
HB: Caden Simpson, Logan Chandler, Cooper Kristitz.
C: Will Watson, Lucan Mousley, Jonah Camilleri.
HF: Nicholas Lacy, Lachlan Dixon, Lachlan McNair.
F: Zach McKenzie, Archer Schnoor, Luke Hall.
Mid-field: Xavier Watson (c), Olu Olalekan, Ethan Cruickshank.
Interchange: Edan Waters, Blake Leedham, Jacob Hatfield, Noah Pierce.
Coach — Jarrod Dixon; Assistant coach — Andrew Hall.
Team manager — Louise Gauci.