THERE were plenty of sore heads, but that didn’t stop the smiles at Finnians Tavern on Sunday as the Port Macquarie Magpies celebrated their AFL North Coast premiership win.
It was a grand final victory for the ages, as the Magpies fought back from a five-goal deficit in the third quarter to win by 20 points against Sawtell-Toormina.
It was a premiership playoff for the ages.
Port Macquarie led by a goal at the first change after a physical opening quarter, while scores were all tied up at half-time.
In front of a big crowd at Coffs Harbour, the Saints took the upper hand after the break, storming out of the blocks to establish a 30-point lead.
Only a late rally by the Magpies to kick two goals before the siren kept them in the match.
With the premiership on the line, Port Macquarie booted 6.6 to 1.1 in the final term to turnaround a 15-point deficit at three-quarter time to win the match comfortably, 13.14 (92) to 11.6 (72).
Jesse Schmidt was the standout for the Pies, while Matthew Lill, Michael Kemp and Kirk Lower were the other top contributors.
Goals were shared around by Port Macquarie, with Stewart Todd, Scott Abercrombie, Tom Dickson, Kemp and Lill all booting two majors apiece.
It topped off a good day for the club, with the Magpies’ under-18 side hammering the Coffs Swans 12.15 (87) to 6.11 (47) in the earlier grand final.
The Cambden Haven Bombers made it a Hastings hat-trick, winning the reserves grand final against Coffs Swans.
The Bombers led from go to woah, winning 13.9 (87) to 2.3 (15).
