AN INSPIRATIONAL six-goal haul and watertight defence were the catalysts for Eastside Football Club to secure back to back Big Rivers Football League premierships on Saturday night.
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As the sun set over Nitmiluk Oval for the 2014 decider, the Eastside players squared off against the Katherine Camels, the in-form team at the pointy end of the season, for a local derby clash that had not taken place for more than a decade.
Eastside set the platform for the 59-point thumping on the back of miserly defence, led by Paddy Kossack, Daniel Turner, Robby Braun, Rex Issac and Will Parker, and it was the unlikely Ross Carpenter that got free for the Double Blues to bag six majors on the night.
The midfield battle for the first half was evenly split, with Tom Gleeson and Daniel Broderick getting the ball forward for the Camels, and Jordan Gardner looking dangerous along with Clint St Claire.
Eastside had winners all over the ground with a lot of the tough in-and-under work being done by Matt Cannard, Marcus Hamilton and Kayle Kossack.
Harley Bennell was also a surprise packet for the premiers, popping up to boot two goals.
The long finals series seemed to take its toll on the Camels - who had won their previous six games - as they ran out of legs in the second half and were outscored nine goals to two.
Despite the loss, it was a courageous effort by the Camels to get into the decider.
EASTSIDE FOOTBALL CLUB 16.5 (101) defeated KATHERINE CAMELS 6.6 (42)
Goals
Eastside Football Club: R. Carpenter 6, H, Bennell, C. Chulung 2, M. Cannard, W. Kossack, P. Jackson, M. Tibbits, M. Hamilton 1
Katherine Camels: J. Gardner 2, T. Gleeson, I. Bell, C. St Claire, C. Singleton 1
Morris Medal winner
Marcus Hamilton
