The score proudly displayed on the scoreboard at KGV Oval tells the story. Glenorchy 14-22-106 defeated Clarence 4-14-38 in the SFL Premier League Grand Final, reversing the result of 2006.

Despite last year's defeat by Clarence the club was quietly confident going into the Grand Final this year, having been in excellent form towards the end of the roster season and having beaten Clarence in the Second Semi Final a fortnight earlier.

Coach David Newett said that the experience of playing in Grand Final the previous year plus the extra year's experience in the team would prove invaluable. Many of the younger players were in their first year of senior football in 2006 but they have backed this up with more experience in 2007 including a number of them representing the Tassie Devils in the VFL or Tassie Mariners in National Under 18 competitions.

The game started off as a tight contest with both sides inaccurate in front of goal. Clarence were kept goalless in the first quarter as Glenorchy took a 17 point lead into quarter time.

Despite Clarence kicking a couple of quick goals in the second quarter, Glenorchy still managed to extend their lead to 19 points at the long break.

However, it was after half time that Glenorchy got on top in the game, further extending the lead to 27 points at ¾ time and then holding Clarence goalless again in the last quarter while kicking 6 goals themselves to run out easy winners by 68 points.

Glenorchy captain, Brad Curran, won the Horrie Gorringe Medal as best player on the ground for his job in blanketing Clarence's key forward and SFL top goalkicker, Mitch Williamson. Other better players for Glenorchy were Shane Piuselli, Jesse Crouch, coach David Newett, David Kamaric and Damien Mciver.

Glenorchy President, Colin Gardner, said after the game (and for several days afterwards) that the feeling in winning Grand Final was terrific and something that he would never forget. He said he was very proud of the achievements of the playing group who absorbed everything that Clarence could throw at them and exerted such pressure through their tackling, chasing and harassing that Clarence were never able to really get their game flowing.

In a wonderful leadup to the Seniors win, the Glenorchy Reserves also were victorious in their Grand Final, defeating the previously undefeated North Hobart by 13 points. Coach Ben Reid led the way with 5 goals in his second straight Grand Final victory as coach. Better players included Richard Robinson who won the award for best on ground, Clinton French, Daniel Lamont, Sam Cornish, Brock Nightingale and Nathan Mathews.

The Under 19's also made the grand final but were unfortunately defeated by North Hobart. However, coach Graeme Bennetts retires having played off in four consecutive Grand Finals for three victories.

President Colin Gardner said that three teams playing off in Grand Final showed the depth of talent in the Club and he hopes that the win this year is the beginning of an era of success for the Club.

"At this stage the Club is hopeful of retaining most of the players from this year although it is probable that two of our talented youngsters in Aaron Joseph and Jaye Bowden may be drafted to the AFL, having both been invited to the AFL Draft Camp", Colin said.

"We are also aware that we might lose one player who is moving back to the north of the state through his employment but we are working already to secure the remainder of the playing group as well as pursue a number of possible recruits.

"However, coach David Newett is undecided on his future at this stage but the club would certainly be keen for him to continue if that was his wish."

Colin Gardner also said he wanted to thank the Glenorchy community and businesses who got behind the team in the leadup to the Grand Final.

"To have the community and business behind us and displaying black and white streamers and balloons really sets Glenorchy apart from other districts and really helps the team", Mr Gardner said.

Source: Leigh McAdam - General Manager GDFC