The game went right down to the wire with the Roar edging out their opposition 56-53, giving their captain Dan Cools and Grand Final MVP Dylan McPherson a fitting farewell.
It was far from smooth sailing for the Roar with the Warriors getting a turnover on the very first centre pass of the match.
Roar were able to forge an early lead but the Warriors kept themselves in the game and looked more confident as time went on.
There were many times Roar threatened to break away in the match but whenever the game was on the brink, the Warriors responded.
Despite momentum shifting multiple times through the first two quarters, scores were level at half time.
The game looked in peril for the Warriors with 45 seconds to go of the third quarter when Goal Keeper James King was sent off for two minutes due to late contact.
Warriors Goal Defence Ian Brady put in a huge effort by himself in the defensive circle and stayed competitive against the Roar’s attack.
Roar’s attack were extremely accurate with Goal Shooter Max Denholm, in his 50th GIG WANL Match, providing a focal point for his team.
Despite being a player down to start the fourth quarter, the Warriors didn’t succumb to the pressure and stayed right with the Roar.
With eight minutes left in the game, the Warriors equalised and then stayed right with the Roar until the final few minutes.
McPherson moved from Goal Defence to Goal Attack and pulled off an incredible intercept in the midcourt which involved him leaning on the ball to stay onside.
The effort sealed the game for the Roar and gave the team their third premiership, equalling the Warriors as the most successful Men’s side in the competition.
Match Report By Oliver Lane
