IN the last quarter in the Nepean Division grand final between Frankston Bombers and Sorrento last Saturday week, Bombers coach Tony Blackford turned to the time clock and had yet another glance at the minutes remaining.
His side was four goals in front and his full-back all season, Jeremy Waixel, had just kicked his first goal. It was at this stage that 'Blackers' looked across to the 3RPP commentary box, gave a very satisfied grin and pumped his fist.
A couple of minutes later, tears began to roll down his cheeks as some of his charges came from the field, the massive and parochial crowd cheering them off as they continued their rotations. They were embracing their leader on the boundary line, knowing that they were about to experience the ultimate achievement - being part of a premiership. It was the realisation of a dream for many.
Frankston Bombers fans have done it tough in grand finals. So have the hard-working committee and the players, while partners are there to pick up the pieces.
Their previous three grand final appearances all resulted in losses. Frankston Bombers needed a change - culturally and list-wise. They needed a strong and committed group of off-field leaders who would sing from the same hymn book as the coaching team and playing group.
MPNFL legend Chris Bull and Frankston Bombers' lifeblood Chris 'Batty' Sharman took the place by the scruff of the neck and went after the man they believed could bring the club that elusive premiership.
Tony Blackford had been there once before as coach and couldn't bring home the bacon in the early 2000s, losing to Mt Eliza in the grand final.
It burned deep inside of him. Blackers was a favourite son, a premiership player in the same year as he won the league medal. It was the Bombers' last flag. He won a flag as playing coach at Berwick and Sorrento, worked under Brett Lovett at Frankston Dolphins for three years and had the utmost respect of the football community.
Things needed to be done differently and the group that had led the Bombers on their previous journeys was not necessarily the same one that could lead them to where they wanted to be in 2009. As a result, the Bombers lost some players (and supporters) along the way.
There was plenty of work being done behind the scenes, the Bombers forming long-term ties with Frankston Rovers, which was a massive step for both clubs. On-field, the first two months were tough. With that came the sniping. The coach was being questioned. Could he communicate with the players? Was his game style conducive to local football? Were the recruits to the club disruptive to the existing list?
The list eventually sorted itself out, players walked, game plans were tweaked, players took ownership and the Bombers were eventually up and running by May 28 against Tyabb.
A lot of players were given an opportunity this season at the Bombers, 39 playing senior football.
Eventually, that list was broken down to the 22 that ran out on to the field last Saturday week, now wearing premiership medals around their neck for the rest of their lives.
Blackford and his supportive off-field team never lost faith in their plan.
They knew where they wanted to get the team and were well aware of how to get it there.
People questioned Frankston Bombers' tough six weeks leading into the grand final and the extra hard training they had endured in preparation. Were they going to burn out?
It was all part of the ultimate plan - to have 22 players, a coaching team, backed by a loyal group of passionate supporters, a hard-working committee and supportive wives and girlfriends, celebrating the only real football prize - the premiership.
Question the path the Bombers took as much as you like, the prize they have so desperately been screaming out for was finally delivered.
In addition, the executive and committee was rewarded for its vision by being awarded 'best administered club' as well as winning the club championship. The reserves finished runners-up and the under-18s lost the second semi-final to the eventual premier by 12 points. Premierships are about everyone pulling in the same direction - coaches, players, committee, supporters and their respective partners. The catchcry from the Bombers in the lead-up was 'live forever'. The 2009 premiership will live forever at Frankston Bombers Football Club and everyone involved can take ownership of it.
In the reserves, Rye played committed, tough football to beat Frankston Bombers comfortably. It was the fourth grand final in five years for the Demons and their second premiership. Kyle Jennings has been a premiership captain, now he is a premiership coach.
In the under-18s, Somerville was clearly the best side in the competition all season, going through the year undefeated. They continued that throughout the finals series, winning the premiership against Red Hill.
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