The North Eastern team defeated Gawler (22.12 to 19.9) at a match played at Brinkworth during the June long weekend 30 years ago, but this is the first time most of the team members have reunited to share stories, tell a few lies and re-live their glorious grand final win.

Team coach Lyall Ackland said the North Eastern team consisted of the elite players of the local competition.

“Although most of them played for opposing teams, once they were selected for the North Eastern team they bonded as one and many players made friends for life,” he said.

Many of the victorious team still live locally. Mr Ackland said such was the standard of player that many have moved on to higher roles in sport, either on the field or administration, while others had become leaders in their communities.

“Team captain Ian Roberts is a good example of using the skills he developed on the ground to promote and foster his community,” Mr Ackland said.

Ian won the Smith and Jolly best and fairest medal for the carnival and also the Central Districts Football League trophy for the best player in an A grade winning side.

The reunion invitation included the team photo taken to commemorate their victory. Mr Ackland said it had caused a great deal of laughter because the team looked like a mob of bushrangers.

“Now, a lack of hair is a bigger problem than the excess we enjoyed then,” he said.