For Hawkesdale, it was a day when everything fell perfectly into place as it claimed its first flag in the Port Fairy and District Football League, defeating Penshurst comfortably.

Then playing-coach Dan Darmody said it was a major triumph, especially considering Hawkesdale had to overcome the team which defeated it in the second semi-final just two weeks prior, as well as the final round of the home and away season.

After the narrow semi-final loss, Hawkesdale bounced back against Yambuk in the preliminary final and set out as a team on a mission when it got its chance against Penshurst again in the decider.

“Looking back, it was probably the determination (which set us up for the win),” Darmody said.

“After being so good all they year and then losing the second semi-final and meeting Penshurst in the grand final, we were very determined to show we were the better side.

“We went away and won by about 10 goals.”

Hawkesdale’s Peter Annett was best on ground that day, performing strongly in the ruck and marking well around the ground.

Darmody, now 76, said the breakthrough flag was a “big relief” for everyone around the club and its supporters who had waited so long to see their side salute in a grand final.

The Eagles are set to host a 50-year premiership reunion this Saturday when the Hawkesdale-Macarthur men of 2016 host SMW Rovers at Hawkesdale Recreation Reserve.