BROCKLESBY-Burrumbuttock clinched their second premiership in the past three years when they staved off a mighty Henty challenge by 14 points at Walbundrie on Saturday.
After leading by 35 points at the 12-minute-mark of the third quarter, a nightmare looked set to unfold for the Saints as Henty slammed on six unanswered goals to grab the lead early in the final term.
But the 2013 premiers regrouped and late goals to Jarrod Hillary and John Roy Williams sealed a remarkable victory.
Co-coach Luke Brauer was almost lost for words as he described a frenetic final quarter.
“Everyone, including us and our supporters, were focusing on them coming back but we thought screw that we need to take the game on,” Brauer said.
“I don’t know what to say.
“They were getting tired and we were getting tired and it shows just what you can do when you knuckle down and believe in yourself.
“We deserve it.
“The boys were incredible how they stayed strong in the last 15 minutes as Henty is a class side.
“It’s bloody unbelievable.”
Brock-Burrum made their run in the second quarter to lead by 14 points at half-time and a blow-out looked on the cards as the margin ballooned to almost six goals in the third.
Wingman John Roy Williams continually broke the lines, Luke Schilg was precise with everything he touched, Luke Brauer won his share of stoppages and Jarrod Hillary provided a focal point.
But Henty refused to roll over and willed itself back into the contest with the move of Heath Ohlin into the centre proving the catalyst.
Roy Jaques and Matt Liddle came alive in attack and, when Ohlin snapped a goal at the 10-minute-mark of the final term, the Swampies were in front.
The Saints found another gear however and kicked four of the final five goals of the match through Nico Sedgwick, Hillary (two) and Williams to claim the silverware.
Brauer said Brock-Burrum never doubted themselves to run out the game.
“’Schilgy’ had only played one game in six weeks and a few of us had missed some footy late in the year but out fitness is good and I thought we had more left in us,” he said.
“It’s always good to respond when you are challenged.”
Henty youngster Josh Singe and forward Jonny Mercuri were struck down by hamstring injuries in the opening quarter, while Shannon Terlich bravely played on with a foot problem.
“We gave it everything but just came up short,” Swampie coach Josh Gaynor said.
