Perfect season complete for North Geelong

NORTH Geelong premiership coach Shannon Knox-Gray spoke of her relief and joy after the Magpies completed their perfect season, holding off a spirited St Mary’s outfit to claim another flag in her club’s astonishing run.

The minor premiers were made to earn the Division 1 flag after being held to just one behind in the first quarter.

But the Magpies piled on five goals to nil in the second quarter to hold a strong 27point advantage at the main break.

The Saints continued to work tirelessly to hit the scoreboard without scoring options Ashleigh Bond and Jady Brkic, who both missed with hand injuries.

The Magpies eventually won 6.5 (41) to 2.3 (15), helped by a best-on-ground performance in defence by Melanie McNamara.

League best-and-fairest Charlotte Thorne was again pivotal in the midfield.

“I’m excited for the players, they are the ones who do all the hard work and we try to motivate them as much as we can but at the end of the day they earnt this,” Knox-Gray said.

She said sticking to their game plan and keeping their composure in the tough moments were the most pleasing aspect of the victory, and praised the Saints for their never-say-die attitude.

“They should be proud of their efforts in their first season and the way they go about their footy is fantastic, and on paper they match up with us really well — they’ll be a force in the next few years,” she said.

Saints skipper Tahley Houghton said her side should hold its head high despite the loss and was amazed by the group’s improvement.

“For a bunch of girls that have never played before to come in and play a grand final is absolutely sensational and I’m so proud of them,” she said. “Half this side has never played before, so to actually challenge North Geelong I think is amazing, next year will be a bright year.”

Breanna Beckley, Brydie Dwyer and Darci Rodgers were among St Mary’s best players.