"A fair growth in a short time."
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This is how Sebastopol coach Leigh Hutchinson sees what has been nothing less than a meteoric rise by the Burra.
It is hard to argue with this as Sebastopol prepares for a qualifying final against East Point at the Eastern Oval on Saturday.
Two years ago Sebastopol was struggling.
Few could have imagined, not even the most diehard Burra supporters, how quickly it would rise up the Ballarat Football League ranks.
The blue and golds had finished better than ninth only once in the years since a grand final appearance in 2000 - seventh with seven wins in 2002.
In the 11 seasons leading up to 2018, Sebastopol had finished either 10th or 11th.
Shane Snibson was in charge for three years before the arrival of Hutchinson last season.
He was responsible in overseeing major developments off the field to put the club in a much more professional place.
While satisfied with the progress made in these areas, Snibson left disappointed at the end of 2017 that the Burra had not reached the level of performance he had wanted to see.
A foundation had been laid.
If it was going to be transferred to on-field though, an influx of recruits was going to be needed.
With the arrival of Hutchinson, this is exactly what happened.
In came Tony Lockyer, James Keeble, Lachie Cassidy, Matt Austin and Nick Hausler via the disbanded North Ballarat Roosters in the VFL to join the likes of exciting forward Michael Powell and AFL-experienced Brett Goodes, and a solid base of largely honest homegrown talent.
Watch the Burra belt out the song after their most recent win.
These were the first major pieces in the puzzle and it was enough to not only make Sebastopol competitive, but to immediately it take to the brink of finals.
It was a satisfying outcome, but at the same time disappointing to have missed out on making the top six.
Add other ex-Roosters Luke Kiel and Toby Thoolen, Sebastopol "old boy" Sam Jenkins and others who chose to join the ride, and the Burra is suddenly now in a premiership window.
It is difficult to find anyone in BFL circles who has not been impressed by Sebastopol's brand of football this season.
Hutchinson said there had been natural growth from another season of being a regular winner.
"It's hard to get out of a big hole the club was in - losing game after game.
"They've been able to begin to believe in themselves."
He said this had been reinforced by the way Sebastopol had worked its way back after a relatively slow start to the season when missing players impacted.
See how Sebastopol bounced back after a slow start this year (click on each club to see how they went).
The Burra lost three of its first four games.
It then won eight of its next nine starts.
"From there we've a pretty solid season," Hutchinson said.
"Really, really pleased with the how its happened and how its worked out."
Hutchinson says improved depth has also played its part.
He said there had been a real development in maturity in all levels of the player group.
"You always want your bottom six to be performing. I think that's been crucial. We've been able to bring players in for one or two games, and they've performed.
"Admittedly they've gone back out, but they've played a role for us and that's been a big improvement from a club point of view."
Now that Sebastopol is there in the finals, it is all about making the most opportunity it has.
Hutchinson said although the tempo and pressure would increase, it would be all about just getting out and doing what they had been doing to get into this position.
"The main thing as a player is to get out there and play.
"It's the pressure that comes up. The game style does not change that much. It's important not to play the game too much in your head beforehand. Keep it as simple as possible."
Hutchinson said getting second position enabled Sebastopol to "have a good crack at it".
He said he would keep this week's preparation as normal as possible.
"Enjoy it. Make sure everyone's ready to go."