That was the assessment of Echuca’s Hugh Byrne, following his side’s thrashing of Shepparton Bears in the 2024 GVL senior grand final.
“It’s just great because we’re a community club, everyone’s all local people,” he said.
“There’s so many people on the sidelines, volunteers that just do the little things to put in so we can come out here and play footy.
“We’re just so lucky that our club is so connected, and we just love playing together, and love hanging out.”
Byrne opened the goal account for the Murray Bombers in the grand final, kicking a second before the day was done.
He has seen the rise of Echuca across the grades first-hand.
The half-forward was adjudged best in finals in the thirds back in 2022 as part of that side’s own three-peat.
Now Byrne was watching the under-18s claim a fifth consecutive flag while he suited up in the seniors’ treble-winning squad.
Co-coaches Simon Maddox and Andrew Walker have developed a near-unstoppable force in the GVL, and the environment the pair have fostered is, according to Byrne, a key part of the squad’s continued success
“Simon and Andrew are awesome,” he said.
“They always front up, and they’re always there having a good time, looking to really get everyone getting better and improving.
“They just love every one of us, they care for all the boys, that’s what makes us very lucky and a very good side.”
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