Leopold rules GFL in 2023, defeat South Barwon in decider

THE Geelong Football League premiership cup is staying on the Bellarine in 2023 after Leopold secured its first flag in seven years this afternoon (Saturday, September 23).

The Lions convincingly defeated South Barwon by 50 points today at Memorial Park, 6.8.44 to 13.16.94, to claim the club’s fourth flag in its 68-year history.

Leopold captain and now two-time premiership player Marcus Thompson said the feeling of winning another premiership for his club is unreal.

“What drove me all season was to see my teammates become premiership players for this club.

“I see so much passion and hard work from these guys and they really buy into the culture.

“To see them rewarded with a premiership means the world to me, and in tow with that is Buddha [Garry Hocking], to play under him is a privilege, he is Leopold through and through and it’s so great to see him now as a premiership coach.”

Hocking’s Lions exploded out of the gates in the first quarter and scored the first seven goals of the game, leading 27-2 at the opening break.

The first-half blitz by the Lions provided the catalyst on the day, comfortably leading 57-8 at half-time.

Mark Neeld’s side showed fight in the third quarter, outkicking Leopold three goals to two, but by three-quarter-time Leopold had both hands on the premiership cup, leading 72-28.

The final margin settled at 50 points as thousands ran onto the ground following the final siren.

Mitchell Patten was again the main target in the Lions forward line, kicking a game-high four majors, while Samuel Scott and William Sheahan each kicked a pair.

Connor Giddings, William Kilpatrick, Billy Ritchie, Logan Wagener, and Brock Williamson each added to the scoring ledger.

Wagener, skipper Marcus Thompson, Trent West, Trent Thompson, Scott, and Mitchell Burgess were all named in the best players.

South Barwon captain and co-Mathieson Medallist Matt Caldow was the Swans’ only multiple goal-kicker with two majors.

Jonty Broughton, Jackson Carmody, Harry Cunningham, and Lachlan Noble all kicked one each.

Leopold became the third team in GFL history to power through four straight wins to claim the league premiership and a second career flag for skipper Marcus Thomson.

“The difference for me this year compared to 2016, as I spoke about pre-game, is understanding that those previous losses and Grand Final defeats are all part of the journey,” Thompson said.

“You’ve just got to bounce back and put yourselves back out there, it is daunting, and it is scary, but at the end of the day the reward of getting it all right and winning a flag feels so bloody good.

“I’ll be able to soak this up a bit more in the next few days, I’ll definitely celebrate this one and reflect on what it all means.”

Leopold’s Logan Wagener was named best on ground for his efforts in the midfield.