THE footballing gods have a way of smiling on those less fortunate than others.
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In his 24 previous matches entering Saturday’s grand final, veteran defender Chris McLaren hadn’t kicked a goal.
He tore his quad in Koroit’s qualifying final win over North Warrnambool Eagles on August 30 and was given little chance of playing again this season. But hours of lonely sessions at the beach, a variety of medical treatments and sheer determination ensured he returned to Koroit’s side for the grand final.
Far from fit, he lined up in the forward line.
Fifteen minutes into the first quarter, the ball bounced towards the Saints’ goal, McLaren flung his injured right leg at it and soccered it through for a goal. It was his first goal since round nine last year and just his eighth in the past six seasons, in which he has played 94 games.
McLaren’s tears of joy after the match underlined how close he’d been to missing out on Koroit’s fourth flag in 12 seasons.
The 34-year-old revealed he was less than convincing at training on Thursday night as he battled to overcome a quad strain suffered in the qualifying final three weeks earlier.
“I was only half pace, maybe three-quarter,” he said. “I can’t kick.”
But he mustered one that really mattered as the Saints survived two spirited comebacks by Warrnambool to claim a 16-point upset.
For McLaren, it was his fourth premiership with the club from seven grand final appearances. Just Ben Goodall and he have played in Koroit’s 2003, 2007, 2009 and 2014 flags.
He shared the premiership with his brother Joe, who was impressive on a wing.
Joe McLaren buried his own demons from last year when he felt he was significantly below his best.
“Chris is the reason why I came home,” Joe said of his decision to return from Western Australia after his AFL career finished.
“Now three premierships together … it’s special to play footy with your brother.”
Joe said he was pinching himself after playing in a premiership with players he had coached in the under 18½ side this season.
“I just won a premiership with players I coached this year, Blair McCutcheon, Willem Drew, Jesse White, James Gow. I’m 21 years older than Willem.”