The Premier C Grand Final saw Old Carey get the job done and in scintillating fashion no less, demolishing the Hampton Rovers by a massive 89 points in a one-sided affair.
On an overcast day at Trevor Barker Beach Oval, Old Carey skipper Zander Adam won the toss and elected to kick to the city end. And that decision paid off as the Panthers had a strong start with the first couple of goals of the game going their way, showing early signs of just how damaging their pressure and intensity could be throughout the afternoon. Old Carey star forward Riley Thompson was already looking dangerous and going to be someone that the Rovers needed to keep an eye on.
At quarter-time, Old Carey lead by 15 points; 3.3 (21) to 1.0 (6). Hampton coach Marty Pask cited at quarter time that his side needed to play with more dare and take risks to counter Old Carey’s fast style of play.
The Rovers indeed found some dare and took on the game more in the second quarter, benefiting with three goals added to the scoreboard, however, they simply could not stop the pace of Old Carey who found five majors in the second term. The Panthers composure and tactics paid off as their midfielders worked in good pace with their forwards to get the ball through the goals more often than not.
The main break at half-time saw Old Carey extend their lead to 29 points. There was still another half of footy to be played and a case could be mounted that the Rovers could plot a comeback and fix up their deficiencies, however it was clear that the Panthers were dangerous with ball in hand and were finding many ways to break through Hampton’s defence.
Old Carey proved why the third quarter is coined as the premiership quarter, rampaging with a further eight goals, much to the dismay of Hampton’s supporters who only saw their side kick one major this quarter. Old Carey’s pressure to the contest and ability to work seamlessly as a team continued to shine, using their speed to gain possession and continually work the footy inside 50. The Panthers capitalised on every opportunity as Nick Brewin walked into an easy goal half-way through this quarter, swooping on a loose ball bombed inside 50, making the most of the circumstances with no Hampton defender in front of him inside the 50.
Three-quarter time came about, and the scoreboard read Old Carey 16.9 (105) to Hampton Rovers 5.4 (34). It was going to take a miracle for the Rovers to turn this result around and the feeling around the ground was that the Panthers had one hand on the premiership cup. Old Carey’s coach Aaron Bailey was pleased that his side’s efforts in defence were being rewarded and creating opportunities for his team.
The Panthers showed no signs of slowing down in the final term and continued to dominate the play. To the Rovers credit, they continued to fight until the final siren and showed dignity and class despite the scoreline, managing two goals in the fourth quarter, but unfortunately for them, nowhere near enough to chase down Old Carey. The Panthers kicked a number of behinds this quarter, but it did not matter given how far ahead they were as they continued to take the game on and play with speed. Riley Thompson continued to pile on the goals to finish the afternoon with an incredible seven goals. The siren sounded as Old Carey’s players and coaching staff began to celebrate on the ground as their excited supporters rushed onto the field to soak up every moment!
After the game, Aaron Bailey acknowledged how special this premiership is, being the club’s 70th year. “It’s a magnificent reward for our club and the people that put all the effort in behind the scenes. It hasn’t quite sunk in yet…it’s just brilliant.” Bailey singled out Isaac Ellwood for his efforts on the wing, and Bede Waters efforts to restrict star Hampton midfielder Christian Carnovale. “It was great that we played our best game when it mattered.”
This game brings an end to a successful season for the Hampton Rovers. To finish second in a very competitive top four was a significant achievement. William Crawford and Liam O’Driscoll were key up forward in the Grand Final with two goals each. Despite their losses in the Semi and Grand Final, the Rovers will be thrilled with their strong finish to the season which saw them win twelve consecutive matches from Round 7 to Round 18.
Old Carey was ultimately the best side in it and very deserving of a premiership. Finishing on top of the ladder with a great percentage and a lot to play for ultimately worked in their favour. Riley Thompson and Trent Warren were both incredible assets to the side with 66 and 52 goals, respectively.
Another season of Premier C footy has been run and won with Old Carey proving they finished on top of the ladder for a reason, rightfully being crowned the kings of Premier C. Both Grand Final sides, Old Carey and the Hampton Rovers will be promoted up to Premier B in 2025, whilst Prahran and Parkside will be welcomed up from Division 1.
On the relegation side, the Monash Blues and Oakleigh will move down to Division 1, whilst Beaumaris and St Bedes/Mentone Tigers join Premier C after finishing at the bottom of Premier B this year.
2024 saw the top four in Premier C remain relatively unchanged which left the other six teams scratching their heads unable to break into the top four. With new teams entering the mix next year, the stage is set for a fascinating Premier C battle in 2025.
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“We spoke about the new generation of our club – the ‘NEW CAREY.’ Our young group really took ownership of their club this year. Boys who are still so connected