USING the themes of epic, unique, rags to riches, drama and demise, here’s part two of what sport stories in Bendigo could be retold ESPN 30-for-30 documentary style:
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EPIC: Bendigo Braves 2005 ABA national title – the story of the Braves’ only national title and the epic circumstances in which they won it at Geelong.
First was Ben Harvey’s three-point buzzer-beater in the semi-final against Sandringham, which handed the Braves a 104-103 win.
More memorable moments were to come the following day in the final against Sydney when the Braves, inspired by Jason Cameron and superstar Shawn Redhage, recovered from a 17-point half-time deficit to win 102-98 and earn the title as ABA national champions.
UNIQUE: Selwood family – the story of Bendigo’s most famous footballing family that is one of just 13 to have produced four brothers – Adam, Troy, Joel and Scott – who have played VFL/AFL.
This doco tracks the family's footballing bloodlines, plus junior coaches of the brothers and insights from parents Bryce and Maree help paint the picture of these four footy siblings.
RAGS TO RICHES: Bendigo Spirit – the story of the Bendigo Spirit’s rise from WNBL new-comer to competition powerhouse.
In just six years the Spirit made the transition from regional minnow on the national stage, to almost going out of business, to winning the first of back-to-back WNBL championships.
DRAMA: 2015 BDCA grand final – the story of this year’s dramatic BDCA grand final when Strathdale-Maristians beat Strathfieldsaye by two wickets with three balls to spare.
There’s the drama of the comeback, with the Suns winning after all had seemed lost when they needed 50 off five overs with two wickets in hand, and the heartbreak of the underdog Jets losing what had seemed the unloseable.
And there’s the two heroes for the Suns – brothers Ben and Jake DeAraugo – who produced the match-winning partnership, and did it with the extra emotion of one of their biggest supporters, pop Horrie, passing away in the week of the game.
DEMISE: Northern United – the story of the club which won four BFL flags in a row during the 1980s, but within a decade had folded.
The Swallows won four flags on the trot between 1984 and 1987 and were the undisputed power club of the ’80s, yet early in the 1996 season financial woes forced the club into recess.
This doco looks at the star players who were integral to the Swallows’ success in the 1980s, but also tracks the decline of the club and what leasons can be learned from it for other clubs.