By David Nagel
Three seasons, three grand finals and one premiership.
When Jake Prosser made his way from MPCA club Langwarrin to captain Cardinia for the 2020/21 season we were promised one thing – a hard edge and combative and ruthless approach that was desperately needed at Gunton Oval if the Bulls were to play in their first grand final in six years.
This proud club had not tasted the ultimate success since 2008/09.
Prosser certainly delivered on his promise!
He lived up to his reputation, being the most confrontational figure in the WGCA/CCCA in a journey that ended on Sunday with successive grand final defeats after a drought-breaking triumph in his first season at the club.
Three seasons, three grand finals and one premiership…he returns to Langwarrin with his head held high.
“I’m disappointed right now, but proud of the boys and the journey we’ve been on the last three years,” Prosser said, shortly after Sunday’s grand final defeat at the hands of Kooweerup.
“It’s been challenging at times, but rewarding in so many ways.
“After winning it the first year you’re straight away up against it, because instead of being the challenger, you’re being challenged all the time.
“We’ve been up against it, but over the last month-and-a-half of each season we played our best cricket and that’s something we hold our heads high on.”
Prosser admits his team was outplayed on the weekend, but believes they weren’t far away from a second premiership in three years.
“Kooweerup was clearly better on both days in the grand final,” he said.
“I think the toss was crucial, and that had a bit to do with it, but that’s no excuse, they outplayed us in most facets.
“I thought they left 50 runs out there yesterday, trying to bat 80 overs instead of worrying too much about their score.
“But if you bat out your 80 batting first in a grand final…99 times out of 100 you’re going to win it.”
One or two key moments proved costly, with an edge off the bat of Kooweerup dangerman Chris Bright – when he was on eight – making a gilt-edged stumping chance more difficult.
“In big games you have to win those moments, and they may be only half chances,” Prosser explained.
“We missed a caught behind and a stumping in one ball, and if you don’t take pretty much all your chances in big games, you’re in the position we’re in right now, saying ‘what if, what if’…but it’s happened to us and we cop it on the chin.”
Prosser said his time at Gunton Oval had been memorable.
“The club has been outstanding, the support that I’ve had, on and off the field, has been fantastic,” he said.
“Bradey Welsh, Alex Nooy, Luke Turner, Dwayne Doig, Dave Webster – a legend of the club – I thank them all.
“Dave and Trevor Hobson, whenever they’re in the rooms they get around me and shake my hand, look me in the eye, and say ‘thanks for what you’re doing for our club’.
“I’m just honoured and privileged to play at a great club and hopefully I’ve left it in better shape than what it was when I took it over.”
