Black Rock Triumph in Div 3 Decider

BLACK Rock has added a ninth premiership cup to its trophy cabinet with a hard-fought, 13-point triumph over the luckless Mount Waverley in Saturday’s Division 3 grand final at Heatherton.

While it was the Mountain Lions’ sixth grand final disappointment in nine years, for the Jets, it was the realisation of a three-year plan.

After guiding the Jets to the ultimate prize, coach John Burke told players and officials that he would be stepping aside as coach.

“There is a big gap between Division 2 and Division 3 and I don’t want to see the club slip back,” Burke said.

“We need to go out and get a coach who has the ability to recruit players who are capable of succeeding in the higher divisions.

“I can’t do that and it would be selfish of me to hang on as coach. We have to look to the future.”

Burke was proud of his charges as they answered every Mount Waverley challenge in their 11.10 (76) to 9.9 (63) victory.

“Our experienced campaigners led the way, with our younger players providing a perfect balance,” he said.

“We focused on applying mental and physical pressure and I think our first 10 minutes set the tone for the day.”

But after earning a handy lead early, the Jets allowed Mount back into the contest late in the second term.

“We made some silly mistakes and suddenly, they were back in it,” said Burke.

“I wasn’t very happy at halftime, but to the boys’ credit, we rallied in the third quarter and we regained control of the game.”
To read the full Leader article click HERE.

 

Listen to the radio team's commentary of the Division 3 Grand Final HERE.

 

In Division 1, Mordialloc stunned East Brighton in a Preliminary Final for the ages. Read the Leader review HERE.

 

Listen to the match commentary of that epic clash HERE.

 

In Division 2, Murrumbeena took on Caulfield in the Preliminary Final. Read the Leader review HERE.

 

As always, Wiz, Coutta and the Bug discussed all things SFNL on the Sunday Football Netball Show. Listen to the podcast of their show HERE

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