Sanctuary Lakes will need to shop for a trophy cabinet after securing its first premiership in Western Region Football League senior ranks in just its second season.
The Sharks won in a canter by 38 points over foundation club Braybrook in the division 3 reserves grand final at Hogans Road Reserve on Saturday.
Sharks onballer Michael Seex told Star Weekly the breakthrough triumph would provide a launching pad to a bright future for the club.
“It would’ve been great for the senior boys to get up, but at the end of the day a flag in the first two years for the club is obviously a good stepping stone,” he said.
The Sharks were in control of the grand final from the outset.
Only errant kicking – they turned only 11 of 31 shots into goals – kept the Bombers in the hunt at half-time.
Seex received the medal for being best-on-ground, but he said the honour could easily have gone to other key contributors including captain Tom Krpan, Tristan Pearce or Shaun Leith.
The Sharks had eight individual goalkickers. Chris Neville, Jayden Tandy and Alex Nicolovski kicked two apiece.
Centre-half forward John Cott, key defender Greg Cotter and rover Grant Jones have been outstanding all season.
Seex said the team had worked hard under coach Matthew Stoodley to become the inaugural champions in the newly formed division.
“The running that the boys did preseason has really paid off today,” Seex said.
“They just couldn’t keep up with us. You train and play all year for this, so it’s just a relief that it’s over and you come away with a win.”
Meanwhile, Wyndhamvale has broken its premiership drought in the senior section. The Falcons claimed their first title in the division 2 reserves on Sunday to end a cup-less run that has endured since they entered the league in 1989.
The Mark Elso-coached team won by eight points over Parkside in a low-scoring struggle at Chirnside Park.
Steven Soto, James Tessari and Matt Malual were best for the Falcons.
In under-18 division 2, Werribee Districts won the flag with a five-goal victory over minor premier Newport Power.
Tim Whiting, Joseph Di Natale and four-goal forward Daniel Kerruish were superb for the triumphant Tigers.
