STAWELL Football Club’s premiership team of 1995 will reunite at Central Park on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Stawell Redlegs created history on a sunny day in September 20 years ago, when the seniors, reserves and under 17s all claimed Wimmera Football League premiership glory at Horsham’s City Oval.
The under 17s and reserves both had comfortable victories, under 17s by 55 points over St Michaels and the reserves by 74 points over Horsham United.
However, the seniors went in as underdogs after having been soundly beaten by the higher ranked Horsham United in the final round of the home and away season.
After a see-sawing affair, Stawell came up trumps by just three points in a thrilling encounter, sealing the premiership with the final kick of the day off the boot of forward Casper Cosson.
President Rod Blake speaks about Stawell's premiership success of 1995 in the Wimmera Football League.
Stawell’s president that year, Rod Blake, admitted he had never played much football and didn’t really have any stories of heroics to tell, but after claiming all three flags and creating club history, he knew he had been a big part of something special.
“We knew all three teams had a winning chance, but the seniors went in as underdogs,” he said.
“There was a big question mark over the seniors if they could do it. We knew we were going home with two cups anyway, but the third one really put the icing on the cake.
“We finished fourth that year and had to do it the hard way. The boys, especially our coach Andrew Bach did a marvellous job. In the end we didn’t have a team of champions or even a champion team, but we did have a champion club.”
Blake remembers grand final day well. he said the final few minutes would have been nervous for the time keepers, as well as the players and supporters.
“It was a big day. I couldn’t bare to watch that last quarter. Then when Casper kicked that goal to put us three points in front, everyone was just waiting for that bloody siren. Within minutes, we were singing the theme song which was an amazing feeling.
“I didn’t understand football really, I am happy to admit that, but I can say through my involvement as president for two years in 1995 and 1996, I met a lot of wonderful people and we had a lot of fun along the way.”
Stawell Football Netball Club will host the reunion celebrations on Saturday at Central Park, starting at 2pm.
All past players have been contacted and most have indicated they will be available to attend the reunion celebrations.
The celebrations will conclude with a dinner and live band upstairs in the clubrooms on Saturday night following Stawell’s clash against Nhill.