Reserves – South Gambier 11.7 (73) def Millicent 7.2 (44)

South Gambier has completed the perfect B Grade season winning every game on route to the flag, but had to overcome its biggest hurdle on grand final day.

No one had come close to the Demons all year, but Millicent gave it a red hot crack at Vansittart Park.

After three evenly fought terms only nine points separated the sides at the final break and a shock result was on the cards.

Evergreen Steven Duldig led the Saints’ charge with three majors alongside Matthew Withers and Craig Gysbers to give their fans plenty of belief.

But South showed its class with a big effort in the final term to seal the premiership.

Centurion Kym Eagleson once again came to the fore booting the first major in the match-sealing passage of play.

The likes of Ben Milstead and Robert Hein applied too much pressure for Millicent to handle to allow South to kick six goals to one in the last term to enjoy a 29-point win after a tight contest.

Not for the first time Milstead enjoyed some silverware this year collecting best on ground honours.

For the second straight season South Gambier did not put a foot wrong and coach Nick Patzel is already keen to defend the flag again.

“Back-to-back flags how good is this,” he said.

“It has been a long season and Millicent saved the best for last.

“But we are all stoked and keen to go for three in a row.”

Under 18 – South Gambier 7.11 (53) def North Gambier 8.3 (51)

Inspired by the familiar surroundings on grand final day a valiant North Gambier threw everything at South Gambier in the hope of pulling off something that has not been done in 2022.

While the Tigers played out of their skins, they fell two points short as the Demons remained undefeated across the entire season.

But this result was far from a certainty, especially at quarter time following a rousing start from the yellow and black.

With the breeze behind their backs, the Tigers played fast football and off the back of their leaders Brodie Allen (who was ultimately named best on ground) and Reece McLaughlin, had powered to a commanding 20-7 lead.

But when the teams swapped ends, South made its move and a strong set shot from forward Luke Winterfield put the favourites in front seconds before the half time siren.

Although the Demons had the momentum, the second half turned into a thrilling arm wrestle.

Both teams traded some impressive forward entries and goals with the difference not leaving single figures.

North started the final term strong and a Zayne Young set shot from point blank range put the hosts in the box seat with an eight-point lead.

But Luke Winterfield stepped up to the plate and a snap around the corner sent South into the lead with nine minutes left.

Amid high drama, the Tigers found Darcy Arthurson inside 50 and just as he prepared to take his set shot the ball was called back to the midfield and the hosts never found another golden opportunity as South held on by two points.

Demons’ coach Duncan McGregor said he was relieved after the dramatic finish.

“I got to give recognition to North with how well they played,” he said.

“It was a great game and I am sure most people enjoyed it but I did not because it was a real heart stopper.

“But we worked really hard and got it done.”

Under 16 – Millicent 8.2 (50) def South Gambier 7.5 (47)

Another classic unfolded in the Under 16’s competition and this time the underdog was able to hold on and complete the boil over.

Coming into the big dance Millicent was the clear outsider having finished third on the ladder, while South Gambier cruised through the season undefeated.

However, none of these factors were in play as the Saints gained the upper hand when it mattered most.

The combination of Jack Haggett and Kobe Gibson was irresistible with the latter making some big plays in all areas of the ground, while Jackson Bowden’s height was also influential.

The Saints enjoyed a 13-point lead at the first change, but this was slashed to seven when the Demons hit back in the second term led by Harry Wright.

But armed with the wind once again, Millicent kicked clear with an inspiring premiership quarter.

Gibson continued his fine performance increasing his tally to four goals, while Harry Gibbs also had a hat-trick of majors.

However, such a strong South side could never be discounted and it launched a huge fightback and with only three minutes left on the clock hit the lead following a courageous Rex Jones mark.

But just when the Demons thought they had pulled off the great escape, Gibbs pounced on a loose ball and slotted a tight shot in the pocket to immediately retake the lead with what proved to be the side’s only major of the last term.

As the clock ticked down and coaches panicked, South had one last chance to go forward, but failed to capitalise.

Fittingly it was Gibson who was in possession when the final siren sounded and once he booted the ball high into the sky, the huge celebrations started.

Millicent coach Finn Grimes was speechless after the win which defied all expectations.

“Commiserations to South, who set the standard across the whole journey and we did it tough all year, but it is good to get reward for effort,” he said.

Under 14 – South Gambier 7.3 (45) def East Gambier 4.4 (28)

The big day started with another enthralling affair in the Under 14’s arena between South and East Gambier.

Although the Demons were the favourites the Bulldogs showed some steel early.

With captain Jarvi Mee leading from the front kicking a match-high three goals and enjoying support from Brodie Versteegh and Riley Lawrence, East had every reason to believe being just four points down at three quarter time.

However, South saved its best for last and dominated the last term thanks to the efforts of best on ground Will Attiwill and Lachlan Cameron to lift the flag by 17 points.

“What a fantastic game of junior football that was and the entire crowd enjoyed it,” said South Gambier coach Heath Mitchell when accepting the trophy.

“There are a hundred people I want to thank because we have had a really awesome year.”