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The big day had us journey to the N J Telfer Reserve in Bundoora just in time to catch the Under 11’s secure their spot in the Grand Final the following week.  There was a bit of a cool breeze blowing across the ground with patches of sunshine as the boys warmed up.  With the heart stopping win the week before still fresh in everyone’s mind there appeared a steely determination in the eyes of many to ensure we started strong.  Sadly Joe was a late out with a fractured foot but he bravely gave himself every chance and was stoic in his support for his teammates after the call was made.

Q1 - Despite some early tackling pressure from Marcus, Tom M and Hamish, Glen Iris were able to open their account with 2 goals and 2 points before our boys were able to respond with a lifting goal to Tamer on the end of some beautiful team play from Ned and Callum.  Glen Iris had dominated the center clearances but Kes, Tommy G, Hamish and Sage worked hard to negate deft taps to advantage in the middle. Glen Iris 2.2.14 to Preston 1.0.6

Q2 – Another strong start from Glen Iris had them add 3 unanswered goals before some inspired efforts from Watto, Kes and Jackson found us add a solitary behind.  A penetrating kick from Hamish from outside 50 allowed Marcus to add a quick goal before the half time siren.  Glen Iris 5.2.32 to Preston 2.1.13

Q3 – Unfortunately it appeared that a pattern had formed with Glen Iris adding scoreboard pressure from the opening bounce.  The boys certainly had not given up playing hard at the contest but were unable to find reward for their efforts.  Glen Iris adding 3 goals 1 behind for the quarter.  Glen Iris 8.3.51 to Preston 2.1.13

Q4 – The words gutsy and never say die were scribbled in my notebook next to many names… Clem, Harry, Sage, Tommy G to name a few.   Clem added a goal to Tom M’s point but Glen Iris added the same to take the win and a spot in the Grand Final.  Glen Iris 9.4.58 to Preston 3.2.20

Emotions ran high after the loss as the realization set in that our dream run was over for 2019.  All boys should be immensely proud of what they were able to achieve this season and will hopefully bring the lessons learned into 2020.  Thanks again to all coaching staff and volunteers for a great season!

Thanks to Andrew Wilton for the match report and to everyone who has helped and supported over the season.

We are immensely proud of the boys who have all developed, improved and worked hard over the year. Although it wasn’t the way we had hoped to end things, it is important to remember that we were a force to be reckoned with all season. I hope the boys stay together and are able to hit the ground next year chasing some unfinished business.