How good is a premiership?
Lockington-Bamawm United coach Brodie Collins summed it up perfectly.
“It doesn’t get any better than this,” Collins said.
“It’s awesome. I’ve done it before, but to actually coach one is even better. The fact that we stuck together, held strong and stuck to our structures is even better, it is great.”
LBU players and fans alike were overjoyed when the final siren sounded at Strauch Reserve on Saturday afternoon, with the Cats earning a 20-point win over Mount Pleasant.
For star ruckman Tyler Phillips, his first senior football flag caps off a stellar two seasons that saw him earn back-to-back league best-and-fairests.
“It is amazing, this is absolutely amazing. Words can’t describe this feeling,” Phillips said.
“We were middle of the pack for a few years, and then to finally get all the way is massive.”
As for how a premiership compared to two Sam Cheatley medals, his answer was simple.
“This has definitely got it, this feeling is amazing,” he said.
For Bart Phillips, who celebrated his 31st birthday on Sunday, playing in premiership alongside his brother Tyler was the perfect early present.
“It’s amazing. I reckon I played in a grand final every year in juniors, but haven’t played in one since,” he said.
“It’s phenomenal. Up above my desk I have photos of our first senior game together, our first game together out at Lockington and when we won interleague together as well, but I think this is going to trump all that.”
Nathan Bacon was part of LBU’s dominant era that saw them win four flags in a row from 2011-2014.
Bacon played in three of those grand finals, with Saturday’s win earning him his fourth premiership medallion with LBU.
“I don’t even know how to describe it. We got there, it’s just so good,” Bacon said.
“It’s a totally different feeling to the others. We are the older guys now, it feels like a totally different accomplishment, I am really proud.”