Football: Rovers top dogs for season 2011

Port Hedland Rovers capped a dominant season on Saturday night running away 44 point winners against South Hedland Swans in the first Hedland derby grand final in more than a decade.

Rovers who entered the game favourites completed the dominant display 13.13 (91) to 7.5 (47) after what was a much tougher first half.

The Swans took it up to their cross town rivals early at Colin Matheson Oval drawing within a couple of goals late in the first half.

The Swans momentum was ended though when Rovers Jason Orr broke away from his opponent to snap a vital goal giving his side some breathing space at the main break.

Dewy condition seemed to further hurt the Swans running and bouncing style of play after the break with a number of costly turnovers inside their defensive 50 giving the Rovers plenty of opportunities to increase their lead.

They were unable to capitalise on this dominance though with a late Swan goal to Tyson Feist reducing the margin to 25 points at three quarter time.

The Swans surged again to kick the first goal of the last quarter through Deon Alec and reduce the margin to 19 points but that was as close as they got with Rovers kicking away to put the game out of reach.

Rovers Matt Virgo was awarded the medal for best on ground.

Rovers coach Rick Hockey said the side had learned the importance of a home grand final after last years loss in Karratha and would now savour the win.

“It was a good win; we had to work pretty hard for it and we knew we were up against opposition that were quality,” Hockey said.

“We knew it would have to be a four quarter effort and we cracked them in the last quarter so it was great.”

Swan Coach Troy Ugle said he was proud of his boys this year after climbing from the bottom of the ladder last season to runners up in 2011.

“We can look each other in the eye and say at least we gave a good contest tonight,” Ugle said.

He said he would motivate his players for next season with the old saying ‘you need to lose a grand final to win a grand final’.