Committee For Lorne: Dolphins win 2018 Seniors Premiership – An Epic Journey

On Saturday last, in appalling conditions; temperatures below 5 degrees, rain, hail and wind, the Lorne Seniors football team led from the start to win the Premiership against their old rival, Birregurra.

It was a wonderful win; Lorne were not the favourites and in 2017, had lost the Grand Final to Birregurra. This was a premiership four years in the making and is a classic example of what happens when attention is paid to all elements of the Club and everyone works together. A new Committee, led by Ken Hosking as President, started the journey towards this Premiership four years ago.

A series of changes over that four year period set the stage for a great outcome on Saturday. New players, focus on the culture of the Club, new coaches, a fully supportive football department and Committee were the elements of change that contributed to Saturday’s win. After the loss to Birregurra last year, there was a very clear focus and intent that 2018 would be different.

Lorne Football & Netball Club began their 2018 campaign in November 2017 with Kane Smartt joining Sam Stavenuiter as joint coach. Former league Best and Fairest and Lorne junior Lewis Hollmer, returned to the club to add much needed fire power to the forward line.

The season kicked off with the traditional “blockbuster” game on Easter Saturday – Lorne vs Birregurra. If you haven’t been to the Easter Saturday game, pencil in the date for 2019; it is an amazing spectacle. You will never see a crowd like that at Stribling Reserve on any other occasion.

You will see and hear Lorne’s Number One Ticketholder, Mike Brady sing a rousing version of “Up there Cazaly”. This Easter Saturday “blockbuster” was yet another initiative of the new Committee and is now a highlight of the season.

On that occasion Birregurra were the winners. Birregurra also won the next time they played Lorne. Lorne only lost one other game for the season; against Simpson. Lorne was in the finals and key player Mark “Chippy” McCormack took out the League’s Best and Fairest for the second year in a row. The stage was set!

There was no question on Saturday that the Lorne team was fired up and hungry for the win. Lorne kicked the first four goals of the grand final with the aid of a strong breeze. In trying conditions, the two best teams then went head to head in a low scoring “arm wrestle” until late in the 4th quarter when Lorne kicked two quick goals to seal the win. Lorne player Steven Oliver was named best on ground in the 21 point win.

In the midst of the celebrations, President Ken Hosking confirmed that, after four years, he was stepping down as President. He also confirmed that in 2019, Jack Hollmer will be coming back to Lorne as coach. Ken is stepping down at a time when the Club is in a great place. A strong, vibrant, inclusive culture, a great player list, another premiership flag and a Club well positioned for the future.

It’s been a long journey but the results are there. Congratulations are due to Ken Hosking and his Committee, the coaches, players and all in the football department and to all who supported the Dolphins in so many different ways.

Here’s to a “back to back” in 2019!