The Standard | DAMIEN McCorkell has fond memories of his first Hampden interleague appearance after being named best on ground in Saturday’s 97-point win over Murray.
The Warrnambool midfielder, who declined offers to play in recent years, had no regrets at heeding the advice of family and friends and donning the green and white jumper at Reid Oval.
He was pivotal in the midfield, winning clearances and feeding the ball out of congestion to a number of skilful midfielders.
“It was very good, really enjoyable,” he enthused after the 22.10 (142) to 6.9 (45) result.
“It was more about the other boys I haven’t met before. It was good to get to know them.
“It was good fun, I didn’t think I would enjoy it this much.”
McCorkell is unlikely to be part of Hampden’s campaign next year, with an extended holiday in Europe between May and August planned, but the experience is one he would like to have again.
His Warrnambool teammate, Sam Cowling, described captaining the representative side as a big honour.
“It is just a privilege to play with these blokes, the 21 best players in the league,” he said.
“We all did our bit, 21 contributors. It was a pleasure to play out there.”
Cowling said he hoped Saturday’s victory was the start of sustained success at interleague level for the Bottle Greens.
“You always want to win,” he said. “If you are not playing footy to win, I don’t know why you are playing the game.
“Even the old blokes around here, we want to see Hampden go up the ladder. I think we may be sixth or seventh and another test next year we play Ovens and Murray again.
“We are out to prove a point. We are a powerhouse side.”
Cowling said last year’s record loss against Ovens and Murray had not been a factor in the lead up because the squad was vastly different, including nine debutants.
“New coach, new group, new year,” he said.
“We wanted to come out and prove a point and show what we as a league are doing.”