Instead, one of Nagambie’s most prominent stars this season was called on stage to receive the best-on-ground medal, having had the biggest impact on his side’s victory with the sort of showing that has become routine.
Blake Fothergill, a member of Nagambie’s last premiership side in 2019, produced a brilliant grand final performance at the weekend, kicking a goal during his side’s opening blitz and also steadying the ship with a second major in the third term as they went on to win 13.14 (92) to 11.19 (85).
He was instrumental in helping the Lakers close out the victory and stave off a fast-finishing Lancaster, catching the eye of the umpires in the process and earning a deafening cheer when the number 17 was announced as winning the medal.
“Oh, mate, it's unreal,” he said after the final siren.
“I got a taste for it 2019 and it's just been a grind, with pretty much the same group, and a few additions this year.
“To get back here, I mean, I’m just speechless, really.
“All the boys put their body on the line today, and it was close, we had to dig a bit, but everyone's stuck by us and everyone here supporting us really got behind us.
“I’m just happy we got the job done.”
It marks a hugely successful homecoming for Fothergill, a member of both the 2019 triumph and 2023 grand final defeat, with the star taking his talents to the Goulburn Valley League last season.
But he was lured back after the appointment of a club great as coach in the pre-season, and is certainly not regretting that move now.
“I went to (Shepparton) United and had a great time, gained a lot of experience up there,” he said.
“But Anthony Haysom taking the reins back this year, with the addition of a few of his mates from the Swans, I couldn’t look past it.
“And here we are now on the biggest stage of all; we’ve just ticked it off.”
While acknowledging his own performance, Fothergill was also quick to heap praise on the rest of his team-mates, adamant that individual accolades mean nothing without team success.
“It's good to get it, and it’s the cherry on top, but you don't play for them,” he said pf receiving the best-on-ground medal.
“Coming in the only thing I wanted to do today was get that cup held up in the air and the premiership medallion.
“We did that, and I couldn't be more proud of the boys that put the jersey on today.”
