Aurora Stadium for one Sunday of the year became the theatre of dreams for half of Northern Tasmania’s grand final juniors.
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For the other half, there was just a tinge of sadness.
But playing on the turf of Hawthorn’s four Launceston home games a season, less famous names could at least say they had the chance to emulate their AFL heroes on the state’s biggest stage.
“It’s just a real buzz for them,” NTJFA president Dale Fraser said.
“It’s a real privilege for us to be able to use the ground because it’s really an awesome stadium.
“A lot of kids don’t get the chance to play on this ground very often.
“It’s just been a great day and it is always a great day.
“It was a good spectacle, great games generally and plenty of people.”
Prospect Hawks picked the riches of the five grand finals on offering, winning two premierships.
The Hawks took out the under-14 title 10.10 (70) to North Launceston's 6.2 (38) on the back of a four goal-to-nil last quarter.
Patrick Donald kicked four goals for the premiers, while the Bombers’ Angus Jefferies was awarded best on ground.
Prospect also captured the under-12 flag in a 5.2 (32) to 3.0 (18) win after keeping Launceston goalless in the second and third quarters.
Braydon Fellows was the star, the Hawk winning the best player award.
Longford snared the day’s main event in a thrilling 9.3 (57) to 7.6 (48) victory over East Launceston in the under 16/15s grand final.
Up front, Corey Viney for the Tigers and Ryan Sheriff for the Lions both bagged three goals each.
Longford’s Jacob Williams was the best-on-ground.
But it was Launceston who won the nailbiter during the under-13 grand final clash against North Launceston.
The Blues kicked five goals to nil in the first term before hanging on to win 7.3 (45) to 6.4 (40).
Samuel Artis finished up with three goals for the winners, as teammate Denzel Mclean was announced best on ground.
In a first for the NTJFA, the inaugural girls youth grand final witnessed East Launceston run over the top of Evandale, 4.6 (30) to 1.4 (10) in a low-scoring affair.
Amy Halaby proved to be the standout in a best afield performance.
East Launceston were the last of the six clubs to formally enter the NTJFA girls youth competition, but Fraser said all teams have contributed to a great initiative.
“That’s been real successful this year,” he said.
“The girls have certainly brought a new dimension to junior footy.
“For our first year to have six clubs fielding sides is just great.
“We’ve found to have a bit of momentum in that area.”