Shepparton ends Kyabram’s winning streak to claim Goulburn Valley League flag

THE 2018 Goulburn Valley League grand final is set to go down as one of the greatest of all time after a two-point win to Shepparton ended Kyabram’s 62-match winning streak.

Boilover: Shepparton caused a huge upset on Sunday, ending Kyabram’s 62-match winning streak in the Goulburn Valley League grand final. Picture: Bailey Opie

THE 2018 Goulburn Valley League grand final is set to go down as one of the greatest of all time after a two-point win to Shepparton ended Kyabram’s 62-match winning streak.

Kyabram had not lost a match since the 2015 grand final loss, but Shepparton denied the Bombers a three-peat on Sunday, 9.9 (63) to 8.13 (61).

Shepparton played finals for the first time in 11 years in 2016, then last year made it through to the decider.

Elation: League best-and-fairest winner Nikolaus Rokahr and teammate Jonty Wardle celebrate Shepparton’s grand final win — the first since 2000 — after the siren. Picture: Bailey Opie

This year it went one better, with spectators at Shepparton’s Deakin Reserve on Sunday left stunned as the Bears reversed a 55-point loss in last year’s grand final to take home its first premiership in 18 years.

Shepparton coach Sean Harrap said the win was “one of the proudest moments of my life”.

“I am so rapt and proud of everyone involved, and for everyone behind us that wanted this so much more than even the players,” he said.

“We had some pretty tough times, and Rowan Hiscock, Nick Allan, and Rhys O’Sullivan are three guys that come to mind, I am so rapt for them.

“Like myself, we played in some pretty tough times where we didn’t win a game, and it’s so rewarding for those guys.”

Harrap said no one outside the club rated the Bears a chance to win.

“You never think you’re going to win a premiership, but you always hope,” Harrap said.

“We believed it was possible, even though Kyabram had this big run going.

“We were able to find a way and get the ultimate glory, which is so rewarding for everyone involved.”

Harrap played for Shepparton for many years, including the 2010 and 2013 seasons when the Bears did not win a game.

He became an assistant coach in 2016 under Brad Campbell, who he succeeded in the main role this season.

Sunday’s grand final was the fourth time Kyabram and Shepparton had clashed this year.

Kyabram led by 19 points halfway through the third quarter, before Shepparton kicked the last three goals of the term — including two in the last five minutes — to be within a point at the final break.

The Bears hit the front with a goal in the opening two minutes of the fourth term.

Kyabram nearly snatched the win in the dying minutes, but a shot hit the post.

“Everyone said ‘Your three-quarter time (address) was so calming on everyone — I can’t even remember what I said,” Harrap said.

Shepparton’s last premiership was in 2000, the same year Bears player Stephen Ash won the first of his two Goulburn Valley league best-and-fairests. Ash was in tears on Sunday having watched his son, Lachlan, be part of the newest premiership team.