World Footy News

The AFL's Saints might be headed for Wellington but up north Auckland has felt the power of another group of Saints.  The Mt Roskill Saints have triumphed over last year’s AAFL Premiers Waitakere Magpies in a close fought encounter for the 2012 title.

Waitakere had faced off against the perennial Auckland Grand Final team, University Blues, in the Preliminary Finals and knocked them out of the race. The Saints squad had been more consistent this year and this reliability, often absent from Saints sides in previous years, was to be to their benefit.
 
With a strong forward line capable of high marks and good kicks, mid-fielders fast and tough at the hard-ball gets, and a rock-solid back line that have simply been outstanding all year, things didn’t need to change at all for Mt Roskill in the Grand Final.
 

Waitakere were always in it for the first half, with only a goal or two the difference up to half time. The third “premiership” quarter was not good for the Saints though they had  the wind slightly in their favour. The Magpies really out-manouvered the Saints, and ball delivery up the ground suffered. A couple of wayward kicks combined with a spirited Magpie comeback took the Saints to three-quarter time with only a few points the difference.

Some stern words from the Mt Roskill coaching staff at the break had the desired effect, and their gutsy efforts all around the ground meant they were able to get up by a couple of goals. Mt Roskill had the perfect season, unbeaten in any game and for the first time in seven years they had brought the Premiership home.

The Wells Medal for Best on Ground went to Tabe Voight, Mt Roskill.

In the Reserves’ Grand Final, newly established Club Pakuranga 9.4 (58) defeated University B 5.3 (33).

Playing in their first Grand Final Pakuranga got the better of the more experienced University B in every department of the game. Putting it all together in the match that counts, the Panthers took their play several steps up from any of their previous performances, defending tenaciously for four quarters, and taking their chances in front of goal.