SANFL 2006 GRAND FINAL: CENTRAL DISTRICT v WOODVILLE-WEST TORRENS

Glory at last for persistent Eagles

By JAI BEDNALL

WOODVILLE-West Torrens has finally broken its Grand Final hoodoo, thumping Central District by 76 points to claim the SANFL Premiership.

After losing to the Bulldogs in the 2000, 2001, 2004 and 2005 deciders, the Eagles were determined not to suffer the same fate and played with an undeniable intensity for the entire four quarters.

From the moment the side marched onto AAMI Stadium - through a banner that read “Patience + Perseverance = Reward” – the Eagles seemed destined to right the wrongs of the past.

The side dominated from the outset, with only inaccurate kicking for goal limiting the half-time lead to 21 points.

However, any thoughts of a Bulldogs recovery were obliterated in a stunning third term as the Eagles piled on 7.5 to 1.0 in a show of complete dominance.

Coach Ron Fuller, after being so close to the ultimate prize for so many years, was noticeably relieved following the victory.

“You can work hard and be around the mark, but finishing second doesn't really give you a lot of satisfaction,” he said.

“The playing group was enormous today it's the culmination of a lot of hard work.”

Without skipper Gavin Colville, who withdrew before the game with a shoulder injury, the Eagles needed someone to step up as leader and acting-captain Justin Cicolella grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

Cicolella was in everything early, 12 disposals and two goals in a lightning first quarter set the tone and his team mates quickly followed suit.

In a tight, congested game, Jack Oatey medallist Hayden Skipworth (31 disposals) found time and space where others could not, while Luke Jarrad (22) and Matthew Cooper (25) continually beat their Bulldog opponents to the ball.

Forwards Mark Passador and Adam Grocke capitalised on the hard work of the side's onballers, chipping in with three goals each.

In a marked show of respect, Central Districts coach Roy Laird and captain Paul Thomas visited the Eagles change rooms after the game to offer their congratulations to everyone involved in the win.

“Your playing staff, your coach and as a football club overall, to stick together the way you have is a credit to yourselves and you should be really proud of yourself,” Laird said.

SCORES: Woodville-West Torrens 3.8 5.10 12.15 17.19 (121) defeated Cental District 2.1 3.1 4.1 7.3 (45).

BEST: Eagles – Cicolella, Skipworth, Jarrad, Inkster, McKenzie; Central – Slade, R

Cochrane, Thomas, C Gowans, Wilson.

GOALS: Eagles – Passador, Grocke, Cicolella 3, Cooper 2, Jarrad, Treeby, Symmons, Inkster, Westbrook; Central – Schell 3, McCabe, J Westhoff, Ware, Slade.