Bracknell have ended their long-standing premiership drought with an emphatic display over South Launceston 9.13 (67) to 7.6 (48) in the NTFA premier division grand final.
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The Redlegs were aiming to overturn a premiership drought that extended to 1997, a simpler time before iPhones and TikTok, and came out with noticeable intent.
Defender-come-forward Jacob Huett, continued his terrific run in attack with the opening two goals of the game to establish an early lead for the Redlegs.
The second goal was a cracking snap from the boundary as Huett kicked on the wrong side for a right-footer to defy physics as the ball split the middle.
The Bulldogs managed to grab a goal back thanks to a terrific juggling mark by Jordan Tepper, who duly converted.
After that though, the ball lived in Bracknell's attacking area for the majority of the first term.
If Bracknell coach Corry Goodluck's mantra of pressure and intensity had been ever-present this season, so too had Bracknell's defensive wall which routinely suffocated opponents ball-movement out of their defensive area.
The ball existed in Bracknell's attacking zone to such an extent that it left some wondering whether it should pay rent if it wasn't a casual stay anymore.
Both sides traded a goal apiece in a dour second term as the Bulldogs failed to make in-roads into the Redlegs lead.
Bracknell's attacking star Callum Mulder enjoyed a moment of good fortune with his flying shot towards goal.
The ball deviated with turn that would make S.K Warne proud away from Aaron Viney to trickle through for a goal.
South Launceston finally generated some momentum in the third term with back-to-back goals resurrecting their chances of securing the flag.
Thomas Beaumont delivered a classy finish on the run before Bulldogs captain Luke McCarthy snapped one through in a true captain's goal.
If the second term was a sedative affair, the third quarter hit the snooze button until the final minutes.
Bracknell's key big man Sam Douglas found himself one-on-one in the attacking 50 and sprawled to take a mark as the Bulldogs were caught in transition. Douglas undid some of the Bulldogs good work as they entered the final change three goals and change down.
Mulder snapped an early goal from the square as Bracknell made it rain goals in the final term. Sam Goodluck and Huett converted too, despite some Bulldogs resistance, as Bracknell ensured their premiership drought would end at the final siren.
What the coaches said
The premiership success was fuelled by the major off-season recruiting drive the Redlegs did prior to the season getting underway.
Goodluck has spoken repeatedly throughout the finals series about the club being fixated on returning to finals for 2021.
The off-season recruits which included Josh Holland, Sam Douglas, Sam Borlini, Jack Triffett, Matty Dennis, Nick Mitchell and Zac Connell, were targeted for their experience it paid-off in the finals series
"In the off-season you went on a recruiting drive and it's not just about the recruits you get but the quality of people and you thoroughly deserve your win," South Launceston coach Anthony Taylor said post-game.
Goodluck said it was a squad mentality that delivered Bracknell their long-awaited flag.
"We knew the recruits would be good and would help us along but the guys that have been at the club for years have really stepped up their level," he said.
Clarrie Boon Medal
One of Bracknell's key off-season recruits Josh Holland claimed the Clarrie Boon Medal for best-on-ground honours.
"He's a real athlete, a real professional in what he does, his professionalism to the young guys and to the group is really good," Goodluck said.
"He started well this year, he got a few injuries during the year but he always said he was going to be ready for the right end of the year and credit to him, he's carried us on his back this whole campaign."
Community
Bracknell is a small town but is well-known for their vocal following of their beloved Redlegs on matchday. Whether it has been Bracknell, Deloraine or UTAS Stadium, the red and white army have turned up eager to witness the club reach the ultimate prize.
"That's probably one of the reasons I took the job was to give back to the community what they've given to us," he said.
"To see the smiles on their faces is second to none, they've never had a premiership in this league and to get the job done for them is a full credit and it breaks my heart to see their smiles after the game.
"The monkey is off the back for them and all their hard work has paid off."
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