Collingullie-Glenfield Park won a sensational reserve grade grand final on Saturday with Zac Billingham kicking an over-the-head snap late in the fourth quarter to claim victory against a previously unbeaten Griffith side.
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The Demons only hit the front for the first time just before half-time but in a see-sawing second half, the lead changed hands five times, culminating in Billingham’s moment of brilliance to secure the 6.6 (42) to 5.9 (39).
With the quarters shortened to 17 minutes plus time-on due to the heat, Billingham’s shot – facing north and kicking south – was delivered in the 17th minute.
It was the last scoring shot of the game, and a first for the forward.
“Never in my life, not even close – never tried over my head. First time. Lucky it come off,” Billingham said.
“We’ve worked so hard all year. Griffith have been the top side. They haven’t been beaten so it’s unreal to come out here in tough conditions and grind out a win like that.”
The Demons fought their way into the game late in the second quarter and the teams went goal for goal after half-time.
Ruckman Nick Cooper was outstanding throughout and won the Ryan/Stewart Medal for best on ground.
But Griffith were left cursing missed opportunities, particularly in the last quarter, which brought their bid for an unbeaten season undone.
Adding to the drama, goal umpire Ryan Feuerherdt was stretchered off after a collision with Griffith defenders desperate to prevent the Billingham miracle.
“I wasn’t sure it was a goal until when the umpire was bowled over, they said, ‘that’s gone through’ so I was pretty happy in that moment,” Billingham said.
Collingullie-GP still had to hang on for the last four minutes for the win, just as they had held on throughout the fourth quarter when Griffith dominated possession but couldn't find more than one goal.
It was the second time in three seasons that the Demons twos have beaten Griffith in the grand final.
“The way they applied themselves for the whole game, a four quarter effort… the boys really stood up today and were lucky enough to get the win,” Collingullie-GP coach Shane Macaulay said.
Collingullie also enjoyed success on the netball court, defeating Leeton-Whitton 37-35 in C Grade, but went down to the Crows in A reserve, 37-41.
Full-time
COLLINGULLIE-GP 0.2, 3.5, 5.5, 6.6 (42)
GRIFFITH 1.4, 2.5, 4.8, 5.9 (39)
Goals: (CGP) Dylan Koop 2, Matthew Lewington 1, Mitch Pilon 1, Mitch Mullins 1, Zac Billingham 1 (Griffith) Todd Howard 2, Kris Duncan 2, Royce Johns 1
Best: (CGP) Nick Cooper, Luke Powell, Luke Hughes, Mitch Mullins, Tim Banks, Dylan Koop; (Griffith) Luke Peruzzi, Nick Witherspoon, Dean Villata, Benjamin Tarr, Riley Irvin, Dean Catanzariti.
Ryan/Stewart Medal: Nick Cooper (Collingullie-GP)