It was a disappointing outing for the Rovers in the Grand Final, suffering the worst defeat of the year as Old Carey ran out 2024 Premiers.
It was a big day at Trevor Barker Oval, with the official match day function attended by 160 people – which amazingly completely sold out in 6 hours! It was a joint function between the two clubs, with funds raised going towards both the Rovers and Panthers. Great support from the Rovers community who filled two thirds of the room.
Onto the game. Old Carey kicked 2 goals within the first couple of minutes and the Rovers seemed to be playing catch up footy from the outset. OC were quick, quicker than I think the boys realised and on the dry Sandy ground they used their speed to great advantage.
Early in the game, the issue was again the kicking for goal and while the Rovers only scored one goal for the quarter, courtesy of an Adrian Hug pass to Will Crawford, the number of shots that fell short or missed totally was worrying. In the second, the OC onslaught continued but it was so unRovers like to be behind just in scoring shots of 15 to 6 at half time that it was obvious that we were in trouble. Tredders kept Hampton in the game in this quarter pulling down 2 big contested marks and kicking accurately. Notwithstanding, this he was clearly handicapped in movement and was spending little time in the ruck. The mids all seemed under the pump and it was only Carnovale who could break the lines.
The third quarter was one to forget. It seemed to go on for about an hour and at the final break they had a 12 goal lead and it was game over. We suffered through the final quarter where the sting had gone out of the game and both teams and supporters wanted the “mercy rule” applied.
It was obvious the preliminary final victory over Parkdale the previous Sunday had taken a toll on the Rovers with that second half a tough affair, while the six day break did no favours. Old Carey were clearly the better team on the day and ran out deservedly champions of Premier C in 2024.
It was a disappointing way to end a fantastic season for the Rovers, only two losses in the home and away season and promotion to Premier B from a fighting win in the prelim final.
Despite the loss, the Rovers community celebrated a great season at the Hampton RSL and it was great to see so many in attendance. It continued the following day at the same venue for family day.
OC 3.3 8.7 16.9 20.17 137
HR 1.0 4.2 5.4 7.6 49
Best Max Van Der Straaten, Hugo Lay, Liam O’Driscoll, Jamie Delaney, Adrian Hug, James Prosser
Goals Liam O’Driscoll, Will Crawford, Hugo Garrow, Max Coughlin, Adrian Hug
As a club, it’s been a successful season for the seniors – with four of the five teams qualifying for finals, three making the Grand Final and one Premiership (the U19’s in Div 1). Something to be proud of and certainly exciting times ahead for the club.
2024 Presentation Night will be held on Friday 11th October 7pm at Sandy by the Bay. You will need to get in early if you want to attend as all 150 tickets will sell out fast. Only $65 per head, plus drinks at bar prices. Get your tickets here.
