Another year, another premiership! That probably sums up what the players and staff at the Hawthorn Spartans must be thinking, as they managed to come out as Champions of the Thirds Division, beating their rivals Old Xaverians in the final game of the season.
Held on Saturday at Whitefriars College in Donvale, the two teams began the game rather cautiously and with a lot of stress, considering what was at stake, yet the Spartans were able to close the first quarter with a slender lead.
They extended their lead, though not by much (just eight points) going into half-time. It was enough to keep their opponents at bay and to allow Anthony Demetriou’s men to regroup in the locker rooms.
They came out for the third quarter looking a lot more decisive and with the boost in spirits they so desperately needed. With six unanswered goal kicks, they built up a safe advantage from the Xaverians and the early celebrations had begun.
In the fourth and final quarter, the Xaverians tried to bridge the gap and come back into the game, clinging on to any hope they had for the title, but the margin proved too great and the final whistle saw the players and fans of the Spartans celebrating their highly deserved success.
The team from Hawthorn has now won five Premiership titles in nine years, participating in a total of eight Grand Finals in the process.
They enjoyed a spectacular season, finishing at the top of the ladder with 13 wins and just two losses, going on to annihilate Essendon in the semi-final of the play-offs.
Now the players will enjoy some well-earned time off, aiming to repeat their success next season.