2002 Premiership

Best Players
M.Powell, B.French, D.Squire, M.Curtis, S.Maloney, A.Whiteman
M.Mattner, B.Nelson, B.Chambers, T.Weatherald, T.Thurstans
Goal Kickers
S.White 3, M.Mattner 2, D.Squire 2, B.Chambers 2
T.Weatherald 1, B.Atkinson 1, B.Nelson 1, D.Wicks 1
Captain
S.Maloney (Acting)
Coach
B.Phillips
Best On Ground (Jack Oatey Medal)
M.Powell
Attendance
35,187 (Football Park)

Match Report
Central District looked on the money for three in a row as they had lost only 2 games for the season, both of them to second placed Norwood. The Dogs chances looked even greater when the Redlegs toppled to Sturt in the Preliminary Final as the Blues hadn’t beaten them all season and Central’s had already beaten Sturt in the 2nd Semi Final. Central’s were firm favourites and it was just a question of by how much, but in Brenton Phillips first season in charge the Double Blues burst out of the blocks kicking 4.6 while holding the Dogs to a solitary point to lead by 29 points at quarter time. Sturt went on to extend their lead in the second quarter adding 4.1 to 2.3 and at half time the margin was out to 39 points. The crowd were stunned by the apparent ease at which Sturt were shrugging off the strength of the reigning Premiers and with both sides kicking 3 goals in the third quarter at the last change the Blues led by 42 points. A shell shocked Central’s on the day were just no match for the Double Blues who went on to cruise to a comfortable 47 point win and claim their first flag since 1976. At long last another 26 year Premiership drought was finally over with one of the many highlights of the game being that of Marty Mattner’s amazing run and goal along the members wing, those who witnessed this just knew that the day belonged to the Double Blues. Better players were back pocket Matthew Powell who won the Jack Oatey Medal, centre half forward Barnaby French, Damian Squire playing half forward and on the ball and defenders Michael Curtis, Seamus Maloney and Andrew Whiteman while up forward Stephen White kicked 3 goals.