Tara Murray
A bit of magic was needed to make it three titles in a row for Footscray in the Lacrosse Victoria men’s state league competition.
Facing Williamstown, which had claimed the minor premiership, the grand final was an absolute nail biter.
Extra time was needed with Footscray scoring a golden goal to win 14-13.
President Lachlan Williams said it’s pretty amazing to have come out on top again.
“It was quite a day,” he said. “We went into the day as underdogs.
“We played each other three teams this season, We beat them by a goal in overtime the first time
“In the middle of the season we struggled a little bit. They beat us by about 10 goals the last two times.
“We had such faith in the coach Chris Marsh and the playing group.”
Footscray had to work hard to make the grand final to begin with.
The Bulldogs were down by nine goals midway through the third quarter in the preliminary final against Camberwell.
They came back to win 15-14.
On Saturday in the grand final, Williamstown led 10-6 at half time so Footscray had to come from behind again.
“Two weeks in a row,” Williams said. “We all had confidence in the boys after the week before.
“Even though they had fallen behind we knew they would fight it out. It was nerve wracking and the home crowd was behind us.
“We scored four goals in the third quarter, it was a great quarter.”
Scores were level heading into the final quarter and each team scored three goals each before Footscray got the winner.
Emmett Barger scored six goals for Footscray including three in the final quarter.
It included the equalising and match winning goals and he was awarded player of the match.
Williams said he thinks it’s the first time the group has won a grand final in extra time.
The president was full of praise for Marsh.
“He’s an outstanding coach, who gets the best out of players,” Williams said. “The side had challenges throughout the year and they still got the job done.”
Marsh said every premiership is amazing but when you get three in a row it’s more special because the club is making a statement and getting closer to some of the best eras of lacrosse.
“I wouldn’t say winning in overtime is any more special,” he said. “It simply means both teams were fiercely determined out on the park that wouldn’t give up.
“In the end, our determination and fight just happened to score the winning goal.”
Marsh acknowledged the challenges that the side had this year. It was Marsh’s fourth premiership at the club.
“Our team that took the field this year was tough,” he said. “We had two players who represent Australia and captain our team dealing with serious injuries and could not play.
“We had one player with a broken collarbone, another with a broken foot and one with strained ligaments in his ankle all on the field.
“We had three exceptional juniors join us this season. Our preparation over the past four weeks was outstanding, with everyone fully committed and believing in each other.
“On game day, we executed our plan flawlessly. I’m truly proud of each and everyone of them.”
The win caps off a good year for the Bulldogs.
The women’s side, which was playing off in a 17th straight grand final, were able to upset minor premiers Williamstown women’s 12-9 in the decider.
Williams said there is a really strong culture across the board and it has a flow on effect.
