Sport
18 September, 2023
2023 MCDFNL Senior Grand Final - Best on Ground
It was only fitting that a Harcourt player was adjudged best on ground by the umpires in Saturday’s premiership triumph — but not the ones you would normally expect. Think of Harcourt, and the usual suspects would come to mind. Gun ruckman...
It was only fitting that a Harcourt player was adjudged best on ground by the umpires in Saturday’s premiership triumph — but not the ones you would normally expect.
Think of Harcourt, and the usual suspects would come to mind. Gun ruckman Brayden Frost, influential midfielder Cameron Anderson, and terrific leaders Darby Semmens and Tom Walters.
However, Jordan Gartside, playing just his fifth senior game for the season — and first since round five — was the hero for Harcourt, playing multiple different roles.
If it wasn’t Gartside providing gut-busting runs through the midfield, he would pinch-hit in the ruck. In essence, a bit of a Mr Fixit for the Lions.
That was enough to see him awarded the best on ground medal from the umpires.
It’s been an incredible journey for Gartside.
A gun junior, playing through the Midlands Junior Football League for the Lions, Gartside played most of his juniors before sitting out two years in 2012 and 2013.
Upon his return in 2014, Gartside immediately made his mark in the senior team, and cemented himself as a regular.
A 2022 premiership player, Gartside got his reward last year, but it looked like he would not be able to back it up after injury in the round five game against Carisbrook.
While he suited up for the Lions’ first reserves final against Lexton, it looked like the opportunity to go back-to-back would elude him, until he was called up to replace Kristian Bruce for the grand final.
Gartside was delighted to repay the faith that coaches Dan Wridgway and Kal Huntly showed in him.
“I was a bit iffy going into the game, but I felt good out there. I’m glad the club selected and trusted me, and it feels good,” he said.
“I came in and did what I had to do, sacrificed myself for the greater good with the team.”
Wridgway paid tribute to Gartside, who will go down as one of his great selection gambles.
“Jordan didn’t play a whole heap of footy this year, due to injuries. For him to come in for a grand final was a pretty big call, but due to some injuries around the club, we had to play him and he paid us back big time. He’s one of many Harcourt juniors who played together for years,” he said.
Huntly was equally as commendable for the Harcourt utility.
“Garty was unreal. It was a tough call to bring him in to the team. It’s never easy having someone go out of the team, but it showed that it was a good decision and it shows with the best-on-ground medal,” he said.
The mutual respect was also shown by Gartside after the game.
“Dan and Kal did an excellent job this year, they’re two of the best blokes I know,” he said.
Gartside reflected on his journey to his moment that will live with him for the rest of his life.
“The journey has had its ups and downs, as it would with any club, but it’s been good. We didn’t make finals for a couple of years, but at the end of the day, we’ve been able to win two flags now, and that’s all that matters,” he said.
“I only played five games this year, and this is one of them. It’s been unreal to play with these guys, and there’s some elite talent. We played as a unit, and it’s great to get it done.”