There’s another piece of silverware at RSEA Park, with St Kilda’s Wheelchair side taking out the 2020 Robert Rose Foundation VWFL Premiership over Essendon.

The Saints and Bombers were separated only by percentage at the end of the home-and-away season, but the red, white and black persevered where it mattered to confirm Grand Final honours in the 6.5 (41) to 4.3 (27) result.

Both sides went into the match with momentum from their preceding Preliminary Finals – the Saints following a dominant 39-point win over Hawthorn and Essendon with a thrilling after-the-siren goal over Richmond – to deliver a slick, high-intensity game at MSAC.

Only 15 points split the two Premiership aspirants with less than five minutes on the clock, before St Kilda maintained possession in the final moments to put time on their side.

Captain Ryan Smith was a standout in front of goal and through the centre, earning the Bob Rose Medal and a place in the 2020 VWFL All-Stars Team on top of his Premiership medallion.

The skipper’s overhead grabs, subsequent goals and ability to find space proved vital in the impressive triumph, as did St Kilda’s ability to control and slow down the play when moving into attack, largely driven by Peter Richardson.

Caitlyn Alger similarly joined Smith in receiving league-wide recognition with a place in the All-Stars side.

Forward Lenny Redrose was a noticeable and vocal feature on court thanks to his speed and pressure inside the attacking half, while vice-captain Nathan Wilburn gave the Saints first use through his centre tap-work.

The Saints’ staunch defence, driven by Patrick McKay, was just as telling in the final outcome.

St Kilda finished the VWFL home-and-away season – its third overall – with a 7-1 record before securing its maiden Premiership.

St Kilda VWFL 2020 Premiership side

1 – Rory Briant
5 – Caitlyn Alger
9 – Patrick McKay
12 – Peter Richardson
20 – Liam Fitzgerald
23 – Jordan Kinniburgh
27 – Jude Anthony
35 – Lenny Redrose
69 –Nathan Wilburn (VC)
99 – Ryan Smith (C)