DAMIAN Houlihan and his little brother Josh wound back the clock last weekend by playing in premierships within 24 hours of one another.
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Damian booted five goals in Keilor’s Essendon and District league triumph over red-hot favourites Greenvale while Josh helped Heidelberg storm past Montmorency in the Northern League grand final.
The pair’s heroics evoked memories of 2000 when Damien booted a league record 10 goals in Corowa-Rutherglen’s 108-point demolition of North Albury in the Ovens and Murray grand final just hours after Josh played in the Roos’ thirds victory.
Damian, 33, has been a country and suburban star with Keilor, Gisborne, East Burwood and Corowa-Rutherglen since his AFL career finished after stints at Collingwood and North Melbourne.
Josh, 24, was drafted to St Kilda but never played a senior game, and joined Heidelberg this season after 112 VFL matches with the Northern Bullants, Coburg and Springvale.
The duo’s father, Brian, said it was a memorable weekend for the boys, particularly Damian who returned to football this season after overcoming testicular cancer last year.
“The best thing he’s done is come back and play footy,” Brian said.
“He seems to like the big games, Damian, it brings the best out of him.
“It was a good weekend watching the two boys win flags.
“Fortunately Heidelberg played on Saturday and Keilor played on Sunday so I got to watch both games.”
Another Corowa-Rutherglen product John Andrew also plays for Heidelberg.
Former Collingwood and St Kilda player Mark McGough, who is originally from Mulwala, and former Wangaratta player Ben Finnin lined up for Montmorency.