Ten days ago, Romsey captain Steve Burlak didn’t think he would be playing in the RDFL grand final, let alone winning a premiership.
After being reported for a bump in the Redbacks’ semi-final win against Riddell, the defender was given a two-game suspension with one match suspended – enough for him to miss the grand final.
“I thought it was a little unfair – I thought I didn’t deserve to get reported for that,” he said.
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“With the way the tribunal works, I wasn’t that confident I would get off.
“The first couple of nights I didn’t really sleep, thinking I was going to miss out on the grand final.”
The Redbacks appealed the decision but had to wait a week for the hearing.
The suspension was eventually thrown out and Burlak was free to play.
“I’m a little exhausted from all that – it’s sort of hard to celebrate too much because of it,’’ he said. ‘‘The emotional exhaustion has set in.”
Burlak’s availability was a massive boost for the Redbacks as they looked to control Diggers Rest’s tall timber.
Midfielder Shaun Austin missed the flag win after hurting his hamstring in the semi-final.
Coach Dean Helmers made special mention of Austin post game.
“Unfortunately he didn’t come up.
“It’s really disappointing for him. I’m sure the boys will get around him.”
