MOUNT Pleasant\u2019s premiership-winning coach Adam Baird said self-belief and work rate were key factors in winning this year\u2019s Bendigo Bank Heathcote DFNL senior footy cup.<\/p>\n
The Toolleen-based Blues capped an incredible run from an elimination final to defeat Heathcote in the grand final at Huntly\u2019s Strauch Reserve.<\/p>\n
After being down by three goals early in the contest, Mount Pleasant was within a point of the Saints going into the final quarter before hundreds of fans.<\/p>\n
In less than 15 minutes, Mounts raced to a four-goal lead and went on to record a 79-60 victory in a classic contest.<\/p>\n
A year earlier the Blues were runners-up to Lockington Bamawm United.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo win this grand final means so much,\u201d Baird said of the club\u2019s 20th senior premiership.<\/p>\n
The Blues\u2019 run began by beating Leitchville Gunbower in the elimination final and was followed by wins against North Bendigo and White Hills.<\/p>\n
Baird said the Blues were not fazed by the challenge of a must-win scenario across four consecutive weekends.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a special group. There is a lot of talent in this team, but just as importantly was their workrate in all of the finals matches,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Mounts also played all of the finals series without gun forward and co-coach Ben Weightman because of a back injury.<\/p>\n
\u201cEach game we had a few players step up to kick multiple goals. It was a case of what we had on the field, not what we hadn\u2019t,\u201d Baird said of Mount Pleasant\u2019s mindset.<\/p>\n
The Blues also celebrated double premiership success on the netball court as the 17-under and 15-under teams were victorious by margins of two and six goals.<\/p>\n
Just as the footy team had done, the Blues had fought their way from an elimination final to be the 17-and-under champions.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
MOUNT Pleasant\u2019s premiership-winning coach Adam Baird said self-belief and work rate were key factors in winning this year\u2019s Bendigo Bank Heathcote DFNL senior footy cup. The Toolleen-based Blues capped an incredible run from an elimination final to defeat Heathcote in the grand final at Huntly\u2019s Strauch Reserve. After being down by three goals early in […]<\/p>\n