General News
27 September, 2024
Local flavour to an interstate AFL Grand final
"How exciting... to represent Horsham on the biggest game..."
Once the AFL went national, there was always a murmur about two non-Victorian sides playing in the grand final.
The idea that no one wanted to see two interstate sides duke it out at the MCG was quashed when Sydney and West Coast put on classics in 2005 and 2006.
So, while there's not much for a Victorian supporter to get excited about today, we are guaranteed that one former Horsham footballer will win their first premiership.
Fittingly, it's a former Horsham Demon and Horsham Saint - Jake Lloyd and Jarrod Berry - set to feature in the 2024 grand final.
Berry will be buoyed by former Greater Western Victoria Rebels teammates Kai Lohmann and Hugh McCluggage.
Meanwhile, Lloyd could become the second Horsham export to win a premiership with the Swans, joining Adam Goodes in the record books.
Spare a thought for the parents.
Jake Lloyd is 31, but his dad, Tony, admits he still gets nervous at times.
"As a parent, I think you go through the same [as the players]. Anytime you get nervous, I still get sweaty palms," Mr Lloyd said. "The rest of them are pretty calm about it, but I've got a great passion for footy and family. I just love it."
Tony and Wendy Lloyd met up with Troy Berry, father of Jarrod, ahead of the grand final.
"[We were] just talking about family and the importance of what our boys have achieved, and how exciting it is for not only them but for us as members of the Horsham community, to represent Horsham on the biggest game in [the] sport," Mr Berry said.
Rebels coach David Loader said it wasn't a surprise to see the boys running out onto the MCG on grand final day.
"Berry had leadership all over him... he's going to be super important to Brisbane," Loader said.
"[Lloyd] was the consummate professional who personified hard work. He would just outwork everyone."
Best of luck to both sides.
Have a great weekend
Ben Fraser, Editor