A grade
Crystal Brook 23-8 (146) d Southern Flinders 15-12 (102)
Crystal Brook finally broke the grand final curse that has haunted for many seasons with a comfortable 44 point win over Southern Flinders.
Before a huge crowd Southern Flinders won the toss and kicked with the aid of a massive northerly wind (worth about five goals).
The Tigers started well and had three goals on the board inside the first 10 minutes.
But when its star centreman and Mail Medallist Matt Woolford suffered a serious shoulder injury Crystal Brook started to gain some momentum.
The Roosters were very dangerous up forward and a couple of 50 metre penalties allowed the team to kick easy goals. The Roosters led at quarter time. In the second term the Roosters took full advantage of the strong breeze and converted some very good goals including a 75 metre torpedo from Gus Merkel.
At half time Crystal Brook had the game sewn up and led by 43 points. To Southern Flinders’ credit they had a brilliant third term and kicked 9-5 to 2-0 to actually lead by four goals at three quarter time. Crystal Brook came home with the breeze and were never really threatened during a dominant final term. Best for Crystal Brook was veteran Steven Merkel who turned back the clock with a brilliant display kicking six goals.
Captain Matt Coates rebounded strongly across half back along with classy Matt Jackman. Jack Cousins was lively around the stoppages and Matt Gale and James Wardle all contributed to the win. Jamie Kemp kicked five goals despite some tough attention. Josh Gale kicked four, James Wardle three and Matt Gale two. Best for Southern Flinders was coach Scott Brand who battled his heart out and tried to get his side up.
He was well helped by centreman Garry Hull who also had an outstanding game.
Youngsters Rhys Millington and Scott Mazzone were very good along with Ben Brown and Michael Gaunt. Scott Brand kicked three goals, Garry Hull, Brett Ballantyne and John McKenna kicked two goals each.
B grade
BMW 12-8 (80) d Jamestown-Peterborough 5-3 (33)
After an even first half BMW dominated the second half of this game rattling on
10-2 to run all over the top of the Mag-
pies.
The Lions had too much speed for the Pies and improved their efficiency in front of goal to take out the B grade title.
Best for the Lions were Matt Keller, Kym Searle, speedster Tom Carling, livewire Dessy Taylor, youngster Eamon Fetherstonhaugh and experienced Noel Arthur.
Dessy Taylor kicked three goals and Paul Finlay two. Best for the Pies were Gary Beyer, Spanner Kitschke, Paul Hunter, John Villis, Adrian McCarthy and Clayton Pycroft.
Nick O’Leary kicked two goals.
Senior colts
Crystal Brook 12-15 (87) d BMW 4-9 (33)
Crystal Brook proved far too strong for BMW in a one sided senior colts game.
The Roosters dominated most areas of the ground and if it wasn’t for some inaccurate kicking in front of goal the margin could have been far greater.
Best for the Roosters were centreman Nick Joyce, ruckman Sam Heinjus, forward Daniel Hill, Todd Arbon, Kolby Whittaker and Daniel Keller. Captain Daniel Hill kicked five goals. Best for BMW were Tom George, Kieran Borgas, Jed Walter, Bradley Struck, Joel Struck and Cam Carling.
Junior colts
Orroroo 5-9 (39) d BMW 3-9 (27)
This was a very good game between two evenly matched sides.
Spectators who arrived at Crystal Brook early enough were treated to a very tight
contest between two talented young
sides. Best for Orroroo were Andrew Catford, Billie Tapscott, Tom Reid, Isaac Chapman, Brendon Barton and Mitchell Fromm.
Best for the Lions were Alex Denny, Peter Lock, Max Butterick, Alistar Keller, Lachlan Robinson and Keenan Bury.
This brings to an end another successful season of Northern Areas football.
It was a very even year with all teams showing glimpses of brilliance at times.
Congratulations to all premiership sides and we look forward to seeing you again next year.
ROOSTERS...Fifth row: Ryan Hoare, left, Chris Stringer, Robert Price, Leigh Williamson, Jamie Kemp, Robin O’Dea (assistant coach), Ian Hurst (trainer), Toot Bunnett (trainer) and Ben Richards. Fourth row: Josh Gale, left, Matt Arbon, Luke Kapitola, Matt Jackman, Joel Millard, Waylon Nielson and Joseph Slattery. Third row: Brian Joyce (runner), Greg Irvine (coach), Andrew Wright, Cameron Arbon, Damien Head, Adam Noonan, David Jeffries, Matt Gulin, Ian Lambert (team manager), Bernie Noonan, Shane Kirk (secretary) and Colin Byles. Second row: Steven Merkel, left, Keagan Brinkley, Matt Gale, Shane Arbon (vice captain), Matt Coates (captain), James Wardle (vice captain), Jason Cousins (vice captain), Mickey Fogarty (mascot), Mick Fogarty (president) and Geoff Gale (trainer). Front row: Leo Coates, left, and Tom Head.
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