Hampton Park has secured the Southern Division 2 premiership, defeating Chelsea Heights decisively by 53 points in a remarkable final quarter. The Redbacks, under the guidance of first-year coach Luke Bull, showcased their prowess at Springvale Reserve, finishing the match with a score of 16.13 (109) to 8.8 (56). This victory marks a significant milestone for the club, elevating them to Southern Division 1 for the next season.
The match began with both teams battling closely, maintaining an even score of 14-14 at quarter-time. However, the Redbacks unleashed an impressive performance in the fourth quarter, scoring nine goals compared to Chelsea Heights’ two. Bull expressed his pride in the team’s hard work throughout the season, which culminated in a strong 14-4 record. “It hasn’t really sunk in yet, it has kind of been a bit of a blur,” Bull stated. “We put in the hard work and came a long way throughout the year, so it was a really special day.”
Despite the tense atmosphere, the Redbacks managed to stay composed and executed their game plan effectively. Bull noted that the team’s preparation paid off, allowing them to dominate Chelsea Heights in the final minutes. “We also kept their midfield very quiet which was one of the main things we wanted to focus on,” he added.
Hampton Park’s journey to this triumph has not been without challenges. Prior to this victory, the Redbacks had not celebrated a premiership in over two decades, with their last win occurring in 2019. The club faced a difficult period, often suffering heavy defeats, but the perseverance of supporters and volunteers helped sustain the team.
As the grand final progressed, it became clear that Hampton Park was determined to rewrite their history against Chelsea Heights, who had previously defeated them convincingly in their earlier encounters. Bull emphasized the importance of a strong start, having recognized the team’s tendency to begin matches slowly. This time, the Redbacks kicked the first two goals, setting the tone for the game.
The second quarter saw a temporary halt when Chelsea Heights’ Luke Smith was injured, leading to a lengthy stoppage. Despite this setback, both teams continued to fight hard for control of the game.
The turning point arrived in the final quarter when the Redbacks unleashed a flurry of goals, showcasing their superior fitness and strategy. Standout performances came from players like Liam Scott and Mason Hawkins. Hawkins, who had been nursing a fractured hand, made a triumphant return, scoring five goals and demonstrating his resilience.
With the crowd cheering, the Redbacks’ captain, Liam Myatt, celebrated a goal that further solidified their lead. The atmosphere at Springvale Reserve was electric as fans witnessed the transformation of the Redbacks from underdogs to champions.
Reflecting on their victory, Bull acknowledged the contributions of long-time club members, including trainer Paul Couch, who has been with the team for 47 years. “To see him celebrating and saying the club had never been in a better spot was special to hear,” Bull remarked.
This triumph not only signifies a new chapter for Hampton Park but also serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the club. With the Redbacks now poised to compete in Southern Division 1, the excitement and anticipation for the upcoming season are palpable.
