It was a season where nothing separated the contenders in Northern Football League division 2 and it was only fitting the grand final played out the same way.
Once Lalor overcame an early onslaught from Whittlesea, no more than 20 points separated the two teams all day.
When the Bloods hit the front late in the last quarter, for the first time for the day, it was up to the Eagles to respond.
The Eagles did just that and with it came premiership glory. The Eagles won 14.13 (97) – 14.10 (94).
For Eagles coach Brad Dean he was relieved to sneak home for the win.
“It was a bit close for comfort,” he said.
“I’m proud of the boys and we were lucky to be in front at the final siren.
“It’s just reward and I’m really proud of the whole club at the moment.”
VIEW PICTURE GALLERY/SALES FROM THIS MATCH
The Eagles made the most of kicking with the wind early in the game.
“There was a fairly strong wind to start with which we were kicking with,” Dean said.
“We had a three goal lead at quarter time, but we were only up because of the wind.
“After the first quarter both sides actually played better kicking against the wind. You could kick goals against the wind, you needed to get running.”
After maintaining the lead for the middle two quarters, the Eagles fell behind for the first time when the Bloods Todd Hughes kicked his fourth goal 23 minutes into the last quarter.
“I was interested to see how we would respond,” Dean said.
“We’ve played in several close games this year.
“They were kicking with a four to five goal breeze by that point.
“The boys ran hard and Brenton Briffa and Nick Horman kicked clutch goals in the last quarter.
“We were able to respond each time.”
Brett Hayes kicked four goals for the winners, with Briffa kicking three.
Todd Behan was awarded best on ground.
“We didn’t panic today and played hard aggressive football,” Dean said.
“There’s no superstars in the side, the work rate and effort of the team is incredible.
“Paul Higgins turned the game on its head with his clearances, while Todd was fantastic all day.”
The premiership is the Eagles third division 2 grand final in six years, after winning in 2010 and 2013.
The Eagles premiership glories though have also been matched by being relegated from division 1 on two occasions in that period.
“It has been a fantastic six year period,” Dean said.
“We need to find a way to bridge that gap between division 1 and division 2.
“We lost five to six players [after being relegated last season] and to respond the way we have it is really good.
“We did it the hard way, having just scrapped into the four by two points.
“We had a draw with Fitzroy Stars and if that goes the other way and we miss finals.
“It was an enormous effort by the boys and credit to the playing group.”
The win caps off a turbulent two years in charge for Dean which saw them relegated last year.
“I told the club six to eight weeks ago that I wouldn’t have the time to commit to the role next year,” he said.
“It was never a long term solution, I sort of got the job by default.
“I’ll still be doing what I can for the football club. Hopefully someone with more experience can take the boys to the next level and stay in division 1.
“I’ve left the boys back where we started, in division 1.”
Dean said the challenge was now about staying in division 1, something they have struggled with in recent years.
“Last year I was really disappointed. We had played some really good football, but obviously there is a big gap between the two divisions.
“We need to find a way to bridge that gap.
“It’s now about making ourselves a permanent member of division 1.”
