Werribee Districts won its second Western Football League division 1 premiership in the most amazing circumstances.
Playing off in their fourth grand final in as many years the Tigers were keen to level the ledger
While the Tigers are familiar faces on the final day of the season, their opponents Caroline Springs, were playing in its first division 1 grand final.
The two sides produced an absolute classic.
Two goals in the dying minutes from the Lakers sent the game into extra time to decide this season’s premiers.
The Tigers kicked the only two goals in extra time to come away with the premiership, 11.9 (75)-9.9 (63).
Tigers coach Chris Gilham said the next day they were all starting to come down from the excitement.
He said he wasn’t sure what they would have done had they lost, after losing to Hoppers Crossing by one point last year in the grand final.
“We shouldn’t have been surprised,” he said. “We’ve had a number of close games the last couple of years.
“We drew twice last year and one this year, with two of them in the finals. Lucky for us we come out on top.
“It was an exciting night.”
Gilham said both sides matched up really well with both clubs having some really talented squads.
He said across all their games sides would have periods of momentum before the other would fight straight back.
On Saturday in the grand final, it was the Lakers that got the early jump.
Despite the Tigers having the wind in the first quarter, the Lakers led by 11 points at half time.
The margin was 14 points at the main break.
“We didn’t start as well as we would have liked with the scoring end,” Gilham said. “They were hot early on.
“They took their opportunities and worried us with their pressure and pace and the ability to carry the ball.”
Gilham said while they were disappointed they knew they would get their time in the sun and when it came they had to make the most of it.
They kicked four goals to one in the third quarter to lead by seven points heading into the final quarter.
Gilham said with the Lakers having the wind in the final quarter they needed to be in front.
“We got our flow and after half time we got better and better,” he said.
“Being in front was massive and when we scored first in the last quarter it gave us a little breather.
“We were a couple of minutes from winning the game.”
There was another twist of the tail.
The Lakers kicked the next two goals to level the scores at 62-apiece and force the game into extra time.
This was nothing new for either club, having played extra time against each other in a semi final last year.
Gilham said it was important to score first and that is what they did.
They would kick the only two goals of the extra period.
Gilham said having a couple of weeks off during the finals helped late with the fresher legs.
Caroline Springs Cooper Pepi was awarded the best on ground medal.
For the Tigers, Lachlan Rainbow kicked three goals while Daniel Nielson kicked two goals.
Captain Dillon Viojo-Rainbow was named the Tigers best.
Gilham said he thought he was fantastic as he set up a lot of forays forward.
It was a big weekend for the Tigers with their reserves also claiming the premiership.
The reserves also beat Caroline Springs, winning 7.9 (51)-6.4 (40).
Gilham said it was pretty special to see both sides win the premiership and continue their strong legacy.
The Tigers have played in 11 grand finals in the past four years, winning seven premierships across seniors, reserves and under-18s.
“We talk about the squad mentality,” he said. “A lot play in reserves and seniors.
“To get the reward for a whole playing group.
“We’re very proud of it. We celebrate what we’ve created and the culture that they boys have created.”
