Dominant OFA cruise to division 3 victory

Ongerup Football Association claimed the division 3 title at the Landmark Country Football Championships with a convincing 50-point win over Central Wheatbelt Football League in the decider at Medibank Stadium on Sunday.

After being relegated from division 2 last year the OFA responded in terrific fashion, losing just once in the round-robin matches and then producing a scintillating first term that set up their grand final victory.

The OFA booted eight goals in a clinical opening quarter to lead Central Wheatbelt by 49 points at the first break.

Central Wheatbelt won the second term but they were never able to kick more than two goals in a quarter as the midfield dominance of the OFA began to show.

Ruckman Jayden Brooks was outstanding, midfielders Luke Bairstow and Brent Bailey gave their side terrific drive and Ian Lloyd was also dominant in defence.

Livewire forward Stanley Long-Turner finished with five majors in the 14.11 (95) to 6.9 (45) win and the skilful Tyler Caldwell was a handful throughout and kicked three goals.

Brooks was named the fairest and best player in the win which gives the OFA promotion back into division 2 at next year's championships.

In their round robin matches, the OFA defeated Central Wheatbelt by two points and overpowered North Midlands Football League by 35 points on day one before losing to Central Wheatbelt by 26 points and holding off North Midlands by 42 points to reach the decider.

Dylan Gilbert was rewarded for his excellent carnival by winning the Jock Beattie Trophy for the best and fairest player in division 3.

He was also named in the Landmark Country All Stars team alongside his captain Bairstow.