Sale’s fairy tale run in the Reserves ended with a loss in the Grand Final.
The Magpies went down 10.9 (69) to 6.2 (38).
Playing a formidable opponent in Leongatha, the underdogs competed admirably.
The reserves probably had the worst of the weather overall, as strong winds and a cool breeze made conditions difficult.
The Parrots led by 34 points at the main break and looked to run away with the game.
However, the Magpies responded in the third, outscoring their opponents.
At three quarter time, the margin was five goals – very doable in today’s football.
Sale coach Peter Morrison took the step of asking the team to form a circle around him and link arms as he addressed the side.
A rallying cry of “just play” was followed by inspiring words of “don’t walk in front of me – I may not follow; don’t walk behind – I may not lead; walk beside me and be my friend”.
The Magpies battled out the last term, managing as many goals as the Parrots, but had to make do with running second on the day.
Josh Butcher was best for Sale, followed by Hayden Potts, Tom Campbell, Shane Fyfe, Jonty McGuiness and Jack Rietschel.
There was little time for Fyfe to dwell on the result, and within a matter of minutes he was changed into his coaching gear to assist the senior team on the sidelines.
MAFFRA had two teams in junior Grand Finals.
The Eagles had a win in the Fourths, while the Thirds couldn’t quite get over the line.
The Fourths started the day with a 12.9 (81) to 8.3 (51) victory.
Maffra broke the game open in the second term, kicking five goals to take an unassailable lead.
Defender Ashton Wright took a number of telling marks, and looks a player for the future.
Wright was awarded the best on ground medal, while Jayke Andrews finished with six goals.
Maffra Thirds didn’t get on the board in the first quarter of their Grand Final, and played catch-up from there.
The Eagles lost to Warragul 8.16 (64) to 6.3 (39).
While they didn’t get the flag, Maffra did get the most unbelievable goal for the day.
In the third quarter, a long kick inside 50 at the scoreboard end literally turned like an off-break and went through.
League best and fairest Lachlan Allman played well for Maffra, as did Jett Killoran, Zach Felsbourg, Darcy Davis, Harry Gravener and Ethan Aurisch.
The win was fortunate timing as much as anything for the Guls, as they were able to get a number of players back from Gippsland Power.
Warragul only had 17 Thirds players available for the second semi due to Power still playing finals.
Conversely, Maffra was without Jonti Schuback and Cody Burgiel, both on Vic Country duty.
