Hampton Rovers and Oakleigh have been evenly matched in 2007 however Saturdays Grand Final was anything but with the Rovers putting in one of their most disappointing efforts of the season going down by 10 goals. The Rovers can now look forward to C Section in 2008.
In front of a big crowd at Sandringhams Trevor Barker Oval, the Rovers started well kicking the opening two goals of the game. Kicking towards the social club end, they also squandered a few opportunities and it wasn?t long before Oakleigh picked up their game, booting the next 6 goals to set-up a 34 point quarter time lead.
Hampton went into the Grand Final high on confidence after two big wins – 101 points over Prahran in the Semi Final and 77 points over Old Mentonians in the Preliminary Final. While both games between the two sides had been close ones – Rovers by 3 points at Scammell Reserve and Oakleigh by 5 points at Boss James.
However early on, things weren?t looking good for the Rovers. They weren?t playing with the confidence they had in previous weeks and Oakleigh were looking the better team on the day.
The continued on in the second term putting on another 6 goals while Hampton could manage just the two. That put the minor premiers up by 10 goals at the main break. The lead for the remainder of the game stayed about the same.
With supporters heading for the social club for a beer or two, the third term produced just the 3 goals with Oakleigh increasing their lead by 5 points.
The fourth quarter saw both sides put on three goals and at the final siren it was Oakleigh claiming the 2007 premiership by 65 points.
Luke Dallas was best on ground for Hampton, he was supported by Cain Malthouse, Anton Duddy, Gary Carr, Jason Zampaglione and Leigh De Boer. The only multiple goal kicker for the Rovers was Mark Ferrari with a couple, singles to Flahive, Malthouse, Zampaglione, Devereaux, Lawrence and Dallas.
It was a disappointing end to an otherwise impressive season for the Rovers. Although going down in the final game of the season, the club can now look forward to C Section in 2008. After being relegated last year, the club has managed to return straight back up to the third tier of VAFA football, a feat which many clubs struggle to do.
The Under 19s also went down on Friday night in their Grand Final against Mazenod at Elsternwick Park. Playing against clearly the best side in the competition, the Rovers put in a great effort and stayed with their opposition up until the final term before Mazenod sealed the win with late goals.
The Rovers had a great season finishing second on the ladder. They had met Mazenod on three occasions in 2007 with the Rovers winning once. On a cold night at VAFA HQs, the first three quarters produced just the 10 goals and at the final break, it was Mazenod by 16 points. However it was all Mazenod in the final term, kicking 9 goals to 3, to win by 43 points.
Best players for the Rovers were Tom McCarthy, Eemon Sweeney, Max Greenway, Alex Ross, Jackson Ward and Josh Schmitz. Matt Innes kicked 2 goals with singles to Sweeney, Giasoumi, McCarthy, Trembath and Krull.
The Rovers can look forward to a bright future with solid performances from all three senior teams this year, three junior premierships including the Under 16s, a number of players set to return, and of course C Section in 2008. Get behind the Hampton Rovers as they move forward in 2008.
Senior Presentation Night will be held Friday 28th September (AFL Grand Final Eve) at Boss James Reserve. Full details will be announced very shortly and bookings will be taken online.
