Ultimate achievement

By Marc McGowan
HAMPTON Park and Cranbourne achieved Dandenong and District Junior Football League premiership success on Sunday.
The two clubs featured in three grand finals apiece, with the Redbacks victorious in two and the Eagles saluting in one.
Hampton Park’s under-16 Division Two side completed a banner season with its 18-point win over Endeavour Hills at Max Pawsey Reserve.
Roi Manaog took out the league best-and-fairest award for the age group last month, ahead of teammates Shaun Dekkers (runner-up), Sean Adams and Travis Dyke (equal third).
Dyke also won best-on-ground honours in the club’s grand final victory.
Spearhead Matthew McInroy-Howard topped off the team’s feats as the leading goal-scorer in the division.
Redbacks’ vice-president and under-16 Division Two coach Pete Stokes was thrilled with the club’s achievements.
“I’ve coached the same kids for four years and this result can be put down to the players’ commitment to the club and each other,” he said.
“It’s only a small club and we’re very close-knit.”
Hampton Park’s under-11 (Blue) side was similarly impressive, beating Officer by 15 points and players Jake Yields and Cory Machaya finishing second and fourth respectively in the league best-and-fairest award.
Cranbourne’s premiership came in the under-10 (Red) division, with a comprehensive 21-point triumph over Endeavour Hills.
But the Eagles also enjoyed stunning results at the DDJFL vote count, with Shannon Marsh (under-10 (3)), Jarrod McAleese (under-12 (3)), Matthew Crozier (under-13 (2)), Brad Hermans (under-14 (1)) and Max Gearon (under-16 (1)) all winning the league best-and-fairest in their respective division.
Hermans has now won two league best-and-fairest awards in as many years.
Cranbourne president Alan Courtney praised the players from all three grand final teams at his club.
“I’m happy for the kids to enjoy their season, and finals and premierships are something for them to cherish – not for the president to gloat over,” he said.