How former AFL Eagles Nathan Vardy, David Haynes helped North Warrnambool to the top

North Warrnambool is chasing history this weekend after making its third grand final in six years. We look at their journey towards a hopeful maiden title.

If the North Warrnambool Eagles win a maiden Hampden Football Netball League premiership this weekend, two Eagles from another club would have been instrumental in getting them there.

The Eagles made their third grand final in six years, beating rivals South Warrnambool by 15 points in the preliminary final on Saturday.

The team is chasing its first grand final win in the competition since joining the Hampden Football Netball League in 1997.

The side has won a premiership before — in 1994 — in the Warrnambool and District Football League but never at this level.

And it could have been another year of missing out with the Eagles made to fight for their spot in this week’s decider.

Down by almost four goals at stages of the third term, the Eagles had to come back from 15 points in the final change to beat the Swans.

North Warrnambool did it, however, with the help of former West Coast Eagle premiership player Nathan Vardy.

“We made some subtle changes at three quarter time,” Eagles co-president and football co-ordinator Gerard Lourey said.

“Everything we put into play worked, which was a bonus.

“Nathan Vardy really stepped up and took over the ruck duties, nearly full time, in the second half and was outstanding.”

Awaiting the Eagles in the grand final is Koroit who have forged a dynasty in the competition over the past decade.

The team is chasing its seventh straight premiership and has knocked off North Warrnambool in both of their grand finals appearances so far.

In 2016 the Saints won by 33 points over the Eagles before winning by three in their recent grand final clash in 2019.

North Warrnambool Eagles player Harry Keast tries to evade a tackle from a South Warrnambool player. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

North Warrnambool in 2019 were the minor premiers before falling at the final hurdle.

This time the team is prepared to go the next step.

“Koroit is going for seven in a row, it’s a fantastic effort for that club,” Lourey said.

“It’s going to come down to a bit of luck.

“We’ve done a lot of extra work leading into the final series to make sure we are prepared.

“We are going to have to play at our best to do it.”

Lourey added the players have improved since the last grand final in not only their skills but experience in the big matches.

“Since that time a lot of (our) youngsters are still at the club,” he said.

“A lot of them have gone from 17 to 20.”

The club has also taken another step up under Vardy as coach, helping fellow coach Adam Dowie to reach new goals with the Eagles.

“He’s come along and his experience and his leadership has brought a lot of standards to the club,” Lourey said.

“To have his leadership and experience is valuable.”

If the Eagles win the premiership on Saturday it cannot only thank Vardy but another former West Coast Eagle who set up the club for success more than a decade ago.

North Warrnambool Eagles player Bailey Jenkinson fights for the ball with South Warrnambool’s Archie Stevens earlier this season. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

North Warrnambool struggled when it first moved to the competition, after playing as Northern Districts since 1986 in the Warrnambool District Football League.

Then former AFL player David Haynes took over.

“The club was established out of effectively Northern Districts, Hampden was looking at having more teams,” Lourey said.

“The committee said ‘let’s take it on’.

“The first 13-14 years there was a lot of beltings during the time and then David Haynes, ex West Coast Eagles and Geelong player, he came in.

“He raised the standard and what was needed to at the club.

“From that time (2011) on we’ve missed the finals just once and played in four prelims and made the grand final three times (including this year).”

Lourey said while the premiership win was important, it won’t change the ethos of what the club is about.

“Most of our players are one point players,” Lourey said.

“Our focus is let’s play our juniors and build within.

“Our system of playing our juniors has held us in good stead.

“As a club we often talk about premiership don’t define you, having a strong club does.”

Lourey said the club is in strong hands so one day, hopefully, the premiership success will follow.

North Warrnambool takes on Koroit on Saturday at Reid Oval at 2pm.

Originally published as How former AFL Eagles Nathan Vardy, David Haynes helped North Warrnambool to the top