Couch cousins, Dobson brothers play roles in 2019 Hampden league grand final

The former AFL footballer and son of late Brownlow Medallist Paul joined Koroit in the off-season, embracing the chance to play with younger cousin Will at the powerhouse club.

The pair combined for five goals in the Saints' thrilling three-point win over North Warrnambool Eagles in a grand final for the ages on Saturday.

Tom said it was special to play in a premiership with his cousin.

"I've never played with family before so when (my uncle) Billy called earlier in the year and said 'would you have a kick with Will at Koroit?' I just thought 'absolutely, what an opportunity that would be'," he said.

"That is the reason I why I came to Koroit, it's just I knew it was a great club. I can't thank the club enough for supporting me and allowing me to play with Will."

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Will said it meant "everything" as he never thought he'd run out with a family member.

"There's cousins at Terang and Nirranda and they will probably stay out there," he said.

"It means the world to have some sort of family connection at the club because I travel a long way from Peterborough out there (to Koroit) and have no family connection at all, so it's huge."

Tom returned to the Saints' side after a long-term rib and kidney injury in time to be part of its sixth consecutive flag.

He was dangerous, particularly early, kicking two goals.

"I got told to stay deep in the forward line and play my role and I was lucky to kick a couple which was great," Tom said.

Will, who has played in five of the Saints' run of six flags, said "every year is a bit different".

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"We want it, it's ours and we keep it," he said.

"We get (told) that we're too old, we're too slow but we just keep on going which is amazing and we fight hard."

Will had his own unique warm up in the latter stages of the season - and it proved a winning move.

"I forgot my runners at Warrnambool and wore my RM (Williams) out on the ground and I thought we played all right," he said.

"I thought 'I'll give it another go' at Mortlake and it worked again and it worked today so I will keep doing it."

Saturday's decider also capped off a memorable comeback season for brothers Ben and Sam Dobson.

The siblings, who left Koroit for VFL experience, were thrilled to be part of the victory.

"My little cousin (Will) was a water boy so to be able to share that with Sam and him was just a great result," Ben said.

"It just a massive day for the club and a great day to be involved with the Koroit footy club."

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