THREE must be Garfield’s magic number.
After winning flags in 1963, 1983 and 1993, the Stars lined up against the reigning Ellinbank and District Football League premiers Bunyip on Saturday afternoon as rank outsiders.
But their famous never-say-die spirit once again shone through, capturing the 2013 premiership to a rapturous ovation from the diehard fans that made the trek out to Warragul’s Western Park.
Though the Stars lost just one game in the home and away season, Bunyip annihilated them by 85 points in the semi-final.
The Bulldogs beat Garfield in last year’s grand final, too, and it would have been all-too-easy for the boys in the yellow and green to bow to the pressure on Saturday.
But instead, a host of inspiring efforts – from big burly spearhead Daniel Fry, young midfield ace Eddie Morris, injured clearance king Andy Soumilas, and tough-as-nails player-coach Brent Eastwell – saw the Stars shine brightest.
AFL draft hopeful Morris won the VCFL medal as the best player on the ground, while Eastwell announced to the playing group shortly after the game that he was stepping down as coach after a fairy-tale finish to the year.
For more on the EDFL’s showpiece day, turn to the Football liftout.
– RUSSELL BENNETT
