By Justin Flynn
Colac has stunned the Geelong Netball League, inflicting Newtown & Chilwell’s second loss since the start of the 2013 season to claim the A Grade premiership.
Colac won 41 to 33 in front of a massive crowd at St Albans Reserve on Saturday.
It was the Tigers’ first flag in 24 years and it brought an end to seven consecutive Newtown & Chilwell premierships.
Colac co-coach Tahlia Jeffreys said the win was “bloody beautiful”.
“Heading into the weekend the girls were very excited but we were pretty calm,” she said.
“We had full confidence in one another and our abilities. Every single one of them played their role 100 per cent. When the final whistle sounded it was just unbelievable.”
Colac had massive support at the game and Jeffreys said her side fed off the energy.
“It helped get us over the line,” she said.
“They’ve (Newtown & Chilwell) obviously been the powerhouse for so many years. They are a very skilled bunch of netballers. We respect them a lot.”
Jeffreys said Colac’s defensive “dynamic duo” of best on court Brooke Allan and Indya Forde were superb.
“We are extremely lucky to have players like Brooke and Indya join us this year,” she said.
“The defensive effort across the whole court was magnificent.”
For the Eagles, coach Jason Woolley said he was proud of his side and paid tribute to Colac’s ground-breaking win.
“We always knew it was going to be tough,” he said.
“Colac played amazing on the day. Their defence was too good.
Woolley said the Eagles were disappointed but also that they couldn’t “win forever”.
“We’re pretty philosophical about it all,” he said.
“Like any grand final you play in you‘re disappointed to get that close.
“We under no illusions we’ve had seven premierships and on top at the end of that COVID year.
“We’ve had some great victories over that time, but it makes it a bit easier to know that we were legitimately outplayed on the day. Overall I’m really proud of the group and to reach that many grand finals.”
