Sunday 3 September is a day the Dandenong Thunder is likely to never forget.
Not only did it defeat a powerful Northcote City FC side 2-0 in stellar fashion, but it was also crowned the NPL2 champions of 2017.
After taking out the NPL 2 East crown officially only a month ago, the Thunder met City – the NPL2 West champions of 2017 – in a cutthroat grand final in dismal and rainy Melbourne conditions.
The game lived up to the hype with both sides featuring some of the most impressive names in the NPL.
Knowing that they will light it up in the NPL’s top tier in 2018, both sides left no stone unturned in trying to make a name for themselves.
With both defences at the top of their respective games, the game went into extra time after both sides drew 0-0 at full time.
As the crowd began to raise its voice and the noise spurred the two teams on, the Thunder was the one to lift.
Brilliant leader Veton Korcari got the ball through the net in the 105th minute through a spectacular bicycle goal, sending the strong Thunder crowd into raptures.
Another piece of magic by Korcari in the 120th minute sealed the championship, with Alon Blumgart finding the goals after a brilliant set-up by his teammate.
Scenes of jubilation filled Knights Stadium in Sunshine, with the Thunder capping off what was a truly extraordinary season, further proving just how badly the south-east wants an A-League side in the region.
