OFA 2023: Newdegate claims sixth premiership after against injury-ravaged Lake Grace-Pingrup in grand final

A four-goal final quarter from Newdegate was the catalyst to their 29-point premiership triumph over a luckless Lake Grace-Pingrup in the Ongerup Football Association on Saturday at Newdegate. Thousands gathered to watch the grand final, which marked the first time in association history the two had met in the ‘big dance’. It was the Lions’ first premiership since 2016 when they defeated Gnowangerup and coach Harvey Lynch said “it was a monumental day for the club.” “It’s a better feeling to win it this year being at home and in a derby and certainly feels good,” he said. The Bombers were down to two players on the bench during the opening quarter but Lynch said he was confident his side could eventually blow the game open. “I thought if we could control the ball we could hold them quite well because we managed to do it when they had the breeze in the second quarter,” he said. “So it was all about keeping their heads and if we control the footy we can run over them.” Bombers’ Alex Duckworth and Konnah Holmes (both knee injuries) were helped from the ground by trainers in the opening quarter and did not return to the field. “They’re probably in the top four or five players for them and so it left a big hole and I think guys like (Luke) Bairstow had to carry the load, which is always difficult,” Lynch said. The Bombers looked like the better team in the third quarter but lacked polish going forward, finishing the quarter scoreless and trailing by 10 points. The Lions’ forward power proved too strong and they booted four goals to one in the final stanza, surging to an 8.7 (55) to 4.2 (26) victory. All eight of the Lions’ majors came from spearhead Arron Russell (five goals) and winger Darcy Thompson (three). “Arron has battled foot injuries throughout the year, so to boot five in the grand final is exceptional and is a great reward for effort,” Lynch said. Young midfield star Nelson Kent claimed the Michael McLennan Medal after he was judged best-afield and Lynch said the 22-year-old had shown he was one for the future. “He’s a kid with a spring in his step and we have seen his absolute brilliance before and he was close to that on Saturday,” he said. “But he’s got a lot of footy ahead of him and if I was a scout I would have a look at him.” The Lions were sweating on the fitness of star defender Dean Rintoul before the match and his inclusion was pivotal to their defensive structure. “We strengthened the backline obviously with Dean coming in who reads the ball so well,” Lynch said. “But it also allowed players like Blake Dunkeld, Courtney Waddell and Riley Riley Bridger to take intercept marks and we rebounded really well.” With a reduced bench from the opening quarter, the Bombers were facing the toughest of battles to claim an unlikely victory. The Bombers were trailing by one straight kick at half-time before they began to lose touch. Coach Kelvin Holmes lauded his side’s efforts in the face of adversity. “The boys fought it out and our third quarter was sensational, but we we didn’t capitalise,” Holmes said. “Losing our centre-half-forward (Duckworth) in the first quarter and then Konnah who was close to best-on-ground when he went down. “It hurt our structure a bit and we didn’t really adjust too well.” The Bombers were minor premiers and have played in four grand finals since 2019, but have not been successful in any attempt. “This one hurts obviously but to be able to win one you have to put yourself in the position to do so,” Holmes said. “On the day it is always it’s anyone’s game and we played a good side today. “If we keep sticking at it we will no doubt be on the other side of the result.” Despite the loss, Holmes said he was excited about what the future held for his young side. “We are all home-grown players and we are still pretty young,” he said. “We had two 17-year-olds playing today, so we have an exciting future.” Damian Trevenen, Tyson Prater, Samuel Bertola and Mitchell Smith were key contributors for the Bombers. Jackson Callope booted two goals while veteran Luke Bairstow added one. Lake Grace-Pingrup did not go home empty handed, after their reserves side beat Jerrumungup 8.10 (58) to 3.8 (26) to claim the flag. Bombers’ Reece Walton booted two goals and was named best-on-ground. The grand final win for Newdegate was made sweeter after their juniors team thumped Gnowangerup to win their first ever premiership. Billy Hams was named best-on-ground in the 9.8 (62) to 1.0 (6) victory.