By David Nagel
Catani celebrated one of the most special days in its history on Saturday when the club opened up its doors for a 20-year premiership reunion of its senior and under-13 flags.
Saturday September 10, 2005, saw Catani go in as great underdogs against Nyora in front of a huge crowd at Kooweerup.
The Ellinbank and District Football League grand final was a massive event that year with the EDFL bolstering its coffers with a record gate of $27,000.
Catani had much to play for in 2005, with the club going for back-to-back flags and being inspired by its ailing captain Michael Stockx.
The captain was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease and Stockx even refused doctor’s orders and missed a chemotherapy session so he could join his teammates in the biggest game of the year.
Motivated by their captain’s inspirational efforts, Catani turned around a 25-point deficit midway through the third quarter to win an epic battle with the Saints by 21 points.
A huge brawl erupted in the Catani forward line, prior to the first bounce of the ball; which gave the grand final an edgy feeling throughout.
Josh Tymensen won the VCFL medal for his great game through the midfield, while Catani was coached by well-respected mentor Paul Alger.
The under-13 grand final came down to the last kick of the season.
Jeremy Monckton took a mark on the siren and broke the deadlock with Longwarry just a few seconds later.
2005 EDFL GRAND FINAL SCOREBOARD
CATANI 4.4 7.7 12.9 17.13(115)
NYORA 2.0 9.1 12.6 14.10(94)
Catani Goals: Hayden Smart 5, Owen Fitzpatrick 3, Brent Mounsey 2, Paul Alger 2, Shane Davidson, Michael Stockx, Paul Wiffin, Brad McDonald, Luke McFarlane. Best: Josh Tymensen (VCFL Medal), Luke McFarlane, Paul Wiffin, Nathan Ruskin, Michael Stockx, Hayden Smart.
Nyora Goals: J. Allsop 5, N. Osler 3, D. Alger 2, A. Olin, L. Watson, B. Francis, M. Hutchison. Best: J. Allsop, N. Osler, C. Thomson, D. Hislop, A. Linden.
