Standalone VFL club Werribee Tigers have avenged their 2023 heartbreak with a come-from-behind win over Southport Sharks in the decider at Ikon Park.
It marked an end to a 31-year drought for the Tigers, whose last premiership came in 1993 with a win over Port Melbourne at Princes Park.
Since then, there have been four losses in the VFL Grand Final, with last year the most recent.
The Tigers came in as favourites after securing the minor premiership before knocking off Geelong and Brisbane to claim a spot in the decider.
Led by captain Dom Brew - who earlier in the week was named the Smithy's VFL standout performer of 2024 - and Jack Henderson, Werribee managed to claw back a three-goal deficit to regain ascendancy in the second half.
Henderson was presented the Norm Goss medal for best afield, amassing 23 disposals, eight tackles, seven marks and two goals, ironically handed to him by former teammate and AFL star Shaun Mannagh.
Shaun Mannagh presents the Norm Goss Medal to Jack Henderson ๐
His day:
- 23 disposals
- 8 tackles
- 7 marks
- 2 goals pic.twitter.com/eqAEwMlw8d— 7AFL (@7AFL) September 22, 2024
Brew was equally as good, gathering 31 possessions, 15 clearances and eight tackles in the victory.
A seven goal stretch from early in the third to midway in the final quarter set up an insurmountable lead for Werribee, but not without their worries.
The Sharks stormed back into contest, kicking the last three majors of the afternoon, drawing the margin back to six points.
But like the goal-kicking troubles that plagued Southport in the first term, the Queensland club failed to kick straight when it mattered most.
Ruckman and captain Brayden Crossley was impressive throughout the day, recording a whopping 68 hit-outs, 12 tackles, 12 touches and four clearances.
While midfielders Boyd Woodcock (22 possessions, 19 tackles and six clearances) and Jacob Dawson (29 touches, five tackles, five clearances and two goals) can hold their heads high.
WERRIBEE TIGERSย 2.2ย ย ย ย ย 3.2ย ย ย ย 7.5ย ย ย ย 10.9 (69)
SOUTHPORT SHARKSย 2.7ย ย ย ย ย 4.9ย ย ย ย 5.10ย ย ย ย 8.15 (63)
GOALS
Werribee Tigers: Henderson 2, Dahlhaus 2, Young, Whyte, Riding, Paea, Garoni, Banch
Southport Sharks: Lockhart 2, Dixon 2, Dawson 2, Shannon, Sexton
