BY definition, a moment is a very brief period of time.
Of course, in a football match, there are myriad moments, and most are inconsequential, but when a premiership is on the line, inevitably, there are going to be numerous momentous occasions that will prove pivotal when the combatants are so closely matched.
Perennial finalists Irymple were the team that executed the better for most of these pivotal moments and more ably handled the pressure of the occasion, which ultimately allowed them to withstand a late Wentworth challenge in this exhilarating and entertaining grand final clash.
Top-flight teams build their success and brand on the back of solid defence. Accordingly, finals games tend to be tightly fought, low-scoring affairs and this game was no different. With goals at a premium, many of the critical moments of this game occurred in front of the big sticks.
While the Wentworth playmakers won their fair share of important contests, Irymple’s experience, professionalism and composure under pressure in the big moments proved telling, especially when scoring opportunities presented.
Dan Coghlan undoubtedly played sore, but his leadership was instrumental. It is crucial to get off to a good start in any game. Coghlan owned his early moment when he slotted the game’s opening goal.
Jason Hura, a recent defence to forward convert, made the most of his chances. Hura coolly converted a difficult set shot into the breeze and shortly after seized on a goal square opportunity to score a second telling goal against the tide.
With the breeze pushing at the back of a heaving crowd on the newly constructed grass hill at the far end of the oval, it meant they were starved of much of the action in their quadrant of the ground. However, the crowd were treated to perhaps the most noteworthy moment of the game when Nick Pezzaniti marked on the lead and settled over the ball to take a set shot deep in the final quarter.
Within earshot of the vocal fans, it was a moment made for Pezzaniti. His conversion was clutch and proved to be the decisive goal that kept Wentworth at arm’s length.
Pezzaniti owned most of his moments, kicking at least a goal every quarter, adding two in the all-important final quarter in kicking five for the game.
When Wentworth kicked a late behind to close within six points, the possibility of a draw loomed. Irymple were desperate to clear their defence but had to resort to a long kick down the line. Fittingly, it was Coghlan,
despite effectively being on one leg, that stood tall in this game-deciding moment, taking a telling pack mark.
A mark that allowed the Swallows to dictate the tempo of the game’s closing seconds and ultimately hang on for the victory.
