VFL Grand Final - Match Report

North Ballarat
Goals - Driscoll 2, Edwards 2, Wundke 2, Dinnell 2, Smith, Jones, Goodes, White, Garlett, Searl
Best - Stephenson, Watt, Edwards, Roach, White, Garlett

Northern Bullants
Goals- Cloke 5, Saddington 2, Neaves, Bransgrove, Garlett.
Best- Cloke, McCorkell, Iacobucci, Bannister, Saddington, Bentick

Umpires: M.Jennings, A.Mitchell, B.Ritchie
Crowd:  14,026 @ Etihad Stadium, Melbourne
North Goss Medalist: Orren Stephenson (North Ballarat)

North Ballarat (14.7.91) defeated the Northern Bullants (10.8.68) to claim its second consecutive VFL premiership at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.

The Roosters progressed to the decider with a 61-point demolition of Collingwood in the second preliminary final, while the Bullants come back against a resilient Port Melbourne to win by 21 points.

The Roosters controlled much of the first quarter, with numerous turnovers and general skills errors costing the Bullants dearly. Midfielder Joe Anderson was the main offender with three costly turnovers as the Bullants trailed by eight points at quarter time.

It was even during the second quarter as both sides continued to play a sloppy style of football. Despite being ahead on the scoreboard, the Roosters still had to capitalise on a number of Bullants turnovers and poor disposal in general.

A poor third quarter performance from the Bullants cost them dearly as they were forced to play some catch up football in a bid to keep premiership chances intact.

The Bullants were not going to lose a grand final without a fight, thanks to a number of late goals but the Roosters kicked away without to seal a second VFL premiership.

Ruckman Orren Stephenson and North Melbourne rookie Cruize Garlett were exceptional during the last quarter in particular, with North Ballarat two men down after losing Michael Searle (bleeding eye) and Daniel Feery (fractured back).

Aside from Anderson, Carlton rookie Chris Yarran’s midfield chase and tackle was one of few positives for a Bullants team that faded out during the last quarter.

Roosters coach Gerrard Fitzgerald was very pleased to go back to back and appreciated the wider support his team receives from the wider Ballarat community.

“It’s fantastic, we’ve got a great organisation that we’re really proud of,” he said.

“Great support within the city and wider community, we’ve got some fantastic relationships and partnerships.”

Stephenson stepped up following indifferent form from fellow ruckman Tristan Cartledge.

Stephenson started in the ruck before switching to defence, where he did a superb job in restricting the Bullants forwards and Roosters coach Gerrard Fitzgerald has nothing but praise for his big man.

“He’s a quality man and that’s two very very good grand finals he’s played in,” he said.

“He gets challenged by very very good sides and very good opponents; he has the ability to stand up when it matters most.”  

Stephenson was awarded the Norm Goss Medal for his 25 disposal and 27 hit out performance.