TAYLOR Mulraney thought the chance to play in fifth straight premiership for Koroit had slipped through his fingers.
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A shoulder injury on the eve of the Hampden league finals cast doubt over his fitness, leaving the midfielder nervous.
But Mulraney, 24, was cleared to play during the week and lined up against Camperdown at Reid Oval.
He became just one of four Saints, along with Ben Goodall, Dallas Mooney and Jeremy Hausler, to feature in all five of their league-breaking five premierships in a row.
Mulraney said he was “up and about” after the 11-point win over a determined Magpies outfit.
“I was pretty overwhelmed so I didn’t know what to expect but obviously we won… I was up and about, simple as that,” he said.
Mulraney, who also overcame an eyelid injury throughout the season, said he was lucky to be in the Saints’ best 21 on Saturday.
“About Tuesday or Thursday the week before I honestly thought I wasn’t going to get up,” he said.
“I had no strength in my shoulder, I couldn’t lift it up and this week it’s come on in leaps and bounds and I am pretty happy to get there.”
Koroit players tempered the five-in-a-row hype before the grand final.
But the Saints’ official social media accounts embraced the expectation, running with a ‘strive for five’ hashtag.
The fab four were grateful they could be part of bringing it to fruition.
Hausler won the AFL Victoria Medal for his efforts in the ruck.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet but I’m pretty proud to be part of this group and happy for the boys,” he said of winning five straight flags.
Defender Mooney, who helped keep the Magpies to one goal in the final term, said the players believed they could win at three-quarter-time.
“Nothing really changed for us, we just stuck at it, hoping they would crack before we would,” he said.
At 34, Goodall is unsure of his playing future.
The Maskell Medallist – he won the league’s top honour in 2013 – said he was savouring the moment after winning his eighth premiership.
“I realise I am fairly lucky but we’ve been really fortunate to have good sides and I’ve just been a part of them,” he said. “I am really happy and happy for everyone. It’s a great achievement.
“I’ll wait and see, I thought I’d enjoy this year for what it was and just play it out and think about that (playing or retiring) when I need to.”
Isaac Templeton and Joe McLaren played in the Saints’ 2014, ‘15, ‘16 and ‘17 victories.
