There was a great crowd turnout to Gosnells Oval as the two old Sunday League foes clashed in the Perth Football League C5 Grand Final.
The pre-game preview looked impressive with Kelmscott Bulldogs entering the decider with fresh legs having earned their place with a 15-point qualifying final win against their returning opponents Kenwick.
It had been a dominant season for the Bulldogs with only one loss in round 7 against Coolbellup.
Kenwick’s front running form was testament to their deserving season, as they made a tough run to the finish climbing over Coolbellup in the last minutes of the Preliminary Final to win by just four points.
It was a physical start from the first ball-up as the midfielders desperately scrambled over the football.
In a hive of activity, the ball spilled out and into the hands of Kelmscott’s Revis Alone who kicked the first goal for the game.
Quick to respond, Kenwick took to the attack where they were confronted by the Bulldogs Kyle Collard, Jordan Ah Chee and Liam Hansen who stopped several opportunities.
At the end of the first quarter, Kelmscott 2.3 (15), slightly led Kenwick 1.2 (8).
During the next quarter the two teams exchanged goal for goal.
Key Kelmscott full forward Rodney Jetta had a stellar season with a mammoth 85 goals and a game style that straightened up the Kelmscott attack.
However, the Royals Oscar Butler played close to Jetta and managed to hold the competition’s best forward to just one goal.
At half time, the scores were tight with Kelmscott 4.4 (28) struggling to break away from Kenwick 3.5 (23).
The Royals flew out from the half time break and took a surprising jump on the Bulldogs. Injuries to Kelmscott’s Angus Yarran and Brett Eades limited the Bulldogs’ response, and put extra pressure on Nixon Hamlet who still made an impact around the ground, having finished second in the competition’s best and fairest.
Kenwick’s Captain Steele Milne lifted his team as he played an important role in defence and through the middle against the Bulldogs’ attack and was awarded Best on Ground by the umpires.
At the end of the third quarter, Kelmscott 5.5 (35) had lost their lead to Kenwick 6.7 (43).
The last quarter was nothing short of nail-biting, both teams hungry for the opportunity. With five colts players making up the Kelmscott team, it was young Hayden Eades who gave the Bulldogs needed momentum.
Fellow colts’ teammates Lawrence Hansen kicked one goal for the game, as high flying Taiawhio Morrison kicked two.
Drew Robinson’s experience shone through as he kicked his second goal for the day, with the Bulldogs driving the ball forward in the last five minutes.
It was a penalty kick at goal that kept Kenwick alive as Kelmscott were roaring and clawing back.
With minutes to go, the ball was in the Bulldogs’ possession leading down the wing and heading in the direction of the key forwards.
A controversial decision halted the team’s opportunity and as the final siren sounded Kenwick cheered to a three-point victory as the C5 Grand Final finished.
It was a valiant and committed effort from both teams who played attacking football right to the very end.
Kelmscott 7.5 (47) were defeated by season premiers Kenwick 7.8 (50).
Photographs – Richard Polden.
