By Jed Lanyon
It was a story of redemption at Yarra Glen Football Ground as Seville claimed the AFL Outer East Division 2 Seniors premiership, avenging last year’s 96 point grand final loss to the Eagles.
At the same time, Yarra Junction’s Division 2 Reserves prevailed over Seville by five points, overcoming the Blues team who beat them in last year’s semi final.
The Seniors grand final proved to be a fiery clash between two rivals on Saturday 14 September.
The Eagles held a slim lead at both quarter time and half time and at one point had booted five goals in a row.
But Seville piled on nine goals in the last quarter to break away to win by 62 points.
Seville coach Kane Shore credited an increase in training in the back half of the season for the win and commended the Eagles team for staying out on the field to see the Blues players receive their premiership medals, something that his team failed to do the year prior.
Nathan O’Keefe kicked eight goals, while Jesse Fraser and Dylan Broadway contributed three each.
Fraser was named best on ground for his efforts.
“It’s very sweet, especially after last year, it’s a bit of redemption and a great feeling,” O’Keefe said.
The Blues captain said he didn’t expect to win by such a large margin.
“Even half way through the last quarter, I didn’t think we were up by that much. Junction are just such a good side and we knew they were going to keep coming.
“I think there’s definitely a rivalry and a bit of a love-hate relationship between the clubs.
“Especially after last year with them doing us when we were probably the best side all year.”
Earlier in the day, Yarra Junction’s Division 2 Reserves won a nail-biter against Seville by five points.
The Reserves grand final went down to the wire as Seville missed a shot for goal late in the last quarter that would have tied the game.
Yarra Junction’s Daniel Chapman said, “It’s been an amazing year. As a club we’ve been up and down all year and we just managed to squeeze in to the top spot.
“To get the win is unreal. There’ll be some sore bodies because they dug in hard.”
Yarra Junction led at every break and claimed the flag, despite not kicking a goal in the last quarter.
Harry Tindley-Roe was named best on ground for Yarra Junction.
Division 2 Reserves: Yarra Junction (8.6 54) defeated Seville (7.7 49) by five points.
Division 2 Seniors: Seville (23.14 152) defeated Yarra Junction (13.12 90) by 62 points.
