First it was Billy McLay, spearheading Kyabram on the post as he banked a vital 51 runs to raise the blade.
Next was Jackson McLay, taking Mooroopna’s first wicket to trigger a day one Cats capitulation as he went on to finish the match with impressive figures of 4-33.
But the man of the moment was Charlie McLay.
The all-rounder has often been Kyabram’s quiet achiever throughout the 2023-24 season, but he entered the limelight when it counted with 22 runs and a sizzling 5-30 with the ball at the weekend.
McLay was awarded the Greg Luscombe Medal in the final, pipping his two brothers at the post for best-on-ground honours, but he was quick to acknowledge his older sibling when asked about his five-for.
“I couldn’t have done it without Jackson at the other end,” he said.
“He’s unbelievable holding up the other end (with) real tight bowling.
“He doesn’t get the wickets all the time that he deserves, but I couldn’t get what I get without him.”
McLay’s grand final display rubber stamped a genuinely freakish season in Kyabram colours.
He registered 45 wickets in all competitions at an average of 12.8, also slashing 224 runs to boot.
A five-wicket haul in the semi-final set the tone for McLay to unleash against Mooroopna, and that’s exactly what he did with a tremendous 21.5-over spell.
He made a game which was by no means easy seem so, but enjoyed the contest against a stern Mooroopna outfit.
“It was hard-fought, that’s for sure,” he said.
“The two boys that stuck it out this morning (Nick Breslin and Brodie McDonald) had us nervous, but the boys stuck to what we know and got it done.”
So how does McLay, a man of few words, encapsulate six months of cricket which culminated in the ultimate prize?
“It’s just exciting, I can’t sum it up any way else. I’m lost for words.”
