The Grafton Tigers produced three minutes of third-quarter brilliance that eventually was enough to deny the Port Magpies any hope of their first NCAFL premiership since 2007 at BCU International Stadium, Coffs Harbour on Saturday.
It was those three goals that took Grafton into the lead for the first time in the match and eventually swung the momentum in the direction of the 2011 minor premiers in front of a 1000-plus vocal crowd.
Despite being made to work hard for their possessions for the majority of the match, Grafton won the contest with electrifying forward Daniel Zacek (4 goals) and Jim Woodlock (Medal winner for Best On Ground) and Evan Duryea (3 goals) slotting home the crucial majors between them.
The result capped “one of those days” for the Magpies, with all three grades going down in the deciders.
First grade looked in control, kicking out to an early 4-goal lead and at half-time they still had the better of the game, leading 51-39.
In the third quarter, Grafton managed those three momentous goals while the Magpies took the foot off the accelerator ever so briefly and could only manage the two behinds.
Coach Scott Payne was livid after the match, feeling that the “rub of the green” eluded his committed and tenacious troops for the second year in succession.
“Credit to Grafton, great to see a new force in the NCAFL and they have been the premier team all season,” Payne said.
“However, looking around our dressing room after the game with ice packs, two blokes stitched up, another handful still bleeding and battered, you have to wonder what else they could do.
“Our captain Shannon Skreja didn’t know if he was in Disneyland or Dubai yet he still shrugged off assistance and came out to the three-quarter time huddle to try and inspire his mates.
“Not a lot went our way today, but you won’t hear me complaining about the amount of ticker these blokes showed, I am so proud of each and every one of them and also thank our supporters and committee for travelling up by car or bus and shouting their support in the face of adversity.”
In the end, it was that extra 2-3 per cent of bodywork and verbal assistance around the contests that cost Port.
Several times three or four Port Magpies charged into the packs with no fear for their well-being, only to see the ball spill loose to a Grafton Tiger who would ultimately make the Pies pay.
Earlier in the week, Payne cited “shepherding” as a major focal point but it again was an area that the Pies just couldn’t repeat consistently enough to provide that extra time for its possession winners around the ground.
On the positive side, Matt Newton took one of the marks of the year, holding off his opponent and dragging in a one handed, shoulder high mark as he was falling to the turf and then converting from in front of goal.
Dean Nankivell fought all day, whether in the ruck or up forward and Ben Manton established himself as one of the game’s premier players by just going and going all game long.
Greg Dean capped a great season with another wholehearted effort while Glenn Chapman, Jim Connelly and Damon Munt exuded spirit and passion for the duration.
Dylan Rumble’s fight to be included in the top grade paid off and he proved versatile, while Jesse Schmidt presented all day.
Magpies’ General Manager, Craig Carroll, paid his tributes to the victors but also heaped praise on his club members.
“This club has so much to build on,” he said. “It hurts like hell today but we all know how tough 2011 has been, yet we never forfeited a match, we lent players to opposition clubs, we honoured players from the past decade, and we were there en masse to contest every single grade on grand final day.
“If people think we are going to go away and stand still, then they had better think again. We’ll be looking at ways to improve, ways to expand our already deep supporter and sponsor base, and ways to make sure our players enjoy the AFL: experience forevermore as much as they did this year.
“Let me pay tribute to coaching staff Scott Payne, Mal Callaway, John Stangherlin, Chris Gridley, Garry Hawtin and Tony Kennedy for keeping this great group of men motivated and committed.”
The Magpies will conclude their season with a presentation day at Settlers Inn on Saturday, September 17 honouring the great achievers of 2011.
For details phone Michael Tritton on 0418 421 184.
FIRST GRADE
Grafton Tigers 10.10 (70) defeated Port Magpies 8.7 (55)
GoalKickers: (Grafton) D. Zacek 4, E. Duryea 3, D. Beaver , S. Purton , S. Duroux (Port Magpies) M. Newton 3, J. Hall 2, D. Nankivell , C. Miechel, D. Rumble.
Best Players: (Grafton) D. Gordon, R. Davis, W. Darby, S. Purton, K. Thompson, D. Zacek (Port Magpies) M. Newton, D. Nankivell, D. Munt, J. Hall, G. Dean, M. Lill
BEST ON GROUND (Jim Woodlock Medal): Evan Duryea (Grafton Tigers)
