Romsey’s journey to premiership glory started with the team gathering on the ground an hour before its opening-round match in the Riddell District Football League.
The players said then and there that the premiership was the goal desired to honour Phil Littlewood, an assistant coach with the club last year who died in the off season.
It was a testament to the impact Littlewood had on the players and coach Dean Helmers.
“We made a pact with each other that we would win a premiership for him,” Helmers said. “We vowed to meet in the same circle after the grand final, and we got to toast his memory.”
OUR RDFL GRAND FINAL COVERAGE
Picture gallery: RDFL grand final: Romsey v Diggers Rest
Romsey senior premiers after beating Diggers Rest
Diggers rue another one that got away
Sunbury Kangaroos win reserves premiership
Picture gallery: Sunbury Kangaroos v Riddell reserves grand final
For Helmers, Sunday’s result was the final piece of the puzzle for the Redbacks, who went through the season undefeated.
“I had a good list of players but it’s a long season,” he said. “It’s a matter of whether we can keep winning all that time.
“It’s probably surprised a lot of people that we achieved that goal. If you don’t have goals, you can’t achieve them.”
Helmers said a lot had changed since he arrived at the club in 2012, and he was proud of all the players and club as a whole.
Despite his side having a lead of three of four goals for most of the second half, Helmers said at no point did he think the win was assured.
He said Diggers Rest was a well-coached side that made the Redbacks work hard for their win.
“I rate their list really highly, but the list isn’t everything,” he said.
“We never felt home at any stage. Even with two minutes to go it was game on.
“We would get out to a four-goal lead and they would peg you back every time. It’s what has happened the last two times we played them. Full credit to them and full credit to my boys.”
After hinting, after the side’s semi-final win, that he wouldn’t continue on in the role next season – citing travel and time considerations – Helmers said he would like to return for an attempt at back-to-back cups.
“I said to the guys in the rooms I’d be more than happy to stick around,” he said after the grand final.
“A few weeks ago I had it in mind that I couldn’t see myself doing it again.
“But if they’re happy for me to coach on, I’ll be here.”
