In the most extraordinary finish for Division 2 Men’s, Ivanhoe AFC have produced a stunning finish to take home the Premiership for the first time since 1969, beating West Brunswick by 1 point.
In the battle of the black and white stripes it was West Brunswick who came out all guns blazing, hellbent on making life difficult for the Hoers who’ve been the form side of Division 2 all season.
The five point quarter time lead by the Magpies was extended to 25 points at half time. Everything that could go right was going right. Billy Hutchins was hitting the scoreboard, Luke Buckler kicking goals. Regular members of the best players Turnbull, Risstrom and Ferrier all ‘running on top of the ground’.
Even at three quarter time, a 20 point lead was the gap between the two sides with the Hoers unable to make a real dent in the half-time deficit. However, as has been the sign of the Magpies in the AFL, the Magpies in the VAFA, 20 points is within touching distance.
The first goal of the final quarter came at the 3.30 minute mark through Close. The West Brunswick reply came thirty seconds later through the very next clearance. The 2021 J Fullerton Medallist Wayne Schultz was enormous from there roving every tap from ruckman Gerard Williams. Scott Selwood across half back, and Vivian Blackmore-Moore providing drive off the half back flank.
19 points the margin still. 12 minutes into the final quarter. A piece of brilliance from Adam Pipakis made it 13 points. West Brunswick were holding the dam wall from bursting. Into time on, 12 points ahead. Staving off every forward fifty entry.
24 minutes into the final term, back to back handy points point the margin under 2 goals, Close slots goal number five. The margin is 5 points.
28.30 minutes down, Doyle thumps the footy to the top of the square, all eyes on Ash Close with four West Brunswick players hanging off him, Luke Svarc had half a second to grab the sherrin and get it to his boot putting Ivanhoe AFC in front with just over 60 seconds remaining in the game.
One point ahead. Crowd at fever pitch. The ball camped at centre half forward for West Brunswick. One last ditch effort. A flying shot to the top of the goal square, bodies crash in, the ball fisted away. Sent back in, as it’s going towards the goal face the siren sounds, the ball falls short and Ivanhoe AFC are Premiers bringing home their first title in 53 years.
Wayne Schultz walks from the ground with a Premiership medallion and best on ground honours. An incredible return from the man who came to the club in 2021 just to have a kick with his mates.
Congratulations to Ivanhoe AFC, the best side of Division 2 all season. Commiserations to West Brunswick, sometimes footy doesn’t deserve a loser, they produced an incredible performance, coming so close to pulling off an incredible heist. Division 1 awaits both these sides next year and without doubt further tight encounters will follow.
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