With the crowd jostling for space in the shade, Dookie and Nagambie stepped out in the Kyabram District League B-grade grand final on Saturday afternoon.
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The teams quickly heated up on the Mooroopna Recreation Reserve court and after the opening plays went Dookie’s way, Nagambie found its feet.
When the horn blew at the end of the game, Nagambie had sealed the premiership, 40 to 49.
Lakers captain Tasman Taylor-Lloyd won the best-on honours for her stellar performance in goal defence.
Nagambie coach Kathryn Coll was sceptical of taking on the role at the start of the year, but after the team’s season, she was glad she did.
“It’s quite surreal,” Coll said.
“We started off the season really shaky and we only had two players that were in this team last year; otherwise, it’s a whole new team.
“It took us a good five or six weeks to settle in, but I knew it would come together as they’re just an amazing bunch of girls.
“It has (been a lot of hard work), but it’s also been enjoyable. We naturally play a fast game, so we tried to capitalise on that rather than change it and slow it down.
“The quick clearing out of the defence was one of our main goals, not to play around with the ball too much.
“Tasman (Taylor-Lloyd) is such a team player, and she is the biggest talker in the match. She’s just a selfless player, and she really motivates the rest of the team.
“So I’m really happy she was awarded that (the best player).”
Lakers’ Rebbecca Comi did not miss a chance at goal in the opening plays of the game.
Katie Sullivan controlled Nagambie’s game around the circle with quick passing.
Hannah Trenery’s height proved an asset for the Thunder, quickly emerging as the side’s target point.
The first quarter ended with the Lakers ahead by three goals.
Nagambie hit first in the second quarter, scoring the first three goals.
The game developed into a tight affair as the Thunder looked to surge back into the contest.
Lightning-quick movement from Nagambie was the difference between the teams.
The Lakers had an eight-goal lead at half-time.
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Pressure on: Nagambie’s Katie Sullivan gets the ball ahead of Dookie United’s Georgia Dunning. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 6
Concentration: Dookie United’s Hollie Daldy and Nagambie’s Tasman Taylor-Lloyd vie for position. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 6
Time and space: Georgia Dunning looks for a pass. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 6
In-from: Tasman Taylor-Lloyd on the ball. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 6
Party time: Nagambie celebrate their win. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 6
Eyes up: Melanie Cotsopoulos looks for a teammate. Photo by Rechelle ZammitDookie ground its way back into the game in the third spell through persistent pressure.
The sides were separated by five goals at the final break.
Dookie forced errors from the Lakers at the start of the fourth, but could not turn them into goals.
Nagambie controlled the game and capitalised on turnovers.
From treading water to gliding to a grand final victory, the Lakers claimed the flag by nine goals to cap one of the turnaround stories of the year.