Two flags: Matt Killian celebrates the Bears’ two EFL division 4 premiership wins on Sunday. Picture: Wayne Hawkins
THE Basin veteran Matt Killian had waited 10 years to play in a second grand final - On Sunday he was involved in two of them.
The 32-year old spent his season coaching the Bears reserves and playing in the seniors, so when his seconds won the Eastern Football League division 4 reserves premiership on Sunday, Killian was nowhere to be seen.
Not on the field celebrating, nor in the coaches box shaking hands and not even on the podium when his side lifted their premiership cup. Instead, Killian was with the Bears seniors getting ready for their grand final clash with South Belgrave.
Luckily for Killian, the Bears seniors also won their grand final, allowing him to celebrate at least one of his two premierships for the day. "I never thought this would happen," he said. "It's fantastic. I played in a grand final 10 years ago and never thought I'd get the chance to do it again."
Killian coached the Bears reserves up until three-quarter-time before leaving the side in the hands of his assistant coach and joining the Bears seniors. But he didn't spend all of that time warming up. "I missed the whole last quarter but I kept checking the scores," he said.
After being around during plenty of tough seasons, Killian revelled in the post-game celebrations with his Bears teammates, from both premiership sides.
"I have gone through seasons where we never won a game, now we have won the flag. This is unbelievable," he said.
For more pictures of The Basin's senior and reserves premierships go to http://www.knoxweekly.com.au/story/340273/gallery-efl-division-4-seniors-grand-final-the-basin-v-sou.... and http://www.knoxweekly.com.au/story/340517/gallery-efl-division-4-reserves-grand-final-the-basin-v-fo...
EFL division 4 reserves grand final
The Basin 4.1, 5.1, 9.6, 14.7 (91) Forest Hill 0.1, 2.5, 5.6, 10.6 (66)
Goals: The Basin: S MacKay 6, G Pratt 3, M Thompson 2, L Haslem 1, M Laurito 1, C Adolph 1. Forest Hill: T Burger 3, B Streader 2, C Munro 1 A Warburton 1, D Cincotta 1, J Hall 1, R Di Naccio 1
Best: The Basin: G Pratt, S MacKay, R Fearn, J Thompson, D Makin, B Dahan. Forest Hill: T Burger, J Hall, A Pudney, R Di Naccio, W. Stoneham, A Bennett..