Jamarra Ugle-Hagan was grateful for his family's support when his team charged to victory in the NAB League Boys grand final on Saturday.
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Oakleigh Chargers took out the decider 12.17 (89) to 5.6 (36) against Eastern Ranges at Ikon Park in Melbourne.
Ugle-Hagan, who played centre-half forward, said about 20 family members hailing from Warrnambool, Melbourne and Bendigo cheered him on from the forward pocket.
The South Warrnambool export, who is a bottom-age player, said he was thrilled to taste NAB League success.
"It's probably a once in lifetime opportunity," he said.
The youngster said his Chargers embraced the fact it was their final game together as a group.
"It didn't feel real after we won," he said.
Ugle-Hagan said his team had worked hard since pre-season.
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The 17-year-old said the added bonus was he got to play alongside some top footballers.
"It was a good experience to play with probably the top two draft prospects," he said.
Ugle-Hagan said Chargers midfielders Matthew Rowell and Noah Anderson were the two players in with that chance.
Oakleigh sang its song with gusto after the 53-point win.
"That was great to get all the staff involved and everyone involved," Ugle-Hagan said.
"Without everyone there, we wouldn't have got to where we are."
It wasn't all smooth sailing for the Chargers who led by nine points at the main break.
Ugle-Hagan, a Scotch College boarding student, said his side started to play better as a team in the second half.
He said the Chargers let the scoreboard take care of itself.
"Every quarter we'd say it was zero-zero," he said.
Ugle-Hagan, who kicked three behinds in his 10-disposal game, said it wasn't his day to shine.
But he said he was pleased he noticed that early in the game.
The teenager said that meant he focused on getting his teammates involved in the game and playing his role.
Ugle-Hagan is in for another great weekend.
"This week I'll playing at the MCG before the grand final," he said.
"To play on the MCG on grand final day will be incredible."
Ugle-Hagan will play in the under 17 NAB All Stars Futures clash on Saturday morning.
It's a chance for recruiters and fans to see the future guns of the game.
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