Footscray Bulldogs held their composure late to hold off a comeback from Southport to claim the Victorian Football League premiership.
Having already claimed the minor premiership, the Bulldogs were favourites against a Sharks side in their second straight grand final.
When the Bulldogs kicked the first six goals of the game in the space of 20 minutes, the premiership cup looked like it was headed to Whitten Oval.
The Sharks kicked the next four goals before the Bulldogs responded to lead by 35 points at half time.
Southport again came hard in the third quarter as it kicked the only four goals of the third quarter to bring the margin back to six points heading into the final quarter.
Scores were level when Hewago Oea kicked the first goal of the final quarter.
The Bulldogs though wouldn’t be denied.
Billy Crofts converted after a loose ball get from a throw-in, before Jedd Busslinger kicked a miracle goal from a set shot deep in the pocket.
Crofts then kicked a second goal to take the lead back out to 18 points.
The Sharks refused to surrender and threw everything at the Bulldogs in the final 15 minutes, however it wasn’t enough to stop the Sharks falling to their third grand final defeat in four years.
The Bulldogs won, 14.5 (89)-11.13 (79).
Cooper Craig-Peters was awarded the Norm Goss Medal for his 28 disposals, eight tackles and a goal performance.
Anthony Scott was also busy with 28 disposals, while Crofts had 22 disposals and two goals and
Both Scott and Crofts polled in the Norm Goss Medal voting along with Oskar Baker and Southport’s Boyd Woodcock behind Craig-Peters.
Speaking on the post game coverage on channel 7, a retiring Taylor Duryea said it was an unbelievable feeling.
“It makes it so much more rewarding,” he said. “A premiership you will take it anyways, but to fight out a win like that is so special.
“We knew what we had to do, there was still clarity. They brought the heat.
“They are a bloody good side and have been for a while.”
Craig-Peters said there was a real mix of emotions after claiming the premiership.
“I’m just rapt for all the boys,” he said. “All the ones that played and all the ones that didn’t.
“I just love the boys. They’ve given us everything.
“It’s really hard being a part time worker and a full time footballer in one.”
Craig-Peters said a performance like that gives him confidence that he can perform on the biggest stage.
He said he thought a performance like this would elevate him.
Coach Stewart Edge said there was a whole club mentality and it was an incredible thrill to coach the premiership.
“It’s pretty wild, isn’t it,” he said. “They are a fantastic side.
“Incredibly relieved. What we needed was three finals in a row or the season don’t count for anything.”
