Bulldogs coach Lee Murray hailed the grand final demolition of Wollongong Lions and a fourth straight South Coast AFL premiership as the greatest performance in the club’s eight year history.
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The Bulldogs dismantled the minor premiers 11.9 (75) to 7.5. (47) at North Dalton Park in a stunning reversal of a five goal loss to the Lions only a fortnight ago.
Murray was central to the foundation of the Bulldogs as initially a reserve grade side in 2008 before joining the top grade in 2010.
After two grand final losses in their first two seasons the Dogs have now beaten Kiama twice (2012, 2013), then Northern Districts last season and the powerhouse Lions to build a dynasty of four straight flags.
More than a hundred jubilant Bulldogs fans raced on North Dalton Park at the final siren, with Murray chaired around the centre of the ground in what has become an annual trademark celebration for the Dogs former premiership skipper and now coach.
‘‘This is the greatest display this club has had,’’ an emotional Murray said.
‘‘There hasn’t been an opponent with the quality of the Lions in my time here and yet they didn’t come close to us today.
‘‘We won every quarter and played at an incredible level.’’
The Lions only previous loss all season was to the Bulldogs by 27 points at Keira Oval in round 15.
They won the minor premiership in a canter, and posted 100-plus point beltings against most rivals.
The Lions beat the Dogs by five goals in the major semi, but Murray plotted to blunt the Lions trademark explosive start to each quarter and put themselves the front foot.
The plan worked perfectly. The Dogs never trailed and after booting the opening three quarters to lead by seven points at quarter-time, and held the Lions to only seven goals and no more than two per quarter. Best on ground Ben McKay was inspirational in the midfield - tough around the contested ball, but skilful in using his possession to set up numerous raids.
Throw in the inventive Tim Beckmans, Tom Potter, Alex Killalea and Hayden Dore and the Lions were left on the backfoot for most of the day.
Lions coach Craig Morrison believes the defeat will be a defining moment.
‘‘We were taught a lesson but I can promise you, you will see a response in the next 12 months.’’
Finally, the unbeaten Figtree made it 17 straight wins to see off a spirited Lions 9.10 (64) to 8.1 (49) and claim the Div 2 premiership.
Figtree are likely to return to Division 1 in 2016.
