Norwood coach Ben Warren says premiership win was because of players, not him

TRIUMPHANT Norwood coach Ben Warren pushed the message the fighting four-point grand final victory over Port Adelaide was not about him.

21/9/14 SANFL Grand Final between the Port Adelaide Magpies and the Norwood Redlegs held at the Adelaide Oval. Norwood's Michael Newton hugs coach Ben Warren after victory.

TRIUMPHANT Norwood coach Ben Warren pushed the message the fighting four-point grand final victory over Port Adelaide was not about him.

Sorry to disagree Benny, but the third successive flag for the Redlegs has a lot to do about you.

The Redlegs were 2-4 (win-loss) after six rounds and trailed Adelaide by more than 30 points at The Parade on a Friday night. Warren, the premiership forward in the previous two seasons, had inherited the job from Nathan Bassett and the heat was on the first-year coach. There were 12 players missing from last year's grand final glory but he remained faithful to Bassett's team-first principles to build a powerful unit worthy of more silverware.

"It is not about me as coach,'' Warren said. "I'm so proud of this playing group.

"I had thought about if we did win and I'd try to stay composed. But then there is nothing like it — it is just phenomenal. The playing group has given everything this year and we were almost on the canvas in round seven.

"The resilience and character and spirit they have is unbelievable. They are such a ripping bunch of fellows and deserve all the accolades they get.''

Rather than remain composed, Warren's emotions overflowed as he rushed onto the ground after the full-time siren ended the thrilling contest. As a player, the Redlegs were well on control in the fourth quarter and they were well aware the prize was theirs. Yesterday's title decider was a gripping affair which had both camps on edge until the final siren.

"That was as anxious as you will ever be and it is a real credit to the players,'' a relieved Warren said. "They were under the pump in the end there — the siren goes when the ball goes into their forward line. it is an unbelievable feeling and I'm so proud of their performance.

"It is a tough slog and we needed full concentration for the 120 minutes. Our resilience, strength and character to turn it around when Port Adelaide got on top was a credit to the players.''