DANIEL Geary thought two knee reconstructions and a debilitating back injury had put paid to his dream of playing in a BFNL premiership.
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A star of the competition a decade ago as a high-marking forward, Geary played in two losing grand finals with Eaglehawk in 2003 and 2005 before injuries cut him down in his prime.
He took on the senior coaching role at Huntly before joining younger brother Shannon at Strathfieldsaye in 2011.
Geary played 13 senior games in 2011 before injuries ruined his 2012 and 2013 season.
“I watched the grand final last year and thought “nah, I’m not copping this”,’’ Geary said.
“I trained six days a week for six months and got back.
“I did my hamstring twice in the pre-season and I thought it was all over.
“I kept pushing, but even this week I thought I might miss out.
“I can’t believe it. I’m speechless.”
Geary admitted the failure to reach the ultimate goal with Eaglehawk had played on his mind.
“In the 2005 grand final my knee was no good,’’ he said.
“I couldn’t run or jump. It’s haunted me for nine years.
“In the pre-season this year all I could think about was getting to this day.
“The work has paid off. I wasn’t the best player out there today, but I don’t mind. I’m a premiership player, that’s all that matters.”
Daniel said he wouldn’t have a premiership medal around his neck had it not been for two of his brothers Shannon, who captained the Storm’s premiership side, and Jarryn, the St Kilda defender.
“Shannon has been amazing for me,’’ Daniel said.
“He’s been my psychologist. When I did my hammy twice in pre-season he talked me through it and encouraged me by saying I had a role to play.
“I owe it all to him.
“Jarryn rang me every day from October through to December last year, making sure I was doing something every day to get myself right.
“I don’t believe in fairy tales, but this must be pretty close.”