It’s a day that will live on in Geelong football folklore.
A first golden point result in the GFNL that has seen Leopold book a second semi-final berth following a dramatic qualifying final clash with St Mary’s at West Oval.
A rushed behind after a set shot from Lion Luke Justin following an out-of-bounds free kick proved the difference in the first GFNL final to go to extra time since 2006, 11.10 (76) to 11.9 (75).
After a tight first half that saw Leopold – playing in its first qualifying final since 1997 – head to the rooms with a three-point lead, the reigning premier took control of the contest with a five-goal-to-one third quarter.
A 28-point lead was soon 35 points when Max Annadale kicked his game-high third goal, and the Lions appeared assured of getting two cracks at playing in a third straight grand final.
However, despite losing two-time Mathieson medalist Harry Benson to a knee injury before half-time, the Saints rallied to kick five consecutive goals, with Kade Chalcraft making the margin one point.
Star half-back Brayden Ham snuck forward to have a snap on goal but hit the post.
However, Leopold defender Tev Nofi was awarded a free kick after being held by Michael Rudd.
Nofi shanked the kick, and St Mary’s pounced, with a Charlie Sprague handball finding Jarryd Garner, whose flying shot missed to the left and tied the scores.
After being parked inside their defensive 50 for most of the quarter, the Lions were able to push the ball forward.
Billy Ritchie, who broke St Mary’s hearts in last year’s preliminary final, had a chance to snatch the lead back with a quick snap on goal.
Initially signalled as a behind by the goal umpire, he was overruled by the boundary umpire after she noticed the ball clip the behind post.
The siren sounded just over a minute later, with scores locked at 75-apiece, sending the contest into extra time.
The first five-minute period resulted in neither team scoring despite Leopold dominating play.
However, the Lions had one less rotation after veteran Sam Scott received a yellow card.
Confusion reigned during the second period, with the siren sounding prematurely twice.
Again, despite both teams’ best efforts, neither could get a clear shot at goal, and the siren again sounded with both teams stuck on 75.
However, in a somewhat anti-climatic finish, Leopold was able to force the ball across the line to signal the end of a memorable contest.
Lions midfielder Tate Porter produced another impressive midfield display, especially with Logan Wagener subdued by a tag of Saint Keidan Rayner and captain Marcus Thompson not extending his usual influence.
Nofi, fellow defender Andrew Pepper, and rangy forward Jake Pitt were also impressive.
Former Geelong Falcons captain Michael Rudd shouldered much of the ruck work for St Mary’s in the absence of Nick Minchin and was a standout in a mature display.
Ham and the ever-reliable Nick Connors were important for the Saints, who will face the winner of tomorrow’s elimination final between South Barwon and Bell Park in next Sunday’s elimination final.
Harry McMahon kicked three goals to take his tally to 42 for the season.
GFNL: SCOREBOARD – FINALS WEEK ONE
X: @krockfootball
