Belmont Lions captain Jak Evans says the key to the club’s stunning resurgence in 2024 has been its depth.
The Lions will play in just their second GDFNL grand final since the league returned to a single-division structure in 1996 and are chasing their first premiership since 2007.
The club’s reserve grade team also made a deep run, reaching last week’s preliminary final.
“I think we’re pretty even across the board,” Evans said.
“Our forward line, our backs, our mids; everyone says we don’t have any superstars.
“But, we just bat pretty deeply in the 22, and our depth, I reckon, is our biggest strength.”
For Evans, he’s cherishing the chance to play in a grand final with brothers Ben and Jed.
The trio are among seven Lions who will take to the familiar surrounds of St Albans Reserve on Saturday, having previously played with the GFNL Supersaints.
“It’s our first grand final for all three of us,” he said. “Playing with my two brothers will be something pretty special.
“The first final took a bit of adapting because the ground is so big, and the ‘Winter Resort’ is not as big, so legs were a bit heavy.
“Our first two games (of) finals, getting back here, it took a bit of adapting.
“But, we’re good to go, and (in) the last game against East, we found our feet across the ground.”
In a nice touch from the GDFNL, Lions identity Brian Coughlan’s 50 years of service to the club will be recognised by the man known affectionately as ‘Cogs’ being given the honour of tossing the coin.
“You can’t wipe the smile off his face,” Evan said.
“That’s one of the main reasons you play footy, for people like Cogs. And Belmont’s been starved of success since ’07.
“So, hopefully, we can do our part to put a smile on that man’s face, especially in his 50th year of service at Belmont.”
X: @krockfootball
