By Justin Flynn
Leopold stunned a packed out crowd to defeat South Barwon in the Geelong Football League grand final, running out comfortable winners by 50 points at Leopold Memorial Park on Saturday September 23.
The Polders dominated from the outset, booting the first six goals of the game to win 13.16(94) to 6.8(44).
Leopold led by 25 points at the first break and played with speed through the middle.
Any South Barwon attack was generally thwarted by Trent Thompson, who took five marks in defence.
Mitch Patten booted his first early in the second and then added another soon after.
It would need something special from the Swans to answer and came in the form of a Harry Cunningham goal from the boundary line after some undisciplined play by Andrew Pepper. It would be Pepper’s only blemish in what was a typically hectic performance all game.
The rest of the quarter was a slog although William Kilpatrick kicked truly at the 25 minute mark to give the Lions a 48 point lead at the long break.
South Barwon needed some inspiration and when Lachlan Noble converted early, it gave the side some hope.
But Logan Wagener goaled straight away for Leopold.
Rowan Gough missed a sitter for Leopold, allowing Jonty Broughton to reduce the margin to 44 points and Andrew Boseley goaled from a terrific piece of play by skipper Matt Caldow to make it 37 points and suddenly South Barwon looked the best it had all game.
But Josh Giddings finally converted from a low ‘slips catch’ to get the Polders back on track.
With a 44-point deficit at the last break, South Barwon would need a miracle, which never eventuated.
Patten sealed it with his third and Will Sheahan nailed his second and it was party time.
Patten added a fourth and Caldow, who never stopped trying, put some respectability to the scoreboard with his second for the Swans.
Chants of “Buddha” from the Leopold faithful rang out in support of coach Garry Hocking and when the final siren sounded, Leopold was worthy 2023 premiers.
Wagener was judged best on ground while captain Marcus Thompson was simply brilliant in the midfield.
Big man Trent West was a tower of strength and Thompson was almost impenetrable in defence.
For the Swans, Ben Kellett was superb in the ruck while Jack Driver was great in defence and Gough never gave up trying to stimulate his side’s run from half-back.
SCORES were tied at the end of the reserves match between St Mary’s and Leopold, meaning the result was decided in extra time.
And it was St Mary’s that prevailed by seven points with Fletcher Wilson’s four goals earning him best on ground honours.
GRAND FINAL
South Barwon vs Leopold
Leopold 4.3(27), 8.9(57), 10.12(72), 13.16(94)
South Barwon 0.2(2), 1.2(8), 4.4(28), 6.8(44)
GOALS
Leopold: Mitch Patten 4, Sam Scott 2, Will Sheahan 2, Brock Williamson, Logan Wagener, Wwilliam Kilpatrick, Connor Giddings, Billy Ritchie.
South Barwon: Matt Caldow 2, Harry Cunningham, Jonty Broughton, Jackson Carmody, Lachlan Noble.
BEST
Leopold: Logan Wagener, Marcus Thompson, Trent West, Trent Thompson, Samuel Scott, Mitchell Burgess.
South Barwon: Ben Kellett, Jack Driver, Rowan Gough, Kelly O’Neil, Todd White, Fraser Fort.
