ABERFELDIE is the 2017 Strathmore Community Bank Premier Division premier after winning its third premiership since its initiation in 1948.
The contest started off tight, with a strong breeze whirling around in the first quarter.
But Aberfeldie’s back line stood up early, with the likes of Josh Toy and Daniel Thompson preventing Greenvale from capitalising on its opportunities up forward.
Aberfeldie’s 14-point lead at quarter time was then threatened by the Jets, who came out firing in the second quarter to get within two points.
The Gorillas then put on a clinic, kicking seven unanswered goals to kick Greenvale out of the contest.
Coach, Adam Potter commended his forward line for their impressive display at Windy Hill.
“We were a lot more efficient inside 50 today. We took more marks and we finished our work which was pleasing,” he said.
From that point, the Jets began to become frustrated and consequently, their undisciplined acts started to cost them in the latter stages of the game.
Aberfeldie’s Courtney Johns began to dominate the ruck, and Kyle Reimers fought off Nick Parthenopoulos’ great defending to kick his second goal of the day.
Potter was all praise for Johns especially, who stood up against one of the most dominant ruckmen in the Strathmore Community Bank Premier Division.
“I thought Johnsy’s game in the ruck against (Fabian) Deluca was pivotal,” he said.
The game was torn apart in the third quarter, when Aberfeldie kicked five goals to Greenvale’s one.
James Peters kicked two consecutive goals in the term to give the Gorillas a 49-point lead at the end of the third.
Even though Aberfeldie’s forward line dominated, the work of its defenders didn’t go unnoticed, as reigning Reynolds Medallist Luke Blackwell walked away with the Reg Rose Medal as best-on-ground.
Potter has known Blackwell for 10 years, and said that his accolade was well-deserved.
“He’s a superstar (Blackwell). He’s a comp-medallist, best-on-ground, two-time premiership player at our club and he’ll go down as one of the greats,” he said.
Blackwell’s role was pivotal, as the Jets only managed to kick six majors on the day.
Aberfeldie’s dominance resulted in the sweetest reward, as captain, Luke Davis and coach, Adam Potter raised the premiership cup after a 61-point win against Greenvale.
ABERFELDIE 16.11.107
Goal Kickers: Z. Hislop 3, J.Foster 3, J. Peters 3, J. Pound 2, K. Reimers 2, S. Cattapan, J. Rush, W. Berry
Best Players: L. Blackwell, Z. Hislop, C. Johns, J. Toy, R. Allan, L. Davis
GREENVALE 6.10.46
Goal Kickers: J. Thompson 2, K. Sanajko, S. Zumbo, D. Sardo, D. Micevski
Best Players: J. Smith, N. Parthenopoulos, B. Stillman, F. Deluca, S. Zumbo, S. Brewer
