Koroit faithfuls are out in force as their senior footballers attempt a record-breaking fifth consecutive senior football premiership in the Hampden League grand final.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The town’s buildings are adorned in red, black and white as residents get behind the senior footballers and the other four teams who are on a quest for premiership glory in Saturday’s games.
The Koroit Football Netball Club has teams in the senior and under 18.5 football and in the open, division 2 and 15 and under netball as they #striveforfive premierships.
Mickey Bourke's Koroit Hotel publican Bruce Murley said they had decorated the hotel for the past six years.
“It’s very important for a little town for all the businesses to get behind them and show their colours, especially the hotel,” Mr Murley said. “A lot of players come here for a drink and a meal as well as the supporters and their families.”
He said the finals were a hot topic in the hotel and the club’s premiership quest “was really big for the whole town.”
“They’ve been a strong club and they do it well. The whole town’s behind them.
“It’s a really great achievement for a footy club to be up the top for six years. Normally they get to the top and fall down but Koroit is still going strong and we hope to next year as well.
“We wish them all the best from Mickey Bourke’s.”
Koroit Newsagency owner Bob Shanahan said there were balloons, streamers and signs on shop verandahs, windows and houses and the feeling around the town was positive.
He said his newsagency was decorated and expected an increase of sales of balloons and streamers ahead of Saturday’s game.
“It’s wonderful,” Mr Shanahan said. “Everyone’s confident and there’s no reason why they can’t win.
“Koroit is going for five in a row which, from what I’m told, will be a record in the Hampden League. For such a small community that comprises of local lads, it’s a wonderful achievement for all the people involved. It’s a team effort.”
He said there would be a bumper crowd on the day and hopes the town will be celebrating a string of premierships on Saturday night. “Fingers crossed,” Mr Shanahan said.
St Patrick’s Primary School Koroit principal Mark Moloney said the school yard would be a sea of red, black and white on Friday for its footy colours day which concludes with a rendition of the Koroit club theme song. “All the kids know the words,” he said. “There’s a bit of excitement.”
He said families with a strong Koroit affiliation attended the school. “We’ve got Dobsons, Fosters, O’Sullivans, O’Connors and McLarens.
“It’s a very family-oriented club and we’re lucky enough to have a lot of those families in the school.”
Mr Moloney said the grand final excitement was great for the town.
“Koroit has always had a strong sense of identity, and with the football and netballers being successful it fosters that sense of identity and community and belonging.
“There's certainly a buzz around the town and the kids are right into it.”
