Football South Coast Men’s Community League – Grand Final Weekend at Ian McLennan Park
Grand Final weekend at Ian McLennan Park was one to remember. Across two days of football, the South Coast community was treated to nail-biting finishes, wonder goals, extra-time heartbreak, and the crowning of champions in every grade. The build-up had been buzzing with anticipation — three teams entered the weekend undefeated, but only one would leave with that record intact. Coledale (Over 35s Division 1) and Dandaloo (AA1 Second Grade) fell at the final hurdle, but Dandaloo AA1 First Grade stood tall to complete a flawless campaign and lift the championship trophy.
AA3 Final – Uni Irons v Woonona Sharks FC
Friday night opened the weekend with a defensive battle between University and Woonona in the AA3 decider. From the outset, it was clear this would be a war of attrition. Both sides created half-chances but were denied by resolute defending and strong goalkeeping. The game ebbed and flowed, with the tension rising as the minutes ticked away. After 90 minutes and 20 of extra time, it was still 0-0, sending the match to a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, nerves played a huge role. University held theirs, converting four of their spot-kicks to Woonona’s three, sparking jubilant celebrations from the University faithful. Nathan Balla (#14) was everywhere on the pitch, working tirelessly in midfield to link play and win challenges, and deservedly claimed Man of the Match.
Final Result: University 0–0 Woonona (University won 4–3 on penalties)
Man of the Match: Nathan Balla (University #14)
AA4 Final – Thirroul v University Brewers
The AA4 final will go down as one of the most entertaining clashes of the weekend. Thirroul struck first, with Luke Bunce giving his side the lead on 20 minutes, before Uni’s Noah Tchantchane took over with a sensational brace. His second — a 40-yard free-kick on the stroke of half time blasted into the top corner — was the kind of goal rarely seen in community football, earning raucous celebrations that saw two yellow cards issued for the students.
Despite Tchantchane’s heroics, much of Uni’s usual attacking threat was contained. Thirroul’s Harry Dark put in a tireless defensive performance, nullifying Rex Weifler, who struggled with the physicality of community league football, and limiting Uni’s ability to capitalise on their momentum. Tim Gibson was a constant threat down the left flank for Thirroul, while talisman Jordan Mar provided several sparks in his many appearances off the bench.
In the final five minutes, Bunce struck again to give Thirroul the equaliser, sending the game into extra time. Both sides pushed relentlessly for the winner, with fatigue clearly setting in, until Joel Moy delivered the decisive strike in the 105th minute to secure a 3-2 victory for Thirroul. Bunce’s relentless work across the pitch earned him Man of the Match honours.
Final Result: Thirroul 3–2 University Brewers (after extra time)
Man of the Match: Luke Bunce (Thirroul #93)
AA2 Final – Uni Bombers v Albion Park Cows
The Friday night triple-header finished with the AA2 final, and it was a contest of patience, discipline, and one moment of brilliance. Uni Bombers and Albion Park Cows matched each other stride for stride through the first half, with little to separate the sides. Then came the game’s decisive strike in the 25th minute: Ben Moerman unleashed a thunderous 30-yard bomb that sailed into the top corner, sending University’s supporters into raptures.
From there, the Bombers showed grit to protect their lead, with Jacob Fryday controlling the midfield tempo and ensuring Albion Park were unable to build momentum. Fryday’s influence saw him awarded Man of the Match. The win carried an emotional edge, as tributes flowed post-game for veterans Moerman and Marty Weustner, who hinted this could be their last appearance in the all age competition. If so, they bowed out in style — champions and match-winners.
Final Result: Uni Bombers 1–0 Albion Park Cows
Goal: Ben Moerman (Uni Bombers)
Man of the Match: Jacob Fryday (Uni Bombers)
Over 35s Division 4 Final – Coniston v Bulli
Saturday kicked off with the Over 35s Division 4 decider, and it was Coniston who rose to the occasion. Having finished third on the ladder, they embraced the underdog tag and delivered a gritty performance against Bulli. The match was finely poised, with both sides probing for openings, but it was Matthew Foreman who delivered the breakthrough in the 62nd minute.
Foreman, who had been central to Coniston’s play all afternoon, found himself in the right spot to finish calmly, and his leadership at both ends of the pitch earned him Man of the Match. Bulli pushed hard for an equaliser, but Coniston’s backline held firm. The final whistle sparked huge celebrations as Coniston capped off their season with a hard-earned 1-0 victory.
Final Result: Coniston 1–0 Bulli
Goal: Matthew Foreman (Coniston 62’)
Man of the Match: Matthew Foreman (Coniston)
Over 35s Division 2 Final – IFS Wolves v Oak Flats Kraken
The Over 35s Division 2 final was a showcase of discipline, tactical execution, and resilience. IFS Wolves maintained their shape brilliantly throughout, frustrating the Oak Flats Kraken, who had been one of the most potent attacking sides all season.
Just before halftime, the Wolves struck the decisive blow. A strong header from James Gardner found the chest of Man of the Match James Rennie who’s kick feet left his defender sitting down before he slotted through for Clint Indrele in space, who calmly slotted home the only goal of the game, giving Wolves a slender but crucial lead. The second half saw Oak Flats push for an equaliser, but the Wolves’ defensive unit — anchored by the steadfast pairing of Andrew and Cameron DeJong and the ever-reliable Hugh Cowling — stood firm, nullifying the threat of Kraken striker Colin Walker.
