Tara Murray
Old Paradians are still on cloud nine after claiming the Northern Football League division 3 premiership on Saturday.
A premiership was beyond the Raiders dreams at the start of the year having made the move across from the Victorian Amatuer Football Association.
On Saturday, it became a reality as the Raiders were able to overcome Fitzroy Stars, 17.8 (110)-13.17 (95).
Speaking on Monday, Raiders coach Ben Turner said it was still sinking in what they had done.
He said said in the lead up to the game that the club had no expectations heading into this year and it was all an unknown being in a new competition.
“It’s been a big couple of days,” he said. “I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet.
“Our first year in the Northern league and we’ve won a premiership. It’s very special.
‘It’s been quite an achievement what we have been able to achieve this year.
“I can not believe what has happened.”
The Raiders faced the Stars for a second time in the space of less than three weeks.
The Stars won the semi final matchup between the teams by six points after the Raiders were 39 points down at three quarter time.
Old Paradians then won the preliminary final against Mernda to earn another shot against the Demons
With all the celebrating, Turner, who didn’t have much of a voice left on Monday, said he hadn’t really reflected on the match itself.
“It was a great game,” he said. “It was pleasing from a supporter point of view, I understand.
“We didn’t start the best and Fitzroy settled into the game better.
“There were a few key matchups that worked well for us and the backline held up under enormous pressure.
“Patrick Farrant kicking eight goals made it difficult.”
The Raiders were able to lead by four points at quarter time and still held that margin at the main break.
It grew to 19 points at the last change.
Turner said the message was simple.
“We couldn’t play it safe,” he said. “They had a slight wind advantage in the final quarter.
“We had to make sure we stayed composed and try to get a couple of goals into the wind.
“We were able to do that. We then looked to close it down.”
Turner said with about two minutes left on the clock they knew they had done enough to come away with the win and premiership.
He said it was nice to be able to celebrate the last few moments of the game.
Lachie Kerr kicked four goals for the Raiders and was awarded the best on ground medal by the umpires.
Turner said Jack Nicolo and William Gilmore both had strong games as well.
He said the experience of Sam Gilmore shone through late when they needed him as well.
“He spent some time on the bench in the third quarter,” Turner said of Sam Gilmore. “He had a big influence in the last quarter.
“The moments he had were pretty massive. A lot of players had good moments.”
The premiership is the Raiders first senior one since 2015.
It also means the club will have a new challenge next season, promotion into division 2.
“It’s the second part of it,” Turner said.
“You win a flag and then you celebrate and reflect a little bit that you are going up a division.
“It’s exciting. We wanted to be relevant this year and we wanted to make it so people would want to join.
“Winning a flag should hopefully attract some players. I’m excited by what the future looks like.”
