IT was a weekend to remember for the Western Vic Eels, topping the VACSAL Statewide Senior Football Netball Carnival ranks for football.

Many current and former locals were part of the team, including Heywood’s Troy Lovett, who played in the ruck, with Richard Bamblett coaching the team for the two-day carnival.

Dakin Morris, Taine Morris and Ethan Knight were also among the locals in the team, which travelled to Keysborough in Melbourne’s south-east.

“We played six games all up, four in the round robin and two finals,” Lovett said.

“Teams came from all over Victoria for it.”

Despite a less than ideal start, the team fought back to win the grand final for the first time in 20 years, holding off Mallee Tigers to claim victory in the decider.

“We lost the first game, that was just because we were coming together and getting to know each other then we got better through the carnival,” Lovett said.

“It is always like that, our team was all sort of family based from Western Victoria.

“A lot of family who came together for the first time.”

Lovett played in the ruck and with six games in three days, recovery was paramount for all players.

The team also had netball representation across the weekend, but none of the teams were able to claim top honours in any of the four divisions.