THERE is little doubt that Albury's 2009 premiership side is among the greatest ever assembled at Tigerland.
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Maybe not the greatest but history says there is no doubt it was the most dominant.
Coached by Paul Spargo the ruthless Tigers crushed Yarrawonga by 77 points in one of the most lop-sided grand finals in league history.
Highlighting their dominance, the Tigers became only the fourth club to go through a season undefeated and the first since Wangaratta Rovers in 1994.
Albury's final score of 22.13 (145) was the highest since Lavington kicked 21.21 (147) in the 2001 decider.
Spargo was lured back to the Sportsground at the end of the 2008 season for a third stint in charge.
The man with the midas touch masterminded a recruiting blitz that would form the nucleus of another black and gold dynasty which is still going strong a decade later.
Spargo lured Joel Mackie, Shaun Daly, Andy Carey, Michael Thompson and Trent Castles to the Sportsgound.
The jewel in the crown was the signing of Chris Hyde who Spargo had spent time with during his time at Richmond and Coburg.
The audacious recruiting blitz will never be repeated in the O&M with the league having since introduced the points system and salary cap.
The high-profile recruits were instrumental in the Tigers emulating their hat-trick of premierships during the 1990s.
Spargo retired from coaching after the 2011 triumph and is the only coach in O&M history to land five premierships.
Luke Carroll played in Lavington's 2005 flag before crossing to Albury the following season where he coached the Tigers from 2006-08.
The reliable defender remained at Tigerland as a player when Spargo took over.
He also played in the Tigers hat-trick of flags before officially retiring at the end of 2012.
Carroll said he was in awe of Spargo and his approach to coaching.
"Spargo was not only an inspirational coach but very smart tactically," Carroll said.
"But I think his biggest asset was being able to build relationships with his players.
"He was big on relationships and got to know the person first, then the footballer.
"He just understood each individual and realised everybody is different.
"I just wished I had have played under him before I coached because I learnt a helluva lot off him.
"He was a terrific coach but even a better person.
"Saying Spargo recruited some handy footballers that year would be a huge understatement but it obviously played a huge role in the success."
IN OTHER NEWS
Undefeated and after having beaten Yarrawonga by 10 goals in the second semi-final, Albury were an overwhelming favourite heading into the decider.
The Tigers opened up a 30-point lead at the first break despite kicking against the breeze.
The flag was their's at half-time after an eight goal to one second term avalanche which buried the Pigeons.
Carroll fondly remembers Joel Mackie destroying the opposition.
"We started well and it was pretty much the Joel Mackie show for most of the game," he said.
"Not only was he winning plenty of the contested ball but also kicking goals.
"We now know how much Joel has the ability to perform in big games.
"But he was only a pup back then but we were lucky enough to have front row seats to one of the most dominant finals performances that I have witnessed.
"He really took it to another level.
"Yes, we were raging favourites to win but that doesn't mean anything in grand finals and you still have to go out and get the job done."
Despite Mackie's dominant display Hyde was awarded the Did Simpson medal which raised more than a few eyebrows.
"I remember during the celebrations Mackie reckoned he got robbed by not winning the Did Simpson medal," Carroll said.
"I would never tell him but he's probably right."
Carroll was named second best for the Tigers but was quick to downplay his role playing across half-back.
"I will be the first to admit I didn't pick anyone up or go near my opponent much," he said.
"I remember Sparg's had a dig at me at the huddle if there was any danger of me going near my opponent."
Spargo was quick to pay tribute to his players when interviewed by the media after the grand final victory.
"It was the strongest, fittest country club I've ever seen and it's a proud moment and I'm proud to be part of it," Spargo said at the time.
Carroll is based is Queensland and will make the trek to the Sportsground on the weekend to celebrate the reunion.
The premiership stars will watch Albury tackle Yarrawonga at the Sportsground on Saturday with a function upstairs after the match.
A replay of the grand final will be on the big screen at Sodens the following day from noon.