Melville go back-to-back in thrilling Grand Final performance

Melville City Hockey Club have gone back-to-back in the men’s Premier League, downing Reds Hockey Club 2-1 in a thrilling Grand Final effort at Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University.

The win comes off the back of Melville claiming their first-ever premiership in 2021 and repeating their efforts to finish top spot on the standings but Reds challenged them in the finals, claiming a 1-0 victory when the met in the semi-final.

Reds claimed the lead after going into the main break at 0-0, with young gun Brodee Foster finding goal in the 32^nd minute to give his side the advantage.

Melville continued to push and perform in an astonishing fight back, with Ross Hall scoring from a penalty corner in the 48^th minute and 2021 Grand Final hero James Day claiming the honour again in 2022 with a drag flick finding goal in the 54^th minute.

Star Melville defender Ross Hall was just as ecstatic in 2022 as he was in 2021 after claiming the side’s first-ever premiership.

“That was special to go back-to-back – we spoke about it early in the year and it is just unbelievable to find ourselves in the position,” Hall said.

“It is always a tough battle with Reds we’ve sparred with them all year and have only been separated by a goal in our past six matches.

“We knew we had to come out and want it more than them and the result will take care of itself.”

The atmosphere was electric at Perth Hockey Stadium, but an enjoyable experience for the players in the most important match of the season, with Hall highlighting how important the fans are to the performance.

“The atmosphere was unreal, Melville and Reds crowds always put on a show,” Hall said.

“They’re very passionate but it’s great to see as we couldn’t do it without them.

“Words can’t describe what this means for the club as we want to build a dynasty, so to get to this level is just unreal.”

For full scores, click here.

Watch the full match replay here.