Narre Warren star Brett Evans got his hands on his fourth Casey Cardinia League premiership cup on Saturday and is considering leaving the game on a high note. The Magpies also farewelled senior coach Matt Shinners and club legend Steven Kidd in style on a day that reaped two premierships from three grand final appearances at Berwick’s Edwin Flack Reserve. 53619 >> For full coverage of the Casey Cardinia League grand finals, turn to pages 109 and 110. Picture: Luke Plummer
By Brad Kingsbury and Mark Gullick
SATURDAY’S Casey Cardinia League grand finals played out like a Hollywood script for the Narre Warren Football Club.
The Magpie army swarmed Berwick’s Edwin Flack Reserve after their senior side’s 25-point win over Beaconsfield, celebrating their fourth senior premiership in five years on a day that began with a reserves triumph.
And, for at least two victorious Magpies, it was also a fitting finale.
Outgoing senior coach Matt Shinners and retiring club legend Steven “Skiddsy” Kidd could hardly have asked for a more perfect end to their careers at the club.
Kidd was chaired off the ground with his fourth premiership cup together with a VCFL best-on-ground medal around his neck.
“This is definitely the sweetest win of all,” said the 33-year-old veteran of 259 senior games, a record for Narre Warren.
Kidd started in the club’s under-nines in 1985. He was assistant coach in the 2006-2007-2008 triple premiership seasons, and was amazed at the effort of the young Magpies on the weekend.
“It’s such a young group and to fight on like we did after the last couple of weeks (of the season) was just incredible,” he said.
“Losing Hammo (injured captain Glenn Hamilton) was big for us, but the kids just stepped up when they were needed.”
On his retirement, Kidd said he would have time to reflect over the coming summer months, but admitted he was keen to go out on top and covered every base he could to ensure this was the case.
“This was my last game and I’m not a religious man, but I admit while I was working during the week I actually prayed and just asked ‘can you give me this one and, if it’s not too much to ask, can you give me best on ground too?’
“I’m starting to believe now,” he laughed.
Shinners, who won’t seek re-appointment next year, also concluded his career with a premiership.
“It’s nice to finish on this sort of a note,” he said.
Meanwhile, champion Magpie spearheard Brett “Birdman” Evans is also weighing up whether he will return next year.
