By Tara Murray
A dream has become a reality for East Sunbury in Essendon District Football League division 2.
After forming a senior team in 2013 the Thunder has slowly built on that foundation and climbed up the ladder.
This year the aim was playing finals for the first time, which they achieved.
With that ticked off, the Thunder weren’t content at stopping there.
This weekend they will play in their first grand final after defeating the Northern Saints on Saturday.
While Thunder coach Glenn Hopkins has not been at the club long, he can see how much it means to not just the players, but everyone at the club.
“It’s a wonderful thing,” he said.
“The feeling around the rooms was excitement and feeling proud.
“We’ve got a good following of supporters. It’s a good boost for the players, to know they are behind them.
“We thought if we played the way we knew we could, we could get there.”
The Thunder will enter the grand final full of confidence after a massive win against the Saints.
After a hot start they never looked in doubt and won 18.13 (121)-7.8 (50).
Hopkins said the focus was on being disciplined and doing the right team things.
“We got some early goals doing the disciplined things and attacking the ball,” he said.
“We were in front all day. We wanted to play the same football at the start and at the end.
“It’s what we did all day.”
Despite having the game all but sealed up at half-time, Hopkins said they kept their heads in the game and focused on the task at hand.
Hopkins said the back six stood strong, including keeping the Saints to three goals in the first three quarters.
Brad Bernacki was busy in the middle again, while Kamen Ogilvie kicked four goals moving between the forward line and middle.
Jorden Braddy’s excellent form in the ruck continued.
The Thunder managed to get through the game injury free, but do have a nervous wait with gun midfielder Tom Cree reported.
He will face the tribunal on Tuesday night. Hopkins said they would be doing everything they could to have him playing on Saturday.
The Thunder now face Roxburgh Park in the grand final on Saturday at Windy Hill.
Both sides will be going for their first senior premiership.
The two sides have played three times this season, with the Magpies leading the ledger 2-1.
The last game they played, the Magpies won by one point.
Hopkins, who has coached in several grand finals, said they would try and keep things as normal as possible.
“They’re a big, strong side and well disciplined,” he said of Roxburgh Park.
“We’ll try to play our game.”
For more EDFL news:
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/keilor-snatches-victory/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/airport-west-takes-the-title-over-tullamarine/
