SFNL: Heatherton has broken its 700-day drought in magical style

Heatherton broke its 700-day drought at the weekend with an impressive victory. We go inside the journey to the breakthrough moment.

Heatherton coach Matt Shorey hardly knew the words.

But he is hopeful Saturday’s song after his sides 11.13 (79) to 7.15 (57) win over Narre South Saints is the first of many renditions in 2023.

After a winless 2022 that resulted in relegation, the Tunners’ recorded their first triumph since May 15 2021 – a whopping 700 days.

“It was a lot of relief,” Shorey said of his emotion after the game.

“It’s one thing as a coach, you want to be winning as many games as you can, but to go through a winless year… it’s been really tough to keep the group together.

“I think we only lost two or three players, which is a good result, we went to work to recruit 15 or 16 players to really build the depth.

“To see the result on Saturday was a really good result for the club, it didn’t matter who we were playing.

“We just needed that first win on the board to create that winning culture.”

The song was a special moment for the Tunners, albeit a little scratchy on the lyrics.

“We had the whole club in it; president, football manager, trainers… we had to, it’s been a long time coming,” he said.

“I only know the first and the last bit of the song, I don’t know that middle bit yet but hopefully we get to learn it a bit more over the next few weeks.”

Matt Shorey. Picture: Chris Eastman

Despite recording his first win as senior coach, Shorey isn’t sure how much belief his side will gain as he has always held faith in their ability.

“It’s hard to gauge, I’ve got belief, I always have,” he said.

“Last year was more an education process on how I want to move the footy, now we’re changing a few things around.

“I felt on the weekend that majority of the group played their role; I am confident enough that we’re going to compete really well against every side.”

Josh Collie was best afield for his five goal performance.

Elsewhere, Ashwood defeated Clayton 17.18 (120) to 11.4 (71).

Carrum Patterson Lakes went down to Endeavour Hills 8.9 (57) to 12.17 (89).

And Frankston Dolphins secured some grand final rematch revenge over Lyndhurst 12.18 (96) to 11.6 (72).