Koroit’s Dallas Mooney and Jeremy Hausler aim for more glory

Koroit is chasing its seventh straight premiership this weekend in the Hampden Football League. Find out the secret to their success.

Koroit’s Dallas Mooney says the clubs dynasty could continue for years to come based on the secret to its ongoing success.

The Saints will take on North Warrnambool in the Hampden Football Netball League grand final, looking for its seventh premiership in a row.

Since 2014 the team has not lost a decider and it could have been more if the past two years weren’t impacted by Covid.

Mooney and his teammate Jeremy Hausler have been part of the whole journey.

Both, like the team, hope number seven is coming on Saturday.

“We are the only two who have been in (playing) all seven,” Mooney said.

“There’s quite a few blokes who have been a part of all seven (who didn’t play).

“Then there are some who missed the middle or won one at the start and are involved in the club now but aren’t playing.

“Then there is probably another dozen who have won four or five premierships.”

Mooney said he had been involved in all six because he hasn’t moved anywhere or gone on holiday, and had played every season for the club he loved.

He added the teams success has come from a group of players who have all hit the prime of their footballing careers at the same time.

“The core group of players have been in their late 20s to early 30s and have stuck around,” Mooney said.

“I think (our success) probably has come from our close group being together.

“We’re good mates and we push hard together.”

Mooney said not only have those players inspired the team to success but the juniors coming through have also pushed the team to work harder.

“After the first couple, which were fresh for us, we had young lads coming in and pushing us up,” Mooney said.

“So you want to see them pushing for success getting one, two or three more, (it inspires us).”

Mooney said the first one was the special one as it was done against the odds.

He also rates the 2019 premiership, the last one, which was tightest win — a three-point win over North Warrnambool.

“The most exciting to win was the first one,” Mooney said.

“In the semi-final we lost by more than 10 goals and two weeks later we turned it around.

Mooney knows keeping the streak running will be tough against an Eagles side littered with former AFL talent.

Former Geelong player Billie Smedts is playing as well as former West Coast premiership player Nathan Vardy.

Hausler, looking for his seventh straight flag as well, has the task of taking on Vardy in the final.

Mooney will be playing in the half back line looking to rebound Koroit’s defensive plays into attacks.

The defender said the contest in the middle and restricting what Vardy can do will be paramount to winning.

“I try to stay out there (the middle),” Mooney said.

“Jeremy has been the best ruckman in Hampden so the aim will be to nullify it (the tap contest) and make it 50/50 contest.

Koroit ruckman Jeremy Hausler is aiming for his seventh premiership. Picture: Michael Mugavin

“No one is winning every tap out so it will be all about nullifying (it) in the guts.

Mooney expects a fierce contest as Koroit chases its 12th premiership and the Eagles aims for its first.

The game starts at 2pm at Reid Oval.

Here are the key players for the contest.

Nathan Vardy (North Warrnambool)

The former West Coast Eagles ruckman has been one of the best in the finals series, helping the team to the grand final.

The coach rucked in the second half last week to drag the Eagles from a four goal deficit to a win over South Warrnambool.

North Warrnambool Eagles player Nathan Vardy tries to win the ball against a South Warrnambool player. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Vardy’s ruck taps and dominance could land the Eagles its first ever premiership.

Sam Dobson (Koroit)

The goalkicking stalwart has the most goals this season in the competition, kicking 86 goals in 18 games.

This included four goals against the Eagles in the qualifying final.

Dobson has kicked more than 500 goals for the club in his time at the Saints.

Jett Birmingham (North Warrnambool)

The young midfielder is one of the rising stars in the competition and vital to the Eagles midfield.

He was the best and fairest last year in the Hampden Football League and finished in the top five this year.

A move into the middle, from the wing, has paid dividends.

Alex Pulling (Koroit)

Another youngster on the rise in the competition.

The winger finished fourth in the best and fairest and has been among the best for the reigning premiers this year in more than half of his games.

Set to use his speed to open up the game.

Tate Porter (North Warrnambool)

Porter has played in all games this season in the midfielder and been among the best for the Eagles.

He’s been in the best in 12 of 21 games.

Porter, combined with Birmingham, will look to take advantage of the taps from Vardy if he plays in the ruck.

Jeremy Hausler (Koroit)

The six-time premiership star will have the tough task of trying to restrict Vardy’s influence in the game.

According to Dallas Mooney he is the number one ruckman in the competition, so it sets up a fascinating contest between two quality players.