ANOTHER Reaper by the name of Jack played a key role in Gisborne\u2019s latest senior footy premiership.<\/p>\n
The Bulldogs\u2019 glory days of 2002 and \u201903 included gun forward Steven Reaper leading the attack.<\/p>\n
In last Saturday\u2019s 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\u2019s best.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo win a premiership is unbelievable,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
A knee injury a week before the start of the 2019 season meant Reaper did not play at all.<\/p>\n
Then there was no footy season in \u201920 because of COVID, and there were no finals after the \u201921 season was called off.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been a long journey to get here, but it\u2019s worth it,\u201d Reaper said after the 28-point win against Strathfieldsaye Storm.<\/p>\n
Whether it was intercept marks, timely spoils or being a link in passes from defence, Reaper\u2019s reading of the play was outstanding.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was able to sag back quite a bit and either win the footy or spoil an opponent.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
At the age of 24, Reaper and Blake will play crucial roles in Gisborne\u2019s quest for back-to-back premierships.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe average age of this grand final team was 21, so there is a lot to look forward to,\u201d Reaper said.<\/p>\n
For now he\u2019s going enjoy victory before the hard work begins.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ANOTHER Reaper by the name of Jack played a key role in Gisborne\u2019s latest senior footy premiership. The Bulldogs\u2019 glory days of 2002 and \u201903 included gun forward Steven Reaper leading the attack. In last Saturday\u2019s grand final it was Jack Reaper who capped the first grand final of his football career by earning the […]<\/p>\n