By: Daniel Cencic
Twitter: @DC_EFL
The fairytale is complete for South Croydon.
The Bulldogs stunned a bumper crowd at Bayswater Oval on Saturday afternoon, defeating heavy-favourite Vermont by 18 points to claim the club’s eighth senior premiership, its first since 2009 and its first Division 1 flag.
For captain Dan King, who was named the Cliff Tomkins Blue Ribbon Medallist for best on ground, the feeling is indescribable.
“It hasn’t sunk in – I think it’s the most surreal feeling I’ve ever had,” King said after the match.
“I was lucky enough to be involved in 2009 in second division, (but) this is absolutely surreal.”
Cousin, team-mate and Dogs stalwart Stephen Dinnell couldn’t be happier for King.
“It couldn’t go to a more deserving bloke,” he said.
“The amount of time and commitment he’s put into the club, and to keep it in the family too, it couldn’t be any sweeter.”
South Croydon rode a wave of momentum this finals series, recording its first-ever Division 1 finals victory three weeks ago against Balwyn.
For Dinnell, today a long-time dream in the red, white and blue was realised.
“It’s an absolute dream come true,” he said.
“We had a lot of belief going into the game, it just grew and grew as the game wore on.
“We’re at the top of the mountain now, I can’t believe it.”
The attachment to South Croydon for Dinnell has always been strong, even during his North Ballarat days where he spent seven seasons from 2004-2010, playing in premiership sides.
But he had always hoped to one day return to the Kennel where it all began, to play in a senior flag.
“This is my junior club,” he said.
“(I’ve) played 15 years here, and to win my first senior flag here with this bunch of boys in Division 1, it’s unbelievable.”
The Bulldogs led by 17 points at quarter time after winning the toss and kicking with the breeze, before Vermont pegged back two majors through McComb and Crocker in the second term to hold a one-point half-time lead.
The premiership quarter saw the Bulldogs build momentum setting up the historic win, with late goals to Birch (who was a late inclusion for Max King), McDonald and Tucker giving their side a 25-point advantage at the final change.
“We had a four or five goal lead, but there was a big wind going that way,” Dinnell said.
“It was just a matter of gritting the teeth – we knew they were going to kick a couple and we just had to hold on.
“The pressure got us over the line in the end.”
A late Vermont charge saw it draw within 12 points off the back of a Joel Perry goal from the centre square at the 18-minute-mark of the final term, but the cup was heading to Cheong Park when Leader Young Gun winner Frank Anderson kicked the sealer with 23 minutes played.
For the South Croydon faithful, a Division 1 premiership is just-reward for sticking by the club through thick and thin, according to Dinnell.
“It means the world to them,” he said.
“To see the numbers down there every final, every training – I’m a bit scared of what’s going to happen down at the club tonight.
“Great supporters, great volunteers, and the best fans in the competition, absolutely.”
With a Division 1 premiership medal added to the myriad of career honours for Dinnell, the 33-year-old is keen to continue on next season.
“I think I will – I played 20 of the 22 games this year which isn’t too bad for me, as my injuries have taken a toll in the past,” he said.
“So I think I’ll have another go but it wouldn’t be a bad note to go out on.”
South Croydon 4.7, 4.8, 9.11, 10.12 (72)
Vermont 2.2, 4.9, 5.10, 7.12 (54)
GOALS:
South Croydon:
Tucker, Birch, Mallison 2, Jones, Anderson, McDonald, Rooney.
Vermont:
Crocker 3, R. McComb, Davis, Perry, Johns.
BEST:
South Croydon:
King, McDonald, Walker, Sewell, Mallison.
Vermont:
Lehmann, Johns, Purdy, Crocker, Parker, McCafferty.
