BARWON Heads captain Mitchell Herbison said putting the disappointment of the Second Qualifying Final behind them was the first step in pulling out a 55-point win against Torquay to be crowned Bellarine Football League (BFL) premiers.<\/p>\n
The Seagulls wore its underdog tag with immense pride heading into Saturday’s decider, as they held Torquay to its lowest score of the season, defeating the Tigers 12.12.84 to 3.11.29.<\/p>\n
“We knew we didn’t put our best effort forward two weeks ago, so we were looking forward to another chance to play our best brand of footy,” Herbison said post-game.<\/p>\n
“The boys really gelled together throughout the finals series, and luckily enough we really took it up a notch when it mattered most.”<\/p>\n
Herbison, who kicked a goal in the Grand Final, said the build-up over the past three years was immense, particularly for his teammates.<\/p>\n
“Some of the boys had to wait a couple of years to get the chance to go back-to-back.<\/p>\n
“This build has been happening at the club for the past five to six years, it doesn’t just happen overnight.<\/p>\n
“We couldn’t be prouder.”<\/p>\n
Barwon Heads had seven different goalscorers on the day with Lachlan Wilson tallying a game-high three majors.<\/p>\n
Nick Avery, Sammy Baker and Brock Close each kicked two, while Ryan Harvey, captain Mitch Herbison and Oliver Wiltshire all added to Barwon Heads’ total.<\/p>\n
Barwon Heads first-year coach Dan Donati said Saturday’s win meant more to the club than another flag to the shelf, but a signal to the rest of competition that the Seagulls’ program was among the elite.<\/p>\n
“Torquay has been the benchmark down on the Bellarine for a long time,” Donati said.<\/p>\n
“I guess Barwon Heads gets to join them on that pedestal now having won the last couple and been a part of the last three senior Grand Finals.<\/p>\n
“So, deservedly we’re now able to sit up with Torquay, a club we very much respect.”<\/p>\n
Baker was named the BFL Grand Final’s best-on-ground capping off a marvellous Finals run with a pair of goals.<\/p>\n
Barwon Heads now ties Newcomb with six flags to its name at Howard Harmer Oval.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
BY VINNIE VAN OORSCHOTBARWON Heads captain Mitc […]<\/p>\n