The Gold Coast Suns have celebrated their first premiership behind a 17.10 (112) to 14.9 (93) win over Werribee in the VFL grand final on Sunday.
Having never tasted success in the NEAFL the Suns needed just three years to go all the way in the VFL.
A host of players with AFL experience starred, led by young gun Elijah Hollands (30 disposals, six clearances) and Mabior Chol (four goals) while long-time players Sam Day and Alex Sexton both kicked two goals.
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“Amazing mate, it means a lot to all us boys. It’s phenomenal,” Day told Channel 7.
Gold Coast won the grand final without their regular captain James Tsitas, suspended for a high shot in the preliminary final.
“First and foremost James Tsitas is the heart of this footy club and the heart of this side,” Sexton said.
“We knew we’d miss him but those young boys were going to stand up. We wouldn’t be in this position without James, no doubt about it.”
Stand-in skipper Charlie Constable also paid tribute to Tsitsas: “We love you, mate. You’re a massive part of what we do at the footy club so congratulations to you.”
The Suns edged out Werribee for the minor premiership on percentage but were forced to travel down to Melbourne to play the grand final when the Tigers qualified for the decider.
But the prospect never fazed the Suns.
“We locked in in this finals series with the goal of getting this done, and we did bring it home, which is really special,” Sexton said.
“We want to be hard and connected, that’s what we build our whole footy club. Especially in the VFL, the group’s that connected it’s not funny and I’ve loved being a part of this month.”
Werribee, coached by ex-AFL midfielder Michael Barlow, were gunning for their first premiership since 1993.
While they didn’t go home with the cup, Shaun Mannagh won the Norm Goss Medal as best on ground after an extraordinary game in the loss.
He kicked six goals and two behinds from 28 disposals, taking six marks and recording four clearances.
Elsewhere around the state leagues on Sunday, Glenelg won the SANFL premiership with a 13.8 (86) to 8.14 (62) win over Sturt.
The Tigers led by as much as 41 points in the third quarter before taking the foot off in the final term.
Glenelg’s Lachie Hosie won the Jack Oatey Medal as best on ground with a six-goal haul.
In the WAFL grand final, East Fremantle won their first flag since 1998 with a 12.13 (85) to 6.10 (46) victory over Peel Thunder.
Milan Murdoch won the Simpson Medal as best on ground with 27 touches and a goal.
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