Dragons maul Bulls to win fourth AFL Middle East League title

Jay Asser 08:07 13/03/2016
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  • Dubai Dragons have shown once again they are the best team in UAE.

    It was déjà vu Friday at The Sevens Stadium for Dragons, who won in a similarly dominant manner over Bulls in last year’s finale.

    In search of revenge, Bulls began hot with the first goal within the first 10 seconds of the game.

    From there, however, Dragons settled in as Matt Burn and Will Cox laid a brick wall in defence, while Ryan Perkins in attack scored six goals.

    Despite the wide margin of victory, Dragons coach Rich Wharton felt the score didn’t reflect how competitive the game was.

    “It was a tough battle out there and it was a physical encounter, which you expect from a grand final,” Wharton said.

    “I think our preparation sort of came together. It was probably one of the better team performances that I can remember from Dragons.

    “Our effort to contest and our effort with the ball were amazing. We couldn’t be prouder as a club and I couldn’t be prouder as a coach of what the boys delivered.”

    Other key performances in the contest came from Lach de Morton, who moved to midfield after ruckman Coby Reynolds was concussed in the second quarter, and Nathan Seal, who pushed from the back line all day and kicked a goal on his opposite foot in the third quarter.

    If there was any doubt before, a fourth cup in five seasons makes Dragon a dynasty, but Wharton believes the bigger accomplishment is winning consecutive titles.

    “It’s always difficult to go back-to-back,” Wharton said. “You become the hunted very quickly when you win the Premiership, so to win back-to-back is a fantastic result for the club.

    “It’s reward for a huge effort from everyone involved, not just the players, but the staff, sponsors and the club itself. It’s a testament to all the effort of those people.

    “It’s also fitting for the culture of our club, which is very much inclusive. The spirit of what went on the field today was reflective of that.”

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