Nunawading Lions roar after ending 1386-day wait for Eastern Football League victory

It’s been four long years of scoreless games and record losses for the Nunawading Football Club. But its players have finally ended one of the longest losing streaks in local footy, and they’ve celebrated the win in jubilant fashion.

There were beers, tears and cheers as Nunawading celebrated its first win in nearly four years in the Eastern Football League on Saturday.

The Lions ended a 62-game losing streak with a 32-point victory over Kilsyth at Koonung Reserve, Blackburn North, triumphing 15.16 (106) to 10.14 (74).

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It was Nunawading’s first win since Round 10, 2015.

Coach Paul Bevan had tears in his eyes as the Lions toasted their first triumph in 1386 days.

“It’s been a long journey, it’s been a really hard ride,” Bevan said.

“You just saw the emotion in the rooms, it’s huge for us as a footy club but the resilience of this football club is just second-to-none.”

Some of Nunawading’s losses in the past four years have been by more than 300 points and there have been scoreless games.

Players and supporters stormed the ground after the clash.

Bevan said there were times the club could have folded after going through financial troubles in recent years.

“Three years ago we could have shut the doors and just let it go — Sandown’s gone, Mt

Waverley’s gone and we could have gone down the same path. The resilience of the some of the people around here is huge,” he said.

Emotional Nunawading players after their big win. Picture: Davis Harrigan

Nunawading players rejoice in their victory over Kilsyth at Koonung Reserve. Picture: Davis Harrigan

Bevan rated the victory alongside the club’s most recent premiership in 2002.

SCENES AT NUNAWADING! The Lions have ended their 62-game losing streak! pic.twitter.com/Kxcc51zR6z

— Toby Prime (@T_Prime2) April 6, 2019

“There is a lot of pride within this footy club over a long period of time,” he said.

“We’re just a small footy club with no juniors but just keep soldiering on.”