And Bill Sammon and Emmy DeFazio, who played in the 1973 win, agree that the best part about Sunday’s grand final win over Kyabram is the number of home-grown players in the team.

Sammon and DeFazio, both Ovens and Murray Hall of Fame members, played in the ’73 win over North Albury at the Norm Minns Oval.

They both watched on last year as the Saints lost to Shepparton Swans by three points in the Goulburn Valley grand final.

Sammon and DeFazio were again in the crowd as Benalla went one better on Sunday, storming to a 59-point win in the decider at Deakin Reserve.

“You could blame a lot of things (last year), but we just weren’t meant to win it,” said former ruckman DeFazio.

“At the start of this season I thought that experience would help the boys.

“They are a very good side and they were stiff last year. 

“We’ve been in grand finals but just couldn’t get over the line.”

Sammon, who was best afield in ’73, said he felt Benalla was a better side than last year, when the Saints lost their only game of the season in the grand final.

“Last year they got beaten by the weather,” Sammon said.

“It was a bloody tornado blowing across the ground.

“It was a long time between drinks. 

“Benalla was a better side going into it than what they were the year before.

“The similarities to 42 years ago is all the locals.

“They didn’t buy it.”

Sammon was coach in 1978 when Benalla lost the grand final to the Rovers.

John “Shorty” Martiniello was in that losing team, while his two sons, James and Will, were in Sunday’s premiership side.

“I’m no different to any other father or mother who have sons play in premiership teams,” Martiniello said.

“It means a real lot for them. 

“They got a result I was never able to achieve, (but) when we can ride ever bump and every kick, it’s nearly just as good.”