ARARAT Eagles have broken through for the side’s first win in two years, sparking celebrations at the club that spilled over into early Sunday morning.
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The 11.19 (85) to 10.6 (66) win against Great Western put an end to a long run of losses at the club.
Heading into the game, Eagles coach Brian Jenkins knew it was a great opportunity for his side, given Great Western had also been struggling.
It was not going to be easy for either side as Great Western was looking to bounce back from a disappointing performance against Moyston-Willaura in round 13.
The Lions started the match well, before the Eagles managed to jump on top in the second quarter.
Momentum again swung the way of the home side in the third quarter, allowing Great Western to hold a slender three-point lead at three-quarter time.
The Eagles ran home with a wet sail as the side kicked 4.6 (30) to 1.2 (8) in the final term to start the celebrations.
Eagles president Anthony McRoberts said the game see-sawed throughout before his side kicked away at the end.
“It was absolute 100 per cent dedication from everyone on the field,” he said.
“There were no passengers out there.
“You could say such and such did this or you could point a to a moment here or there but it was a real team effort.”
McRoberts did say that Brent Bulger’s five goals on his birthday were important in the win.
Inaccuracy has been a problem for Ararat all season and again it threatened to cost the side at times.
McRoberts said the team probably could have had two or three wins at if they had kicked straighter.
The team had no problems remembering the song after the win and went on to celebrate well into the night, leaving McRoberts to clean up on Sunday morning.
“I’d just like to congratulate Brian Jenkins and all of the players,” he said.
“Thanks for all of our supporters who came out to celebrate. It was like a grand final for us.”
Ararat play second-placed Wickliffe-Lake Bolac in round 15.
Great Western take on the Bombers at Penshurst.