It’s Tiger Time: Bannockburn repeats as GDFL premiers

THE FOURTH quarter between Bannockburn and Inverleigh saw a massive 81 points scored, but it was the former side that emerged with the Geelong & District Football League (GDFL) trophy in its grasp.

Bannockburn have repeated as premiers of the GDFL, following a 13.9.87 to 12.11.83 win over Golden Plains rivals Inverleigh in a Grand Final classic at St Albans Reserve.

Scoring was few and far between for both sides through three quarters, as a full crowd watched on.

Only a point separated the Tigers and Hawks after the first term, before Inverleigh snared a 10-point lead at half time.

Bannockburn answered in the third, keeping the Hawks goalless in the premiership quarter and leading 49-40 at the final break.

However, Inverleigh’s seven goals and Bannockburn’s six in the fourth quarter alone would result in one of the best final terms in GDFL Grand Final history.

Despite the persistent efforts of the Hawks, the siren sounded with the Tigers in front by four points, ending the hopes of Inverleigh’s first GDFL senior premiership.

Kieran Fulton, despite battling sickness throughout the week, slotted four goals in the win for Bannockburn.

Callum Hetherington had three, while Lincoln Peters and Hayden Spiller each notched up two.

Vice-captain Tristan Battaglia and Ayden Osborne rounded out the Tigers’ scoring.

Player-coach for the Hawks Adam Donohue had a terrific outing in front of goals with five, bolstered by a pair of majors from Dalton Grundell and Jarrod Young. Blake Hutchinson, Bradley Surkitt and Matt Tyquin kicked one goal each.

This year’s premiership under Ron Pilgrim is the sixth for Bannockburn in the GDFL.

Bannockburn midfielder Connor Jervies was named best on ground.