2005 Premiership

Goodwood Saints (3.3, 8.6, 11.7, 13.11) 89 V GAZA (3.1, 5.3, 6.4, 8.6) 54

Best Players
Bartel, Tyrell, Montgomerie, Spencer, Modra, Safralidis, Aldridge

Goal Kickers
Earl 3, Klemm 2, Kells 2, Mills 2, Pohlner, Montgomerie, Spencer, Bartel.

Match Summary
On the back of away finals victories over Broadview, ROCS and Henley the Saints entered the game as a confident underdog against the minor premier GAZA.

Kenny Tyrell in ruck got the team rolling with first hands to the ball. Malcolm Pohlner capitalised with the first goal of the match but GAZA responded to edge out to a two goal lead. Trent Mills roved and goaled late in the quarter and a goal after the siren to Matthew Earl gave the saints a 2 point lead at the first break.

A quick clearance at the restart resulted in a goal to Eric Kells to give the Saints a vital boost. Mills and Troy Klemm added majors before GAZA responded with 2 goals of their own. Matthew Earl scored a freakish goal from a mid air volley and when Klemm goaled again the Saints had set up a 21 point lead at the long break.

The 3rd quarter started much the same as the second. A quick clearance led to a mark and goal from Kells. The defence led by stalwart Matthew Spencer and the dynamic Peter Safralidis was providing considerable drive whilst Charlie Thomas and Kane Aldridge on the last line were impregnable. Late goals to Ryan Montgomerie and another soccered goal from Earl pushed the lead out to 33 points at the final change.

Coach Trevor Hill implored his charges to continue to be ruthless in the final quarter and he was not disappointed. Early goals to centre half back Spencer and Captain David Bartel and the match was over as a contest.

Kenny Tyrell was outstanding in the ruck and Bartel was rewarded for a fine game in the middle with the Alan Statton medal for the best player on the ground. Travis Modra was a fine contributor at both ends of the ground whilst Ryan Montgomerie played a fine team game. Jason Fleming and Jordan Telfer on their wings provided tremendous drive into attack.

After 7 years without a Div 1 flag the final siren signalled the start of wild on field celebrations. With so many players having tasted defeat in previous grand finals the taste of victory ensured that this Premiership and the achievement of having come from 5th position would be celebrated for some time to come. Certainly a great moment in this clubs proud history.