Among them were brothers Matt and Jordan Johnston.

Although Matt is in his early 20s, he is still well and truly young in football terms.

As well as youth, he took with him VFL experience with the North Ballarat Roosters into East Point camp.

His arrival at the Eastern Oval and that of his 19-year-old brother Jordan could hardly have work out better for the Kangaroos in their quest for BFL premiership glory.

Matt added some grunt and real exuberance to the midfield, while Jordan some flair and untapped potential straight out of the Greater Western Victoria Rebels program.

As well as the satisfaction of what they contributed, the Johnstons will always be able to reflect on having played in a premiership together after playing alongside each other for the first time.

While there had been no special plan to get to the same destination this year, Matt said it had been great to have the opportunity to play together.

Rfelecting on the two-point win over Melton, Johnston said he always felt East Point could work its way back into the game despite being comprehensively out-played in the first quarter and trailing by up to 29 points in the first half.

He said having come back from 42 points down against North Ballarat City earlier in the finals had given the side belief.

He highlighted the closeness of the group as being important as well in being able to do this.

“I’ve never been part of such a close bunch.”

Johnston echoed coach Jake Bridge’s focus on effort and the rewards which had come for greater effort after half-time.

Jordan Johnston, who was on the Northern Blues VFL list this year, said getting back to working hard and spreading to stretch Melton in the third term had been pivotal in the turn around.

Matt Johnston missed just the game this year, playing 19. Jordan Johnston took part in 17 games, kicking 32 goals.

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