Grand Final Match Report (2019)

It was an exciting day for footy on Sunday as The Midday Show took on South Melbourne Districts in the day of days, the big dance, the final hit-out, but better known as the Grand Final. Despite forecasts predicting rain, wind and a likely underdog win, only the first two occurred with the Trobers going down in a fierce battle 70-39.

It was a hotly contested footy from the get-go as La Trobe kept South Melbourne from getting an early blowout, finishing the first quarter trailing by just 7 points after their opponents had kicked with the wind. The fight continued into the second, as the Trobers took advantage of the wind and gained a 1 goal lead by half time. The third was the beginning of La Trobe’s downfall allowing South Melbourne to score 5.2 and edge in front by 8 points. Unfortunately, the last quarter went all South Melbourne’s way as they stacked on another 3.5 against an injured, depleted and ultimately scoreless La Trobe team.

This Grand Final loss was in fact a larger picture win for the La Trobe Club after a winless (Reserves Men) season in 2018. In fact, for a team that was unable to even field a team in the final weeks of last season to go on to compete in a Grand Final just 12 months later –  it was a true achievement for those who dedicated their Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays to improving their footy! At the beginning of the season about 30 individuals, who mostly didn’t know each other, threw on the Red and Black to play for The Midday Show. It shows what having a group of mates, a committee and a new oval and facilities can do to boost the hopes and aspirations within a Club. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year as the Club attempts to further its achievements!     

Damien Hamel