A new era has dawned for football in Western Victoria after the premiership dreams of two giants were dashed at the weekend.
The winds of change blew in at both of the region's senior competitions, as first Kalkee, and then Horsham, finished on the wrong side of the ledger, writes David O'Neill
The first sign of a new beginning came after the Horsham and District league Grand Final on Saturday as a devastated Kalkee side sat and watched the premiership cup be handed to someone else.
The Kees' quest for an amazing sixth straight flag was denied by an inspired Laharum (pictured), with the Mountain Men clawing back from two goals down at three quarter time to post a 17-point victory.
After just one loss this season and a commanding victory over Laharum in the semis, the Kees entered the match warm favourites.
But with nothing to lose, it was the underdogs who lifted when it mattered most to secure their first premiership since 1995.
With one powerhouse's streak over, all eyes turned to Sunday's Wimmera league preliminary final to see if the Horsham Demons could keep their hopes of a 11th consecutive flag alive.
The Demons' 10-year reign at the top is the thought to be greatest ever run in country Victoria but all good things must come to an end.
With the local football community holding their breath, it was the Horsham Saints who prevailed in a thrilling final term, getting the better of the Demons by nine points.
The win earns the Saints a spot in the decider where they'll meet flag favourite Dimboola.
Western Vic Football General Manager Steve McQueen said it was a changing of the guard that would hopefully reinvigorate the competition.
"I think most neutral fans would be happy to see two other teams playing off," McQueen said.
"With two fresh teams in the senior grand final and a lot of other clubs represented in other grades of football and netball we're hoping for a huge crowd at Nhill on Saturday."
While many observers have labeled the two results as good for football in the region, McQueen said neither the Demons or Kalkee were expected to drop away.
"They're both tremendous clubs who obviously have great cultures that have led to sustained success," he said.
"Horsham did well just to make it to the preliminary and if anything I think they'll be better next year."
"They've got a new coaching group, a lot of young players and had to deal with a lot of retirements at the end of last year."
In another sign of change in Western Victoria, the AFL Wimmera/Mallee Region Commission will soon be finalised.
The body will govern football in the Wimmera and Mallee, and is a product of the review in to Country Football in 2012.
McQueen said the Commission was expected to be up and running in the coming months and would represent a new direction for local football.
By Dave O'Neill
Article first appeared www.vcfl.com.au September 16 2013
