The Pinjarra Tigers continued to carve their name as the premiership powerhouse of the Peel Football and Netball League when a grand final win over Centrals saw them go back-to-back on Saturday evening.
Seeing them to their seventh league flag, it’s a win that stamps down their authority as the league’s heavyweight on the premiership tally as they now sit three ahead of the Blues, South Mandurah and Waroona.
But while taking home the silverware is nothing new for this modern day Tigers outfit, the pride, joy and significance of winning it all is something that will never wear off for coach Troy Vidovich.
Capping off his third year at the helm with his second grand final victory, Vidovich praised the belief his playing group holds for each other.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet, and it won’t for a while I don’t think, but overall it’s just pride,” the coach said when asked about his players.
“I’m so proud of these boys – what they’ve achieved is great but specifically how they achieved it. They stick together, they go about everything the right way and they work hard towards their goals.
“Those are the sorts of things that will stick with me down the track when I’m able to have a beer and look back at these years.”
The 5.12 (42) to 13.7 (85) win came on the back of a second-half landslide from Pinjarra, who led by just 10 points at the long break before an exemplary team effort buoyed them over an inaccurate Blues outfit.
The Tigers put their foot down in the final two quarters blazing away with nine goals to Centrals’ three, as they rallied to the emphatic 43-point victory.
Star midfielder Rory O’Brien capped off his first year back at his junior club with a best-on-ground effort after snaring three goals and collecting a heap of possessions, while Leroy Jetta booted five and could easily have had more if it weren’t for some wayward shots.
Mackenzie O’Brien, Brock O’Brien, Dean Beswick and Rob Reswick also earned spots among the Tigers’ best, but Vidovich pointed to a complete team effort in the win.
“Honestly, all 22 of them put in an outstanding day,” he said.
“The way they shared the footy, used it well and played for each other – it made you stand back and realise how hungry they were for the win.”
But Vidovich said the premiership, which was one of three on day for the Tigers, was a testament not only to his team but the club on a whole.
“This just shows how much hard work everyone has put in behind the scenes,” he said.
“All that work has made this place a club people want to be a part of, and when people are happy and loving the situation the club is in the results will follow.”
Joining the league team as premiers were Pinjarra’s colts, who snapped a 22-year drought, and the women who made history taking out the competition’s first flag.