Kookaburras Take 4th Consecutive SEAFL Premiership

The Atlanta Kookaburras again proved their dominance in the SEAFL by taking their fourth consecutive premiership in Raleigh against North Carolina on Saturday.

The Kookaburras made good use of the wind after winning the toss in the first quarter to slam on four goals.

Coach Brent Bacon's move to place Ed Robinson at full-forward proved to be a master stroke with the new Kookaburra a thorn in the side of the Tigers - kicking five goals in the first half.

Atlanta opened a 27 point lead over North Carolina by quarter time with the aid of a stiff breeze.

Going against the wind in the second quarter, Atlanta proved even more impressive. While the Tigers were able to score two goals, Atlanta was able to kick another four goals to hold a 51 point lead at half time.

Atlanta were in control through the center of the ground with ruckman BJ Gambaro taking control and Aussie trio Ricky Challen, Andy Beh and Damien Lee proving dangerous through the middle of the ground.

The Kookaburra defense was holding strong with Barry Collins, Travis Quigley and Anthony Ellis starring while Wayne Kraska and Thad Sheffield continued to trouble the Tigers across half forward.

Atlanta and North Carolina kicked two goals each in the third quarter before the Tigers launched a late attack in the final term.

After running hard all day, a number of key players including Challen and Lee had to leave the ground with cramp.

The Tigers kicked three quick goals including a booming 60 meter screw punt from the center of the ground.

However, despite the late attack by North Carolina and a rugged last quarter melee which resulted in two players being sent off, Atlanta kicked two final goals to put the Kookaburras into the history books again as the 2004 South Eastern Australian Football League premiers.

"The club has had a tough couple of weeks with two losses, but the guys bounced back today in the best possible way," Bacon said.

"We kicked away after winning the toss and all the guys fought hard all day.

"After winning the trophy for the past three years, nobody wanted to give it up this year. Another premiership is the perfect launch to complete the rest of our season.

"We have two key games against Dallas and St. Louis in the MAAFL coming up and are then hosting the US Nationals in Atlanta in October.

"We worked hard this week on making sure we had fun with our footy - and there is no better fun than winning a Grand Final."

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