ETHYN Zimmer and his younger brother Tauryan grew up wanting to play in a Koroit premiership. On Saturday they achieved it, in Ethyn’s case, more than 20 years after he first wore the club’s colours.
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The 31-year-old relocated from Queensland halfway through 2012 with one goal in mind — to help his childhood club and younger sibling win a Hampden league flag.
“It’s the best feeling in the world,” Ethyn said as he and Tauryan shared a celebratory beer in the rooms.
“I moved home from Queensland for this. I knew I only had two or three years left to come back and play with Taury and try and get some success. To get so close last year and win it this year, it’s a dream come true.”
Ethyn couldn’t hide his delight standing on the boundary line when the final siren sounded.
“I was jumping up and down like a lunatic,” he said.
“I started looking for Taury.
“It’s what we’ve always wanted since we were kids. It’s just a dream come true. It’s just the best feeling.”
Ethyn, who kicked the first goal of the game with a pinpoint set shot from 35 metres out on a slight angle, said the win was all about his teammates.
“I’m happy with my finals form, but just to have the team play well was my main goal.” Tauryan, who moved home to Koroit after eight years in Queensland, was rapt Ethyn was alongside him in the premiership team.
“It’s great, it’s pretty surreal,” he said.
The 25-year-old said his older brother had helped him negotiate some tough times off the field and made a big decision to follow him home to continue that support.
Tauryan revealed his week had been far from calm. Coach Adam Dowie told him on Tuesday night he would have the hardest job in the competition, playing on Warrnambool’s power forward Sam Cowling.
“I had nightmares,” he said.
“I probably had one hour’s sleep. Cowling was in my dreams. I knew it’s a job someone had to do and you just have to do it.”
grbest@fairfaxmedia.com.au