Going up, with the cup! Sharks coronated as Premier C champions after a near-flawless campaign

Beaumaris withstood a spirited performance from AJAX to claim Premier C supremacy. Their seventeenth consecutive victory is a club record, according to jubilant coach Josh Bourke, further franking the spellbinding run the Sharks have been on for much of the season.

Having not lost a match since April 26th, the Sharks were red-hot favourites pre-game and were made to work for a first senior premiership since the Premier B triumph of 2016.

The 12.9 (81) to 8.12 (60) victory was a spiteful affair, with numerous spotfires breaking out across the afternoon. Individual brilliance was another feature of the contest, particularly early, with Matt Harms and Jordan Cohen trading exquisite finishes in the first quarter.

The Sharks held a 17-point advantage at the first change, and a 20-point lead at the long break, thanks in no small part to the contrast in scoring shot efficiencies between the two teams (8.2 to 4.6 at the half). The margin would grow to as big as 33 in the third quarter, but a young Jackas outfit ought to be praised for the consistency of their effort, in refusing to allow a ballooning margin.

Clearance and contested possession counts, AJAX’s noted strengths, were largely identical at game’s end, with the difference in the match the class with which the respective sides moved the ball.

AJAX looked to surge the ball forward, taking territory with no distinguishable method, which at times, led to ineffective inside 50 entries. Conversely, Beaumaris were slick, fast and polished, fumbling less, too. Jhett Haeata had a memorable impact on the match, despite a relatively low disposal count. The Richmond VFL-listed talent’s speed and cleanliness below his knees was eye-catching, presenting an obvious danger whenever the Sherrin was nearby.

Haeata engaged in byplay with the rowdy crowd at Trevor Barker Beach Oval, only adding to the spectacle. The reason for the fiery engagements with those on both sides of the fence would become clear, post-match, amidst his joy.

“Funnily enough, I was a junior player at AJAX, and went to school with a few of ‘em, so today meant a lot. I’m bloody stoked mate. It’s a whole club flag – ressies, thirds, everyone,” Haeata said.

Harms was another who appeared to be in every bit of ‘afters’ across the affair, alluding to the way this physicality brings out his best, post-match.

“Teams like to get under my skin, but I think it makes me play a little bit better,” he said. “I’m not gonna lie, I love a bit of argy bargy, (it) brings me up a little bit.

“My game starts with pressure; if my pressure’s up, goals will come. All I wanted to bring (sic) was kick some goals for the boys and get the win,” he said.

Backman Charlie Wilce claimed best on ground honours for a clinical performance across the halfback line. Frankly impenetrable for much of the afternoon, Wilce claimed eight intercept marks and 13 intercept possessions, while kickstarting many of Beaumaris’ forward forays, with his 10 rebound 50’s.

Per Premier Data, reigning Premier B Team of the Year ruckman Callum ‘Chopper’ Heath was the highest rated player on the ground, earning 21 disposals, 14 clearances and 52 hitouts in an enthralling battle with Jackas big man, Jake Wrobel. Heath was also an effective outlet option coming out of defence, particularly in the second half, when AJAX were throwing significant punches in the hopes of a famous comeback.

James Taylor was workmanlike as always, contributing 10 tackles on the big stage. Nick Lewis, Kane Nissenbaum and Toby Lipton had no qualms getting their hands dirty for the Jackas, tipping in 37 contested possessions between them. Nissenbaum’s 12 clearances were second-most on ground, trailing only Heath.

Intelligent veteran Cohen’s nine score involvements were the most on the ground, while habitual thirds representative Joel Parasol was another bright spark for the Jackas. The Albert Park natives were hamstrung by an early injury to the influential Toby Sheezel, compounding well documented player availability issues Lachlan Buszard has had to contend with in an interesting first season at the helm.

“(It was a) bitterly disappointing way to finish, as I thought we were pretty even for most of the game, but did not take our chances when they presented,” Buszard said, post-match.

“We won clearance, but got beaten on forward half turnovers. I thought our group was really good and competitive, and did not give up. Given we had a 17-year-old, an 18-year-old and eight players 21 and under, our effort was huge, and if not for some decisions that ended in Beaumaris goals, the result may have been different. Very proud of our young group,” he finished.

The loss ends a magical September for AJAX, who’d turned in two memorable upset victories to earn promotion, and this date with Beaumaris, after a season in which they were forced to use 58 players. This depth is sure to hold the side in good stead in the higher-grade next season, with the performances of youth in particular, a real hallmark of this campaign.

Beaumaris, and Big V skipper, Callum Linehan, was overcome with emotion at the final siren. The flag, and promotion, are just desserts and such sweet validation, for a leaders-led drive to retain talent after last year’s relegation.

“Yeah it’s unreal,” he said. “You look at where we were at the end of last season, to where we are now; it’s just been incredible to be a part of. I remember being in the rooms after being relegated last year and it was just heartbreaking. The turn around now… I’m getting a bit choked up thinking about it. I just love this group – it’s been unreal to be a part of.”

“It’s (premiership success) something we’ve come close to a few times. We’ve lost prelims, went down in a few 19’s games, and just to finally have it, surrounded by so many friends and so many family, it’s pretty surreal,” he finished.

Coach Josh Bourke gushed with pride in his comments post-match.

“It takes a bit of commitment and a bit of fortitude to stay together and to stay strong, and they have not put a foot wrong,” he said.

“Even when we were 1-2, their improvement and consistency’s been huge. We’re blessed with talent – we know that – we’re a good, strong club, and (we) should be aiming for higher things, but we respect where we are – we’re in C grade for a reason.”

“I thought AJAX today, their final series has been super, Toby goes off early, I thought their fight was great but yeah I’m really proud of our boys.”

The sides will renew hostilities in Premier B next season, with AJAX undoubtedly keen to snap the 15 -match win streak the Sharks boast over them, dating back to 2011.