After round 7, the thought of winning a Premiership was furthest from most people’s minds. It was the “Improbable Dream”. We were 2 wins 5 losses and close to the bottom of the ladder. But, starting with a spirit lifting away win over then top side Lilydale things started to happen and 11 weeks later we had secured a third place and the finals were a reality. The Grand Final win by 44 points over Croydon was a wonderful testament to the ability of Senior Coach David Banfield and the determination of the playing group to make something of 2009. We did it generally with about half the team made up of former Vermont Juniors. In the finals, two them were first year boys and one, Lachlan McKernan was a current Colt player.
Congratulations to everyone involved. “improbable dreams” can come true.
FINAL SCORE – VERMONT 18-14-122 def CROYDON 11-12-78
The long climb back after round 7 to win a flag MUST go down as the Club’s GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT.
We salute 7 premierships each to Aaron Nummy and Mark Cullen. We salute every player who has played in the senior team this year. Congratulations to Nathan Henley who was judged by the Media as best on the ground and won the Blue Shield Medal.
The big question on Grand Final day was – did we have one last big effort left after our big climb back. Rushton came in for Henderson. The rain cleared before the game with a 2 goal breeze to the southern goal and Croydon had first use. There was plenty of pressure early with many ball ups. Greig, Froud and Mullett missed shots before Croydon goaled after 10 minutes. It took 20 minutes for Froud to kick our first goal and it came after Rushton was involved twice in the build up. Mendes and Greig missed again before the siren as we trailed at ¼ time by 4 points 2-3 to 1-5.
We kicked 6-7 to 3 goals in the 2nd term. Bardon kicked the first followed by a wonderful captain’s goal by Mullett. The Blues goaled then Greig kicked his first via Rushton and Papillo. Croydon replied then we really took over the last 10 minutes of the quarter. We were dominating the packs and putting on so much pressure – you could sense the determination of the group. Froud goaled via Henley then Johnson goaled. The enigmatic Froud missed a sitter from close range but immediately made amends. Greig marked on the siren a long way out on the boundary. He goaled and all of a sudden we were double their score. At half time we led 8-10 to 4-5. Better players for the half were Mullett, Henley Morse, Froud, Stephen, Papillo, Millhouse, Cullen, Bardon, Ross and McLure.
The 3rd quarter began with Croydon kicking 2 goals in 5 minutes and a timely free kick to McCarthy on the goal line saved another certain Blues goal. We steadied when Froud goaled via Henley and Cotchett. Cullen stood his ground and marked strongly and goaled with the ball coming via Henley and Cotchett. Unfortunately Rushton injured his hamstring and was out for the rest of the match. Cotchett who was having a purple patch was shifted on to the ball with immediate effect – we started doing better at the centre breaks. It was goal for goal. Bardon goaled after a 25 metre penalty then Greig goaled via Froud. Although Croydon had the breeze we outscored them and late in the quarter Mullett goaled via Cotchett then Greig gave off to Froud who goaled. The Greig/Froud combination were like days of old. We kicked 6-1 to 5-3 for the quarter to lead at ¾ time 14-11 to 9-8.
Just like after ½ time Croydon came out blazing in the last term. McCarthy’s trusty fist saved a certain goal but Croydon kicked 2 goals in 4 minutes to get within 18 points and all of a sudden we were under threat. But we lifted – Bardon missed an easy one before Mendes goaled. Mendes rarely has missed all year from a set shot. The Eagles pressure was fantastic. We then broke Croydon’s spirit when Greig kicked the next 2 goals via Cotchett and Henley. It was party time when Froud kicked his 6th via Greig. The duo kicked 11 goals between them. Our defence was terrific led by Morse, Millhouse, Fyfe and McCarthy and the 2 veterans Cullen and Nummy were wonderful. Our on ballers - Bardon, Henley, Stephen, Mendes. Cotchett and Mullett ran all day. The ruck combination of Ross and McLure is surely the best in the competition.
Goalkickers – Froud 6, Greig 5, Mullett 2, Bardon 2, and singles to Mendes, Cullen and Johnson.
Best Players – Henley, Froud, Morse, Mullett, Millhouse, Cullen, Bardon, Ross, Greig, McLure, Stephen, McCarthy, Mendes and Papillo. Cotchett had a terrific 2nd half.
Last Modified on 01/11/2009 17:28