Herald Sun |
BELGRAVE was abuzz on Saturday night as it celebrated its first Yarra Valley Mountain District Football League flag in more than a decade.
The Magpies, who lost just one game in 2012, outclassed Yarra Glen by 49 points in Saturday's Division 2 grand final at Healesville and secured promotion to Division 1 for next season.
Revenge was sweet for the Magpies, who suffered a 46-point semi-final loss to Yarra Glen a fortnight ago.
The premiership is Belgrave's first since 1999 and comes after grand final defeats in 2000 and 2007.
Club secretary Frank Scammell, who has been involved with Belgrave since the 1970s, said the Magpies were savouring the winning feeling after rising from the bottom of the ladder.
"The last few years haven't been terrific, but we've got a new coach in Ben Collins, some new players and young locals," he said.
"The committee has worked hard all year and this is the result of everyone's hard work.
"A supporters' group, a sort of coterie, was formed this year for the past players from the 1960s and '70s and guys around the club and it's been a terrific thing.
"Not only have they helped financially, but they're really passionate about the club and that's what I love."
While the Magpies set a pre-season goal of winning the flag, it was the sole loss that stung them into action.
"We've spoken about that since and, although we would've liked to win that game, it ended up being the best thing for us," Scammell said.
"It was a wake-up call. We struggled on the big ground at Gembrook but the coaches did a great job with their planning for the grand final."
Magpie Tom McNamara collected the VCFL best-on-ground medal for his six goals from a half-forward flank, while sharpshooter Mitch Collins kicked six goals to finish the year with 135.
"I thought Ben Collins' first half was sensational," Scammell said.
"As captain-coach, he set up the first half and had a blinder. I was rapt with him.
"And Dylan Lowe is a young 17-year-old who has come into the seniors and had an impact.
"It was great to see him enjoying the celebrations after the game, it's a great thing for the club to have young guys like him coming through."
For Yarra Glen, Ben Strong was a solid contributor while Ricky Hay, Kyle Hudson, Peter Moate, Ryan Kueffer and Mark Attard all kicked two goals.
