The Mean Machine wrote another chapter in their dynasty of success with a sixth-consecutive Loddon Valley Football League flag on Saturday, defeating Mitiamo by 56 points – 17.14 (116) to 8.12 (60) – on a hot day in front of a crowd that paid a gate of $38,500 at Newbridge.

“This group has got tremendous character. They are great people, very selfless and have a bit of ability,” said Collins, whose game ended early in the third quarter with a dislocated shoulder.

“There’s nothing too scientific about it.”

In winning a sixth flag in a row, Bridgewater has equalled Calivil United’s record of 2003-2008 for the most consecutive LVFL premierships, with the victory the Mean Machine’s 100^th from 109 games during its run of dominance that shows no signs of slowing down.

“It has been a huge effort by everyone at the club over the past six years… it takes special people with special character to achieve something like this,” said Collins, who has coached the past two flags, during which he has a 35-1 record.

In what was only their second game in the past month – which Collins admits had been a source of concern pre-match – the Mean Machine set the victory up with commanding second and third quarters when they outscored the Superoos 9.6 to 1.5 in what was a physical contest.

Alex Collins (five), Daniel Connors (three) – whose game looked like it could have been over early after landing heavily flying for a mark – and best on ground Callum Prest (three) combined for 11 goals for the Mean Machine.

The backline – as usual - was superb in holding the Superoos to just two goals to three quarter-time, while the midfield kept the pressure on all game and rarely allowed Mitiamo clean ball into its forward 50.

Saturday’s team of 22 now has a combined 74 premierships between them – ranging from the six Deon Jones, Daniel Nalder, captain Darren Clutton and Brad Rohde have, to first-timers Jared Keely, Connors, Kyle Chant, Marty Shadbolt, Alex Galea and Tom Broadbent. 

Bridgewater also won Saturday’s reserves flag.

Premiership team: Andrew Collins (coach), Darren Clutton (captain), Daniel Connors, Kyle Chant, Tom Broadbent, Zeb Broadbent, Josh Metherell, Luke Harrison, Callum Prest, Ben Galea, Jared Keely, Marc Lindsay, Josh McLeod, Tristin Nalder, Brad Rohde, Marty Shadbolt, Danny Childs, Alex Collins, David Harrison, Alex Galea, Daniel Nalder, Deon Jones.