By David Nagel
Over the Christmas period, the News’ sports team will be re-sharing some of the most popular stories from over the course of 2024.
Thank you for supporting our newspapers over the course of the year. We hope you enjoy the selection and have a wonderful holiday period, however you choose to celebrate.
If the tear rolling down the cheek of Nar Nar Goon President Patrick Noonan at the final siren of Saturday’s WGFNC grand final could be forensically tested…its DNA would be quite extraordinary.
One of only three Club Legends at the Goon, there’s no doubt the thought of Bill ‘Doc’ Doherty and Ray Coombs – the two deceased members on Nar Nar Goon’s most exclusive honour roll – would have triggered some moisture in Noonan’s eye.
The pain of last year’s one-point preliminary final defeat at the hands of Phillip Island, who the Goon conquered on Saturday, would have added further fuel to the fire, as would the years of frustration that Noonan and an army of volunteers and supporters have endured since the club’s last flag in 2010.
Then there are the many years of sacrifice that date back to his first senior game in 1973, and the unwavering support of his wife Mary; who has been right by his side for his still unbroken 30 consecutive years on the committee.
But the real reason for that precious tear that slid down Noonan’s face was unbridled joy and happiness that the mission had finally been accomplished.
Patrick Noonan, or Paddy to his mates, is now a Nar Nar Goon premiership-winning president!
“It’s just the best feeling, especially for the boys and the effort they’ve put in on this journey; they’ve stuck together and this is what it’s been for,” Noonan said from a heaving centre square post-match.
“I just can’t believe the relief I’m feeling right now, it’s just unbelievable for the whole community; it brings everyone together.
“We’re only a small town but a big club supporter wise and it’s great for West Gippsland football to finally have a winner from this part of town.
“So many people have put in so much effort to make this come to fruition, and right now I couldn’t be prouder of our club.
“I’d love to have a list of names and thank them all one by one…but that will come over time.”
It’s a sure bet that at the top of the list would be Mary.
“My wife has stuck by me like you would not believe, for 35 years of involvement at this level, she’s been my rock throughout this entire journey,” he said.
“I did shed a tear at the final siren because there’s been a lot of work from a lot of people to make this happen.
“It takes a lot of work these days to make a club run smoothly, and we have a lot of support at Nar Nar Goon to make it all happen.
“The support we’ve got is fantastic; and we’ll enjoy this one together as a community.”
Standing in the shadows with Noonan on Saturday was the Goon’s inspirational captain Trent Armour, who, alongside coach Justin Stanton had the absolute privilege of hoisting the premiership cup.
It’s the most sought-after image in football; and having Noonan by their side just felt right; considering his standing at the club.
“Super bloke, legend of the club, always there, every afternoon, always after hours, cleaning up, leading the club, you don’t get a better club person than Paddy Noonan,” Armour said.
“We’ve won the club championship award for the last two seasons and a lot of that comes down to our leaders.
“To see him up there presenting the medals and cup today; Paddy deserves that recognition.”
Armour also elevated himself to ‘unofficial’ legend status on the weekend, becoming a premiership skipper while winning the best-on-ground medal as well.
“It’s pretty unbelievable to hear that, premiership captain at Nar Nar Goon; it’s the stuff you dream about, so for it all to come true is pretty incredible to be honest.
“I’m excited obviously, but I think I’m in shock because it still doesn’t quite feel real.
“I don’t have any words for it.
“You strive for something for so long, but you don’t really expect it to happen, but it has now…it’s just going to take a bit of time to sink in.”
“I’ve got 100-percent respect for Phillip Island; they played good footy today but we played our best when it mattered most and that got us across the line.
“The feeling is really special.”
Stanton could understand Armour’s excitement, having just secured his first senior career premiership as coach in just his second year at the club.
“Any premiership victory is a great one, but to overcome a powerhouse like Phillip Island gives it that extra-special feeling,” he said.
“They’re an unbelievable football club that has played in five grand finals in a row.
“They’re well run; great personnel on and off the field, so to overcome a challenge like that is extremely satisfying.
“The conditions weren’t great but it will go down as one of the great grand finals in a long time.
“There are great talents from both teams, and it was a great standard of football considering the conditions and hopefully it was a great spectacle for the big crowd.”
Stanton then turned back the clock, giving an insight into the mission and goals that had initially been set.
“Back then our goal was to finish equal or better than what we did the year before,” he explained.
“Last year we had to finish at least fourth and win a final; we won two finals and nearly three.
“As a result of that we had to raise the bar again.
“Our challenge this year was to ideally finish top two; we finished half a game away from that, and then we went on a run through the finals that no other team in West Gippsland football has been on before.
“We’ve won four finals on the bounce and we take home the silverware…it’s fantastic, unbelievable really.”
Also unbelievable is the connection between Nar Nar Goon and the number 14 on Armour’s back.
It’s been 14 years since Brett Dore wore the number 14 when he kicked six goals to lead the Goon to grand final glory against Cora Lynn, also winning the best on ground medal.
Dore wore the jumper as a tribute to his uncle Jim, who won premierships wearing 14 in 1965 and 1970, before coaching the club to a flag in 1980.
The Goon kicked 14 goals on Saturday, on September 14, in a team that contained Brent Hughes, who made his debut for the club as a 14-year-old in 2005.
All these numbers Paddy Noonan…it’s enough to bring a tear to your eye!
