“UNITED boys becoming United men” has been a catchphase often used this finals series by Nyah-Nyah West United co-coaches Jason Murphy and Nick O’Neill.
Generating talent from within a club is not a new fad, but it’s a new generation that’s driving this Demons outfit to heights not seen for decades, when their fathers were the ones creating history.
It’s been 23 years since NNW United last tasted ultimate success, but tomorrow afternoon three of the Demons’ current stars will attempt to do something that only 30 former players have done before, including their fathers – win a senior premiership for the club.
For Joel Walsh, Ethan Curran and Max Thompson, the grand final is an opportunity to join their dads in becoming premiership players for their home club, with all three surnames synonymous with the premiership years that were 2000 and 2001.
It would be a proud moment for Murphy if the 22 players wearing red and blue were able to get the job done, with the tie-in to the greatest years in the club’s history – and also it’s future – likely to create a lasting memory.
“All names are synonymous within the football club and to see those kids go up and get medals on Saturday afternoon would be unbelievable if it were to happen,” Murphy said.
“Their parents are incredible club people and their families have put a power of work into getting this club to where it is right now, and to see their dads sitting on the side lines, watching their boys get medals, would be special.
“That was one of the reasons why I was so emotional after the preliminary final last Saturday, after seeing those kids do what they did. We put a lot of pressure on those boys and we ask a lot of them and to see them play like that in a big final was a pretty proud moment for everyone.”
Curran was a clear standout in last week’s preliminary final, with the son of 2000 premiership defender Brendan taking his game to another level with a matchwinning six-goal haul. Walsh, the son of dual premiership player Paul, was also among the Demons’ better players.
Completing the trio is 15-year-old Thompson, whose father Ash is royalty among the NNW United faithful, having won the dual club best-and-fairest awards in each of their premiership years.
For Thompson, to watch his son follow in his footsteps tomorrow would be a dream come true.
“It would be awesome to be honest. As a past premiership player you wish you could get out there and still do it, but if Max happened to be a part of the next 22 boys that are lucky enough to be premiership players at Nyah we’d be stoked,” Thompson said.
“We know Kerang will be a huge challenge, we played them once through the year and we lost by a couple of goals and obviously there will be different personnel for us and them on the weekend.
“But if we can stick to our game style and still play with the freedom that has allowed us to get to the grand final, it will leave us in good stead.
“We all dream and we all hope that we get to hold the cup aloft on Saturday, but long-term sustainability is still the main criteria for any country footy club going forward.
“Hopefully we’ve built that as a club over the last couple of years and it holds us in good stead and whether we win or lose, hopefully the club can be successful in the next one, two or three seasons with the level of young, locally grown talent we have.
If the Demons are to be successful, it would be an equally proud moment for the Walsh family, according to Paul, with son Joel leading the team into battle as captain.
“The one comment that keeps getting by people over the last couple of weeks is that we are essentially a team of locals,” Walsh said.
“They’re all mates, they’ve all grown up together and they basically live in each others’ pockets and see each other seven days a week.
“I remember back to when we won the first flag (in 2000), we got back to the clubrooms and there were all the club legends, guys like ‘Chesty’ Coburn, Frank Curran, Michael Curran just standing at the top of the stairs just crying as we walked in.
“We sort thought it was a bit funny at the time, but as I’m getting into that stage of life myself. I’m starting to think more about that occasion and I’ll probably be doing something similar, because I’ve played in a premiership there and if Joel does it as well, it would be indescribable.
“They still have one hurdle to go, and it’s a big hurdle, but we’re in with a chance and at the moment that’s all anyone can ask for.”
