It’s not often that a Reserves grade football premiership would be regarded in such high esteem, but Watchem-Corack’s victory in 1986 is etched into many locals’ memories.
Not only was it the only Reserves flag in the club’s history; it is also remembered in the manner in which it was won.
The Panthers had scraped into the finals by percentage when Birchip knocked out Wedderburn in the last home-and-away game. Having not tasted victory against any of the other sides in the four all season, ultimate success for Watchem-Corack seemed a long way off.
One of the premiership players, David Letts, has penned the following recollections of the finals campaign.
(By David Letts)
Looking back, we had some pretty strong leaders at the club.
Senior coach, Greg Dax had a huge work ethic at training, and our playing coach, Peter Walder, and captain John McConville, both led by example.
Not knowing how deep we could progress into the finals, we all met at the Watchem hotel the morning of the first semi. for an energy-building feed of steak and eggs, and to discuss the game ahead. As we won, we stuck with this ritual throughout the finals!
I remember the build up in the sheds before each final. It was amazing that no-one got hurt; and who could forget the huge cry of “Hoo-ray” bellowing from club stalwart, Darryl Campbell, on returning to the rooms?
Sometimes through defeat you can see the class of others, and it shone through in congratulatory speeches made by Charlton’s playing coach John Tormey after the Navies’ loss in deplorable conditions after the preliminary final, and Donald’s president, the legendary Jeff “Woofa” Guild, in congratulating us after our grand final win.
After our premiership win, and still in our footy gear, I recollect having a celebratory refreshment with team-mate Craig “Cabbage” McCallum, when it was again Darryl Campbell who burst into the change rooms.
“Hurry up, you two; it’s half-time in the seniors, and the Birchip players are on their way in!” he warned.
Starved of success since the heady days when Watchem-Corack had successful senior sides, there was a real buzz around Watchem for weeks.
With long lasting paint, the silos at Litchfield still carry a visible reminder of that day.
More on Watchem-Corack football: Watchem-Corack Revisited
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