Grand Final Report - Premiers 2017
Final Score : ROCS 10.8 to PNU 3.13.
The 2017 A Grade Grand Final between ROCS and Payneham Norwood Union at Thebarton Oval (ALDI Arena), was played in dry, windy conditions.
ROCS started well and were never headed.
Jack Nelligan set the standard from the first bounce, and was well supported by Craig Holm, captain Will O'Malley, and ruckman Ollie Wilkie. The quarter time score saw ROCS leading 3.1 to 0.2.
ROCS then set up the win with a dominant second quarter. Kicking into the breeze, ROCS outscored PNU 4.2 to 1.5. The ROCS players were relentless, and probably deserved to be further ahead at the main break. The defence worked very well as a unit and PNU had to wait until late in the second quarter before scoring its first goal.
Up by 32 points at half-time, ROCS extended their lead in the third quarter, and put the result beyond doubt. At the last break, the scores were 10.6 to 2.9. In a dour last quarter, only 1 goal was scored. Final Score : ROCS 10.8 to PNU 3.13.
Heath Commane, Michael Coad and Jack Nelligan each kicked 2 goals.
Jack Nelligan and Craig Holm were outstanding and Ollie Wilkie controlled the ruck. Luke Manuel completed his successful return from a serious knee injury, with a classy performance in defence, and was ably supported by Charlie Jordan and Tullio DeMatteis.
"Holmy" received the medal for best on ground in the Grand Final. Congratulations to senior coach Adrian Rocco, his assistants Michael Coad, Greg Moulton and Tom Wigley and runner Matthew Dawes.
Thanks to Wahib Joubeir (Physio), Vicki Lines (Head-Trainer) and all her assistants, all the Match Day Officials, volunteers and supporters. A special thank you to Matthew Haddad for all his work on the ROCFC website.
Great end to a great season !!!
Many thanks to Claude Beltrame for again supplying some great action shots:
