Undefeated season remains in tact with premiership victory

Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault completed an unbeaten reserves season with a thrilling seven-point win over Eaton Boomers on Sunday at Hands Oval.

Two late goals from captain Matt Bicknell secured the Lions’ 9.6 (60) to 7.11 (53) win after they trailed by five points against a Boomers team who had defied final quarter wind disadvantage to claim the lead.

Bicknell’s match-winning goals capped off an excellent personal day for the skipper, who not only lifted the premiership cup but also claimed the House Trophy for best on ground.

The Lions’ captain was also part of the club’s 2007 league premiership success and believed Sunday’s success was comparable to that drought-breaking flag.

“There’s no real feeling for it, it’s probably the same feeling as back in 2007 when we won the premiership but it’s hard to describe,” Bicknell said.

“I think it showed with the fitness we’ve done all year — really working hard is what has got us the end result.

“We knew Eaton would come back, I said that to the boys at three-quarter time and we didn’t have enough of a lead to sit comfortably, but I think just the fitness in the end and the skills showed.”

The Lions held a 13-point lead at that final change after being up by six points at quarter-time and 21 at the main break.

The first of Boomer Dylan Ramsay’s two goals was the game’s opener, but it was the only time Eaton held the lead until the final moments.

It had been a bright start by the Boomers, but the unbeaten minor premiers soon found their range kicking against the wind, putting through three unanswered goals.

Five minutes of dominance from brothers Cale and Jordan Westaway were important in extending the Lions’ lead to an emphatic 26 points just before half-time.

Cale kicked two goals including one from a long-range set shot, before Jordan slotted a delightful running goal.

The Boomers worked hard and kicked the first two goals of a tight third quarter but a late snap from Chris Buchanan, who Bicknell believed was his side’s best, extended the Lions’ lead.

Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault had the lead and advantage of kicking with the breeze in the final quarter.

But Luke Yates slotted an early goal for the Boomers, which was followed by a series of behinds, as the Boomers began to get on top.

Momentum was with the Boomers and majors from Caius Harrison and Jordan Richards had their team in front with just five minutes to play.

It seemed then as though the Boomers, who upset previously unbeaten Carey Park to win last year’s grand final, would win another flag by ending a team’s perfect season.

Then entered Bicknell.

A period of territorial dominance went the Lions’ way, but they were unable to get reward until the captain marked in the goalsquare to give them the lead.

Moments later, he read the bounce of the ball better than his opponent and dribbled home the sealer to delight the Lions’ faithful.