Lions roar to flag

Stony Creek”s 2009 premiership team.

AFTER dominating for three quarters, Stony Creek had to survive a last quarter surge by Wonthaggi Power to claim its first senior flag since 1983.
Stony Creek won the grand final by 14 points, 14.10.94 to Wonthaggi Power 11.14.80.
The Maroons had to do it the hard way, coming through from an elimination final win against Philip Island, and a semi-final win against Yarram, before defeating Korumburra/Bena in the preliminary final to earn a crack at Wonthaggi.
Stony Creek coach, Leigh McQuillen, knew his team could do it; they had been the only team to defeat the Power all season, earlier this year.
There were emotional scenes soon after the siren sounded to signal Stony Creek’s fairytale end to the season. Players embraced, the song was sung and supporters were going wild.
The mood was extremely somber in the Wonthaggi camp, as the team’s last game in the Alberton Football League hadn’t gone to script.
There were plenty of heroes in the Stony Creek team, with nearly every player doing his bit for the glory of the premiership.
Two of the best players on field, as voted by the experts, were Nathaniel Rodda, who won the Bill Pollock medal, and Lucas McMillan with his six goals giving him the umpires’ vote for best on field.
But Stony was well served by many other players, including Justin Shields, Brenton Byrnes, Brad Hutchinson, Kyle Van Der Pluym, Julian and Cameron Stone and Jacob Byrnes.
For Wonthaggi, Ben Young tried his heart out all day and was inspirational in Wonthaggi’s fightback along with coach Paul Brosnan. Other players to contribute were Andrew Sorenson, Nathan Jones, Tim Gilliland, and Kainen Schrape.
Match Details
The stage was all set for a great game of football. The weather was very warm, a record crowd and the smell of the barbecue in the background – what more could you ask for in a grand final in country Victoria.
Wonthaggi started as favourites with their obvious experience and playing in their final Alberton Football League game, but Stony Creek would always be the sentimental champion, so it was game on.
Stony Creek came out full of run, showing no signs of nerves.
Chris Verboon was getting plenty of the pill and soon brought up Stony’s first after a mark.
It was Stony who were making all the play and an injury to Power ruckman, Declan Kelly, seemed to unsettle their side.
Brad Hutchinson and J. Shields were busy as usual, and B. Byrnes was already setting the tone with his dominance in the ruck.
The game ball, much to the amusement of the crowd, got stuck up a tree – it could only happen in the country.
Julian Stone was running the ball down the wing several times but it was Wonthaggi who replied through Paul Brosnan after riding a bump.
Rodda fed a pass to McMillan who marked and kicked truly for Stony.
Stony was wasting some early chances but Sorenson also missed an easy one for the Power.
Rodda, to McMillan then Shields saw another major to the Maroons.
In a beautiful passage of play, the best for the day, Stony ran the ball out of defence through Van Der Pluym, to Rodda then Murray Fleming for another goal.
Tack over to Todd Murdoch saw a much needed goal to the Power.
Asa Leausa and Gilliland were doing a good job down back for the Power, while the Lions’ defence was also working hard.
At the first break it was all Stony Creek who perhaps should have been another two goals up at least.
Quarter time scores: Stony Creek 4.5.29 – Wonthaggi Power 2.3.15.
In a quick move, Rodda, Hutchinson, Van Der Pluym and Verboon combined for another Stony goal.
Ben Young was a very busy player for the Power, figuring in a lot of play.
Aaron Ware, the best and fairest, was being well tagged by Stony’s Brad Hutchinson who was following him wherever he went on the ground.
Josh Olden snapped an easy goal as the Power tried to claw back.
But Stony had the answer as Van Der Pluym moved it over to McMillan who played on and snapped a great goal.
Stony Creek had the pressure right on Wonthaggi, their tackling a clear standout. The two Stones combined when Cameron Stone landed a great tackle. He moved it on to brother Julian who scored a nice goal, 40 metres out.
Nathan Jones goaled for Wonthaggi when a 50 metre penalty gave him an easy shot.
Aaron Ware scored a much needed one for Wonthaggi right on half time.
Stony Creek had dominated the match so far in possessions but two late goals by Wonthaggi saw the margin at a surprisingly close two goals.
Half time scores: Stony Creek 7.5.47 – Wonthaggi 5.6.36.
Stony Creek had the use of the breeze this term blowing into their forward pocket and were hoping for a big term.
It started well for them when Matt Davies to McMillan brought up full points.
Van Der Pluym over to McMillan again and his ever-reliable boot scored another.
A bit of a dust-up came soon after. Wonthaggi seemed to stir themselves a little but the Stony defence held firm. Hutchinson took some strong grabs to repel Wonthaggi.
McMillan goaled again as Stony’s lead blew out but the Power got one back through Nathan Jones.
Verboon goaled after receiving a 50 metre for Stony Creek while McMillan was having a great quarter with another goal.
Hutchinson continued to dominate out of defence while Tack came off briefly, not having a lot of influence on the contest.
At three quarter time Stony Creek had a six goal lead over the Power and many at the ground thought the game was all over.
Wonthaggi, who had kicked six goals for three quarters, needed to boot at least seven goals this term to win the match.
Three quarter time scores: Stony Creek 12.9.81 – Wonthaggi 6.9.45.
Ben Young never gave up for Wonthaggi. His inspirational play saw him snap a great goal and stir his side into action.
Young over to Tack with a mark and goal and suddenly Wonthaggi had their tails up, four goals the
difference.
A massive torpedo out of the centre saw Tack on the end of it again. He kicked truly for his second and Wonthaggi had erupted.
Stony had stopped to a walk, the Power had the sniff of a massive turnaround of fortunes.
Rodda over to Fleming saw a much needed goal for Stony Creek to bring it back to four goals.
Josh Olden soon made it a three goal margin again with a goal to Wonthaggi.
Wonthaggi peppered away at goal for a couple of behinds then Ben Young grabbed a great mark and scored a goal. It was an 11 point ball game at the 15 minute mark; plenty of time for the Power.
Ben Eddy ran in for an open goal for Wonthaggi but missed.
When Cameron Stone moved the ball over to Rodda for a goal at the 24 minute mark; Stony Creek had stitched up the premiership. The siren sounded minutes later and the celebrations burst out al over the ground.
It had been an excellent game, played hard and in good spirit. The umpires did a great job, almost unnoticeable as they went about managing the game.
Congratulations to all the Stony players and their club on a great season, and on their fighting spirit to win this elusive premiership.
Congratulations also to Wonthaggi who have been the benchmark over the past five seasons and set a challenge to all clubs in the AFL to reach upwards.
In the football jungle, the Stony Creek Lions no longer sleep and they will become the hunted.
Final scores: Stony Creek 14.10.94 d Wonthaggi Power 11.14.80.

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Posted by Chris Brown on Sep 15 2009. Filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry