HORSHAM Saints’ stalwart Gavin Kelm has endured many a grand final heartbreak, but on Saturday he finally earned the premiership praise he craved, claiming best-on-ground honours in the Saints’ historic reserves flag triumph.

The Saints outlasted a gritty Minyip-Murtoa by eight points in Saturday’s clash, as Kelm booted two goals in a low-scoring match to see his side over the line.

While the senior side also won its grand final against Horsham, the reserves victory was the first senior football premiership in the club’s 21 years in the Wimmera Football League.

“I’m just so proud of the whole club,” Kelm said.

“I’ve been playing for a long time and I’ve got a lot of mates I’ve played with who weren’t able to achieve this.”

Kelm played alongside cousin Heath and had his family on site to congratulate him after the siren.

“To do it with family here, it’s hard to believe,” he said.

Kelm said to win the medal for best on ground made the achievement sweeter, but did admit disappointment in not being selected for the senior side.

“It’s disappointing to not be in the main game. I sprained my knee in round five and it’s been sore ever since and it’s been hard to get over it,” he said.

“As much as I pleaded with the coach to play me it just wasn’t to be, but that probably made it harder.

“But this certainly made it sweeter so hopefully the senior boys can win and we can all have fun.”

They did, and they did.