By Nick Creely
Even in late February as Pakenham were in the middle of their pre-season training, coach Ash Green understood that the pressure was always going to come for his club in the inaugural season of AFL Outer East.
A club with as rich a history as any in country football in a town that is growing by the year will always have a certain tag of expectation and pressure to deliver.
“We’re a bigger town than the other teams we’ll be playing, so there will be a bit of pressure on us I would have thought,” he told the Gazette at the time.
“We’re under no illusions that we’ll play some great teams, but we’re a work in progress.”
But these 2019 Lions have almost exceeded even its wildest dreams – perhaps even Green’s – in a season that has seen them return with a bang after years out of the spotlight.
It’s come down to belief, and a complete buy-in from all involved from the senior group, reserves and under 18 sides.
In fact, all three of these sides will now play in grand finals, an extraordinary achievement, and one to not be overlooked
When fast forwarding to Sunday’s bursting change rooms as the Lions booked its place in the Division 1 grand final, that raw, pure emotion of getting Pakenham back to where it belongs was evident on the face of the coach, who has guided the club through a tough trot and never waivered in his belief.
In this game in particular, his coaching talent was on display, making some absolutely golden moves that have made his side even more unpredictable.
Emotion-filled and poignant to a tee, Green’s words seemed to ring true in the aftermath of its preliminary final victory, labelling it a proud moment and one to savour for a group that’s come so far, in such a short space of time.
“I’m just proud of not only the players, but also of this club,” he said as a pin-drop came over the rooms.
“We were disappointing last week, and we were hurting, but the guys – especially in that first quarter – were excellent.
“It was a great contest, and really physical, and I’ve had a few guys down in the sense of injuries and that sort of stuff, but the physicality, guts and determination typifies what we are as a footy club.”
Green – with his eyes fixed firmly on his players – told his group to embrace the occasion that is a grand final, and to enjoy the experience while wearing the Lion jumper with pride.
“It’s a super exciting week, and it is so important to also have all three grades in the grand final as well,” he said.
“It’s important we recover well, and this week is just about enjoying it – we will really look forward to this week, and this game.”
Green paid tribute to many of his senior players, who stood up when the heat came late in the game, and many of his emerging players, who took the game on and gave a glimpse into both the past and the present, before thanking the fans, members and the entirety of the club for getting behind the Lions.
