Then he jumped on a plane and returned home to his wife and newborn.

It was a big couple of days for Leeton-Whitton defender Neil Irwin, who almost never made it to Narrandera Sportsground for the Riverina League grand final.

His wife Jessica gave birth to their third child on Friday morning. He took her home on Saturday morning, then jumped on a chartered flight to play his final game of football.

“It was last minute. She had the baby yesterday and had to stay overnight,” Irwin explained.

“I took her home at 10.30 this morning and then caught the plane the club organised for me.”

Irwin travelled from Canberra with Toby Conroy for the last three years and was thrilled to help end the Crows’ premiership drought.

“Fantastic. The best three years and all worth it to see everyone’s face,” he said.

“Unfortunately I can’t be in Leeton tonight because I’m going home but the party’s going to be amazing. It will be fantastic.”