Gippsland Power ends 21-year flag drought

Gippsland Power claimed their first under-18 premiership since 2005, defeating Dandenong by 35 points.

Gippsland Power forwards Wil Malady and Cody Templeton each booted five goals as the team broke a two-decade premiership drought. The Power defeated Dandenong Stingrays 106 to 71 at Mission Whitten Oval on Saturday.

Templeton finished with 19 disposals in his best game yet and has been invited to test at the Victorian state Draft Combine next month. Malady, a potential top-10 draftee, showed why clubs rate him highly during a standout third quarter.

The Power's last flag came in 2005 when Dale Thomas was best afield and Scott Pendlebury was his teammate.

Gippsland 106, Dandenong 71: Final score
35 points: Winning margin
21 years (2005): Years since last flag
Mission Whitten Oval: Venue

Why it mattersBoth Malady and Templeton have boosted their draft stocks with strong performances at the highest junior level.

AustraliaShows which young Victorian players are rising up the AFL recruitment radar heading into the October draft.

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