St Kevin’s seal Premiership in dramatic fashion – Holmesglen U19 Premier Men’s Grand Final Review

Old Brighton 11.8 (74) def by St Kevin’s 11.9 (75)

St Kevin’s have claimed the Holmesglen U19 Premier Men’s Premiership in one of the most dramatic Grand Final finishes imaginable, defeating Old Brighton by a solitary point after James Mikhael kicked a point after the final siren.

In a contest that ebbed and flowed throughout the afternoon, neither side was able to gain complete control, with the margin remaining within striking distance heading into the final stages.

Old Brighton, coached by Travis O’Donohue, had their opportunities to put the game beyond doubt, but St Kevin’s continued to fight their way back into the contest.

With the game hanging in the balance, the final siren sounded with both teams locked on 74 apiece. Mikhael’s kick after the siren confirmed the Premiership, sparking wild celebrations among the SKOB players and staff.

St Kevin’s coach Paul Greenham described the contest as a game that “had everything” with high pressure, intensity, momentum swings, costly mistakes and moments of brilliance combining to produce a Grand Final classic.

Greenham credited his side’s ability to handle the intensity of finals football, particularly after playing a series of games in similar conditions over the past five weeks.

“If I was to put it down to one reason as to why we got over the line, I would say the continuous playing of games over the last five weeks under finals-like conditions.”

Greenham praised Pitot, Morice, McGrath and Timmothy for their performances, while also highlighting Kidman, Gambaro, Hepburn and Egan for their contributions.

The victory also sees St Kevin’s return serve after the Tonners defeated them in last year’s decider.

For Old Brighton, the result was a heartbreaking way to end an impressive season.

O’Donohue congratulated St Kevin’s, acknowledging that they were the better side on the day, while lamenting his side’s missed opportunities.

“To lose after the siren is obviously heartbreaking, but I couldn’t be prouder of our players. They gave absolutely everything and fought right until the very end.”

O’Donohue said the result should not define the group’s season, hoping the immediate disappointment would eventually turn into pride in what the players had achieved together.

After an extraordinary finish, it is St Kevin’s who walk away as Holmesglen U19 Premier Men’s Premiers, winning by the smallest possible margin in a Grand Final that will be remembered for years to come.