ALBURY midfielder Chris Hyde has written a new chapter in his stunning Tigers career, starring in the grand final win against Yarrawonga at Lavington Oval.
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Hyde, who played 93 AFL games for Richmond, has enjoyed unprecedented success since arriving at the Tigers last season, winning the Did Simpson Medal as best-on-ground in last year's winning grand final, and going close yesterday.
Originally from Barooga, Hyde now has his eyes set on a third consecutive flag with Albury.
"I tell you what, it doesn't get much better than this," he said.
"The twos got up, the B-graders got up, makes for the best night ever. If you bottled this you'd be a millionaire."
Despite just nine kicks, six handballs and a goal, Hyde's composure and attack at the contest were instrumental in the win.
The 28-year-old paid tribute to the club's professionalism, and coach Paul Spargo for a demanding preseason.
"The professionalism and how hard these boys train, it's taken me by surprise," Hyde said.
"The work these guys put in, and it's driven by Spargs because he's a fitness man and he loves that sort of stuff, is unbelievable.
"We train hard, we play hard and we enjoy the good times."
Another enjoying the success is former Myrtleford star Andrew Carey.
Carey, 27, marked almost everything that went his way -- taking five -- to go with eight kicks, a handball and 3.3.
Despite having played with a number of good players at the Saints and interstate, he said he had never played with a group as talented as Albury's.
"Last year and this year are the best group of players I've ever played with; everyone loves each other and everyone plays for each other," Carey said.
The Tigers led by a comfortable 25 points at the last change but Carey said Albury didn't think it had the flag in the bag.
"We knew they were going to come out and have a crack and they kicked the first couple of goals and we knew it was game on then," Carey said.
"Fortunately we kicked a couple, they kicked a couple, and the siren went just at the right time."
Hyde said the Tigers knew they had to dig deep to hold off the fast-finishing Pigeons.
"Credit to Yarra they just kept coming. We were able to absorb (the pressure)," he said.
