Thomson overcomes 2023 heartbreak to win second flag in six years

THOMSON has overcome the demons of last year to claim the 2024 Geelong & District Football League (GDFL) premiership against Belmont, a year on from its Grand Final loss to Inverleigh.

The Tigers flattened the Lions in the fourth quarter to run away nine-goal victors this afternoon (Saturday, September 14), 4.11 (35) to 14.5 (89), becoming the first team in GDFL history to win the Grand Final from an Elimination Final.

Thomson coach Paul Lynch praised his group’s resilience since Round 1, where the club faced a litany of injuries.

“We always thought that if we could make an Elimination Final and if we got healthy, we would be hard to handle,” Lynch said.

“We just got better and better as the finals went on, and healthier and healthier, so we ended up having a full list for today’s Grand Final.

“Belmont has done an amazing job to get where they have; to come from ninth last year to a Grand Final this year is nothing short of amazing.

“We were confident going up against them, and we knew that if we could win that inside battle in the midfield, it’d go a long way to winning the game.”

In an otherwise dour first half, Belmont’s five first-quarter scoring shots had the Lions in front at the opening break lby four points, with only one goal from each team (10-6).

Belmont’s struggles in front of goal continued into the second term as it managed to etch out only one more major before half time.

Thomson, however, kicked five straight before its first behind, and taking a strong lead at the main break, 17-32, capped off by three straight goals.

The scoreline was 35-52 at the last break but Thomson took total control in the fourth quarter, not only kicking six goals on their way to the win but also conducting a defensive showcase, not allowing Belmont to hit the scoreboard once.

The win was Thomson’s first flag since 2018 and is the club’s 11th premiership since the club’s creation in 1957.

Darcy Troop, also awarded best on ground honours, kicked a game-high four goals, while Jacob Knight and Mitch Hodgson kicked three and two goals respectively.

Jordan Camm, Charley Donohue, Jackson Macleod and skipper Travis McGuire all hit the scoreboard as well for the Tigers, while Belmont’s only goal-kickers were Bradley Mitchell (2), David Allitt and Brock Mahoney.

Troop, Zachary Plant, Logan Mitchell, Camm, Stephen Salajan and Billie Smedts were the top contributors for Thomson. Noah Houtsma, Allitt, Nick Sherriff, Michell, Harrison Thompson were the same for Belmont.

East Geelong also won its second Reserves premiership in three years with a 15-point victory over Werribee Centrals, 2.11 (23) to 5.8 (38).