The Magpies had little trouble winning their second consecutive Stawell 13 and Under Football Association premiership on Friday night, defeating the Tigers.
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The Magpies were clear-cut favourites going into the contest to win back-to-back flags.
“It doesn’t matter what age or competition you play in, it is always big to be playing in a grand final,” Magpies coach Rhett Mellor said.
“It doesn’t come around too often so it is a great reward for all the kids that get to play.”
The Tigers were gallant in their efforts but could not stop a rampaging Magpies side continuing its unbeaten streak of two seasons to win another flag.
“To go undefeated for two seasons is a pretty amazing thing,” Mellor said.
“A lot of our kids have played together for a long time which is why they have had so much success.”
Stawell 13 and Under Football Association president Josh Reading said while the Magpies were easily the best team in the league he was pleased to see an even competition.
“The Magpies were the dominant team throughout the season but the other three teams were pretty evenly matched,” he said.
“It was only a couple of kicks between them all year. It was the first time in a few years all teams have won at least one game.”
Magpie Hamish Smith had a massive night on Friday, being awarded the league’s best and fairest, league leading goalkicker, Magpies best and fairest as well as best on ground in the grand final.
“He is a great kid and her has been great to coach,” Mellor said.
“He has big things ahead of him.”
It was also a historic night for the league, with two girls winning team best and fairests (Vanilla Ika – Tigers and India Warren – Hawks) and one girl a runner up best and fairest (Keeley Gay – Hawks).
“It is the first time in the association that has happened before. It is absolutely fantastic to see the comp be used as a breeding ground for young boys and girls to learn,” Reading said.
Ben Matthews was the other team best and fairest, finishing ahead of Max McMahon for the Bulldogs.
Mellor said he is confident the association will continue to prosper next season given how important it is for football in Stawell.
“This is a huge comp in this area. It is vital to Stawell's footy future,” he said.
“I would say 80 per cent of Stawell's senior team now played in this competition.
“It is a great place to develop the juniors and get them to enjoy their footy.”
