SMALL forward Gryan Miers has booted seven goals to steer the Geelong Falcons to a drought-breaking TAC Cup premiership after a thrilling two-point win over the Sandringham Dragons.
The Falcons' first under-18 flag since 2000 came in extraordinary circumstances after the Dragons came from 20 points down at three-quarter time to nearly storm home with the win.
With his side trailing by three points with only seconds remaining, Dragons ruckman Joel Amartey took a strong pack mark 15 metres out from goal on only a slight angle.
The siren sounded shortly after, but Amartey's kick to win the flag skewed to the right and the Dragons missed out on claiming back-to-back premierships.
It ended what had been a contest of swinging momentum, with the Falcons starting strongly before Sandringham hit back with a brilliant six-goal second term to take a 20-point lead into half-time.
But the Falcons then grabbed the ascendancy with an eight-goal-to-nothing third term that gave them a lead the Dragons weren't able to drag back.
Miers was clearly the best player on the ground and the deserving recipient of the TAC Medal, picking up 16 disposals and three marks to go with his bag of goals. It ends what has been a consistent season for the 177cm product, who shapes as a possible second-round selection at November's NAB AFL Draft.
Bottom-aged midfielder Sam Walsh was terrific with 29 disposals and seven inside-50s to once again highlight his potential heading into his draft season next year, while Cassidy Parish had 27 disposals and six clearances in a typically busy display.
Another Falcons prospect for next year, Ed McHenry, had 19 disposals and four inside-50 entries as one of the standouts in an even line-up.
For the Dragons, possible top-10 selection Charlie Constable overcame a groin injury suffered in last week's preliminary final to kick two goals and gather 23 disposals as one of his side's best contributors.
Another likely first-round pick, Andrew Brayshaw, had 21 touches and 10 tackles to continue his excellent end to a season that has seen him push into the upper rungs of draft boards.
Seb Williams gave some dash with 20 disposals, while Will Walker had 19 disposals and two goals to end what was a promising finals series for the exciting forward. Kai Owens also lifted with three goals for the Dragons in one of his best showings of the season.
The victorious Falcons celebrate their TAC Cup premiership. Picture: AFL Photos
GEELONG FALCONS 3.4 5.7 13.9 13.11 (89)
SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS 3.1 9.3 9.3 13.9 (87)
GOALS
Geelong Falcons: Miers 7, Garner, Worpel, Chafer, Noble, Handley, McCartin
Sandringham Dragons: Owens 3, Constable 2, Walker 2, Brayshaw, Jarnestrom, McLean, Amartey, Trusley, King
BEST
Geelong Falcons: Miers, Walsh, Parish, McHenry, Garner
Sandringham Dragons: Constable, A.Brayshaw, Nagle, Smith, Owens
