Gascoyne Football Association: Warriors end 32-year premiership drought

Warriors broke a 32-year drought when they won this year’s Gascoyne Football Association grand final last Saturday, in front of a large and vocal home crowd.

Warriors defeated Exmouth in a thrilling match, 12.8 (80) to 10.11 (71).

Warriors turned for home at three-quarter time with a 19-point lead and kicking into the wind in the last term.

Exmouth put the Warriors defenders under enormous pressure, continually driving the ball forward.

The Warriors’ defenders were excellent, with Marc De Sousa, Luke De Sousa and Xavier Van Dongen repelling numerous attacks.

With the ball spending most of the time in the Exmouth forward half, Warriors were able to break down the field and kick two vital last-quarter goals through Brenton White and Jesse Phillips.

Warriors player Calogero Eaton was named best-on-ground by the umpires.

He was well supported by Jace Drage, Jakkson Roberts, Matt Clarke and Dean White. Exmouth best players were Chase Faxon, Riley Green and Tyler Martin.

Warriors coach Brian Mallard was captain of the last winning team in 1986. Earlier in the colts grand final, Warriors had a thumping win over Ramblers, 27.7 (169) to 5.5 (35), with Warriors’ Trent Hannivig-Jones named best-on-ground.

Kingsford won the nippers grand final, defeating Ramblers, 5.4 (34) to 4.7 (31).