South Mandurah’s reserves capped off a stunning year when they took home the 2018 premiership – their fourth in club history – with a 10-goal victory over Rockingham on Saturday.
Bouncing back from last year’s aberration which saw them shocked by Baldivis, the Falcons came prepared this time around and put a helpless Rockingham to the sword for a mesmerising 14.13 (97) to 5.7 (37) win.
Adam Norton took home the best-on-ground medal for his efforts in the victory, and it was with his help and some forward dominance from Michael Drazic that the Falcons were able to conjure a first quarter that would go on to define the game.
The Southies duo were imposing in the opening term, as their Falcons tallied six goals to Rockingham’s one to break the game wide open.
Drazic – who ended the day with five goals – had two of those opening quarter majors while Jake Vittorangeli booted the Rams’ only goal for the term.
Rockingham managed to level the contest in the second quarter with Riley Allison playing a cracking game for the side, but with each side nailing two goals in the second South Mandurah was able to clutch to a 37-point lead at the long break.
The Rams needed to conjure a prolific third quarter if they were to come back from the brink, but they fell short despite admirable efforts as the Falcons’ defence continued to stand firm.
Stephen Snowdon put in a fantastic game for the premiers and his efforts continued in the final term where he sparked another run for South Mandurah, putting them beyond Rockingham’s reach and buoying them to a 60-point win.
The premiership is the Falcons’ first since 2013, and their fourth overall.