Healesville upsets Olinda Ferny Creek to win its first Yarra Ranges Division 1 flag in 28 years

The Bloods led from the outset in a dour, low scoring grand final and capitalised on their chances as they upset minor premier Olinda Ferny Creek by 21 points, 8.6 (54) to 4.9 (33) in glorious spring conditions at Healesville.

The long-awaited premiership capped a magnificent final series where Healesville beat Wandin twice and played four finals, winning three, on the way to ultimate glory.

Coach Bryan Cole said the September dream the Bloods long dreamt of had come true.

“It was one of those days where everything we tried worked and we got the result,’’ he said.

“I’ve had a game plan for two years and they do it for little patches, but under pressure they’d often fall back to bad habits and today they stuck it out.

“It’s very humbling and it means a lot to everyone here. For blokes like president Felix Fraraccio who’s been here 20 years, the boys who have been here since under-12s, they’ve been through the ringer a bit two years ago in second division but they’ve all stuck at it.”

Best-on-ground Tim Costigan, who was in the reserves a month ago, won the contested ball, one-on-ones and impressed with his spread.

Dylan Anderson shone in his battle with Marcus Hottes, Jack Nugent impressed again and “The Pod” of defenders: Daniel Plozza, Luke Barclay and Casey Adams shone.

Simon Gordon, Rod Woodford and Jason Savage kicked two goals each.

Healesville’s triumph is bursting with terrific tales.

Cole, who has taken the Bloods to a grand final in both his years at the club, finally has a flag from four attempts in his 12-year coaching career.

Veteran Gordon, who debuted in 1994 and came home this year, has the success he’s dreamt of for over 20 years so to returning Brendan Murphy. Heart-and-soul Adams, who’s father Mark played in the ’88 win, recovered from two broken arms this year and snubbed the advice of surgeons to play. There’s the skipper Plozza and Barclay who were huge in the backline and bleed red and white and the brigade of young talent that’s emerged through the club’s ranks.

Gun recruit Peter MacFarlane, who flew in and out of Darwin this season to play, won his 9th flag in his 14th grand final.

Mr September knows what making history this time of year is all about, in 2013 he helped lead Dimboola to it’s first flag in 28 years.