By Jesse Graham
THE Western Bulldogs aren’t the only team celebrating the end of a long drought, with Healesville Football Club celebrating their first premiership in 26 years.
The team won against Olinda Ferny Creek 8.6 (54) to 4.9 (33) on Saturday 24 September, in the Division 1 Seniors finals in Healesville.
President of the Healesville Football Club Felix Fraraccio said he was “ecstatic” about the win, the club’s first since 1988.
“It’s been a long time,” he said.
“Naturally, as the president of the footy club, I’m ecstatic.”
The team had made it close in previous years, in one case missing out on a Grand Final by one kick in a preliminary final against Silvan, and had a strong run with its under-18s team.
Mr Fraraccio credited coach Jack Cole for the result, paying tribute to his influence on the club and the players.
“We’ve made the grand final two years in a row, and him and his coaching staff in particular are a godsend,” he said.
“Everyone will tell you, the finals is a different season altogether, and we just came to play – I think the boys were focused … and we played Wandin twice, and they were really hard games, and I think that kept us in good standing for the grand finals.”
He said the match was decided in the first quarter, where Healesville kicked four goals straight and Olinda’s players missed “quite a few shots”.
“They were focused, they really were – there was a steely resolve among them,” Mr Fraraccio said.
Some of the team’s players, such as Luke Barclay and Daniel Plozza, had been part of the club for 12 years, and many had been former junior players for the club.
“And that can be said for Olinda as well – I think 19 of their 22 were former junior players,” Mr Fraraccio said.
“It’s special, because it’s a lot of local product in there.
“The game was played in great spirits.”
He thanked the Yarra Ranges Council for its preparation of the grounds, the Healesville Greyhound Racing Club for its use of car parking to accommodate a 3500-strong crowd and club members who helped to organise and run the day.
Tim Costigan received the AFL Victoria Country Best on Ground Medal for his efforts in the match.
