Medal caps great run by Reaper

ANOTHER Reaper by the name of Jack played a key role in Gisborne’s latest senior footy premiership.

The Bulldogs’ glory days of 2002 and ’03 included gun forward Steven Reaper leading the attack.

In last Saturday’s grand final it was Jack Reaper who capped the first grand final of his football career by earning the Worksafe AFL Victoria medal as one of Gisborne’s best.

“To win a premiership is unbelievable,” he said.

A knee injury a week before the start of the 2019 season meant Reaper did not play at all.

Then there was no footy season in ’20 because of COVID, and there were no finals after the ’21 season was called off.

“It’s been a long journey to get here, but it’s worth it,” Reaper said after the 28-point win against Strathfieldsaye Storm.

Whether it was intercept marks, timely spoils or being a link in passes from defence, Reaper’s reading of the play was outstanding.

“I was able to sag back quite a bit and either win the footy or spoil an opponent.”

Number one ruckman Braidon Blake joined Matt Fitzgerald, twice, and Ty Elliott as Gisborne stars to earn the Nalder Medal awarded to best on ground.

At the age of 24, Reaper and Blake will play crucial roles in Gisborne’s quest for back-to-back premierships.

“The average age of this grand final team was 21, so there is a lot to look forward to,” Reaper said.

For now he’s going enjoy victory before the hard work begins.