In the highly anticipated and the biggest game of the year, the Cranbourne Eagles and the Cheltenham Rosellas locked horns in the 2022 Grand Final.
The Grand Final matchup shaped as a mouthwatering contest with the two best teams all year facing off in the biggest game of the year. The Rosellas went into this clash as slight favorites having won all three previous meetings this year between the two sides.
However, the Eagles were coming into this cash off a brilliant win last week and full of confidence and would have embraced the ‘underdog’ tag knowing they had what it takes to win the premiership.
The contest started very slowly but was highly competitive with both sides showing early signs of nerves but bringing the heat leading to a highly congested first term which produced just the one goal to the way of the Rosellas.
The second term then produced a much more open and free flowing style of footy from both sides with the Eagles kicking 3 goals and the Rosellas kicking 4 goals in the term to open a 14-point lead at the main break.
The Eagles needed to find another gear to get themselves in the contest and that is exactly what they did. In the third quarter they found their best footy running in waves and moving the ball at great speed which saw them kick 4 goals to 1 in the third term to take a 5-point lead into the final break.
The stage was set for a thrilling last quarter to decide the premiers with the game hanging right in the balance at the start of the final term of the season. The final quarter was one for the ages, with a frantic tempo and extreme levels of pressure resulting in a remarkable final term that resulted in no goals but was full of excitement and plenty of nerves.
With this goalless final term, the Cranbourne Eagles were able to hang on and claim the flag in front of a huge crowd, capping off a brilliant performance from the Eagles and ending a sensational year on a high.
Marc Holt finished his season with another dominant display booting 3 goals on the big stage leading the charge for the Eagles, the star forward recorded an astounding 79 goals in 22 games in season 2022.
Zak Roscoe produced a scintillating display lighting it up in the middle of the park for the Eagles, whilst the likes of Brandon Osborne, Ryan Davey and Michael Boland were among the best for the premiers. Jack Worrell produced a valiant effort in defeat for the Rosellas booting 3 goals on the day whilst racking up a number of disposals.
What a way it was to cap off a brilliant season with a fantastic Grand Final. Commiserations must go out for the Cheltenham Rosellas, who fell short at the final hurdle but produced an immense year they all should be proud of. Finally, congratulations to the Cranbourne Eagles, your premiers in season 2022.
