By Callum Ludwig
Two of the top teams in the Division One Senior Football Grand Final took to the field with their hearts set on taking home the flag for the 2022 AFL Outer East season on Friday 23 September, but it would be Gembrook-Cockatoo who would prevail over rivals Seville at the full-time siren.
Gembrook-Cockatoo’s Reserves side had already beaten Berwick Springs in their own Grand Final, 9.2, 56 to 9.9, 63.
Controversy clouded the game after star Seville forward Rob Petracca’s suspension was upheld on Tuesday night, ruling him out of the game on Friday 23 September.
Petracca got off the original charge he was facing at the tribunal, but footage was put forward by representatives from Gembrook-Cockatoo showcasing Petracca striking a player during Seville’s semi-final win over them and he was suspended for two matches as a result. Sonny Saniga replaced him in the side.
Gembrook-Cockatoo got on top in the first, kicking 3 goals to Seville’s 1 to take a 12-point lead into the first quarter.
Early in the second quarter, Seville’s Dylan Broadway took a nice mark over the top of his opponent and goaled, but the Brookers immediately responded with three quick goals to restore and extend their lead. Seville’s Michael Condello kicked two before the end of the quarter to bring the Blues back in touch.
Gembrook-Cockatoo captain Colin Bastow went down with a serious-looking knee injury after a ruck contest early in the third quarter and perhaps his side were shaken by watching their skipper go down, missing a couple of opportunities early in the third. However, they still headed into the final change with a 19-point lead.
Gembrook-Cockatoo seemingly put the game beyond doubt early in the third, kicking the first before league-leading goalkicker Myles Wareham got over the back and former North Melbourne star Michael Firrito’s stellar snap made it an almost unassailable 36-point lead.
A quick left foot snap from a stoppage from the league best and fairest winning Blue Jake Strachan and a set shot from defender-come-forward Jack Nolan gave Seville a glimpse of hope but the Brookers hung on for a 10.12, 72 to 14.11, 95 win.
Gembrook-Cockatoo claimed their first premiership since 2016 and chants of ‘Gembrooooook!’ echoed around the ground and in the rooms for long after the game.
Seville Coach Chris Murphy thanked everyone for coming out to support the two sides and congratulated Gembrook-Cockatoo on the win.
“It was a very good game, and I’m sure they will enjoy the night. To our boys, we will stay strong and be back strong next year,” he said.
Gembrook-Cockatoo’s Joshua Tilley was awarded the best on ground honours and said he did not know what to say.
“We’ve been striving for this day all year, and I f***ing love you blokes,” he said.
Gembrook-Cockatoo Coach Bradley Coller said they know the sides have developed a rivalry over the last few years and it was always going to be a tough game when they play each other.
“For us today, it just worked. For the boys to have been through what we have over the last three or four years in not having a home, but with the culture we have built and the two cups we won today, it’s gonna be a good party!”
Seville’s top performers were Ryan Farrow, Michael Condello, Jake Strachan, Jye Sciortino, Joshua Weightman and Dylan Broadway with the goals coming from Condello with 4 and Broadway, Weightman, Strachan, Jack Nolan, Jye Sciortino and James Cecere with 1 apiece.
Joining Tilley among Gembrook-Cockatoo’s best were Aaron Firrito, Brayden Weller, Michael Firrito, Caleb Crestani and Dante South with Michael Firrito bagging 4 goals, Mett Templeton and Myles Wareham 3 and South, Matt Frazetto, Colin Bastow and Aaron Firrito all kicking 1.
