By David Nagel
It took exactly 100 seconds for Dermott Yawney to take the first step towards redemption.
A forward entry from Jarrod Smith fell short in a stiffening breeze, with the Nar Nar Goon full-forward taking a strong mark next to the behind post…the closest to the entry point of Western Park.
Yawney settled, then struck a perfectly executed banana, that pierced the big sticks and brought his team and supporters to life.
It’s been a long 12 months for Yawney, Nar Nar Goon’s big-name recruit last year who thrilled his new club with his high-flying brand of football.
But on elimination final day…it deserted him…going goalless as the Goon was eliminated from the 2022 season.
At the opposite end of the ground, Cora Lynn’s Nathan Gardiner kicked eight to see the Cobras progress to the next stage.
It was a different story on Sunday, with Yawney kicking five, and Gardiner two, as the Goon steamrolled its way to a 38-point triumph.
“I haven’t stopped thinking about it, to be honest, since last year, so I had to come out and do something today to make up for that performance,” Yawney said, from a buzzing changerooms.
“I had an alright year last year; but was pretty embarrassed to play like that in the finals, it was pretty bad.
“I could have kicked a lot straighter today, but I still kicked a few which was good.”
Yawney had 10 shots at goal, kicking 5.5, including the Goons’ only two goals of the first quarter.
“The boys got around me and we were up and about, and it felt like we stayed up and about for the rest of the day, so it was nice to get that first on the board,” he said.
“I was just the lucky one, getting on the end of a few…the credit has to go to the midfield…they were great and got the ball in quick.
“A couple of times I felt uncontested, which rarely happens up forward, that’s how quick it was coming in at times.”
The Goon has had a soft run into finals, but the spearhead believes a big win over Inverloch-Kongwak in round 14 was the turning point of the season.
“It feels like since the Inverloch game, we’ve hunted the footy a lot harder than what we were,” he said.
“It’s like everyone wants the ball a bit more, and everyone is playing for each other; playing as a team and doing the team things.
“It’s good footy to watch and even better to be a part of.”
His coach Justin Stanton was thrilled with Yawney’s contribution.
“He was a great presence for us; kicked 5.5 today, and was a real good target for us, but the role he’s been playing for us this year has been different to the Dermott Yawney of last year,” Stanton said.
“He’s been really selfless, as far as getting up the ground and opening up the forward line for teammates.
“The forward line collectively was really good today, but Dermie was really important.”
Yawney will now aim for redemption act number two against Warragul Industrials this week.
“The last time we played against them I didn’t kick a goal, they set up well behind the ball, but we did beat them,” he said.
“They play so well in finals, so it’s going to be a tough game…we’ll have to be at our best.”
