Tara Murray
Footscray pulled off the ultimate comeback to claim the Baseball Victoria summer league men’s metro major premiership.
While the Bulldogs were the minor premiers and the team to beat heading into the grand final, St Kilda pulled out all stops to create the upset.
St Kilda had what seemed like an unassailable lead but the Bulldogs came flying home to win 9-8.
The Bulldogs’ Kelly Jewers said it was pretty incredible.
“We were eight runs down and we came back to win,” she said. “It was pretty nervy in the end.
“We had been pretty dominant the whole season, so most of the players seemed pretty positive [when 0-8 down].
“I think the chanting from the crowd helped get them over the line.”
Jewer said it had been about three years since they last won a summer men’s premiership.
She said they had made massive inroads on the previous season.
“They were pretty disappointed last year, they didn’t win a game,” she said. “We got a few more players this season and they came together really well.”
Jewer said the premiership meant they would likely go up into state league next season which would be a good challenge.
She said they were hopeful a premiership would help attract more players and a coach.
“We’re looking for a coach,” she said. “Our coaches have been in house.
“We would like to get someone with some more experience.”
Jewer said overall it had been a good season for the club.
“Both our women’s teams were very much development teams this season. Fifty per cent were new players having never played before.
“We didn’t win a lot but the vibe was really positive”
The Bulldogs will be back in action in the winter season, before a big 2024-25 summer season where the club will celebrate 100 years.
