Gulls go back-to-back after three-year wait

BARWON Heads captain Mitchell Herbison said putting the disappointment of the Second Qualifying Final behind them was the first step in pulling out a 55-point win against Torquay to be crowned Bellarine Football League (BFL) premiers.

The Seagulls wore its underdog tag with immense pride heading into Saturday’s decider, as they held Torquay to its lowest score of the season, defeating the Tigers 12.12.84 to 3.11.29.

“We knew we didn’t put our best effort forward two weeks ago, so we were looking forward to another chance to play our best brand of footy,” Herbison said post-game.

“The boys really gelled together throughout the finals series, and luckily enough we really took it up a notch when it mattered most.”

Herbison, who kicked a goal in the Grand Final, said the build-up over the past three years was immense, particularly for his teammates.

“Some of the boys had to wait a couple of years to get the chance to go back-to-back.

“This build has been happening at the club for the past five to six years, it doesn’t just happen overnight.

“We couldn’t be prouder.”

Barwon Heads had seven different goalscorers on the day with Lachlan Wilson tallying a game-high three majors.

Nick Avery, Sammy Baker and Brock Close each kicked two, while Ryan Harvey, captain Mitch Herbison and Oliver Wiltshire all added to Barwon Heads’ total.

Barwon Heads first-year coach Dan Donati said Saturday’s win meant more to the club than another flag to the shelf, but a signal to the rest of competition that the Seagulls’ program was among the elite.

“Torquay has been the benchmark down on the Bellarine for a long time,” Donati said.

“I guess Barwon Heads gets to join them on that pedestal now having won the last couple and been a part of the last three senior Grand Finals.

“So, deservedly we’re now able to sit up with Torquay, a club we very much respect.”

Baker was named the BFL Grand Final’s best-on-ground capping off a marvellous Finals run with a pair of goals.

Barwon Heads now ties Newcomb with six flags to its name at Howard Harmer Oval.