BIG-game players step up when no one expects they can do any more.
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Andrew Balfour, a magnificent servant of the Moyhu Football Club for more than a decade, proved experience is hard to beat after starring in his fifth premiership on Saturday.
The Hoppers skipper repelled attack after attack in Saturday’s two-point grand final win against Tarrawingee and single-handedly saved the day for his side late in the match.
Leading by two points after 28 minutes of the final quarter, Balfour etched his name in Ovens and King folklore after taking a courageous pack mark in defence after going back with the flight of the ball.
The mark was just one inspirational act on a highlights reel for the veteran defender.
“I thought Balf was just magnificent right throughout the game,” Moyhu coach John McNamara said.
“As a captain, you can’t ask for any more and he was certainly very good today.”
Balfour was like a rock in defence for the Hoppers but played down his own performance.
“We’ve finally won a close one so I’m absolutely ecstatic,” Balfour said.
“Everyone had to go hard and they did.
“I was pretty confident once we got in front we’d be right.
“Premierships don’t change, no matter how many you play in.”
McNamara paid credit to his side’s determination after holding on to a slender lead with more than 10 minutes to go in the last quarter.
“We’ve been able to find an extra leg when we are under the pump all year and the boys have been able to dig deep and get themselves over the line,” McNamara said.
