Shaun Bergin’s legacy continues to drive Balwyn in the Eastern Football League

The framed No. 68 jumper of Shaun Bergin travels with the Tigers to every away game and is placed in the change rooms as the 23rd man.

Outgoing coach Dan Donati, who joined the club in the aftermath of Bergin’s passing, said he had no doubt Bergin’s legacy was part of the reason for the Tigers’ reign at the top of the EFL.

Bergin, 26, passed away in 2011 after suffering head injuries in a marking contest in the Tigers’ semi-final against Blackburn.

The Tigers gathered in a circle and paused for a moment’s silence in the middle of Bayswater Oval after Saturday’s game to remember the former Tiger, who was in just his first year at the club.

Bergin’s parents were also at the game to see another Balwyn premiership.

“I’m a true believer of what that did in 2012 and the spirit that was around,” Donati said.

“One hundred per cent, I’ve got no doubt that he has played a huge role in what has happened in the past five years at this footy club.”

Balwyn regrouped in 2012 to win a premiership from outside the top-three, kick starting one of the most dominant eras in EFL history.

Four-time premiership captain Rennie Gilchrist, who was made captain when Donati joined the club, said he wanted Bergin’s legacy to be ongoing at the club.

“We’ve always wanted to make sure that Shaun’s legacy was carried on through different years,” Gilchrist said.

“We inform all the new guys of exactly what happened and exactly what it meant to us.

“He was just the type of guy that all he wanted to do was play with his mates and win with his friends.

“It wasn’t about him or winning individual awards, he didn’t care about how many kicks he got, he just loved being around people and loved winning with his friends.”