Heathcote District premiership medal for Leitchville-Gunbower coach

LEITCHVILLE-Gunbower coach Michael Pilcher finally has a premiership medal to call his own.

Back it up: Leitchville-Gunbower won the Heathcote District Football League premiership by beating North Bendigo. It was the fourth consecutive time the two sides have met in the final.

LEITCHVILLE-Gunbower coach Michael Pilcher finally has a premiership medal to call his own.

Pilcher was unable to play in last year’s Heathcote District Football League grand final due to compartment syndrome in his thigh, and missed out again this year due to a broken foot suffered in the semi-final.

But receiving a premiership medal this year as coach was more than enough for Pilcher on Saturday.

Country footy premiers 2018

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“For me, it was two years in the making to earn this medal,” he said.

“I got a corkie and that ruled me out of the grand final (last year).

“I got a big cut from my knee to my hip so that put me in hospital for a while, so to bounce back and play this year was fantastic.

“To suffer a broken foot two weeks ago was pretty sad, it kept me out again this year, that is just the nature of the beast.

“Last year I still felt part of it as assistant coach, but when you put in all the hours that’s required as senior coach, I guess it means a whole much more.”

Leitchville-Gunbower’s seven unanswered goals in the first 20 minutes of the second quarter was the key factor in its win against North Bendigo.

North Bendigo fought back after trailing by 43 points early in the third term, led by Jordan Ford who kicked six goals for the match and took out the best-on-ground award.

But the Bombers held on to go back-to-back, 14.10 (94) to 12.13 (85).