From Ballarat Courier
Roosters are good for three, say the old guard
BY NICK HIGGINS
27/09/2009 11:43:00 PM
"THEY are a great team," Kevin Cunningham said.
The former North Ballarat Football Club president paused for just a moment: "A magnificent team."
Mr Cunningham, 82, was at the North Ballarat Sports Club yesterday to celebrate the Friday night grand final victory by his beloved Roosters.
He began following the team 55 years ago and quickly became involved in the club's administration.
He said the club's links with the Rebels and North Melbourne would help ensure it remained strong in years to come.
Sharing the premiership afterglow with him were fellow past-presidents Allan "Arab" Abrams and Bill Wilkins, both 67.
Mr Abrams, who began playing for North Ballarat under 14s as an 11-year-old and was at one stage the senior games record-holder, said the win against the Northern Bullants was a "good spectacle and a good result".
"We will only get better," he said.
"We have got a good coach and administration."
Mr Wilkins also praised coach Gerard FitzGerald as being a great teacher.
And he thought there was nothing standing in the way of a third consecutive flag.
"Why not? We've got a good side," he said.
Mixing with the fans and players was Geraldine Fryc, the Roosters' senior interchange steward.
On Friday night she had no official duties and could watch the game as a long-time fan, her only responsibility being to cheer the team on.
"It's fantastic," she said of the premiership feeling.
"I can't describe it. Felt like I haven't slept."
After the win she stayed up until 3am on Saturday but was back at the club yesterday morning to share in the premiership glory and cheer the players as they were presented to the gathering.
