Tathra-Bega senior coach Brad McBain couldn’t be happier.
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Wrapping up the year that was, McBain said the grand final was an extremely physical contest, but celebrations had rolled on after wrapping up the premiership.
“There were a few nerves early, but once the game opened up it got physical, but we stuck to our guns,” McBain said.
When asked if there was one particular standout McBain said he was hesitant to say it, but praised his brother Ian.
“He really stood up, he’s a big presence in the midfield and he makes all of us stand a bit taller.
“There’s a level of intimidation in Ian’s presence and when it gets heated he’ll fly the flag for his team, but not many want to take a run at the bull.”
Though the coach who has spoken about team culture all year couldn’t keep his praise to just one player,
“We worked at run and carry situations and Scotty Hay, Kel Evans and Troy O’Loghlin they just shine in those scenarios,” he said.
“And the ruck combination of [Rick] Spinksy and Jesse [Hoyland-Meaker] were there to try and work over Merimbula’s Jack Burch and they got the job done.”
He said brawls in the third quarter were a shame and it was a luxury to rotate players through so they could calm down.
But, with a 60-point winning margin at the final buzzer, McBain said he was able to breathe a sigh of relief after living up to the expectations.
“It’s a combination of you’ve put so much into it and you have a bit of a serious face at training, so there was a bit of pressure.”
So it’s no surprise that celebrations rolled right through to ‘Mad Monday’ with players dressing up for a few drinks at Bega’s Commercial Hotel.
Memories of the game were already a bit foggy and some of the tales changed wildly.
“On Saturday, Ricky Woods kicked a goal, but by Monday the count was up to about five,” McBain said with a laugh.
“And Tom Lipsham, he thought he deserved the medal, his vote count went up over the weekend and Nick Forester too, the further Saturday got behind him, the better he was.”
McBain joked that Josh Wilkinson also really enjoyed the celebrations, leaving his hat on.
The club will now look to it’s end of year presentation night and a club trip to keep the celebrations rolling.
“We’ve got a few plans for 2017, but we’ll enjoy our presentation and the footy club trip, which should be good with about 25 signed up, so we’ll let those wash over us.”