By Kath Gannaway
THERE was no holding the emotion on Sunday as Yarra Glen Junior Football Club claimed its first junior premiership for the club in more than two decades.
The Under 11s came home in an exciting nine-point win over Upwey-Tecoma in front of a capacity crowd at Woori Yallock.
There were tears and cheers as the youngsters hugged each other, their coaches, trainers and family before storming from the oval to take their place on the winners’ podium.
Whether they knew it or not, for many, the boys were symbolic of a change of fortune, not only for the club, but for the fire-devastated communities they come from.
Coach Glenn Archer evoked a huge cheer from the boys when he acknowledged his committee, and the parents and families who he said had been there week in, week out for their kids.
“It’s our first junior premiership since 1987 and it’s not only significant for our club, but for our community, after what we have been through this year,” he said.
Players come from Yarra Glen, Dixons Creek, Steels Creek, Toolangi, Chum Creek and from Kinglake and for many football has provided a positive normality for them, and for their families.
“I want to acknowledge our friends and all the people from Kinglake,” Mr Archer said. “This is so good, and we’re happy for you as well.”
The 2009 season has been a bumper year for Adam Moate who was named DRJFL Under 11 Best and Fairest last week, and named Best On Ground for the grand final.
Grand Final day 2009 will also be memorable for the Duncan family. After handing out medallions to her boys, team manager Amanda Duncan went off to hospital to deliver her baby. No word on the final result on that one as yet!
