By JARROD POTTER
JARED Goldsack is no stranger to grand-final success, but admits the latest premiership medal might just be his favourite yet.
Following his 2009 premiership success captaining Pakenham, his third with the Lions, Goldsack, 31, has been a bit of a nomad – heading over to Dubai for work before playing with Scoresby last season and finally settling with Balwyn this year.
It was a premiership-winning move for the defender – with the Tigers’ claiming a 40-point victory over Noble Park in the Eastern Football League grand final on Saturday.
As the end of his career looms, Goldsack was thrilled to win another premiership and be part of the action in the twilight of his playing days.
“It’s right up there,” Goldsack said.
“Obviously as you get older you appreciate them more.
“I’m 31 now so I really appreciate this one and there’s not many years left, so you really got to take note, sit back and enjoy it.”
With Balwyn’s rampage snaring them the minor premiership and a 17-1 record, Goldsack knew all the Tigers had to do was use the ball well and victory was theirs for the taking.
“We’ve been the best side this year, probably say that comfortably, but it was just getting those hit-up targets and getting hands on the footy and using it,” he said.
“We know we use the ball well as long as we use those hit up targets you can’t really defend against it.”
While he didn’t prize his own game too highly – with the ball hardly travelling down the defensive end with Balwyn midfielders Rennie Gilchrist, Taylor Gilchrist and Shane Tregear among a large stockpile of talented players down at Cherry Road.
“Not too bad – I was a little bit quiet down back, but when you win by so much I suppose you don’t always get those opportunities,” Goldsack said.
“Just sit back in awe of the players we’ve got – we’ve got some stars in this side.
“If one goes down another steps up – so it’s very nice and very good for us.”
Balwyn claimed back-to-back premierships with a 17.14 (116) to 11.10 (76) win over Noble Park.
