By Tara Murray
Rupertswood’s dominance of the Riddell District Football League under-19.5 competition has continued with the Sharks winning their fifth premiership in the last seven years.
Since joining the competition, the Sharks have been in every grand final for the under-19.5/under-18 competition.
On Sunday, against Woodend-Hesket, they were hoping to make it premiership number five.
After a number of one-sided grand finals in this age group in recent years, this one wasn’t decided until the final quarter.
The Sharks experience showed through late, winning 7.8 (50)-4.10 (34).
Sharks coach Anthony Ferraro said it was a very satisfying win.
“The effort required was really good and it didn’t come easy,” he said.
“They [Woodend] payed really good, I thought our effort was a little bit better.”
The Sharks led by eight points at the first change despite kicking the breeze. They increased the margin to 20 points at the main break.
The Hawks kept the game close, with it 15 points at the last break.
PHOTO GALLERY: RDFL under-19.5 grand final
Ferraro said his side had wasted opportunities to ice the game earlier on in the day.
With a wind favouring one end, it was important to take the opportunities when they arose.
“We didn’t convert and we put a bit of pressure back on us,” he said.
“They obviously didn’t take full advantage of it, which pleased us, but we were under no illusion, that was going to win the game.
“We were under no illusions, we had to work hard to come to that situation. They kicked a couple in the last quarter, they fought it out to the end.
“We were able to hold our resolve.”
Woodend-Hesket’s Jacob Hunt was named best on ground, while Sharks’ Bryce Caldone was awarded the AFL Victoria country medal.
Ferraro thought it was a pretty good team effort.
“I thought Bryce played well, I thought Matty Jenkins played well, Jordie Tentonello, Ben Ward, Evan Ricupero.
“Overall it’s about the team, and I think we all put in at certain times to make sure we won.”
Twelve players from Sunday’s premiership team have now won two under-19.5/18.5 premierships, while six were also part of the 2017 runners-up side.
Despite the success of the side, Ferraro said it’s getting hard and harder each year.
“The fact is the competition is closing as such, we don’t just turn up now and think that we will win.
“We have to be hard at it and we understand.”
