Four goals from Darcy Troop has helped Thomson win the Geelong & District Football League premiership after finishing the home and away season in fourth spot.
The Tigers had to do it the hard way with three sudden death finals before defeating sentimental favourites Belmont Lions by 54 points at St Albans Reserve on Saturday September 14.
It was Thomson’s first flag since 2018 and it helped erase the disappointment of losing last year’s grand final.
The win meant Thomson coach Paul Lynch now has four premierships at four different clubs after previously guiding Colac, Lara and Birregurra to flags.
Troop was massive with four majors for the afternoon, but the Lions were still in the contest at the final break. It was his first premiership.
Belmont had more scoring shots and trailed by 17 points, but Thomson upped the ante in the final term, booting six goals while keeping the Lions scoreless.
Thomson did it mostly without skipper Sam Jacka, who hobbled off halfway through the first term with a knee injury and he did not return to the field.
Versatile Tiger Jacob Knight booted three goals while tough midfielders Zachary Plant and Logan Mitchell were instrumental.
GRAND FINALS
SENIORS
THOMSON vs BELMONT LIONS
Thomson 1.0(6), 5.2(32), 8.4(52), 14.5(89)
Belmont Lions 1.4(10), 2.5(17), 4.11(35), 4.11(35)
Goals: Thomson – Darcy Troop 4, Jacob Knight 3, Mitch Hodgson 2, Jordan Camm, Charley Donohue, Jackson Macleod, Travis McGuire. Belmont Lions – Bradley Michell 2, David Allitt, Brock Mahoney.
Best: Thomson – Darcy Troop, Zachary Plant, Logan Mitchell, Jordan Camm, Stephen Salajan, Billie Smedts. Belmont Lions – Noah Houtsma, David Allitt, Nick Sherriff, Bradley Michell, Harrison Thompson, Jak Evans.
RESERVES
EAST GEELONG vs WERRIBEE CENTRALS
East Geelong 1.3(9), 2.5(17), 3.6(24), 5.8(38)
Werribee Centrals 0.2(2), 0.5(5), 0.7(7), 2.11(23)
Goals: East Geelong – Jos Medley, Ross Symonds, Josh Carey, Joel Trezise, Jack Doyle. Werribee Centrals – Jordan Wilson, Jordan Leggieri.
Best: East Geelong – Jack Doyle, Ethan McDonald, Josh Carey, Mitch Hoare, Christopher Warwick, Joel Trezise. Werribee Centrals – Harrison Snow, Daniel Stoios, Darcy Fletcher, Jessee Pattison, Luke Speziale, Zac Anthony.
