FIRST quarter goals off the boot of Sea Lake Nandaly’s Tyson McKenzie and Josh Jenkins were the scoreboard difference as the Tigers ended the North Central senior season as premiers and champions.
Their early goals came after 10 minutes of behinds at both ends of the ground, Nullawil determined to make more than an impression in its first season in the league.
The Tigers’ defence was resolute in the opening 30 minutes, holding Nullawill to just four behinds, cutting off the work of Mitch Farmer who looked dangerous for the Maroons.
Sea Lake controlled most of the term, an edge across the midfield and had a 19-point lead at the first break.
That’s when the season’s script was ripped up and Nullawil went onto outscore the Tigers for the next two quarters.
Nullawill had bridged the margin to just 12 points at the final change.
Again, it was McKenzie who bobbed up early in the last quarter to kick his third goal for the day.
An arm-wrestle then ensued before Austin Mertz bombed a 70-metre punt through goals and gave Sea Lake the space needed to stay ahead until the final siren.
McKenzie was awarded the Des Darcy Medal while teammate Jack Poulton won the AFL Vic Country Medal.
Sea Lake Nandaly also finished the reserves season as premiers and champions with Max Cahoon named best in the win over Nullawil.