Navarre gave Natte Bealiba its first loss of 2017, coming away with an eight-point victory on Saturday.
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It is always great to be able to bring the shield back home.
- Jayden Fowkes
The Grasshoppers came from behind to win 9.15.69 to 9.7.61 and take home the Hannett-Ross Shield.
The game was tight all day, with inaccuracy nearly costing Navarre.
The Grasshoppers trailed by 13-points at half-time, managing a measly one goal and five behinds.
The away side’s goal-kicking did not improve after the break, kicking 2.5 but reeling in the margin to only five points.
Navarre coach Jayden Fowkes said his team was lucky their inaccuracy did not cost them.
“It was just a bit of an off day for us in front of goal,” he said.
“We had just as much of the ball as them, we just could not convert.
“If we kicked accurately I think we would have had an easier finish.”
The Grasshoppers were able to put their goal-kicking woes aside in the final quarter, kicking 5.2 to storm home to victory.
Fowkes said it was great to beat their rivals.
“It was a good win and a hard fought battle all day,” he said.
“It is always great to be able to bring the shield back home.”
Star forwards Ash and Cody Driscoll managed only one goal between them for the day.
Fowkes said it is pleasing to know they can still score without their key forwards shining.
“We can not be too one-dimensional going forward,” he said.
“Ash and Cody are great, but it is good to know that if they are being shut down we have other avenues to goal.”
Danny Grellet was Navarre’s best for the day.