AFTER seven long years without an under 18s side, Violet Town made a triumphant return in 2023, seeking vengeance and redemption.

On a picturesque spring day, Violet Town entered their first under 18 grand final since 2007, carrying the weight of favoritism after an undefeated home and away season.

The grand final began in spectacular fashion for Violet Town, with a lightning-fast start.

Sam Cox's center clearance found its mark in the hands of the league's leading goal kicker, Montell Macfarlane, who effortlessly slotted in the opening goal within just 30 seconds.

Tyler Green added another within minutes, providing a dream start to calm the nerves.

However, Nagambie fought back fiercely, kicking three goals to regain control of the quarter.

Sam Cox then stepped up, marking 10 metres out and leveling the scores.

Wil Smyth followed suit, marking in a similar position to give Violet Town the lead at the end of the quarter.

Quarter-Time Score: VT 4.1.25 to Nagambie 3.1.19.

IN the second quarter, Nagambie gained the upper hand for the first time during the season, causing concern for the young Violet Towners.

Montell Macfarlane managed to kick the Towners' only goal for the quarter, while Nagambie added four to take an 11-point lead into halftime.

Half-Time Score: VT 5.3.33 Nagambie 7.2.44.

Violet Town made strategic changes during halftime, with Wil Smyth moving to the middle and Sam Leigh shifting to the forward flank.

The third quarter was a tough battle, with neither team able to establish dominance.

Nathan Butler's exceptional efforts on the wing provided ample opportunities for the forwards.

Sam Leigh and Montell capitalised on these opportunities, each kicking a goal to narrow the margin to five points at the final change.

Three-Quarter Time Score: VT 7.4.46 Nagambie 8.3.51.

At the final change, the coaching team rallied the Violet Town players and their inspirational skipper, Sam Leigh, stepped up.

Leigh, who had a stellar performance in the forward 50, led by example and rallied his teammates towards premiership glory.

In the final term, Leigh's precise play led to the opening goal, putting Violet Town in front for the first time since early in the second quarter.

Montell Macfarlane continued to shine, marking and converting for his fourth goal, extending Violet Town's lead to nine points.

However, as with any thrilling game, there was a twist.

Nagambie managed to scrap a goal to close the margin and the tension escalated when Darby O'Brien marked for Nagambie about 40 metres out with only a couple of minutes left.

O'Brien had been accurate all day, but his kick narrowly missed to the left, leaving VT with a two-point lead.

With time ticking away, Nagambie attempted one final play through the middle, but Sam Leigh's ferocity secured a crucial free kick in the centre.

Two 50-metre penalties followed, allowing Sam Leigh to stroll into the goal square and seal the victory with a fitting goal after the siren, completing his hat-trick in a best on ground performance.

Final Score: VT 10.7.67 defeated Nagambie 9.5.59.

Goals: Montell MacFarlane (four), Sam Leigh (three), Sam Cox (one), Tyler Green (one), Wil Smyth (one).

Best Players: Sam Leigh, Sam Cox, Charles Thompson, Talleigh McCabe, Flynn Weeks, Nathan Butler.

Violet Town's triumph marks the end of a seven-year drought, and the celebrations have begun as the Towners faithful revel in their well-deserved premiership win.

Indeed, congratulations to Nagambie for their hard-fought season and their impressive performance in the grand final.

Making it to the grand final is a significant achievement, and they should all be proud of their efforts.

They've shown great sportsmanship and determination throughout the season, and their journey to the final game is a testament to their dedication.

Heads held high, Nagambie.