IT was an unfamiliar feeling at the final siren of the Strathmore Community Bank Premier Division decider for Courtney Johns.
The Aberfeldie ruckman has been at the club for seven years and had been in two losing grand finals.
When he got his opportunity to play in his third grand final, he had to miss out because of work reasons.
“I’ve got a great job and there’s no way I’d ever change that,” Johns said.
But he admits that missing out on premiership glory hurts him.
“All I really wanted was a senior flag, like everyone does,” he said.
Johns had won two junior flags and had been trying for seven years to win that illustrious senior flag.
Now that he’s finally got one, he’ll cherish it forever.
“Unfortunately, it takes that pain (of losing grand finals) to realise how good it is to win one,” Johns said.
The win was a big one for Johns, who played a pivotal role in shutting down Greenvale’s Fabian Deluca in the ruck.
But it was an even bigger victory for the club, who have had a long journey towards its 2017 premiership.
“I came to this club seven years ago and we were trying to rebuild this club into a bit of a powerhouse,” he said.
This year especially was a unique one for Aberfeldie, who farewelled senior players and donned a lot of young blood on the playing field.
But Johns was all praise for the way in which the youngsters composed themselves throughout the season, and on the big stage in particular.
“Right from Round 1, this group has put in,” Johns said.
“The club has now played in the last five grand finals, which is a huge effort.”
In terms of his own emotions about the win, Johns was relieved to hold the Strathmore Community Bank Premier Division cup.
“I now have the option to walk away from the game,” Johns said.
“Had we have lost (the grand final), I would have to front up again and try to get another one.”
