OFA 2024: Lake Grace-Pingrup break 12-year long premiership drought with commanding win over Gnowangerup

Lake Grace-Pingrup’s brutal 12-year wait for an Ongerup Football Association premiership is finally over after producing a classy performance to topple Gnowangerup in a blustery grand final in Jerramungup on Saturday. Having been the bridesmaids on the final match of the season in the past two years and on two other occasions since 2012, the inspired Bombers made this one count, igniting emotional scenes among players and faithful supporters. Up against the league powerhouse and minor premiers, the Bombers were poised under pressure and devastating on their counterattacks in their memorable 12.5 (77) to 6.7 (43) triumph. Bombers’ star on-baller Reagan Smith was named best on ground and dual OFA leading goal-kicker Jackson Callope was ever-dangerous with four majors. But it was player-coach Jack Carruthers’ game-changing premiership quarter where he booted three decisive majors and set up another that blew the game apart. Heading into the second half with a 13-point buffer, Carruthers booted his second in the opening few minutes before converting another moments later from a tough angle to open up a 25-point lead. He then ran into an open goal square for his third before forcing a crucial turnover deep inside-50 to set Callope up with his second and the Bombers had suddenly flown away. Former WA Country player Sam Lewis then kicked truly with a spectacular running snap that was worthy of the celebration that followed as the Bombers piled on five match-defining third-quarter goals, blowing the margin out to 44 points. With their premiership aspirations teetering on a knife’s edges, the Bulldogs made use of their strong wind advantage in the last quarter. Rohan Hodgson and 2024 Les Ganzer medallist Lewis Davis combined early cutting the deficit to 31 points and sparking a last-ditch fightback. But Callope stepped up again with a long-range nerve-settler into the teeth of the icy breeze kick-starting their long-awaited grand final celebrations early. Lewis provided relentless run and carry all game and midfield pair Luke Bairstow and Harris Regan were found at the bottom of every pack through the stoppage-heavy encounter while Carruthers finished with four vital goals. The Bombers were kicking with the strong breeze in the opening quarter, but it was the Bulldogs who drew first blood after speedster Connor Hawkins’ soccer finish rivalled a free-kick from Manchester United great Wayne Rooney. But the Bombers hit back with four unanswered goals including back-to-back goals from human highlight real Luke Moore who kicked truly from a tight angle in front of the boisterous crowd before “selling candy” to two Bulldogs defenders to slot his second on the run. After dominating possession for most of the second term, the Bulldogs were made to rue missed opportunities before Davis kicked his first nine minutes in and Connor Smallwood nailed a stunning dribble kick to reduce the margin. Davis was crucial for the Bulldogs and booted three goals while player-coach Timm House offered plenty in the engine room alongside James Dewar. Bulldogs captain Ethan Caldwell was instrumental in the back half and rebounded tirelessly in a tough outing. Earlier in the day Jerramungup claimed the reserves premiership on home turf, beating Lake Grace-Pingrup by 16 points and in the juniors Lake Grace-Pingrup won the grand final by 18 points over Jerramungrup.