Tara Murray
The message was simple to Laurimar at three quarter time of the Northern Football League division 3 grand final on Saturday, just take the game on.
The Power found themselves in a similar position to what they were 12 months earlier, down by a couple of goals with one quarter remaining in the grand final.
This time, Mernda had taken control of the game on Saturday in the middle two quarters, but couldn’t blow the Power away, leading by just 11 points at the final break.
With the coach’s message ringing in their ears, the Power found another level in the final quarter to hit the front.
It was able to hold on to win its first senior premiership, 13.5 (83)-11.11 (77).
For Power coach Jimmy Atkins it’s an unreal feeling to have finally achieved what they were after.
He said there were moments where he thought that they might fall short for a second straight year.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” he said. “It’s well deserved and we fought to the end.
“No doubt at different stages it crossed my mind [last year]. We needed to get our running game going and give ourselves every chance.
“We fought it out to the end and I’m really proud.”
Atkins said they started well and it reflected on the scoreboard with his side leading by 11 points at quarter time.
The Demons controlled the next two quarters, kicking seven goals to four in that period as they won the ball around the contest.
Atkins said they still had plenty of faith in the group heading into the final change.
“We said take the game on,” he said. “No ifs or buts, throw everything at them.
“We had the leg speed and the fitness to overrun them. We put the quick legs into good positions.”
Atkins said it was only when the final siren went that he knew they had done enough to come away with the win and make history.
Kaiden Arthur kicked three goals for the Power, with Luke Wilson, Matthew Gersh and Joel Lawson kicking two goals each.
For the Demons, Riley Edwards kicked three goals, while William Crouch and Bryce Kimuliatis kicked two goals apiece.
Laurimar’s Joshua Leather was named best on ground by the umpires and received the best on ground medal.
Atkins said he and Mitchell Thompson were amazing all day. Wilson and Ethan Bateman were among the other standouts according to the coach.
For Laurimar, the premiership has been a work in progress after first fielding a senior team in 2017.
It made finals in its second and third season, before two COVID-19 interrupted seasons meant no football the first season and no finals the second.
Last season the club won its first final and made the grand final, before going all the way this year.
After being so close last season, Atkins said for everyone at the club it’s pretty special.
“I think it’s a relief,” he said. “It’s a reward for all the hard work.
“They do so many extras.”
While the Power seniors won the premiership, it was heartbreak for its reserves side.
Aiming to complete the perfect season, the reserves lost to Old Eltham Collegians, 5.9 (39)-2.7 (19) in the earlier game.
Atkins said it was disappointing for that group not to be able to finish it off. With their under-19 team making finals in the division 2 competition, the club is in a good spot according to Atkins.
“We are in a good position to go up to division 2,” he said. “It’s exciting and what we as a club have dreamed about and what we have worked towards.
“Most of the group is locked in and there were some guys who were unlucky not to play yesterday [Saturday] and they will get their chances.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge.”
