Federals reserves crowned back to back premierships

After finishing on top of the ladder Federals went into the match as favourites to win the flag for the second year in succession, but they were up against a worthy opponent in the York Roos and would need to be at their best to be crowned Premiers for 2019.

The game commenced with perfect conditions for football and from the first bounce it was game on as both sides went hard at the ball.

In the early stages of play it was York who had control of proceedings sending the ball forward numerous times, but were astray at times kicking for goal, allowing Federals time to settle as they fought back to hit the score board and bring the game back on an even keel, ending the term trailing York by four points.

Scores: York 2.4 (16) to Federals 2.0 (12).

The second term saw Federals play some hard running football and with an abundance of young fleet of foot runners were able to put the ball into space; while our back six held steadfast repelling most of York's forward entries to only allow them two points for the term, while Federals themselves kicked 3 goals, 5 points to take a handy 17-point lead into the long break.

Scores: Federals 5.0 (35) to York 2.6 (18).

The third quarter was played in warm conditions as the clouds cleared and sun showed its face and with both sides giving their all this term basically went goal for goal, allowing Federals to maintain an 18-point lead as the term concluded.

Scores: Federals 8.7 (55) to York 5.7 (37).

At the last quarter address by coach Rakowski players were reminded that York were good finishers and that all players would have to lift, maintain intensity and work together as a combined unit.

So it all came down to the last stanza, as both sides tried to control the game keeping the large crowd on the edge of their seats as they screamed for their respective team.

But there could be only one winner and with York finishing the better and Federals missing scoring opportunities the game was up for grabs.

Would York have enough time as they reduced Federals lead or would time be the deciding factor?

Well, it turned out to be the latter. With York nine points adrift of Federals' lead the siren sounded sending the Federals supporters into a frenzy and onto the playing arena. An amazing scene and a well deserved win.

To York Football Club, commiserations; you had a great season and were worthy opponents. Best of luck for next year.

Congratulations to Derek Gregory from Federals judged the Best Player in the grand final.

Federals League side took to the field hoping to emulate our Reserves victory, but it would be a tough assignment up against a well drilled and talented Keller/Tammin outfit.

The game started as predicted with no quarter given by either side as they toughed it out, with Keller/Tammin having the early lead only to see Federals fight back with goals of their own, ending the first term with Keller/Tammin having a three-point buffer.

Scores: Keller/Tammin 4.5 (29) to Federals 4.2 (26).

The second term was much the same in scoreboard terms.

But Keller/Tammin had more of the play and squandered numerous goal front opportunities kicking 2 goals, 6 points, while a more accurate Federals kicked 2 goals, 1 point, giving Keller/Tammin an eight-point lead at the half-time siren.

Scores: Keller/Tammin 6.11 (47) to Federals 6.3 (39).

Known as the premiership quarter Keller/Tammin started to get on top of Federals in this third term, taking numerous marks around the ground and transferring the ball goal-ward with precise foot passing skill, only to fail to find the big opening, kicking 1 goal, 7 points, while holding Feddies to two points for the entire quarter.

Giving them a handy 19-point lead, but leaving the door slightly ajar for Federals as the siren sounded.

Scores: Keller/Tammin 7.18 (60) to Federals 6.5 (41).

The final quarter saw the game become a bottle neck as players were starting to become fatigued due to the hot sunny weather; and with Keller/Tammin in the box seat as Federals played catch up football, only a miracle could reverse the trend.

But it was not to be, as Federals could only outscore their rivals by two points in a low scoring last term to give deserving winners Keller/Tammin the gold cup as grand final Premiers for 2019 by 17 points.

Final scores: Keller/Tammin 9.20 (74) to Federals 8.9 (57).

The Cunderdin Magpies defeated Railway Fast Tarts by 24 goals and were deserving winners, finishing top of the ladder over the season's fixtures.