All week doubts lingered as to whether the No.1 ruckman and gun onballer would recover from injuries sustained in the preliminary final.

Martin dislocated an ankle late in the dramatic victory, while Stagg was in doubt because of a shoulder injury.

After a drawn-out week which included plenty of ice treatment and physio, both took their place in the grand final clash with Strathfieldsaye.

For Martin it was an emotional roller-coaster from the time he was hurt the previous Saturday night until the first contest of the grand final.

“It was a draining week,” Martin said after the game.

“There was a lot of icing done the Saturday and Sunday nights, physio, and I saw Dr Rohan Molenaar every day.

“Col Faulkner tried three different strappings to use.

“It was important to be optimistic, but until I ran a lap on Friday I was not sure I would play,” said the dual Michelsen medallist.

It was a taxing week for Stagg, who did not know  if he was in the grand final clash until game day.

“The first three nights I was up all hours,” he said of treating his injured shoulder.

He had physio treatment throughout the week and jogged or walked laps at training.

“I was desperate to play,” said Stagg, whose senior debut was in 2008 when the club was at the lower end of the ladder.

“There have been highs and lows over the years.”

Among this year’s highs was representing Bendigo.

“To play for Bendigo was a massive thrill.

“I am extremely proud of all of the boys,” Stagg said of the Dragons run to fight for this year’s premiership cup.

“We were top two all year and the preliminary final was a fantastic win. We have a really close-knit team and club and will bounce back.”