Myrtleford's 2018 cup final victory against Boomers was a special one for many reasons.
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Not only did the Savoys become the first Victorian team in the AWFA to win three straight cups, it was also the first time two of the club's leaders, Jayden Vescio and Brenton Cook had won a decider together.
After lining up in four losing cup finals, Vescio was delighted to join forces with Cook on Sunday.
Vescio missed the 2016 decider due to injury, while Cook had to watch from the sidelines as Myrtleford went all the way last season.
“We’re best mates and it was the first time we’ve been able to take the pitch together (in a cup final in three years),” Vescio said.
“We lost four together, so to get one with him was priceless.
“We had a lot of testing times throughout the year, so to come out on top probably means a little bit more this year than last year.
“It’s really good for the town this one because we’re the smallest town on the map as far as AWFA goes.
“I’d like to thank our fans, they’ve been here every week through thick and thin.”
Vescio was adjudged best on ground in the final after making a number of crucial saves late in the game.
“I have to do my job as a keeper and ‘Parksy’ (co-coach Matt Park) does his, that’s why we’ve got so much respect from our playing group,” Vescio added.
“When we have to stand up individually, we do, and it goes both ways with the players.”
Cook admitted the club’s drought-breaking cup final success in 2016 was a huge moment, but after the struggles he went through last season, this year’s win was just as sweet.
“It’s personally my first (league and cup) double, so it’s a pretty special year,” Cook said.
“Just to lead the club again in our most successful time is special and I’m pretty proud of that.
“Success breed success, but I don’t think the guys have really actively recruited anyone.
“A lot of people have come to us without us chasing them, but the boys are hungry.
“Jesse Stephens, ‘Mango’ (Angus Kelly) train as hard as they play and we’re full of winners now.”
Boomers’ veteran Dustin Patten admitted it just wasn’t their day.
“I can’t fault the way we played, it was a great year overall,” Patten said.
“We’ve just come up against a class team, it’s a great era for them at the moment and it’s been a long time since a club has done that (win three-in-a-row).
“We got it back to 2-1 and it brought us back into the game a bit, but they grabbed us on the counter again and got back on top.”
But the classy defender believes the future is bright at Boomers, with plenty of talented young players stepping up this season.
“They’ll get experience out of that finals campaign and come back pretty hungry next year,” Patten said.
“It’s great for the club after being out of a grand final for nine years, it’s got everyone back together again.”
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