Tara Murray
Plenty Valley Lions timed their run to perfection to claim the FV state league 4 north championship and promotion.
The Lions faced Moonee Valley Knights in the final round, with both teams needing a win to finish on top.
With Fawkner right behind both teams, a loss could mean that one of the sides misses out on promotion and a play off promotion game all together.
Coach David Winton was thrilled with what they could achieve.
“It was definitely high stakes,” he said. “We had a consistent message, [assistant coach] Emmett [Sheehan] and I all week.
“Our boys followed the game plan to a tee and I think we deserved it. It was nice that we won the league.
“It was good for all the fans, long-suffering committee people who do all the hard work. I think for both Emmet and I it was a sense of relief and pride for the club.”
Winton said it was a nice feeling for them to be able to claim the title not having to rely on other results.
He said they’ve been there three years now and had a great first year before missing out on the second year.
Winton said they knew that they had a good team this year.
“We had some upsets along the way but since the turn of the season, the halfway point, I think we’ve won nine out of 11,” he said.
“We just kept plowing on and the boys kept focus and training well and there was a sense of relief when the job was done.
“I’m really pleased for the club, the players and the people that come and support us, week in, week out.
“It was great to see a lot of old players there on Saturday and what it meant for them.”
The Lions will now be promoted into state league 3 north-west next season.
Winton he believes it’s the first time the club has been that high in the current format of the competition.
He said planning was already underway for next year.
The Lions were back in action on Saturday against state league 4 west champions Surf Coast in the battle for the overall state league 4 title.
The Lions won 3-2 and will now face Croydon City for the overall state league 4 title this week.
Speaking before the match, Winton said early in the week they didn’t care much about it, but said now it would be the icing on the cake.
“We really want to go there and win and put a performance in,” he said. “Hopefully we can put a performance in and have another big day next week.
“We have a few injuries and a few players who can’t make the time, we are taking a strong team and we go there trying to win it.”
Winton said they were confident that most of the group would return for next season and they would keep an eye out for anyone else that can take them further.
