’VICTORY FOR THE TOWN’
TIM Goddard says Barwon Heads’ fifth senior premiership is a “victory for the town”.
Basking in the glory post match, president Goddard said Saturday’s triumph was a reward for the dedicated volunteers who are the lifeblood of the club.
“This is fantastic for the club, the town and the players,” Goddard said moments after the team belted out the theme song following a 14point win over Torquay.
“There’s relief after last year … we’ve been through a lot over the years, this club.
“We’ve come from a long way back and so many people have done so much.
“The players and the coaches have been enormous.
“Timmy Armstrong built the club back up and all the presidents from back in the day have helped us achieve this.
“All their work matters. This doesn’t happen by accident. It’s awesome and we’re going to soak it up. It’s awesome for the town.”
Goddard has been instrumental off the field, galvanising a club and steering a oncepowerful entity back to prominence.
But the typically humble president was reluctant to take credit for Saturday’s droughtbreaking win, instead lauding the work of his tireless committee.
“It means an awful lot, but I don’t matter, it’s the club that matters,” Goddard said.
“I don’t take any credit for this, I don’t think like that. I just think it’s so good for the previous presidents and previous committees and all the members and all the supporters over the years. This is relief and joy for all of them.
“I’m at the helm now, but this cup is all on the back of the hard work of others. It’s a lot of hard work by a lot of people.”
Goddard has dedicated an enormous amount of time at Howard Harmer Oval, but the hardworking, passionate football man would not get caught up in his contribution to the club.
“I put in what it takes and I don’t get bothered by the numbers (of hours),” Goddard said.
“It’s pretty much a 24-7 thing. You’re always thinking about it, you always want the best for the players, support staff and the coaches.
“I just tend to ask, ‘How can I help? How can I help you enjoy it more? It’s not about me, this is a collective.”
Goddard admitted the heartache of last season’s losing grand final had been a driving force behind the club’s success, having squandered a golden opportunity to win a flag. “Last year was so surreal because we went through the season six lengths in front of the rest of the competition and the feeling was it was just going to happen,” he said.
“Geelong went through it in ’08 and thought they’d win and we thought we’d win, but we come across a good side in Modewarre who stifled our run.
“We had our chances, we were devastated, but we made a grand final. It was a big thing for the club and the town.
“We reviewed it, we looked at what we needed to do to get better. We brought in an experienced off-field coach in Troy Mitchell, new players, but all the work we had done previously was what mattered.
“The building blocks were set long before this season.
“We came here and won it, beating a team on their home ground … it’s amazing.
“I’m a bit stunned, to be honest, but we’re here and
M. Phelps 3, B. Harvey 2, O. Opperman, B. Close, N. Aulsebrook, B. Eddy, C. Martin, M. Philp, J. McLauchlan, M. Herbison.
C. Currie 3, J. Heathcote 3, M. Deledio 2, P. McMahon 2.
Z. Walter, R. Harvey, M. Herbison, M. Phelps, O. Opperman, K. Polley.
D. Gleeson, J. Saker, N. Garner, B. Raidme, A. Burchell, S. Wormald. we’ve done it. We’re just glad we’ve won a premiership. It’s for everyone, the players, the coaches, the supporters, the town … everyone.”
Goddard is hopeful Saturday’s win is the “start of something”, but he’s eager to celebrate before turning his attention to next season and beyond.”
“We’ll enjoy this win and we’ll see what happens in the off-season,” Goddard said.
“We look forward to recruiting in the summer period. We think we’re a destination club now, we’re a good town and a bloody good footy club.
“You can’t wipe the smile off my face. Look at the people, look how happy they are.
“It’s a great time to be involved and it’s so good for so many people.”