Docklands Church takes the cup

On one of the hottest and windiest September days on record, the Docklands Church Dockers triumphed over the St Judes Unicorns in the inaugural Melbourne Churches premiership. 

The game was played at Elwood in front of a big crowd who came from everywhere to watch the much-anticipated clash of the titans. 

The blustery conditions caused havoc on the field, and the Unicorns made an early break as three unanswered goals in the first few minutes put the Dockers on the back foot.  At the end of the first quarter the Unicorns had banged on 4.6 to our 2.0.

In the second quarter Docklands captain Thomas Ware gave the boys a lift with some hardball gets and runs through the middle.  The breeze was with us and we went into the half time ahead by four points.

The premiership quarter didn’t disappoint – spectacular marks, great tackles, and of course some big goals.  The Unicorns saw the challenge and went into a new gear kicking three late goals before the final break.

The Dockers were bruised but not crushed.  After an inspirational plea from coach Hodson, the boys braved the conditions for one last battle, vowing to give the final 25 minutes everything they had.

The Unicorns didn’t know what hit them with 10 last quarter scoring shots to nil.  In the end Docklands were convincing winners taking the cup by nearly five goals.   Best players where T Ware, T Schipper, C Baker and P Hayman.

Money raised from the day supported the AFL Ladder Project, and Many Rooms (an initiative of Docklands Church seeking to care for Melbourne’s homeless)

Finals Scores:
St Judes:     4.6 | 4.8 | 7.10 | 7.10 (52)
Docklands:     2.1 | 5.6 | 7.7 | 11.15 (81)

Docklands Church is currently fielding interest from the management at the Geelong Football Club as to involvement in next year’s cup.