WA finally does it in Northam

It was WA’s first victory over the Vics in interstate competition since a State of Origin victory in 1991 at the WACA Ground.

Victoria dominated WA in the first half but steadied after half-time and was well led by East Fremantle’s Steven Dodd.

Victoria kicked the first three goals of the third quarter to lead by a game-high 31 points but WA managed to wrestle back some momentum with four goals in seven minutes to Jay van Berlo, Tim Geappen, Brennan Stack and Paul Bevan just before three quarter-time and went into the final break trailing by 14 points.

However, WA stormed home in the final quarter ” booting five goals to none ” to win running away 17.16 (118) to 15.11 (101).

Chris Cain was named the Frank Johnson Medallist for the VFL with 32 disposals while WA’s Wayde Twomey, from Swan Districts, was the Simpson Medallist for his five goals.

Shire of Northam President Steven Pollard said the game was a real crowd pleaser.

‘We were very pleased to see WA get over the line. It was a great game,’ Mr Pollard said.

He said the event ran smoothly but he was a little disappointed with the numbers of spectators on the day.

‘We had about 1500 to 2000 people but we were hoping for between 3000 and 4000,’ Mr Pollard said. ‘Still, the success of the game was a credit to the efforts of the 60 volunteers on the day and we congratulate the organising committee on all their hard work.’

Mr Pollard said the newly resurfaced Henry Street Oval held up well and showed the ground could now be suitable for a NAB Cup game.