North Ballarat Roosters broke its 12-game VFL losing streak with a 26-point win over Northern Blues, but it meant much more than four points.
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The Roosters financial struggles have been well-documented and its on-field performance has followed suit, with the uncertainty over its future in the VFL competition forever hovering over the heads of all involved at the club.
Coach Marc Greig said Saturday’s 11.9 (75) to 6.13 (49) win at Mars Stadium meant so much to so many people.
Post-match the Roosters’ rooms were filled with familiar faces, the likes of former coach Gerard FitzGerald and his chairman at the time Peter Wilson, the much-respected club figure Marg Richards as well as current chairman John Nevett. But it was an unfamiliar atmosphere that filled the room, a buzz of excitement that only victory can harvest.
Greig said it had been hard to ignore the off-field noise at times this season, but would take the chance to soak up what is a rare winning feeling.
“People tell you to not worry about it, you’re there to play football, but it’s not that simple. Our situation has been there, it’s real, you can’t hide from it,” Greig said.
“The off-field stuff has had varying impacts on different people – that’s the reality. We all take things on board differently and deal with them differently.
“But if we had a weak group and a weak coaching group, things would’ve been a hell of a lot uglier than they have been this year.”
Greig praised his leaders.
Experienced players in Luke Kiel, Tony Lockyer, Lachy George, Andrew Hooper, Nick Rippon, Oliver Tate and co have been influential driving forces in maintaining the club’s morale and blocking out the external noise this year.
Greig said a big part of Saturday’s win was down to its level-headed leaders who have played a major role in what is an otherwise extremely young side.
“The leaders have been heavily invested.
“Everyone’s still been invested in what we’ve been trying to do. We’ve had the right mindset all along...that’s probably been the most positive thing.”