Leopold go back to back with win over South Barwon

LEOPOLD has paid tribute to head coach Garry Hocking in the biggest possible way by raising the 2024 Geelong Football League (GFL) premiership trophy at GMHBA Stadium.

The Lions prevailed against South Barwon this afternoon (Friday, September 27) for the second consecutive year in the final game of the season, 12.11 (83) to 9.8 (62).

“It’s awesome to play in front of a crowd like this – to see a lot of green and gold, even better,” Hocking said in his post-game speech.

Leopold and South Barwon both made an impact in the first term, although the Lions kicked four of the first six majors to lead 25-16 at the first change.

From that point on, Mark Neeld’s side was playing catch-up but managed to bite into the deficit at half-time, trailing by just eight points (39-31).

Leopold’s Luke Justin and James Edmonds and South Barwon’s Lachlan Noble and Ethan Borys traded blows on the scoreboard with goals, but it was Leopold skipper Marcus Thompson that had the last laugh in the third quarter with a goal in the 20^th minute of the term.

South Barwon kicked three goals in the fourth quarter to try to pull off a historic comeback victory, but Leopold had an answer for every surge, kicking three goals of their own to run away with a 21-point win.

James Edmonds, Connor Giddings and Billy Ritchie each kicked two goals for the Lions, while Harris Jennings, Luke Justin, Jake Pitt, Riley Stone. Thompson, Brock Williamson all kicked one each.

Fraser Fort and Lachlan Noble were South Barwon’s only multiple goal-scorers, as Borys, Jonty Broughton, skipper Matthew Caldow, Jackson Carmody and Jack Driver kicked singles.

Brock Williamson received the inaugural Frank Fopiani Medal for his best-on-ground performance. Logan Wagener, Harris Jennings, William Sheahan, Riley Stone, and Marcus Thompson were noted for their performances ion the official match report.

AFL Barwon confirmed a total attendance number of 10,142 for today’s football fixtures.

Hocking, now a two-time premiership coach, praised AFL Barwon for returning the GFL decider back to Kardinia Park.

“It’s an amazing venue, so why not try and fill it on a day where we’re all mowing the lawns or doing the washing?” Hocking said.

“It’s a great opportunity to come out and see two really good teams, but also a strong competition doing vibrant things in the community.

“Today was a great contest, could have gone either way. I want to thank my wife and kids, my sister as well.”

South Barwon claimed the Reserves flag in the previous game, defeating St Mary’s 6.4 (40) to 5.5 (35), while Newtown & Chilwell won the curtain raiser against St Joseph’s 7.8 (50) to 6.11 (47) in the Under 18 Division 1 Grand Final.