The Goulburn Valley Hockey Association men’s A-grade season is in the books for 2023 with the dominant Strikers again claiming premiership glory.
Four goals off the stick of Andrés Pérez San Emeterio were the catalysts for a rout as Strikers played Echuca Moama off the court on Saturday, firmly taking a fifth straight title with a 10-0 thumping.
The result capped another unbeaten season for Strikers, although with one extra minor setback compared to the 2022 campaign, ultimately having more than enough to prevail on the big day.
Playing coach Xavier McBain was undoubtedly satisfied with the emphatic crowning.
“This is what we wanted,” McBain said.
“It was a season where we’ve played some good and bad hockey ... in terms of the full season, it wasn’t easy.”
The final day could have been much more challenging, though, with McBain finding the net twice as one of four multiple goal-scorers.
Still, speaking to The News last week, McBain would not suggest anything was bound to come easily to his side.
Having triumphed in such comfort, though, McBain admitted the story could not have concluded better.
“Everything clicked for us on the day,” McBain said.
“We started on the right foot and kept it on the pedal.
“It was a great day for us.”
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Looking forward: Echuca Moama's Adam Thompson. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 14
Full extension: Strikers' Phillip Whatman. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 14
Working the space: Echuca Moama's Thomas Morphett. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 14
Scanning the field: Echuca Moama's Regan More. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 14
Down the wing: Strikers' Duncan Moodie. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 14
Down low: Echuca Moama's Adam Thompson. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 7 of 14
Sending it wide: Strikers' Ben Harman. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 8 of 14
On fire: Strikers' Andres Perez San Emeterio. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 9 of 14
Seeking a pass: Echuca Moama's Brodie Mulcahy. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 10 of 14
Defensive stance: Echuca Moama's Troy Kenny. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 11 of 14
Foot race: Strikers' Duncan Moodie and Echuca Moama's Jye Berryman. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 12 of 14
Taking on his man: Strikers' Andres Perez San Emeterio. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 13 of 14
Dealing with pressure: Echuca Moama's Ryan More. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 14 of 14
Prolific: Strikers' Tim Russell had a big week after claiming the A-grade best and fairest and playing in another premiership. Photo by Rechelle ZammitMcBain also acknowledged the starring contributions of several other Strikers throughout the season and on the day itself, paying tribute to a retiring stalwart.
“Angus Cole was great, James McBain too, he took out best-on-ground,” McBain said.
“Our midfielder Tim Russell as well, he just won our best-and-fairest as well as the league’s B&F, so he’s been fantastic.
“Stewart Tyquin is a guy who’s played a lot of GV hockey and said he would hang up the stick and he’s been a special player to us, both the team and the association.”
However, no such plans are on McBain’s mind as he sets his sights on expanding local hockey participation.
“I’m not going anywhere,” he said.
“The club is in a good position with a lot of juniors coming through, but we still need more seniors.”