All in the family: Luke, Barry and Nik Orvis with the premiership cup.
TOM BENNETT
THE BUSINESS of winning premierships has become a family affair for Barry Orvis and sons Nik and Luke.
Barry played in Queenscliff’s 1975 premiership side, until recently the last Coutas team to win the flag.
But on Saturday the 36-year drought was broken by a red, white and blue outfit that included his two sons.
Barry said watching the game was a greater thrill than playing in the winning ’75 grand final.
“On a personal level it was just fantastic to see both my boys out there helping the Coutas snare a pennant.”
Younger son Luke said Barry had inspired the brothers.
“To win the premiership for him was really good.
“Dad was very emotional after the game. He came down to the boundary and gave us a big hug and there were tears in his eyes”.
Nik described the premiership experience as “pretty special”.
“To win a flag, just like dad did, was terrific.
“It’s like he passed on the (premiership) baton to Luke and I.
“I still can’t believe it.”
Barry, now arguably the proudest bloke in Queenscliff, said his sons would remember Saturday’s game forever.
But on the subject of his own premiership performance he was a bit hazy.
“I was no older than young Luke is now (19) and can’t remember the details of how well I played.
“I recall we came up against Drysdale on what was a quagmire of a ground at Leopold and that we won by 11 points.
“But nothing compares to this win on Saturday. It had been so long since we won (a premiership) and the whole town was behind the team.”
Barry described Saturday’s amazing come-from-behind win as a “victory for the ages”.
