Myponga-Sellicks broke a 40-year premiership drought with a thrilling one-point victory over Victor Harbor in the Great Southern Football League (GSFL) Grand Final at Myponga yesterday. The Mudlarks had to do it the hard way, winning four finals in a row on their way to a fourth ‘A’ grade flag in GSFL competition. 

With the game in the balance late in the last quarter, Jake Spinks took a contested mark 30 metres out from goal and calmly kicked truly to put Myponga-Sellicks in front. It would be the last score of the match and when the final siren sounded, it sparked scenes of pure joy from the Mudlarks players, coaching staff and supporters. Earlier, in cold and windy conditions, Victor Harbor started strongly to lead by 18 points at quarter time, before the Mudlarks hit back to lead by five points at the long break. The ‘Roos kicked four goals to two in the third term to turn for home with a seven-point lead. Roared on by a large contingent of home supporters, the Mudlarks kicked three goals to one in the final term to win 10.8 (68) to 9.13 (67). In his first season at the club, Myponga Sellicks playing-coach Darren Shillabeer kicked three goals and in the process brought up his 100th major for the season. Michael Ross (3) and Ben Heaslip (2) were the multiple goalkickers for Victor Harbor. Best players for the premiers included Ben Kennedy, Sam Kennedy, Kain Spinks, Luke Whitford, Jack Cooper and Bradley Clarke. Best for the ‘Roos included Heaslip, Ross, Kane Cooper, Jesse McKinnon, Rhys Bartram and Jackson Elmes.

In other grades, Victor Harbor came from the elimination final to defeat McLaren Districts by 17 points in the reserves, Myponga-Sellicks went back-to-back in the senior colts with a 12-point win against McLaren Districts, while Willunga won the junior colts with a comfortable 38-point triumph, also against the Eagles.