The Kraken were reduced to nine men after two straight red cards in the 65th and 80th minutes, however, IFS were unable to find another to seal the victory setting up a tense finish. Wolves coach Tom McColl delivered a masterclass in tactical management, making key adjustments and ensuring his side remained disciplined, focused, and resilient under pressure. Jamie Rennie made a tireless impact up front and was named Man of the Match, as IFS Wolves held on for a memorable 1-0 victory, claiming the Over 35s Division 2 title.
Final Result: IFS Wolves 1–0 Oak Flats Kraken
Goal: Clint Indrele (IFS 45’)
Man of the Match: Jamie Rennie (IFS)
Over 35s Division 3 Final – Thirroul v Albion Park
Thirroul were in full control in the Over 35s Division 3 decider, outclassing Albion Park to secure a commanding 3-0 victory. From the outset, they pressed aggressively and dominated possession, creating chances almost at will. The breakthrough came from Jonathan Guillemin in the 18th minute followed closely by Captain Tim Elsley on 30 minutes. Daniel McGrath sealed the victory in the 83rd minute and capped off the win with a third goal, ensuring his side lifted the trophy in style.
Elsley’s contribution went beyond his goal — his leadership, organisation, and drive inspired Thirroul’s dominance. The captain fittingly collected Man of the Match as his side lifted the silverware.
Final Result: Thirroul 3–0 Albion Park
Goals: McGrath, Guillemin, Elsley (Thirroul)
Man of the Match: Tim Elsley (Thirroul, captain)
Over 35s Division 1 Final – Northern FC v Coledale
One of the weekend’s most dramatic storylines came in the Over 35s Division 1 final. Coledale, who entered the match undefeated and firm favourites, were handed a humbling 3-0 defeat by Northern FC. Northern came out with intent, disrupting Coledale’s rhythm and taking their chances clinically. Marc Sergi opened the scoring on 12 minutes, before Adam Martin (30’)and Ugo De Gori (73’) added further goals to seal a famous win.
Fab Raschilla was instrumental in attack for Northern, dictating play and lifting his teammates with his work rate and creativity. His dominant performance earned him Man of the Match. For Coledale, it was a bitter end to a brilliant season, but they now have a chance to redeem themselves at the FNSW Champion of Champions tournament.
Final Result: Northern FC 3–0 Coledale
Goals: Sergi, Martin, De Gori (Northern)
Man of the Match: Fab Raschilla (Northern)
Over 45s Division 2 Final – Gerringong v Woonona
The Over 45s Division 2 final brought attacking flair and plenty of goals. Gerringong struck early in the 23rd minute through Barry Jones and headed to the break one goal up. Gerringong claimed a second in the 51st minute thanks again to Jones before Derek Davies converted from the spot raising hopes of a comeback for the Sharks. But it was Alex Cross who stole the show, putting the result beyond doubt with a classy finish in the 74th minute.
Cross’s influence stretched across the park — his composure, work rate, and leadership were vital in Gerringong’s 3-1 win, and his goal was the perfect way to cap a Man of the Match display.
Final Result: Gerringong 3–1 Woonona
Goals: Jones (2, Gerringong), Davies (Woonona pen), Cross (Gerringong)
Man of the Match: Alex Cross (Gerringong)
Over 45s Division 1 Final – Helensburgh v Coledale
The Over 45s Division 1 decider between Helensburgh and Coledale was a tense and physical battle that stayed locked at 0-0 for most of the match. Just when it seemed destined for extra time, the game exploded into life. In the 81st minute, Klete Loveday held his nerve to convert a penalty, sending the Helensburgh supporters wild. Only two minutes later, James Close struck again to make it 2-0 and put the contest beyond reach.
Loveday’s influence across the game — from his composure in midfield to his coolness under pressure from the spot — made him the standout, and he was named Man of the Match.
Final Result: Helensburgh 2–0 Coledale
Goals: Loveday (pen 81’), Close (83’) (Helensburgh)
Man of the Match: Klete Loveday (Helensburgh)
AA1 Second Grade Final – Coledale v Dandaloo
In the AA1 Second Grade decider, the dream of an undefeated season ended for Dandaloo. Coledale came in determined and were rewarded in the 65th minute when Dean Hayward found the net with a composed finish. Dandaloo pressed hard for an equaliser, but Coledale’s defensive organisation and resilience carried them through.
Despite the defeat, Jakob McCoy (Dandaloo) produced a superb defensive performance and was deservedly awarded Man of the Match. But the day belonged to Coledale, who celebrated a 1-0 upset win and denied Dandaloo a perfect campaign.
Final Result: Coledale 1–0 Dandaloo
Goal: Dean Hayward (Coledale 65’)
Man of the Match: Jakob McCoy (Dandaloo)
AA1 First Grade Final – Dandaloo v University Spurs
The showcase match of the weekend lived up to expectations. With their undefeated season on the line, Dandaloo produced a dominant display to cap off a flawless year. The tone was set early when Bradley Acev pounced in the 11th minute to open the scoring. After halftime, Kyle Senior doubled the advantage with a well-taken finish, before Acev struck again in the 87th minute to seal a commanding 3-0 win.
Dandaloo captain Jamie Holland was inspirational, marshalling his side at the back and driving them forward with authority. His leadership was central to Dandaloo’s victory, and he fittingly claimed Man of the Match. With the win, Dandaloo completed an undefeated season and cemented their place in South Coast football history.
Final Result: Dandaloo 3–0 University Spurs
Goals: Acev (11’, 87’), Senior (47’) (Dandaloo)
Man of the Match: Jamie Holland (Dandaloo, captain)
