IRYMPLE secured their third senior football premiership win in the past four full SFNL seasons on Saturday when they clung on to a six-point win against a gallant Wentworth.
The Roos staged a courageous final-quarter comeback, pulling to within three points after starting the term 16 points in arrears.
However, star forward Nick Pezzaniti booted two quick-fire goals to ease the pressure for the Swallows, including a cracking goal from the pocket in front of a big crowd on the hill at Mildura Sporting Precinct.
“The Pez Dispenser” finished with five majors in a terrific performance as the Swallows held on for a nail-biting victory.
It comes after they won the 2017 and 2019 premierships before the pandemic cruelled the past two seasons.
The Swallows had winners across the park, but Pezzaniti’s crucial goals proved decisive for the defending premiers.
Playing co-coach Dan Coghlan, who kicked the game’s first major, took a crucial steadying late mark to help deny the Roos’ push for a late equalising goal.
The John Groves Medal was awarded to Roos big man Jackson Ferguson, who was superb in defence and attack.
The Swallows held a 13-point half-time lead, before only extending their lead by three points at three-quarter time.
