PORTLAND and Hampden White are celebrating Western District Junior Carnival success.
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Both sides — Portland in the under 16s and Hampden White in the under 14s — went through yesterday’s tournament in Casterton undefeated.
Portland overcame Warrnambool and District in a hard-fought decider 3.4 (22) to 2.2 (14).
Hampden White was too strong for Hamilton, winning 6.2 (38) to 1.0 (6).
Both premiers won their four preliminary games.
Portland Junior Football Association coach Chris Finlayson said his side got the jump on Warrnambool and District, which proved crucial in the shortened fixture.
“We have got some really exceptional kids but they all performed today to get us over the line,” he said.
“Our backs and forwards worked really hard.”
Aaron Shepherd and Tommy Hernan kicked Portland’s goals to be among its best, along with midfielders Felix Jones and Gordie Slade and defenders Dave Denboer and Liam Robinson.
Finlayson said Aaron had represented North Ballarat Rebels at under 16 level this year and just missed out on Vic Country selection in that age group.
“We played him at full-forward and centre half-forward but he can play in the ruck,” he said.
“He is a really skilful kid. He’s pushing six foot two in size but moves very well for a big fella and has a good attitude.”
Under 14 premier Hampden White enjoyed a near-faultless carnival.
The Ben Thomas-coached combination won its four preliminary games before overcoming Hamilton in the grand final.
Thomas said Hampden White kicked three quick goals at the start of the game, which set the tone. Port Fairy’s Blake Carroll finished with two goals.
Warrnambool’s Jayden Brown and South Warrnambool trio Cooper Atchison, Jayden Hawkins and Isaac Thomas were Hampden White’s other grand final goalkickers.
North Warrnambool Eagles’ pair Tom Keast and Sebastian Good, along with Blake, were Hampden White’s best.
“They (Hamilton) were a big side and we were a bit worried but we carried the ball really well and our pressure acts were fantastic,” Thomas said.
“We had a small side with three or four talls and our ruckman (Sebastian) was sensational in the final. He won every tap.”
Thomas said playing on the larger ground at Casterton in the decider proved beneficial.