The emotions of a victorious grand final

Kerry Carmichael discusses the emotional roller-coaster of a victorious grand final

PREMIERS: 2017 Dalby Diehards coach Kerry Carmichael speaks after the grand final. Picture: Michael Doyle

RUGBY LEAGUE: The finest moment in Dalby rugby league had an undercurrent of emotion throughout the day, from a war-of-words prior to kick-off to Diehards captain Colin Green lifting the premiership trophy.

Coach Kerry Carmichael rode every emotional wave that Sunday afternoon, and has talked to the Dalby Herald about the day the Diehards final won the premiership.

The Dalby side took a commanding 32-point half time lead in what was the best 40 minutes of rugby league the team played all year.

It is alleged that Carmichael was so nervous at half time he asked his assistants if a 32-point lead was enough, but the premiership winning coach said deep down he knew his team would win.

"32 points is a lot, but there were plenty of teams who could score three quick tries and be back in the game,” Carmichael said.

"If I said I was satisfied at half-time I worried the boys would think the game was already over.

"So I told the boys if they won the first 20 minutes of the second half they would win.”

Carmichael admits it was not until the Dalby side stretched the lead out to 36 points, that if could final relax.

"I knew the game was won and could relax when Dan Manley scored in the second half,” he said.

"Once that happened I felt good.”

While you would be forgiven for thinking the hour-long bus ride home would have been a wild-affair, Carmichael said the atmosphere was almost subdued.

"When we got on we were pretty excited but to be honest I think the boys just wanted to soak it all in,” he said.

"We were all talking but it wasn't loud and there wasn't much singing or carrying on.

"I think we all just wanted to get back to the leagues club and celebrate there.

"We have so many supporters at the leagues club and the atmosphere was just amazing and loud.”

As he takes a back seat this season, handing the reigns over to new head coach Derrick Brady, Carmichael believes his former side have the ability to win the premiership again in 2018.

"If the boys can keep the hunger they will go close again this year,” he said.

The Diehards are currently in pre-season training as they prepare for their title defence, which will begin away to Pittsworth on March