North Geelong ends 12-year drought with GDFL seniors premiership

NORTH Geelong have claimed their first GDFL seniors premiership in 12 years after beating East Geelong by four goals at St Albans Reserve.

A second half onslaught that saw the Magpies kick six goals to one secured the drought-breaking 57-33 win in dreary conditions.

The Magpies led by a single point at the end of a low-scoring first quarter that saw just one goal scored by each side.

However, two East Geelong goals within the first 10 minutes of the second quarter saw them take a 12-point leading heading into the main break.

In the ever-important premiership quarter, North Geelong put the foot down to kick the only three goals of the term and take a 13-point lead.

The Eagles had no answers for the Magpies following the final change, giving up three goals to one in the last quarter to make the margin 24 points as the siren sounded.

North Geelong’s Luke Parker was awarded best on ground.

Saturday’s win for North Geelong was a fairytale finish and an incredible turnaround since Peter Riccardi took over as coach last year.

After a one-win campaign in 2023, Riccardi took the Magpies to just under one percent shy of sixth place in 2024, before a third place finish this season. A qualifying final win over the second-placed Belmont and a semi-final win over East Geelong was their path to the grand final.

Despite their senior side going down, the Eagles’ reserves tasted premiership glory after beating Werribee Centrals by one goal.