The Warrnambool Seahawks’ fan favourite secured his first Big V championship on Saturday night, sinking a crucial triple in the final three minutes of their 96-85 game two grand final series win against Casey Cavaliers.

Gainey, 33, arrived in Warrnambool as an import but soon found himself entrenched in the south-west –marrying, having four children and becoming an Australian citizen.

The classy playmaker said he was thrilled to be a part of Seahawks’ history.

”The boys played well, had a good game plan and we got the result we wanted, so I’m happy to be a champ,” Gainey said. 

“We’ve been close eight of the 10 years and couldn’t get over the line and this year we finally got there.”

Gainey, who finished the series decider with eight points and 10 rebounds, took a moment to enjoy his last-quarter three-pointer.

“I was just happy to see it go down,” he said.

“We were on a bit of a run and I reckon that shot helped put us over the line, so I am very happy with it.”

Seahawks captain Nathan Sobey said the title – the club’s first since 1998 – was for people such as Gainey.

“I am just so happy for him, happy for the club... all the board down, they’ve done such a great job all year making it easier for us,” he said.

Seahawks president Jacob Sobey agreed.

“It is great for someone like Tim Gainey, who has stuck by this club through thick and thin,” he said.