VAFA Division 4: North Brunswick ends 37-year premiership wait with victory over Parkside
THE era of talking premiership droughts is over at Allard Park after North Brunswick celebrated its first VAFA flag in 37 years on Saturday.
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WHETHER it be AFL or VAFA Division 4, a 37-year wait for premiership success would test the most loyal supporters.
Those who stuck by Richmond got their reward last year when the Tigers won their first flag since 1980.
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North Brunswick’s turn arrived on Saturday when it secured its first title since 1981 with a 15.11 (101) to 9.11 (65) victory over Parkside.
“There were tears from people that have been involved, past committee members, past players,” coach Marcus Butera said.
“They were all just rapt and so happy. Some of the players from the premiership in 1981 were there and they were just rapt.
“Complete joy throughout the night, it was just a fantastic mood.”
The era of talking premiership droughts ended after almost four barren decades at Allard Park.
Australia had 10 Prime Ministers in between North Brunswick’s two most recent premierships, while Prince Charles married Lady Diana months before the Bulls’ 1981 flag.
Statistics such as these can be consigned to the history books as Butera and his squad make plans to feature in Division 3 for the first time in 19 years.
Every grand final side has heroes.
None stood taller than Chris Bateman, a makeshift ruckman who took charge in the centre square to give North Brunswick’s midfield the upper hand.
More accustomed to playing centre-half-back, Bateman was forced into the ruck role after Patrick Currote (ankle) was injured on the eve of finals.
With first-choice big man Matt Dal Santo overseas, Bateman stepped up and was named best afield in the 36-point triumph.
“Within three weeks he got him into a best on ground ruckman performance. It is a testament to him,” Butera said.
“Parkside have a bloody good ruckman who can jump over a house.
“For him to get the best on ground award from the umpires in a grand final against a ruckman of the calibre they have…is a bloody great effort.”
The Devils kicked the opening two goals of the decider, getting a jump on their more-fancied opponent, but the Bulls responded with four majors to lead by 13 points at the first break.
The result appeared a fait accompli when North Brunswick extended its advantage to 41 points by halftime, with Brendon George (five goals) running amok up forward.
Parkside trimmed the deficit to 37 points at three-quarter-time and was close enough to mount a comeback when it kicked the first two majors of the last term.
But the Bulls steadied to thwart the potential threat, with Matthew David, Justin Fistrovic and Cameron Lee key figures.
Asked on Monday afternoon whether the success had sunk in, Butera said: “You sort of feel like you are floating, your feet can’t touch the ground a little bit. That’s the feeling across the board.”
While that feeling of pure elation will subside in a few weeks, North Brunswick’s 2018 team will forever be etched into the club’s history.
The Bulls enjoyed a premiership double, with their reserves team pipping Parkside by two points, 9.8 (62) to 9.6 (60).
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