Thirds Grand Final Report

Jan 20, 20233 min read

Grand Final vs Skye (Match Report)

Huge Bentleigh crowd pulled into Mordi yesterday for the big one. Fabulous to see so many supporters there. Surprisingly the ground was in top condition considering all the rain. Weather held off for the match and was played in near perfect conditions.

Lots of pre game nerves in the rooms prior. Boys were ready. Been ready for a few weeks. Matt Hogan was born ready. Our Grand Final focus was about effort. Maximum effort gets the ultimate result. Bring that and we can't be beat.

As in all GF's it was a tough tight first half. Only three goals in total. We had worked incredibly hard, pressuring, chasing, contesting and tackling. We just weren't getting the rewards for our effort. Matt Lewis was the dominant player on the ground with his run and carry, whilst Luke Wescombe was holding us together down back. Jack Gava was hulk like in the ruck and Adam Jaedi did a job for us on Skye's best player. And who could forget that mark of the day from Zach Patrick? Skye were definitely throwing everything at us but to get into the main break with a lead was a great result for us.

Half time. Great chance to regain our focus. We needed some separation, open up our game and start to move the footy quicker. Give our forwards space to work in.

Premiership quarter. Boys delivered. Fast paced, quick ball movement resulting in numerous entries resulting in 4 goals. Just a superb quarter of footy. Lots of highlights all over the ground. The type of footy you just watch and say, yep these guys are the best team. We put our Captain Lochie Kiely onto the ball with immediate impact. Jacko Meredith, Matt Hogan and Liam Dimattina were keys up forward and Jackson Byrnes had been incredible in the guts all game. Jonty Ho and Dylan Stephens key contributors continually giving us a contest and rebound from half back.

Tough final quarter that was mainly played back and forward was capped of by Andy Scammell kicking the sealer dribbler from 40 out that took forever to get across the line.

As it's been all year our backline was outstanding with the group only conceding three goals in a grand final and a total of 13 goals over all three finals. REMARKABLE.

Hats off to:

Rob Aitken, Jarrod Johnston, Luke Wescombe, Nicholas Colin, Glenn Richards, Lochie Kiely, Aaron Johnson, Declan Johnson, Declan Reeve, Zach Patrick, Jonty Ho, Dylan Stephens, Connor Dorrofield

What a stingy, miserable lot of ratbags that just never gave up. Defence wins you games. Every time. Few blokes who played with significant pain yesterday in Rob Aitken, Jacko Meredith and Ryan Nankervis. And Spiros Sklavenitis who kept playing despite tearing his calf in the first quarter and was solid all game up forward.

Thanks to Angela McPhee (trainer extraordinaire), Aaron Johnson (ass. coach), Stuart Craven (new midfield coach), Sam Ruddy (board man), Chris Sharp (runner), John Corkill (trainer),Finn Rasmussen (GF timekeeper), Mrs. Hobbsy (finals timekeeper) and my Mrs. Jo (TM) for all their help yesterday and over the year.

To those that missed the game through injury or selection, thank you for your support. It does mean a lot and is a testament to your character.

Bentleigh 7.6.48 vs Skye 3.9.27

Goals : Meredith 3, Hogan 2, Scammel, Sklavenitis 1

Best : Kiely, Lewis, Gava, Meredith, JD, Wescombe

Highlights:

Glenn Richards first premiership in forever.

Lochie Kiely BOG in a GF. Bloke can play.

Liam Dimattina getting through the game without getting injured and actually able to enjoy the win.

Matt Hogan for medal acceptance with his gorgeous baby girl.

Angela McPhee for just being her. Great day for you.

As many as possible coming together at end of game to sing the song in the rooms. And then again back at the club yesterday afternoon.

That mark right in front of the box from Zach Patrick

Jacko Meredith going for mark of the century before the ball was even kicked.

The return of the three prodigal sons Hugo Ferdinand, Connor Dorrofield and Mac Lawrence. All solid contributors on the day. Andy Scammell saving his best kick for last.