Sport
17 September, 2024
Harcourt, Maldon and Carisbrook share flags on the football field
A largely compelling and competitive set of games set the course for the main event on the field throughout Saturday morning and the afternoon.
In the reserves grand final, it was Harcourt who again denied Carisbrook a flag on grand final day, ending the Redbacks’ dreams of back-to-back titles.
The Lions kicked nine of the first 10 goals before cruising home to a premiership, kicking 9.7 (61) to 4.4 (28), with big man Michael Pilcher named as the best on ground recipient.
The under 17.5 grand final was a repeat of last year’s matchup between Maldon and Carisbrook, and while it was the same result, it was a much closer affair this time around.
Maldon had to come from behind to eventually take the title, kicking the only goal of the last quarter to eventually win by five points, kicking 5.8 (38) to Carisbrook’s 5.3 (33).
A dynamic performance from Riley Davey allowed him to take the best on ground medallion in what was an epic match.
While Carisbrook were unsuccessful on those two occasions, the Redbacks were able to complete an undefeated season in the under 14.5 grand final, although they were certainly made to work for it, coming from behind to fly home with the wind.
Four goals to one behind in the last quarter meant that the Redbacks would take the win, scoring 7.10 (52) to Avoca’s 4.5 (29).
Harvey Rumpff’s incredible season, which yielded the league best and fairest, also ended with him claiming the best on ground medal for the Redbacks.
Carisbrook were also able to take the first premiership of the day, and denied Newstead from completing an undefeated season, winning by five points in a thrilling battle.
The loss meant that the Kangaroos had to settle for runner-up for a second season in succession, but for the Redbacks, their 3.7 (25) to 3.2 (20) win kickstarted an exciting day for the club.
Archie Smith put together his best performance of the season to claim the medal for best on ground.