The best victories are the unexpected ones. In the rankings of unexpected premierships, the win by the St.Peters Under 11 Green team is right up there.
Coming into the finals on the back of a 4-11 home and away season record, but with a win over the top team Northvale and a close fighting loss to the other top team in the division Oakleigh in the lead up to the finals, the boys were quietly confident of putting on a good show.
The semi-final saw a match up with Oakleigh, who had defeated them by 58 points, 58 points and 20 points in their three previous meetings.
None of that concerned the boys as they skipped out to a 9 point lead at quarter time, holding Oakleigh scoreless. The defence was supreme and the intensity around the ball just magical.
A nine point lead turned into a 14 point half time lead. The belief in the team was growing minute by minute.
After not kicking a goal in the third quarter and that lead whittling back to just 9 points at the last change, the Petes steadied in the final term to take home a 20 point victory and a place in the grand final.
It was a supreme effort to knock off the top team with nobody on the bench and three Under 10 players playing up. Everyone of the 18 players contributed to the team effort, which pleased coach Murphy no end.
A similar effort would be needed in the grand final, which was to be against Highett after they completed a semi final day of underdog victories, defeating the highly fancied Northvale.
Honours had been shared between the grand finalists, St Peters defeating Highett by 11 points in Round 7, while Highett got a 59 point win in Round 12.
Grand final day came and a big crowd built up to see the boys go for the flag. After a stirring pre-game speech from the coach, including “Thunderstruck” for further motivation, the boys ran through a magnificent banner while the Highett boys just stood by and watched.
After Highett kicked the opening goal of the game, the Petes boys took complete control of the game. Scores were tied at a goal apiece after the first quarter but confidence was high in the camp.
The domination continued through the next two quarters, where the tackling, harassment, skill and effort of the boys paid off in spades. 4 goals to none over those quarters had St Peters on the cusp of greatness with a 28 point lead.
In the huddle at three quarter time there was no talk of the game being over, the boys knew there was still a job to be done.
Kicking the first two goals of the final quarter blew the lead out to 40 points, which was eventually whittled back to 27 points at full time. At the final siren, players coaches and parents jumped for joy. The celebrations were long and loud.
It was an incredible effort by a team of great young men. Every single player committed to the cause and just refused to lose.
And a thrilling reward for two fine coaches named Tony.
We are the proud Grandparents of Harrison Zandberg one of the Under 10 boys who played with the magnificent Under 11 St Peters team on Sunday. Every one of the boys in the team played with such grit, determination and heart, it was a well deserved win. Thanks to a wonderful Coach who has been so dedicated throughout the season and has encouraged the boys to play their best footy and have fun
Thanks Robyn. Harry played so well and snagged a nice goal. The boys did such a great job and deserved the win thoroughly