YARRAVILLE-SEDDON captain Beau Guest was proud of the way his undefeated side responded to a real challenge thrown down by Parkside in Sunday’s absorbing Western Region Football League division 2 grand final.
The Eagles had been untouchable all season en route to the minor premiership and seldom had they encountered pressure this season like they did in a pulsating season decider.
It was a character test of the highest order and the Eagles showed their mental toughness by coming back from a concerning 24-point deficit 12 minutes into the second quarter to win by 28 points.
“We haven’t really been challenged too much over the year,” Guest said after the game.
“The closest anyone has got to us is 35 points. We were up against it, but the boys dug deep and it shows how good this group is and how much belief we have.”
Guest was a shade unlucky not to be the recipient of the Rex Swann Medal for best on ground.
The gutsy on-baller was the Weekly’s player of the game for his ability to find the ball in and under the packs and run himself to near exhaustion.
He was ever present, a no-nonsense contributor who maintained the same standards from first minute to last.
Guest has made a real impression in a short space of time.
Last season, due to an overseas holiday, he was limited to just 10 games in his first year with the Eagles. Club coach David Connell came in fresh and liked what he saw from Guest in the summer months and appointed him on-field leader.
It was an inspired decision. Not only is Guest now a premiership captain, but he was named captain of a star-studded division 2 team of the year during the week.
The inspirational skipper found it hard to put into words the euphoria of winning his first premiership medal.
“It’s amazing,” he said. “I can’t even describe it. At the final siren, I just stumbled around and yelled.
“I don’t think it was words, it was just yelling for about five minutes.
“This is the first one for me and it’s great for all the boys who have worked so hard all year.”
— Lance Jenkinson
