A standout performance across half-back from Shepparton Swans’ Liam Kendall was a major catalyst in his side’s Goulburn Murray Junior League triumph on Sunday.
The Swans young gun rounded out a superb season for the under-15 brigade and, under the tutelage of his father, Chris, the side has gone from strength to strength this year.
Assuming the role of half-back architect, Liam dictated the tempo of his side’s grand final triumph, repelling the Shepparton Notre forward 50 entries and setting his side up with consistent rebounds.
Liam said his side stood tall when it mattered most and delivered for the swathe of Swans fans who got along to Deakin Reserve on Sunday.
“It was a tough game, the Bears put us under pressure all game, but the boys pulled through, especially in the last quarter,” Liam said.
“It was great, just being up there with everyone with their medals, looking out to all of our supporters was amazing.
“A lot of the 16s boys who played this morning came down and watched, a lot of family, it was Father’s Day as well, so a lot of dads were here.”
Despite playing with the added expectation of having his dad as a coach, Liam said winning the premiership after two years of hard work had been the perfect way to end the season.
“It’s sometimes difficult — he’s your dad and you’ve got a bit of added pressure on your shoulders sometimes,” he said.
“But winning this today with him as coach is awesome.”
The Swans mentor, who also occupied the half-back role in his playing days, said seeing Liam triumph on the big stage had certainly stirred up a few emotions.
“With Liam on the team, that bond and the hard work and everything that we put in together as father and son is pretty valuable, that’s the emotional side of it, and there was great reward today,” Kendall said.