FINAL 3 Ressies GRAND FINAL v Old Geelong: Won by 30

19th September 2006

What a great week end it was for the Old Mentonians’ Football Club, with both the Reserves and the Under 19’s winning premierships.  It had been sixteen years since the Panthers had experienced success in September, but this year the drought was well and truly broken.

The Reserves had to put the emotion of the Under 19’s success behind them as they travelled to Preston on Saturday morning to take on Old Geelong.  Old Geelong had not lost a game for two seasons and went into the game as favourites.  The Panthers, however, had the incentive of wanting to atone for losing the two previous grand finals and wanting to make the match even more memorable for Chris Dwyer in his 250th game.

The first five minutes were all Old Mentonians, as they kicked two early goals but Old Geelong rallied and dominated the rest of the quarter.  The Panthers’ defence stood firm and restricted their opponents to a seven point lead at quarter time.  Matthew Elliott was dominant playing a kick behind the play in defence and repelled may forward attacks by the Geelong side.

During the second quarter Old Geelong threatened to break clear, but each time they were shown a display a tenacity and desperation by the Panthers.  Chris Alexander led the way with a best on ground performance on the half back flank.  Both sides increased their scores by twenty one points during the second quarter, and the game was set for a thrilling second half.

At the start of the third term Old Geelong threatened to break away, but again they could not establish a winning break.  From a bout half through the third quarter the Old Mentonians began to take control of the game.  Peter Flaskis, Justin O’Brien and Ricky Ironmonger provided great drive from the centre of the ground and Gerard Smith was cool and resolute in the back line.  Ben Lane was outstanding at centre half forward taking strong marks and driving the ball forward to captain Matthew Stroud (three goals) at full forward and Tony Bournon.  Old Geelong had no answer to Bournon, playing his 322nd (and last?) game for the club.  He kicked six goals to give him a total of twenty for the finals series.

With only one point separating the teams at three quarter time the game was set for a thrilling climax.  However the Panthers were determined that this was to be their Premiership.  A seven goal last quarter was outstanding and the Panthers earned themselves a decisive five goal win.  Their was no happier man at the end of the game than coach Jamie Winduss who has suffered the misfortune of having coached the team to two consecutive grand final losses and the final siren saw the commencement of a long and well deserved celebration for him, his team and all involved with the Old Mentonians Football Club

Please click through to the photogallery to view photos of the game (Note. photos will be uploaded on Wednesday, thanks for your patience)

OLD MENTONIANS    2.2    5.5    10.8    17.9 (111)
OLD GEELONG        3.3    6.6    10.7    12.9 (81)
    
Best:      C. Alexander, B. Lane, T. Bournon, M. Elliott, M. Stroud, P. Flaskis
Goals:    T. Bournon 6, B. Lane, M. Stroud 3, R.Alexander, P. Monahan 2, A. Mort 1

Upcoming Events: 2006 Award and Presentation Night

 
Come and celebrate the 2 successful Grand Final winners, the Best & Fairest for 2006 as well as many more awards, including Best on Ground awards from each game; and recognition of those who helped behind the scenes throughout the season.
 
When: Saturday, October 7th
Drinks to be served from 7pm
 
Where: Mentone Grammar Function Room (next to the new Gym)
 
$60 per person
$45 per U/19
 
Includes all food, beer, wine and soft drink.
 
RSVP
Please contact the following to get your seat for the evening:
Kym Regan kymbo@omfc.net, (m) 0409202120, or Alysia Gadsby alysia@omfc.net, (m) 0438594587
(payment is to be made prior to the night if possible)

Payment can also be a Cheque made out to the Club and sent to:
Old Mentonians Football Club, PO Box 309, Mentone, 3194
 
(Annual General Meeting is to be held beforehand, at 6:30. All are encouraged to attend, and have a hand in the direction of the club for 2007.)
 
For the last time of season 2006;
“Make Some Noise”