SEVEN-time Koroit premiership player Ben Goodall says the Saints’ whole-of-club approach is key factor in their success.
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Goodall, 33, will play on in 2018, eager to help the Hampden league powerhouse strive for a history-breaking fifth consecutive flag.
The classy midfielder-forward is one of six Saints to have played in their four straight premierships – a feat achieved on Saturday when they knocked over Port Fairy at Reid Oval.
His teammates Isaac Templeton, Dallas Mooney, Taylor Mulraney, Joe McLaren and Jeremy Hausler have also played in the four-peat.
Goodall was quick to praise the Koroit hierachy and its loyal supporter base after the 21-point victory.
“As players we’ll get the pats on the backs and the credit for it, but we have a lot of people who work really hard to make sure our club remains at the top,” he said.
“I think we’ve played finals 20 consecutive years, five grand finals in a row for four wins.
“A lot of people will sit back tonight really satisfied and know that they’ve played a part in this.”
Goodall said that community mindset and the enjoyment he garnered from playing each week made him want to extend his career.
“I love it. You’re a long time retired I guess,” he said.
“I am 33 now and Joe (McLaren’s) nearly 40 and he’s only pulled the pin now, so hopefully if the body stays right I can get through pre-season and get through some games.”
Goodall believes Koroit’s commitment helped it grind out its win over Port Fairy – a side which had its measure two weeks ago in the second semi-final.
“The boys are as motivated as they’ve ever been and we worked really hard,” he said.
“We had a new coach at the start of the year (in Chris McLaren) and people sort of forget that at times.
“Losing two of our first three, it took time for us to play the style of footy that we wanted to play but we felt like we were getting better all year.
“And with six to eight weeks left, we were probably training four nights a week, just hoping with the work we put in that we’d get the reward in the end.
“It’s a great feeling. It’s great for me but it’s probably about Chris being the coach, it was probably about (first-time premiership players) Tim McIntyre and Lachie Rhook – that’s where we get our motivation from.”