A crowd of more than 5000 people packed out Trafalgar Recreation Precinct to see Longwarry Football Club’s three-year build under coach Darren Granger reach its pinnacle, with the Crows comfortably accounting for Trafalgar on its own ground on 12 September.
While the Bloods held firm for the first half, it had little answer as the Crows kicked away after half time to win 11-6 (72) to 3-7 (25).
The Crows entered the contest unchanged from the second semi final while the Bloods made one change, Keegan Tullett the unlucky player to miss for Liam Coulthard.
Cooper Minichiello took the field in a face mask to protect his busted nose from the preliminary final.
Braydon McHugh put through the only goal of the first term as an early arm-wrestle ensued.
Although the second term remained a dour struggle, the Crows were able to kick out to a 12-point lead.
Longwarry’s Fintan Fox was paid a dangerous tackle free kick in front of goal.
His speed was troubling the Trafalgar defence, adding another from 40 metres from the lead.
Danny Brewster took an uncontested mark to score a much overdue goal for the Bloods.
The Crows made their move in the third term with a six goal to one effort to sink Trafalgar hearts.
Longwarry’s Rundell went for a customary long run to celebrate the first and was soon in the action again.
He speared a pass into the open Jason Wells who in turn hit up McHugh as the Crows finished from going end-to-end.
Danny Brewster won a free kick for an arm chop to kick truly, but any momentum was snuffed out by the Crows.
Brandon Allen found Josh Bourke in space to hit Jedd Serong on the lead to further extend the margin.
A long kick from Jackson Kos set up the Crows to the advantage of Jason Wells to put through their eighth.
A vigorous tackle set up Wells for another in the pocket as a venue attendance of 5040 was announced.
Things went from bad to worse for Trafalgar as Ryan Dyke was helped off by two trainers with a knee injury.
Trafalgar scored the first goal of the final term, but it was too little too late.
Longwarry’s Serong converted from a double grab mark before van der Heyden capped off the strong performance with a goal of his own.
Best on ground medallist Cooper Brown, Allen, Bailey Stephens, Fox, Tyler van der Heyden and McHugh led the charge towards the premiership for the Crows.
The Bloods were best served by Bradley Hoffmann, Shane Brewster, Oliver Hennessy, Danny Brewster, Kyle Beveridge and Hardy Kenny.
More photos can be found on page 21.
Article and photo source: Warragul and Drouin Gazette
