Phelps ‘grateful’ for flag
IT was the sliding doors moment.
With Ocean Grove knocking on the door, Mitch Phelps made a “gut feel” decision to cross the bridge and join Barwon Heads.
It would pay the ultimate dividend, albeit two years later, as Phelps claimed his second senior premiership in five attempts.
“This is very special,” Phelps said in the rooms postmatch.
“I’m just lucky that I’ve come to such a good club and there’s some great people on and off the field. I’m just so grateful to be part of it and this is amazing.
“You can see what it means to everyone — all the old boys and the supporters in the town — that’s why it’s so good.”
Playing another starring role in the grand final with three goals, Phelps played down the tussle between longstanding rivals Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads for his services, despite the Grubbers’ intent to secure the dynamic small forward.
“I entertained the idea when I moved to town, but I wasn’t sure about either club because I hadn’t spent a lot of time down this way,” Phelps said.
“But when it came to the point where I had to make a decision it just felt right to play with Barwon Heads.
“It felt a lot like where I’d come from — not just on the field but off the field — and it’s paid off.”
Having lost two grand finals at Ballarat Football League club Redan prior to the heartache of last year’s loss to Modewarre in the BFL grand final, Phelps admitted he had doubts over his side’s ability to get the monkey off the back.
“You never like to lose, but a lot of the old boys feel it just as much as we do, and that’s what drives you to go again,” Phelps said.
“That was my fifth senior grand final and I haven’t played in a winning one since 2011 — I’ve played in three losing ones since — so they’re not easy to win.
“Going through the loss last year meant the boys knew what it was all about. They felt the hurt and it drove us to get over the line today (Saturday).”