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THE saying ‘like father, like son’ comes to mind when meeting the male contingent of the O’Beirne family.
Mark ‘Chad’ O’Beirne and his two sons Jacob, 17, and Connor, 14, have all got jet black hair, are of light build and short in stature.
But that’s not where the similarities end.
All three O’Beirne lads know how to play footy and are proud Horsham Saints Football Netball Club members.
Mark was a dual-Horsham District Football League premiership player at the Saints.
The 206-gamer was part of the then St Michael’s 1988 and 1991 triumphs and recalled being involved in a golden era of the club.
“We were pretty young in the two premierships that I was involved in,” he said.
“It was great playing with all my mates – I’ll never forget it and I look forward to those premiership reunions.
“It’s not just about the 21 players – it’s all the old people around the club who have been involved for a long time and worked hard.”
The 49-year-old is now trying his hand as an under-14s coach with Jamie Atherton.
Jacob, a North Ballarat Rebels-listed player, has had his fair share of bad luck this season.
The St Patrick’s College Ballarat student suffered a knee injury at training midway through the year and was sidelined for about two months.
But he was excited to be back on the park just in time for the Saints’ finals tilt.
“It’s good to be back and playing with my mates,” Jacob said.
While Jacob was grateful his luck had turned for the better, the news was not so good for fellow Rebels Keegan Mellington and Darcy Tucker.
“Darcy did his thumb in the first week of finals, which was a massive shame – he fits into our side well,” he said.
“We also lost a bit of run when Keegan hurt his knee.”
Jacob hopes to finish a rollercoaster season, which included a trip to Ireland and a Herald Sun Shield triumph, on a high on Saturday.
“Playing in the Herald Sun Shield grand final at the MCG was a big thing for me – but this would probably top it off,” he said.
Connor will run out for his second under-14s grand final in as many years on Saturday.
The Saints lost to Ararat by 46 points last season, but the 14-year-old was quietly confident his side could go one better against Horsham on Saturday.
Mark feels the time has come for his beloved club to win their first senior Wimmera Football League grand final.
“It’s been a long time since our last senior flag and I think we’re due.
“I’ve got a funny feeling it’s going to be the year of the Saints.”