Emerald claims its first Outer East league Division 1 flag with big win over Berwick Springs

Emerald has turned the tables on Berwick Springs to claim the OEFNL Division 1 premiership, sending a couple of retiring club champions out on a high.

Emerald celebrate the 2023 premiership. Picture: Facebook

Emerald has won its first Outer East league Division 1 premiership after producing its best on the biggest stage.

The Bombers blasted Berwick Springs off the park in Sunday’s grand final, winning by 59 points, 14.16 (100) to 5.11 (41) — turning the tables on the Titans after they won the second semi-final.0

Jubilant second-year coach Sein Clearihan was emotional after the game, telling his players to “embrace” the glorious moment.

Clearihan’s Bombers were the best team throughout the Division 1 season and proved it with an emphatic grand final win at Healesville.

They got on top early, took away Berwick Springs’ strengths and stretched their lead at every change.

Emerald’s David Johnson kicked six goals. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Lachlan Hoye.

Star full-forward David Johnson was at the heart of everything the Bombers did, capping a best-on-ground performance with six goals.

Emerald kicked seven of the first eight goals to rush to a 46-point lead at half-time, setting up victory.

Lachlan Hoye kicked 3.5 and his work rate up the ground was outstanding.

Jordan Donadel, Steven Paull, Brendan Wilson, Josh Rich and Michael Richardson were also named in Emerald’s best.

“They all played their role,” Clearihan said.

“On the biggest stage, to do that is phenomenal.”

Clearihan revealed Emerald went in with a plan to shut down Berwick Springs’ engine room of Hayden Stagg and Clinton Johnson.

“We did a bit of homework on them and it paid off. It really paid off,” he said.

“I’ve never tagged anyone all year, I’ve let the midfield just run their own race all year.

“But I thought if you stop the tap from running, the water will cut off from their second and third tiers.

“And it just took a little bit of pressure off the midfield.

“I put (Nic) Jansen on to Stagg and (Jake) Pedder went to Johnson.

“They still got a bit of the ball but they weren’t as dominant as what they were (in the second semi final).”

Emerald co-captain Nic Jansen. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Emerald coach Sein Clearihan.

Emerald’s flag victory was also a fitting farewell for co-captain Jansen and Stevie Paull. The pair, who played in the Bombers last flag in 2015, have hung up the boots, finishing on the high of a premiership.

It was Clearihan’s first premiership as a senior coach; he’s won 11 others as a player or assistant coach.

“I didn’t realise how hard it was,’’ he said of coaching a club in his own right.

“Driving from Safety Beach to Emerald takes a bit out of you.

“I thought I’d get out of the box and go up there and try to get a bit of success.

“It’s a great club, a fantastic football club...a typical country football club, they work hard for one another and they look after everyone, they’re fantastic.

“The supporters…it reminded me a bit of the Dromana 2013 flag after 40 years, it was for all the older supporters and last night they were up there.’’

Clearihan said he was on edge for most of the game, despite the Bombers being well in front.

He said he allowed himself to relax and enjoy the moment at the 15 minute mark of last quarter.

“I thought they’ve only kicked three goals and they’ve got to kick another 10,’’ he said.

In the reserves, Officer beat Emerald by 15 points, 9.12 (66) to 8.3 (51), with Lachie Ward, Matthew Rogers and Jordan McGeagh influential for the winners.

Berwick Springs 0.2, 1.4, 3.7, 5.11 (41) lt Emerald 4.6, 8.8, 11.12, 14.16 (100).

Emerald Goals: David Johnson 6, Lachlan Hoye 3, Jared Derksen, Rogan Goonan, Jake Pedder, Isaac Seskis, Callum White.

Best: David Johnson, Jordan Donadel, Steven Paull, Brendan Wilson, Josh Rich, Michael Richardson.