KOROIT is preparing to field a side without its reliable number nine running around in 2018 after long-time Saint Joe McLaren retired on a winning note.
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The former AFL footballer, 39, bowed out with a sixth Hampden league premiership on Saturday.
He was one of only six players to play in the club’s league record-equalling four-peat from 2014-17.
“I am pretty emotional right now. It’s very surreal,” he said on Reid Oval after the Saints’ 21-point win over traditional rival Port Fairy.
“I am very proud to be a part of the Koroit footy club right now.
“It’s an amazing club and the people off the field and the boys on the field, the work they put in, they deserve everything they get.”
McLaren, who played alongside younger brother Chris in the win, said the Saints struggled to shake the Seagulls.
“It was a pretty tight game. Both sides cracked in pretty hard,” he said.
“We probably just defended a bit better in the end and the boys in the middle of the ground, their centre clearance stuff was outstanding.
“Credit to Port Fairy, what they’ve been able to achieve this year, I take my hat off to them.
“I know the (defeated) feeling they’re going through right now.”
Justine McCullagh-Beasy
Sports journalist with an interest in feature reporting. Email: justine.mc@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Sports journalist with an interest in feature reporting. Email: justine.mc@austcommunitymedia.com.au
