CALDER United, created from the merger between Wycheproof Narraport and Nullawil, has won the North Central football senior premiership in its first year.
The Lions took out the flag with a 10-point win over Birchip-Watchem, which went through the home-and-away season undefeated but faltered in the finals.
The merged club’s victory was an uncanny repeat of 1964, when Wycheproof Narraport won the league premiership in its first year as a combine side.
The Bulls got off to a strong start and had a two-goal lead at half-time, with century goalkicker Ben Edwards having already booted five.
However, Calder blitzed them in the third quarter with five goals to one – good enough to set up the win in a low-scoring match, with Edwards held goalless in the second half.
Co-coach Jordan Humphreys left the field with a hamstring injury in the first quarter, and three other players were forced from the field by the end of the match, making the Lions’ 11.14 to 10.10 victory all the more meritorious.
Birchip Watchem will rue its two losses for the season coming in the finals against Calder after looking to be the likely flag winners throughout the year. Steve Kennedy and Zac Caccaviello were named as best-afield for the winners, while Ben Lakin and Meyrick Buchanan were best for Birchip Watchem.
Both of the Bulls stars were later named in the North Central Team of the Year.
There was a record crowd on Saturday at Wedderburn’s Donaldson Park, which was in great order for the football and netball grand finals, and best-ever gate takings of almost $46,000.
Calder United also saluted in the reserves over Birchip Watchem, marking a superb first season for the club.
The Lions raced to a five-goal lead at the first change and cruised to a 34-point win.
Calder was dominant all season, losing just once on the way to the flag and finishing three games ahead of the Bulls on the ladder.
Sea Lake Nandaly won the Under 17s premiership with a 23-point triumph over Boort.
The Magpies kicked the first score of the match, a behind, but were always playing catch up after the Tigers booted the first two goals.
Boort got within five points in the third quarter, but Sea Lake steadied to kick the next five goals for a 10.7 to 7.2 final score.
THE young Saints have written themselves into the history books.
St Arnaud’s under 14 North Central football premiership came after commanding victory over Boort at Wedderburn’s Donaldson Park. 
From the opening bounce, the Saints’ intensity, teamwork, and skill made it clear they were determined to bring the cup home.
The Saints opened strongly, with Finn Wilson converting the first major of the game after two early behinds. Their midfield pressure restricted Boort’s movement forward, while Wilson quickly added a second goal. The margin was soon extended the margin, and the Saints went into quarter time full of confidence, 18 points up.
Boort hit back in the second quarter with two goals, but the Saints responded immediately through Isaac Johns, who capped off a brilliant chain of play through the centre. 
At the main break, the Saints held a 19-point lead and looked in control.
After the break, the Saints pressed harder. Arley Reyne slotted a goal, before Wilson added to his tally with another. A precise kick from Duncan Kirk found Arley, who passed to Wilson for his fourth, while Charlie Kirk linked up with Jack Wait for another. With every contest, the Saints looked more assured.
The coaches urged their players to keep the intensity high in the final term, and the Saints did just that. Wilson, unstoppable all day, booted his fifth goal to seal a best-on-ground performance. 
The Saints finished strongly, leaving no doubt about their supremacy.
Wilson’s five-goal haul was the standout in a stellar display, earning him best player of the match. Around him, Johns, Reyne, and both Kirks also made vital contributions in a team performance for the ages.
As the final siren sounded, Saints captain Chase Hendy joined coaches Tyson Johns and Dan Greenaway to lift the cup.