What a moment: Waaia’s reserves celebrate the premiership win.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
With his talented reserves side only able to manage five scoring shots in a half of footy Waaia co-coach Jeremy Tyndall knew the Bombers could play better and they had to if silverware would be theirs.
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What happened next was “beautiful” to watch as the rampant Bombers burst out of the half-time break with a stirring come-from-behind victory to claim a memorable 7.11 (53) to 4.6 (30) grand final win over Strathmerton.
The Bombers were emphatic in the second half with six majors and restricted the Bulldogs to a miserly three behinds as they soared high to clinch the Picola District Football League reserves premiership.
Caught: Waaia's Brendan Harris.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Push and shove: Strathmerton's Mitch Easden competes for the ball with Waaia's Nick Tyndall.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Winding up: Waaia's Greg Meyland was a standout in the win.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Get around him: Strathmerton's Daniel Allen celebrates a goal.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Battling it out: Strathmerton's Micheal Keane and Waaia's Ash Carmody.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Crunch: Waaia's Greg Mayland lays a heavy tackle on Strathmerton's Harry Parsons.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Scanning ahead: Strathmerton's Luke Collyer.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Under pressure: Waaia's Larry Henderson.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
“We were down and out, we didn’t show up in that first half, but we knew what we were capable of ... I couldn’t be happier,” Tyndall said.
“We let them dictate and control terms in that first half.
“In that second half it started to click for us and we made a few changes and got on top of them. Once we got that momentum we were a big chance to get it done.
“Everyone got going in the second half and it was great to watch.”
One of those who helped flick the switch for Waaia was big man Greg Meyland.
Standout performer: Waaia’s Greg Meyland was judged best-on-ground in the reserves triumph.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
The Bombers’ tall timber gave his midfield first-use, while he read the play brilliantly to clunk important and crucial intercept marks.
Star forward Mark Meyland booted three goals ― his third coming from an open goal-square that sealed the match ― and lively flanker Rob Bradbury (three) was as important.
Midfield tough nut Sam Trower was influential along with club stalwart Brendan Harris and consistent performer Lachie Karl.
Tyndall praised his side’s “selfless” best-on performer for leading the Bombers back into contention in the second half.
“He’s fantastic Greggy, the way he runs that midfield and he’s such a selfless player,” he said.
“His work-rate, his heart was phenomenal and just the way he works defensively, he lets the other boys have the glory.
“It’s a credit to him and we’re very happy to have him.”
Strathmerton’s Harry Parsons provided some composure in the midfield and ran all day, as did winger Caleb Wilson, while Daniel Allan kicked two majors to be best-on for the Dogs.
THE GAME
Waaia 0.2, 1.4, 4.6, 7.11 (53)
Strathmerton 2.0, 4.3, 4.3, 4.6 (30)
GOALS
Waaia: M. Meyland 3, R. Bradbury 3, J. Cleeland
Strathmerton: D. Allen 2, Z. Bunge, A. Wood
BEST
Waaia: S. Trower, G. Meyland, R. Bradbury, B. Harris, S. Boyd, L. Karl
Strathmerton: D. Allen, C. Wilson, Z. Bunge, H. Parsons, R. Wyatt
