Shellharbour Suns claim first premiership in 15-year history
After 15 years, Shellharbour City Suns won their first AFL premiership, beating Wollongong Lions 81-48.
The Suns were minor premiers and lived up to the role, though the Lions refused to surrender. Shellharbour led by only five points after the first quarter, but dominated the second with a 34-1 scoring burst.
Wollongong fought back to trail by only 18 points heading into the last quarter, then kicked the opening goal of the final term. The Suns steadied to take the quarter 28-13 and celebrate a record-breaking win.
Player-coach Jordan Pidgeon, who played alongside his younger brother Braydan, said the win was special for the whole group. Dominic Michalak was named best on ground.
The winning team included 12 juniors, signalling strong growth ahead for the club.
- Suns 81, Lions 48
- Final score
- 15 years
- Years to first premiership
- Dominic Michalak
- Best on ground
- 12 players
- Juniors on winning team
Why it mattersFor Shellharbour, it marks the end of a 15-year wait and validates the club's development strategy.
AustraliaA regional NSW AFL club reaches a major milestone, showing the expansion of Australian Rules football outside traditional strongholds.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 12 d ago
