By Armin Richter
Football
Narre Warren will join the Southern League next year but had a few matters to sort out first with Grand Final appearances in the Outer East Premier Division. Having lost just once during the year, in round 11 at Upwey, the Magpies had the opportunity to seek redemption for last season’s Grand Final capitulation to Wandin as the same two sides again met in the decider.
With a breeze blowing across the ground to the outer wing of the Officer ground, Narre Warren made the most of opportunities to register six first quarter goals. The Princes Highway end appeared to be favoured by the conditions and when the Bulldogs were restricted to a single major for the second term the Magpies looked well placed with a four goal lead by half time. Narre Warren finished the game strongly to eventually run out 40 point winners and exact revenge for their loss in 2023.
Narre Warren 14.10.94 def Wandin 7.12.54
Best: Narre Warren – Tom Toner, Jesse Davies, Hayden Dwyer, Brad Scalzo, Peter Gentile, Jacob Mutimer
Wandin – Damien Furey, Aaron Mullett, Samuel Hodgett, Todd Garner, Patty Bruzzese, Jordan Jaworski
Goals: Narre Warren – Tom Toner 4, Hayden Dwyer 4, Peter Gentile 2, Hamish West 1, Will Howe 1, Sam Johnson 1, Brayden Sharp 1
Wandin – Clinton Johnson 2, Jordan Jaworski 2, Daniel Hirst 1, Brodie Atkins 1, Patrick Hodgett 1
The Reserves played in a strong cross wind which resulted in some scrappy play and low scoring. Upwey-Tecoma had dominated during the year, suffering just one loss and finishing with a percentage of 393. In a replay of last year’s Grand Final the Tigers were again to meet Narre Warren. With the conditions mitigating against good play, Upwey-Tecoma were held to just two goals as they missed numerous opportunities to eventually go down by 7 points. Pakenham defeated their neighbours Officer in the Under 19s finale which was decided in the third term when the Lions scored four goals and established a 30 point lead.
Reserves – Narre Warren 4.3.27 def Upwey-Tecoma 2.8.20
Under 19s – Pakenham 8.6.54 def Officer 5.6.36
Netball
The two best teams in A Grade, Mt. Evelyn and Narre Warren, met in the Grand Final in what turned out to be an epic struggle. There were never more than a few goals separating the Rovers and Magpies and it was Narre Warren that prevailed by a solitary goal to give them the football-netball double for 2024. C and D Grade were also decided by a goal as large crowds at the netball courts drowned out the football in exciting finishes.
A Grade – Narre Warren 43 def Mt. Evelyn 42
B Grade – ROC 45 def Narre Warren 41
C Grade – Narre Warren 40 def Wandin 39
D Grade – ROC 29 def Narre Warren 28
Under 17s – ROC 34 def Wandin 23
Under 15s – ROC 35 def Monbulk 21
