SEVEN years of toil has one of Penshurst's most loyal sons within reach of an elusive premiership.
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Bombers mentor Justin Eales finally has the chance to steer his men to a flag as coach.
Eales, a former junior footballer at Penshurst, netted a flag as a player in 2009 after returning from a stint with Warrnambool.
But he's yet to taste the ultimate success as a coach. This Saturday against Great Western, he's hoping that will change.
"It's a proud club and we probably take for granted that we generally are in the finals," Eales told The Standard.
"They pride themselves on their premiership count and they really gauge success on silverware.
"To get to finals is a good result but to finally get to a grand final, the club is obviously up and about. They're ready to go."
The reigning Mininera league best and fairest said a premiership would be reward for his group's stern loyalty.
"(Their loyalty) is probably the reason I've stuck around this long," Eales said.
They pride themselves on their premiership count and they really gauge success on silverware.
- Justin Eales
"When you sign on as a coach you think 'I'll stick around maybe one, two or three years max'.
"But I've stayed for seven because these boys have been that loyal. You think 'they've been loyal to me, and all they want is a flag'. It makes you think 'I've got to keep going, because all they want is a flag'.
"We've stayed on for each other. When you get a side like this, they're exceptionally hungry to win one together.
Penshurst faces Great Western at Lake Bolac on Saturday.
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